Any experiences with the reliability of the Ruger SFAR?

[JLynne]

Has any one had any experiences with the Ruger SFAR? I am considering adding one to my collection but have been hearing of issues.

 

[DadSmith]

Thread 'Ruger releases the SFAR - AR in .308 WIN/7.62' https://www.indianagunowners.com/threads/ruger-releases-the-sfar-ar-in-308-win-7-62.525916/

Try this thread there was a few that reported on their SFAR

 

[cosermann]

Ruger SFAR

Finally have enough rounds down range to review this.Ive put twelve different types of ammo through it,one failure to feed out of 1000 rounds.Bolts locked back Everytime a mags empty.Ive got the twenty inch barrel,shoots good groups out to 375 yards.Probably will do good further out if I had a...

www.indianagunowners.com

 

[Ark]

Biggest issues I've seen reported are struggles with getting it gassed right, and apparently a batch of bolt key fasteners that weren't to grade and would shear off. Single fastener on the key instead of two is a bit of a design weak point.

 

[nipprdog]

I've thought about one, but I'd want to have a backup BCG. don't know if ruger would sell one. They're not listed on shopruger.com

 

[Gabriel]

My brother has one. He will never put enough round through it to see if it has issues.

 

[Ark]

Ripped from a dude on reddit yesterday showing the bolt carrier gas key bolt issue. Claims he had this happen in a couple rounds, sent it back, received it with a new bolt, and it happened again in eight rounds.

When people report it, it always seems to happen immediately within the first handful of rounds. Hence my theory that a batch of those bolts simply weren't treated properly. They're not breaking after 500 or 1,000 rounds, they're shearing in the first mag.

 

[two70]

I only have about 20 rounds through mine so far but no issues. So far I've been very impressed with it. I have 5.56 ARs that are easily as heavy without accessories and the recoil is surprising mild. If it holds up, then its a steal for the price.

 

[Squid556]

Put 20 rounds though one this summer. Everything checked out. Love the sfar.

 

[Ark]

Another data point on the SFAR. Gotta say I'm not a fan of spending a grand on a gun just to spend $200 to replace the gas block to make it run.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Another data point on the SFAR. Gotta say I'm not a fan of spending a grand on a gun just to spend $200 to replace the gas block to make it run.

Unhappy Hop are the best guntube videos. Fortunately Hop went with the Ruger so the misery will be wonderful.

 

[Ark]

Unhappy Hop are the best guntube videos. Fortunately Hop went with the Ruger so the misery will be wonderful.

Just a gangly little ray of sunshine.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Just a gangly little ray of sunshine.

True Fact: Hop is 2 Brass Facts in a trench coat.

 

[cosermann]

Rule #47: never buy a new model the first year of its release.

There are always bugs to be worked out. I leave it up to the folks who just have to have the latest and greatest. I’m not paid to be a beta tester.

 

[Ark]

Rule #47: never buy a new model the first year of its release.

There are always bugs to be worked out. I leave it up to the folks who just have to have the latest and greatest. I’m not paid to be a beta tester.

Honestly it seems like Ruger just can't build ARs. The MPR and AR556 were both plagued by gassing and cycling issues.

 

[DadSmith]

Honestly it seems like Ruger just can't build ARs. The MPR and AR556 were both plagued by gassing and cycling issues.

I don't think they are testing their product before shipping it properly.
The new business model is let the customers test it for you, and fix the problems as you go.
Looks like Ruger has picked up on this, and it will hurt them sooner than later.

 

[92FSTech]

I've had a few issues with the last few new Rugers that I've purchased, which makes me kind of sad as I'm a big Ruger fan and have owned a lot of great guns from them in the past. The idea of the SFAR (lightweight, short-barreled semi-auto .308) has me intrigued. I don't really NEED one, but I kind of want one. The reports of issues I'm seeing, combined with my personal experiences with my recent Ruger purchases has me kind of concerned, though. The video Ark posted is pretty informative...I like how the reviewer worked through the issue and actually discussed the fix.

It seems like it's probably going to take a lot of money and effort to get one of these to a workable place...and by the time you get it to that point you're into Sig 716i or M1A Scout Squad money. Not that either of those offers exactly what the SFAR does, but they each have their own unique appeal.

 

[Hookeye]

True Fact: Hop is 2 Brass Facts in a trench coat.

He could be the lead singer in The Sisters of Mercy cover band...........