Re: Bushmaster ACR
These may help. From MAC.
ACR/SCAR pt1 ACR/SCAR pt 2 ACR/SCAR pt 3 ACR/SCAR pt 4 I finally had the chance to shoot both last weekend. Here are my impressions.
ACR
Awesome concept with the caliber changes, ETC, but if you watch the ACR/BM shot show video from 08 they say the conversions and barrels will be out later that year. Fast forward shot 10 They said mid 2010 for conversions and barrels, Fast forward to 2011 same story so I would not hold my breath.
The SCAR/ACR weigh the exact same with their barrels assemblies removed 5.2 lbs. but when assembled the ACR is about 1.2 lbs heavier than the scar.
The ACR is extremely nose heavy, this leads to the perception that it is heavier than it is. (Compared my AR with goodies that comes in about 3/4lb heavier than the ACR but its balanced perfect the guys at the range all thought the ACR was heavier even though it was lighter due to the poor CG. If BM ever comes out with a LW barrel it should correct this issue. Also its 1/9 m4 profiled
The safety selector rotates like an AR and if your a righty chances are its going to dig into your hand. Does on me. Some people have dremmeled the shit out of it, to make it work. Poor design.
Bolt catch and release are located similarly to an AR with a BAD lever. Excellent unless your used to the old smack the release with your off hand.
The stock is very nice allot nicer than the SCAR, but does not lock to side it is held in place by friction and a spring tension.
The 51t muzzle device works well but its not as nice as the PWS-556 on the SCAR so there is slightly more recoil, Swap brakes it would be a mute point.
The non reciprocating/forward assist charging handle is in a great spot and works well and had no issues with any skin hitting mounts ets.
Takes unmodified Pmags
Can change out stocks, and hand guards
Uses a basic AR trigger pack, Barrel,
It is still shooting the 5.56 so its not some miracle gun don't expect it to be a miracle gun or you will be disappointed.
SCAR
It is stupid light and balances perfect out the box.
Safety selectors rotate about 45* to engage very easy to manipulate, and the ambi swith is a hair smaller so no rubbing.
Bolt catch is just like an AR on the side,
Stock feels cheap and brittle and some have broken during shipments, but when using it comfortable etc. Locks in the folded position with a detent. Tango down is MFG an aluminum parts for the brittle plastic ones.
2 There are a few after market rail extensions that are available if you find the rail too short.
3.Like BM shorter Barrels are supposed to be available but they are not currently and they are proprietary to FN (importation issues i have been told) The Scar runs 1/7 pencil thin barrel
4. The gun shoots like a .22 with the PWS brake it really barely kicks. Would like to shoot the ACR with the brake to see if that is the real difference in Recoil.
5. Need to modify pmags to fit in the scar minor but tedious.
6. CH reciprocates. I don't care that it reciprocates as my hands are out of the way, but when charging the SCAR I have really torn my knuckles up on the eotech sitting on the rail. but that is me.
There are no spare parts available for either gone, but I would suspect since the ACR is made in the USA you should be able to obtain them easier due to the 922R and importation laws.
So my opinion as the platforms are today. The Scar wins, IF you see caliber conversion kits, barrels from BM then the ACR will be up there or passing the SCAR.
SCARs can be found for about 2300.00 and the Enhanced for about 1800.00-1900.00.
Like I said I don't own either but had a chance to shoot them side by side for a couple of hundred rounds.