Resurrected Oct 07 post: Other "NEW" Rifles **see pg 4 update**
Well, we've heard the Sig556 v. XCR debate, that VB so vehemently stated his position on Sig Forum and I think it's pretty much a dead horse right now.
On the other side, It's funny seeing how internet commando's duke it out sometimes, specially with rifles that haven't been release, produced, or available to the public and very few mil and LEO's.
MASADA:
I for one, can't wait until the Masada comes out. I like what I see and Magpul has always been very driven to make good stuff. There really isn't much on that rifle that is "new". I know everyone says it takes after the AR-180, but I never shot a 180, but did a G36 and had a SL8. I see it as a aluminum version of that. I'm excited about the Masada but it's the first firearm to be made by a company who never produced a firearm yet. Hopefully I'll get a chance to get one before the next "Big AW Ban" takes effect and hopefully it will be a success, but ask pilots about flying the "A" models. Plus it's Magpul first attempt to make a firearm, besides their version of the AR lower that also hasn't been released. It's like having Corning Ware start to make high end stoves and ovens. I'll wager the risk when/if it gets released. Don't hold your breath for 1st Q '08. And that's another thing about Magpul. They are sorta that hot single chick that all the guys are after, makes herself willing to date, always says "I'll go if I don't have to (fill in blank) but never goes on a single date. I'll wager fall of '08. I hope I'm wrong.
MSAR STG556:
Looks as if the first batch is out.......and now all being recalled. Remember what i said about "A" models? I've got some bad moo-ju about this one. Apparently Pete Athens, the AUG God here in the US, has cut ties with MSAR recently, even after all that development and production. Tony Mafione, Microtech CEO(?), has has a bad rap w/Microtech knife geeks for some time. It doesn't sound good for them. The STG556 are having some issues. Yeah, they look cool and come in a cool foam fitted case, with a knife (geek), and all that jazz for 2 frikin K's! It only takes propietary MSAR mags too? No thanks! I'll take my $1300 XCR with it's $16.88 Wal-Mart case and throw the new in the wrap AR mag in my AR mag pile. Seeing Pete go is a very bad sign. I've dealt with him and he is a good guy. Really believes in making good guns, specifically the AUG. Sorta reminds me of Alex and ppl at Robarms. I really wish them the best, but I don't see the best happening. I was hoping to have a good source of replacement parts for my AUG. I may get my wish afterall.
I know it would be cool if RA picked Pete up and just made replacement AUG/MSAR/AXR parts and some other projects.
TPD/AXR:
Don't know much about them. We'll have to see. They've seem in competition with the MSAR guys of who will get the product out first. Apparently MSAR won..........for now. They will crush MSAR in competition now that Pete has walked away.
FN SCAR:
We'd be extremely lucky to get one before the AWB II. Doubtful we will get our hands on one period. They are a big company, with alot of mil contract potential. I'd buy one if it is first available. Don't expect to pay anything less than $2500 for one and they will never go down in price, ever. I don't see what the SCAR will offer that the XCR can't. By the time if it is available to civvie sales I think the XCR will be in the A2 or 3 range (already the new GB-A1, stock, match trigger, few refinements done) with at least 3 or 4 caliber versions and barrel lengths and twists.
Hk 416:
Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha. 4,frikin plus thousand dollars for an NFA upper. Kiss my ass! If the G36 and UMP didn't crack like egg shells in a Tijuana donkey driven cart, Hk would have been a 100% perfect producing company that deserved the big ego head attitude they have now. The 416 only appeals to my Hk love and right now Hk ain't loving me back so much. The 416 isn't "revolutionary". And for that price I'll go LWRC or POF before I go Hk, IF they ever offer it to civvies.
Sig556:
I'm not knocking them. I think comparing a Sig556 with and XCR is like comparing a VW Kubelwagen/Thing (sp?) with the newest Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. I like them both. They do the same job, just one is more up to date. They came through with a product, had some issues that seem resolved and they are populating the world with their product. That is more that can be said about others (see above) I doubt having Sig Sauer now stamped (or is it laser etched?) on the receiver will make it a better product and I don't see how the 556 version is any inferior to the 55X Swiss versions in a practical only standpoint. I hope they sell well.
Before 11/08 I will have gotten another XCR, a Sig556 w/Sig Sauer stamp, and hopefully a Masada "A" model. That along with the 7.62x39 XCR kit, and hopefully but not likely, the same for Masada, maybe in 5.45x39 version to boot. And lots of mags for the pile.
What do ya'll think? The Glock Monkey hungers for knowledge!!!!
