Observations from owning and shooting an SFAR Model 5611, 20” barrel. Ammunition used: Hornady TAP 80965 the 168 gr A-MAX. Shooting distance of 106 yards measured using SIG Kilo 2400 ABS range finder. Scope is Vortex PST2 3-15, FFP MOA and scope base is a Vortex one piece mount. Rifle, scope and mount weigh 9.2 lbs. Weather was sunny, 89 degrees, humidity 70%, and pressure 30.12.
Fired 60 rounds to zero, determine accuracy and as part of the 200 round break-in. Gas left on setting 3. Average velocity was 2630 using LabRadar. Accuracy was MOA or better. I am limiting factor on accuracy (76 and onset of essential tremors).
I experienced 3 failures to eject. When they occurred I believe I was not firmly holding the rifle - similar to cycling problems with a 1911 with a weak grip (limp wristing). Didn’t see damage to brass, however, I didn’t inspect every piece of brass.
I am happy with this rifle but will install a LimbSaver recoil pad and replace the charging handle with an Aero Precision Ambidextrous Handle.
“4140 chrome-moly steel barrel is cold hammer-forged with ultra-precise 5R rifling. The heavy profile barrel balances nicely and its attractive, black nitride finish helps ensure exceptional accuracy, longevity, and easy cleaning.” From Ruger site.
We’re I a younger man and looking for a DMR or Battle Rifle, I would have kept my LM308MWS, or purchased a KAC SR25 or a LaRue Tactical - there are several others but these 3 are my preference.
Dunno. The bolt had some golden color, like bare heat-treated stainless silencers (Rex Silentium) have. I wonder what they did there.
Ruger’s of pretty much any flavor are known to be tanks, usually. Like, nobody’s breaking SP101s, GP100s, P-Series pistols, or M77-Series rifles. I think even their piston ARs were supposed to be pretty durable, in a time where some weren’t. The only thing I’ve heard of breaking on any Ruger has been on the American Ranch, I think the striker, and I think I remember their piston AR showing carrier-tilt wear in the buffer tube.
From Ruger: The bolt carrier assembly features a chrome-lined 8620 steel bolt carrier and nitride-processed gas key staked in place. The titanium firing pin has been DLC-coated for long service life. The bolt includes dual ejectors and an optimized extractor to ensure positive extraction and ejection of the spent case through the enlarged ejection port.
There’s no law saying you can’t address some of the issues if you want to take advantage of the very low starting weight. It is still quite customizable considering there are some proprietary parts. See Hop’s video if you like:
I handled one a few days ago at a local gun store when someone was buying it. As everyone says, it’s incredibly light. I went home and ordered the 16" version. I’m crossing my fingers that it turns out to be a winner.
I didn’t look at it very closely. I only noticed the bolt because I cleared it, then did a few presentations from high and low ready. The handguard is definitely skinny. I’d ditch that on day one if I bought one.
I picked mine up a couple of days ago and am very pleased with what I see so far. It didn’t come with backup sights, so I added them for the test firing. I’m thinking about adding some sort of low powered optic.
