joshua79109
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Posts posted by joshua79109
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5640 rounds through the SCAR. Runs and runs. I have to load dummies to practice malfunction drills.
I polished the piston with Flitz for the first time a while back (thanks SgtStrykerUSMC43). The piston is even easier to clean now.
I added the 3X magnifier on a LaRue flip and I really like it. I still haven't pushed out past 300 yards with it for group though. I like irons, so the Aimpoint and magnifier add a lot of weight in my opinion. It seems like they add enough advantage to put up with the weight (for me). The SCAR is still balanced well even with all of the extra gear.
My SCAR is now officially a Coyote killing machine. It eats the light weight ammo just like it does the good heavy stuff.
I've never thought of myself as a fanboy about any certain company, but I believe I just might be a fanboy with FNH. I'm running 3 of my FN firearms hard and they run exceptionally well for me.
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With respect to forward assists I never understood why someone would want to jam an unwilling round into a chamber without the immediacy of life and death circumstances. Even then you could still be creating a huge problem for yourself. For those who insist on a press check then I can see a small utility to ensuring the bolt is fully closed. However, on a recreational or match rifle you really shouldn't need to use the FA at all so I wouldn't worry about the carrier not having the FA engagement notches.
The recoil impulse reduction when running a full lightened operating system (gas block, buffer, carrier & comp) is noticeable and however it is much like compensators, in that the results tend to be a pretty broad continuum with quite a bit of influence from each individual user's perspective.
I can see that the forward assist is not popular here.
Personally I would not own an AR without a forward assist.
It has nothing to do with shoving a round into the chamber that does not fit (for me).
In my opinion the forward assist is used for a couple of different reasons. The reason I most use the FA is to ensure the proper position of the bolt - after a lot of movement with the firearm or when there is a need to chamber a round quietly. I have also seen the FA be useful in extreme cold.
The finger on the bolt method is ok as well, but it is not as quick/easy when wearing gloves or in bad weather conditions such as rain, snow, cold, etc... The FA also helps ensure proper bolt position in the dark.
The FA is also very useful when using the AR for hunting and there is a need to quietly chamber a round.
I can understand that the overall topic here is for a gun match and there would not be a reason to have to be quiet or not use light to verify. I just like my carbines to cover multiple uses.
The discussion in this thread about the FA is not really about its popularity. The OP asked if there was options to keeping the FA but still getting the benefits of a lightened bolt.
It was suggested that there are parts that still allow a reduction in overall reciprocating mass and its benefits or the other route would be to not worry about the function of the FA as generally on a match rifle it has limited utility. Therefore consideration could be then given to other priorities.
You gave your opinion, I gave mine.
I understand that to some there are things more important than the FA. There are also many folks out here who use these matches just to stay sharp and use the matches as one of many tools in training for personal protection.
I'll clarify...
To the op, if the things I list matter to you, you might consider an option that keeps the use of the FA - like the op originally states, and not get away from the FA as others have suggested.
I fully understand that the FA is not a priority to everyone and only intended to list the reasons I like a FA, I strongly believe in having a FA or I would not have posted at all.
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I prefer the 5.56 chamber. It allows me more options and to buy cheaper ammo.
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I can see that the forward assist is not popular here.
Personally I would not own an AR without a forward assist.
It has nothing to do with shoving a round into the chamber that does not fit (for me).
In my opinion the forward assist is used for a couple of different reasons. The reason I most use the FA is to ensure the proper position of the bolt - after a lot of movement with the firearm or when there is a need to chamber a round quietly. I have also seen the FA be useful in extreme cold.
The finger on the bolt method is ok as well, but it is not as quick/easy when wearing gloves or in bad weather conditions such as rain, snow, cold, etc... The FA also helps ensure proper bolt position in the dark.
The FA is also very useful when using the AR for hunting and there is a need to quietly chamber a round.
I can understand that the overall topic here is for a gun match and there would not be a reason to have to be quiet or not use light to verify. I just like my carbines to cover multiple uses.
