Forgive me M4 carbine, but I’ve saved the funds and now that the FN Scar 16 ($2,300), 17 ($2,570), and HK MR 556 ($2,550) are ALL AVAILABLE -
I didn’t expect this, nor did I plan for this.
So please, help me pick one!
SCAR 17S.
It’s only $20 more than the H&K, but brings with it all of the capabilities of the 7.62mm NATO cartridge and it’s only a matter of time before we see conversion kits for 5.56mm NATO for the 17S.
If you want a 5.56mm go with the proven and highly developed M4 system.
The SCAR 17 is the only rifle that gives you an additional capability.
Get the SCAR 17.
I bought the MR556 a couple of weeks ago. I haven’t even shot it yet, and I have some quasi buyers remorse. I’ll probably sell it at a slight loss and get myself the SCAR 17S.
Hell, anyone want a deal on an MR556?
SCAR 17
IF you can afford to feed it.
For the gentleman that suggested an M4, I already have two 6920s, looking to get something new.
You already have 6920s for serious rifles and both the SCAR and HK are going to be very high quality so just buy the one that gives you the biggest stiffy.
If you still can’t decide try this mental exercise. Imagine you are Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie Commando during the kidnap scene. You run out to the tool shed / secret weapon bunker and open the hidden door. Only instead of a rack of HK91s you mentally substitute FN SCARs and HK 556s.
Now run the movie in your head. Which one was there? If both which one did you grab to kill the bad guys? The one that is most prominent in your Commando fantasy scene is the one you desire the most. That is the one you should buy.
It is a useful psychological trick I have used to make many a major gun purchase.
:jester:
I’d go with the SCAR.
Ditto
Either SCAR for sure. Once you have both SCARs then go for the HK.
Along these lines, I just watched (for probably the 20th time) The Way of The Gun since it is now on Netflix Instant Watch. I was thinking about how the Galil is used by the desperadoes in the movie, part assault rifle/part DMR/Sniper rifle…In this case the SCAR-H is the obvious winner and would kick ass in this role.
Steyr, this is FANTASTIC advice. I really love it. Well put my friend.
Of the rifles listed by the OP, my personal bias goes to the SCAR-17. It will be the next purchase in my collection.
A thousand thanks for this little gem. I will never worry about deciding between two firearms ever again!
To the OP, I’d go with one of the SCARs (17 if you can afford to feed it 7.62mm) since the HK doesn’t seem like it would supplant your 6920s.
Where are you seeing the SCAR17 for $2550? Just curious. Haven’t been paying much attention to prices since I picked mine up but that’s a damn good price.
CDNN + Local dealer
If you already have two 5.56 guns, then the Scar is a hard option to beat. If you really want a 3rd 5.56 gun than the MR-556 isn’t bad. I think wanting a 308 really changes everything, because that section of the market is a large one. You got LMT, KAC, FN (Scar-17 and FAL), HK91 series (yes it is older, but not a bad choice.), and a few others I am sure.
Personally if you were buying me one, I would have you buy me a KAC, but if I gotta afford one… I would have one of the HK builders make me a HK91 from one of those really nice and 400$ einfield kits. Most of the parts have german proofs on them, and one day I can get an auto-sear. I think it is all up to personal preference. I will be all over the Scar-17 when the magazines and barrels are out there, but I only own a few rifles. If I had the need for a toy, the scar would be a killer choice. I do not know if it is worth selling the HK now though, it might be better to just save up and wait and buy one. I do not see any reason why the price is going to stay high with supply increasing in the future.
Spare magazines and no spare barrels could be an issue for now. If the scar is a toy, then who cares. If it is your only rifle, than that changes things. I do not think I would be happy with less than 10 magazines, and that alone could be 400-500$ or more.
I just went through this same scenario. I had narrowed it down to the SCAR-17H and the MR556. I really wanted a .308, but the MR556 looks really nice.
When I sat back and made a list of what I really liked about each one I decided to go this route instead. I like the proven design, it’s built by a quality company, mags are readily available, I’m still not sold on the plastic that the SCAR’s have. I like an all metal weapon and this one is nice and shiny like the MR556.
She was shipped out today and should be here Saturday or Monday.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=232118733
This one popped up on GB a few days ago and I probably would have picked it instead of the one I purchased idf it ha been on GB when I bought mine. I could saved some money to put towards some nice optics.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=233535504
I have owned a 416 upper and currently own a Scar 17. If it was my only rifle I would probably buy the MR556.
SCAR-17, or Knights SR-15.
The MR556 is such a bastard it gives me a soft on. I would say go for the SCAR 17. Then get a Dremel and go to town on the lower so it will use PMAG’s.
Whoa, hold the phone…are you no longer running a 416 upper on you M16 lower?