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taprack9

taprack9

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Hi guys, I'm looking to get a non restricted tactical rifle, already have AR15's and CZ858 and VZ58. I've narrowed it down to the RA XCR Keymod in 7.62x39 or the Famae SG542 in 223/5.56. What are the pros and cons for each? What would you go with. I think I'd be happy with both, sort of leaning towards the XCR because of mag/part availability. What do you think? Thanks in advance.
 
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Judging by detailed close-up pics of the Famae rifles I wouldn't pay a dime over $1800 for one based on the build quality. With that in mind, the XCR-L with keymod and light profile barrel easily gets my vote. It's just more versatile IMO
 
knock-knock;11178528est said:
Judging by detailed close-up pics of the Famae rifles I wouldn't pay a dime over $1800 for one based on the build quality. With that in mind, the XCR-L with keymod and light profile barrel easily gets my vote. It's just more versatile IMO
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Judging by actually shouldering a Famae briefly in the gunshop,my first impression was "WTF....Fisher Price??"
It was without a doubt the ugliest,cheesiest,stamped tin,overpriced,worst finished POS I've ever held outside of Toys R Us....the plastic hand gaurd QC was laughable,the seam looks like it was welded by a blind drunk 9yr old and seperating.....I could go on I'm sure,but I handed it back immediately not wanting to risk more than 5 seconds contaminate exposure.....yuk!

Seriously though,it took me all of 5 seconds to form an impression of "Ewwwwww....and this costs HOW MUCH?? R U Fn kidding me!!!
 
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Based solely on appearance, XCR all the way. I think the FAMAE is hideous.

Based on performance, I can't really speak to the FAMAE (see reviews above), but my buddy has a newer key mod XCR-L and that thing is darn near perfect in every way. Very accurate with a red dot as well.
 
Just so you're aware OP in case you're ever looking to lay down $$$ against a Famae the 542 is 7.62x51 NATO while the 540 is 5.56 ;). Hope that helps save you a potential headache.

Most everything you'll see in this video applies to the FAMAE 540 as well, except the obvious difference in caliber and the 540 has the availability of Norinco mags (I do believe they're Dominion to be exact, but I digress).

 
XCR gets my vote as well. 3000$ for the famae +tax etc seems way overpriced for me. And then the mags are 120$ each, and there are no aftermarket options for it.
Easy choice in my mind.
 
I wasn't a fanboy of the XCR until lately, but now that I have a keymod 5.56 I must say that it is a stellar platform that I will probably not be letting go of for some time.

If you are thinking of the famae, hold out for our laws to be corrected and get a swiss.
 
wasnt impressed by the fn at all after handling a few, build quality was pretty crap all cheap stamped parts with a high price point, i bought an xcd-l and im quite impressed with it thinking about buying an M in 7.62.
 
If you are able to look at an original version (manufacturer) of the 542 I suggest you do so before you pay the ask on the Famae 542. It is like comparing the build quality of a German made VW to that of those made in Mexico for the north american market.

Currently I would take the RFB over either as I had one and can tell you it functioned 100% after the gas system was set, it also had better accuracy with factory premium ammo than what people report on the XCR-M and famae.

But to be honest, if I could find an FNAR Heavy that would give you the best value for the money right now unless our laws change or you wait for new NR offerings like the Desert Tech MDR
 
It's going to come down to maintaining the weapon system. There is no spare parts source for the Famae besides barrels. Mags are $125 a piece vs. run of the mill AR mags for the XCR. XCR has lots of spare parts available.
 
Rebel Rouser said:
It's going to come down to maintaining the weapon system. There is no spare parts source for the Famae besides barrels. Mags are $125 a piece vs. run of the mill AR mags for the XCR. XCR has lots of spare parts available.
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Calgary Shooting Center has a complete stock of all the spare parts for the FAMAE. People must realize, the 54x was designed 45 years ago to be a conscript military rifle that could be built and used by almost any country. It certianly has its faults and in-issue form is not a MOA rifle, but is is very reliable. A few mods and it can shoot about as well as a PE90. A number of Swiss club members bought them last year when our beloved Classic Greens suddenly became prohib thanks to a certain person who owns a range in Calgary (hint, not the CSC). Initially we were underwhelmed by the accuracy at 300 meters, but by applying the same tweaks to the 540 that are applied to the Classic Green for match shooting, it does shoot quite well.

The current RA rifles are well built, modern in design and manufacturing quality and reliable. For the average shooter, I would get a RA before a 54x.
 
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onetwentyish said:
I wasn't a fanboy of the XCR until lately, but now that I have a keymod 5.56 I must say that it is a stellar platform that I will probably not be letting go of for some time.

If you are thinking of the famae, hold out for our laws to be corrected and get a swiss.
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he is not looking for a 5.56 rifle and the Swiss SAPR is stuck in the FRT process I believe and has been for many years.
 
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