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I see what you're saying Josh, but I think irons have the advantage over a dot at distance. The post may be wide but you at least have nice well defined lines to work with. Dots tend to get a little fuzzy around the edges. I'm giving to understand that this is a function of my astigmatism, so maybe it's just me.
I got long with my reply, but I was just using the irons as an example to explain where my theory came from.
I absolutely agree that the irons are better than the dot at distances. Especially since my circles won't be drawn on everything I'll shoot at. I just use those to try to group, that's all. Really just trying to see what I could get out of it, not trying to be better than the irons or hp scope at distances.
I have astigmatism in both eyes too, and it really shows up inside with the dot. When I move outside the dot appears proper to me. Not sure why this is, but it works out. Inside I can still see it fine - it's just not as defined.
When I was shooting in the military I spent a lot of time around a fella that was one of the better long range shooters I've been around. He much preferred irons even to a scope. He always said a scope just shows you how much you're wiggling around - heartbeat, wind, lack of bone support or bad position, etc... He also said that the obvious other side of that is when your shooting past a distance you can see with your eyes, then you need a scope. I can still see regular sized targets (corrected with contacts) past the distance I'd personally use a 223 out to anyway (300 yards - I understand 3 gun can go out to longer distances and some like to use a 223 out longer than 300 yards), so I don't have any excuses for not staying with irons. For some reason I just really like the Aimpoint, especially up close. I've got a couple of stripped lowers and I've thought about putting together a 18" and really trying irons (I was good on irons and used them in real life) and a 1-4 optic like so many others use. I still have a hard time just letting go of the tactical side and letting it run more like a game - I was brainwashed well.
I'd like to get good with using the buis and the Aimpoint together. I've even considered using two different zeros. I use a 50 yard on the Aimpoint and I'd like to try a long distance zero on the buis. I'm afraid that would be too far from KISS for me and I might fail when under stress. I'm going to give it a try though.
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Most of the last 500 were used running drills, but I ran the final 25 rounds at 300 yards for grouping (with good ammo).
My 5 group average (5 shots each) was 2.4".
I am kind of new to Rifle shooting with a scope but doesn't a 2moa dot cover 6 inches at 300 yards? Not doubting your results but
2.4" at 300 with that setup seems too good. Is this an expected group size and if not what would be a common group size at 300 yards
with a 4x 1-2 moa setup?
When I was in the military we shot the our weapons to 500 yards with iron sights. Those sights cover a lot more of the target at 500 yards than they do at 100 yards.
There were a few different taught methods for this. I used one where the front sight was placed with the same amount of target remaining on the left and right for a center mass hit. With the regular sized front sight post - mine covered the target. With a modified front sight post I was good with the method I explained.
So.... I explain all of that to explain a few things I've learned using my Aimpoints.
- 1st thing is that the dot can be different sizes depending on the setting used for brightness
- 2nd thing is - when trying to see what I can get out of a firearm with a Aimpoint (grouping) I use targets with circles on them. I make the circles different sizes for use at different distances. This has allowed me to attempt to place the dot in the circle the best I can without using a true shooting vice of some sort (testing me, the Aimpoint, and the firearm). I use the dot to circle in the same way we used the front sight post to the target when I was in the military. I can try to take a photo through the Aimpoint the next time I try to group.
I have a 308 semi auto with a nice 10x scope and bipod on it - it serves a different purpose - when I group with it I use sandbags and I do get much better results with that set up. So I'm sure if I wanted to place a 10X (or other scope) on the SCAR and use sandbags I could get more out of it. I have not had an urge to try so far as it does not serve that purpose for me.
Just to be clear.... I'm not saying I think a person should set up with an Aimpoint for precision shots out past 300 yards. I'm just saying I enjoy attempting to get the most I can out of it. I do think the basic idea behind a good group with the Aimpoint is to put the dot in the same place every time (as far as the sight is concerned).
For example.... I see folks post all the time that with a dot you can only group the size of the dot as related to moa. So a 6" group at 300 yards with a 2 moa Aimpoint. In my opinion this is not the same theory as saying your Remington 700 can group at 1/2 moa. The dot size at 300 yards is just simply the dot size and as long as the dot is placed in the same place for each shot a person can get a decent group.
I'm not sure I've done a good job at explaining my theories here - if not ask me further or give your explanation of why or why not this makes sense.
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I like mine.
Mine is holding tight just under 1 moa - I'd bet I could reduce the groups more if I tried some good hand-loads and high power scope.
Here's my link with some targets - http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=91509&hl=scar&st=25
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I need to set up my SLP MK1 with a sling for multi-gun use. I'm thinking of the VTAC. Any other suggestions?
I've been using 2 of the Urban ERT slings for a while now and they are great. Swaps from a single point to a two point and they sell different adapters for different weapons. It goes well with the MK I.
http://store.urbanertslings.com/
I also like the VTAC, but not as much as the ERT.
Good luck
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We used the forward assist when we needed to be quiet. If there was a reason to not have a round chambered and then chamber one quietly the forward assist was there to help. I've also seen the forward assist used in extreme cold. I was also always told that it could be useful with a very dirty weapon, but never found that to be an issue. We always tapped the forward assist after making ready the weapon - just a check and recheck thing.
Most of the time a person can just run their malfunction drill to correct the issue once silence was broke.
I guess no forward assist could be fine for competition only. For a carbine with a non-reciprocating charging handle that might be used for personal protection or shtf I'd want the forward assist, but I can see why it wouldn't be important to some folks.
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Now have 3050 rounds through the SCAR with zero failures.
I'm now convinced that the SCAR has less felt recoil and muzzle jump than my favorite mid-length AR. I run the Smith Vortex on the AR and the SCAR and each has the same length barrel (so it's not the break).
I find the SCAR to be very easy to break down and clean. I would not say it's any easier than an AR, but it certainly isn't any harder to break down and clean.
The SCAR is very quick from target to target and my timing is now faster with the SCAR. I don't believe I'm any quicker with reloads on the SCAR than the AR, but I am a little quicker clearing malfunctions. I've been testing using dummy rounds placed sporadically throughout my mags during practical shooting drills and runs and individually from a bench. I believe that the reciprocating charging handle is a good addition and I believe that once folks get use to it the reciprocating charging handle will be preferred by many.
I am at the point where I'm ready to say I prefer my SCAR to my favorite AR when it comes to actual use. I hope the SCAR will continue to perform for me and will hold up to the use - I currently have no reason to believe it will fail.
I'm considering a 3X Magnifier on a fts mount to accompany the Aimpoint. I've been running the SCAR with Aimpoint out to 300 yards easily, but I think I'd like to push it out a little further and try the 3X.
I've only used the Urban ERT on the SCAR so far and it has been good. I've switched the rear connection from the stock to the adapter quite a few times and I believe I prefer the stock connection so far.
The SCAR is my fourth FNH product. The first three are great performers so I hoped the SCAR would be too. So far it has not let me down. All four of my FNH products have been great, so either I'm lucky or they put out some good products.
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Ran an additional 500 rounds through the SCAR (total of 2100) - so far 0 failures of any sort.
The more I use it the more I like it.
Most of the last 500 were used running drills, but I ran the final 25 rounds at 300 yards for grouping (with good ammo).
My 5 group average (5 shots each) was 2.4".
Ran multiple corrective procedures for possible failures again. I've become very use to the methods used with my ARs and I've been worried about the difference with the SCAR, but so far so good. I'm running the charging handle on the right side to keep it the same as my semi auto shotgun and my semi auto 308. I will keep the charging handle on the right side for this reason.
I'm starting to get use to the feel of the SCAR. I'm still not as quick running corrective drills, but I am a little quicker from target to target. This was the first time I did not reach for the charging handle at the back of the carbine (where it's at on the AR).
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When I was in the military we use to see this from time to time.
Once we were shooting at the indoor rubber room and everyone was doing fine - we then exited that building and went outdoors to shoot more movement in the rain (about 40 degrees outside). We found that some of the shooters did not hold the weapon the same way in the rain/cold causing problems of course. We did train in bad weather regularly and it caused problems for some and not for others. A rds eliminates most of this issue.
This might not have anything to do with what you are describing since I think your looking for answers more along the lines of the temperature causing problems with the carbine, but I thought I'd share this experience in case it can help.
The difference only showed up in some shooters, showing that it was shooter related and not carbine related (in our situation).
The difference (in our situation) came when the shooter did not hold the same cheek weld, grip, stance, trigger pull, movement, etc... due to the rain/cold.
To correct the issue we dropped what we were doing any time we had a chance to train in bad weather - some shooters needed more training (in bad weather). So this will - of course - not apply to everyone as some people still do their part properly even in bad weather.
We also had issues with some shooters when changing from one position to the next - their zero would change drastically as opposed to slightly like some others.
I read my original post and thought it could use some clarification.
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When I was in the military we use to see this from time to time.
Once we were shooting at the indoor rubber room and everyone was doing fine - we then exited that building and went outdoors to shoot more movement in the rain (about 40 degrees outside). We found that some of the shooters did not hold the weapon the same way in the rain/cold causing problems of course. We did train in bad weather regularly and it caused problems for some and not for others. A rds eliminates most of this issue.
This might not have anything to do with what you are describing since I think your looking for answers more along the lines of the temperature causing problems with the carbine, but I thought I'd share this experience in case it can help.
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well you guys weren't much help so I had to buy both !!!!!
I bought a brand new 22" for comp and a gently used 18" for home protection and so far I love em (and I work for an authorized benelli dealer).
Congrats - I'm glad no one could help and you have both.
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Ok, this is seriously frustrating; I have an FN SLP 12 gauge 18" barrel tactical shotgun. I have the Winchester value pack #7.5 shot shells. Despite all my efforts, it will not cycle these shells (wont eject). So far I have replaced the piston with the lightweight sporting clays piston, tried running it on the drier and wetter side (oil wise), and I have even resorted to cutting about 1-1.5” off the recoil spring, they still wont cycle. Has anyone been able to make these loads work (I have like 500 of these shells). The gun has been 100% reliable with the medium piston (the lightweight of the 2 pistons that comes with the gun) cycling 00 Buck and slugs, I’m starting to think these loads are just too light to cycle this autoloader, but I read that these things will eat anything. Grrrrrr…. HELP!!!!
I just ran 100 of the same shells through mine with no issues at all. I have tried many different shells now with zero issues. Mine is the Mark I.
If you don't have any other issues with the shotgun then I'd try different shells, but it sounds like it might need to take a trip to the FN shop.
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Went shooting with a friend who is a local police officer so he could try out the SCAR. I did not set up the conversation about the muzzle jump issue at all. He first used his AR and then used the SCAR. He ran 10 rounds through the SCAR and then said " it seems like it has less felt recoil than my AR".
Of course after he said that I jumped on and explained all of my opinions. I asked him if either carbine feels heavier to him and he said they feel the same. He weighs about 50 pounds more than I do.
I ran my AR and the SCAR again and I still feel like the SCAR has less muzzle jump.
I'd guess at this point that this is just opinion, but I'm still trying to set up a test with the carbines to test the muzzle jump. I'd like to set them up on a rest and use something like tape to see how much each moves. I tried once, but I haven't figured out how to pull the trigger with out changing the way the carbine moves.
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I've recently gotten interested in this as well - weight vs balance.
I have a new carbine that - feels - different than my AR with the same set up. I read an article that shows some of the info and tested my carbines and found that the one the I liked the feel of more does have a rear weight bias.
I had not given it much thought until I shot each during the same range trip and found that even though they are dressed the same and almost weight the same - one of them feels much lighter than the other.
I'm sure there are some good arguments for what is better, but I'd imagine that it really just comes down to personal preference. It could also (possibly) be related to body type, sling, grip, etc.....
Keep us up to date with your testing, I for one am interested.
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I came across a link that has a great explanation of weight distribution -
http://vuurwapenblog.com/2009/11/25/ar-15-...ce-part-1-of-3/
After reading the article I tested the SCAR and my favorite AR because the AR is similar in weight but feels heavier to me. Barrels are the same length and both have Vortex flash hiders. AR is a mid length - no upgrade to the buffer.
Using the author's terms my SCAR center of gravity is different than my AR center of gravity. My AR is just about perfectly balanced (leans towards the front by about a 1/2 inch) and my SCAR has a rear weight bias. They are dressed out the same as far as the gear attached. I'm sure I could move the Aimpoint towards the front and change the outcome of each, but placed in the same position the SCAR leans to the rear by about 4 inches.
It seems I prefer the rear weight bias.
Now to figure out if there is a difference in muzzle jump - it would make sense that the AR would have less muzzle jump, but it seems to me that the SCAR has a little less muzzle jump.
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Put a sling on the SCAR and did some practical shooting. Ran another 500 rounds (for a total of 1000) through it. Zero malfunctions of any sort so far. I did reach for the charging handle on the back twice (where it would be on the AR)
The SCAR weighs about the same as my AR that I run regularly, but feels much lighter. It feels like it's lighter up front. I wondered if this caused any difference in muzzle jump vs the AR so I tried to test the difference. Both are 16" barrels with a Vortex flash hider. I tried to feel the difference, but they felt the same - I timed myself a few times, but seemed to run about the same time. I also set each of them on a rest and watched as I fired a round, but could not see a real difference.
I'll try to do a little better test to see if I can find any difference in muzzle jump.
I really like the SCAR. No problems so far.
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The SCAR was surprisingly clean after 500 rounds. Compared to one of the ARs with the same use.
It is also very easy to break down and clean.
In your opinion is this unit one where a gunsmith could improve the trigger or replace it with something else?
I can't say too much about a trigger fix - only because it is not something I have much knowledge of.
I will say the trigger needs work. I plan to get a few thousand rounds through it before I take any action.
The safety selector was tough out of the box, but is already better after 500 rounds. Feels good now.
I have watched closely to see if any after market stuff becomes available. An issue - of course - is that they are not popular enough for aftermarket support. According to some - Troy Industries has considered making some aftermarket gear for the SCAR, but might have recently decided against taking on the line.
On the FN Forum site there is a post from a moderator who has knowledge in that area. He worked his over and posted up directions so that others could have the trigger worked over by someone qualified.
Here's a link - http://fnforum.net/viewtopic.php?t=16633
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Nice groups. What scope were you using?
Craig
Aimpoint - 2 moa dot
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Have you tried to use a vice or sand bags? I'm curious to know if the flyers where shooter caused.
At this point I feel like the groups could tighten up by taking the shooter out of the equation. My groups at 100 yards were all around the 1" mark (similar moa to the 200 yards pics shown). That was the first run at it. I'm going to take it back out and set up with a vice and bags (and good ammo) to see what the capabilities are.
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The SCAR was surprisingly clean after 500 rounds. Compared to one of the ARs with the same use.
It is also very easy to break down and clean.
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I just made the same choice, I like the look and feel of the SLP.
I went with the Mark 1 for the same reasons 00bullitt listed.
Fast Mags - AR mag carrier
in Multi-gun Gear & Accessories
Posted · Edited by joshua79109
Just to share a little info and see if others are using these and get some opinions.
I see quite a few topics discussing mag carriers and just wanted to throw this one up. I've been using these with good luck. I've not broken any yet and I've laid on them while empty. They retain the mag well.
I haven't tried running one upside down, but it seems like it could be possible if two bands were used.
I've used them on a belt, vest, and drop leg and they work well on all three.
It takes metal mags and p mags fine. The p mags hold in a little tighter, but no problems with the metal mags.
They can be double stacked.
http://www.blueforcegear.com/product.cfm?type=cat&cat_id=6&prod_id=104 - these are the ones I have (above)
http://www.blueforcegear.com/product.cfm?type=cat&cat_id=6&prod_id=175 - here is another version that comes with a belt slide