First Look: Ruger Small Frame Autoloading Rifle New from Sturm, Ruger & Co. is the SFAR, or Small Frame Autoloading Rifle. While nearly identical in size to a traditional 5.56mm caliber modern sporting rifle, the SFAR is chambered in 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester. This allows the SFAR to combine the advantages of the larger .308 Winchester caliber with the size of a traditional AR-15 pattern rifle. The SFAR is initially offered in two models, one with a 16.1 inch barrel, and one with a 20 inch barrel. The bolt and barrel extensions are CNC-machined from high-strength super alloy steel that outperforms traditional C158 bolts. The tapered lug geometry further strengthens the breech in order to support larger short-action cartridges.The bolt includes dual ejectors and an optimized extractor to ensure positive extraction and ejection of the spent case through the enlarged ejection port. The rifle-length gas system features a .75 inch 4-position rotary-regulator gas block for functionality across the wide range of ammunition available in the marketplace. There are venting holes in the upper receiver, barrel extension, and bolt carrier to ensure that excess gas is directed safely away from the user. The upper receiver is made from a 7075-T6 hard-coat anodized aluminum forging and has a brass deflector, forward assist, and full-length Picatinny rail. The lower receiver features a generous flare on the magazine well for easy magazine insertion. There is also a Ruger Elite 452 trigger for a smooth, crisp 4.5-pound 2-stage trigger pull. A full-strength hammer spring and lightweight hammer ensure fast lock times and consistent primer ignition. The SFAR is also compatible with mil-spec MSR trigger groups, receiver end plates, charging handles, pistol grips, and adjustable stocks. The rifle ships with one, 20-round Magpul PMAG magazine and is compatible with SR25/AR-10-pattern .308 Win/7.62 NATO magazines. Model Number 5610 Specifications Stock:Magpul MOE SL Handguard: Lite Free-Float with M-Lok Attachment Slots Sights: None Grip: Magpul MOE Capacity: 20 Finish: Type III Hard-Coat Anodized Barrel Length: 16.1 inches Barrel Twist: 1:10-inch RH Grooves: 5 Muzzle Thread: 5/8-24 Height: 7.20 inches Weight: 6.8 pounds Length of Pull: 11 to 14.25 inches Overall Length: 34 to 37.25 inches Model Number 5611 Specifications Stock:Magpul MOE SL Handguard: Lite Free-Float with M-Lok Attachment Slots Sights: None Grip: Magpul MOE Capacity: 20 Finish: Type III Hard-Coat Anodized Barrel Length: 20 inches Barrel Twist: 1:10-inch RH Grooves: 5 Muzzle Thread: 5/8-24 Height: 7.20 inches Weight: 7.3 pounds Length of Pull: 11 to 14.25 inches Overall Length: 38 to 41.25 inches MSRP for either version of the Ruger SFAR is $1,229, and more information on this rifle and other products from Ruger is available at ruger.com.
So, I assume this is using their short-stroke piston system which I don't know much about but going to look it up now. The price is right in the sweet spot. I have been considering a 7.62 NATO for a while now and the only reason I haven't is due to all my ARs (3 each) being 5.56 of which I am well stocked with ammo. I don't like the idea of having to maintain two ammo types but given how things are turning and that I am now considered to be a 'semi-fascist' by the President maybe I need something with more punch. Anyway, thanks! I will read up on this today!
The problem with bolts harder than C158 is they break in half rendering the gun in op. C158 at least on 5.56 breaks locking lugs by the extractor and keeps running. They give lots of warning before they fail.
Yes, I have heard lots of folks like them to hunt wild boar. We don't get wild pigs around here, mainly deer and elk are the culprits that try to get into the garden. Nevertheless, I think a 7.62 x 51 (NATO) could prove to be very useful even though military seems to be going to this new 6.8 round.
Friend of mine uses the 6.5 Grendel, One night I saw him pee-lay a porker with it. Hog dropped and flopped on the spot.
Oh no. I vowed to not by anything non-essential for a while. I think my essential list just expanded.
Hoping these will follow the DPMS G2 short frame pattern like the Adams and Remington short frames. Will be comparing the photos on Ruger's website with my AR308. Love that they offer 16" and 20" barrels from the get go and would really love to see a conventional mid length handguard and fixed sight/gas block option. Hopefully that would be a steel sight/gas block unlike the aluminum one used on the AR556.
I read the thread title and expected to see something new. Stretch it, shrink it, modify it any way you like. Still looks like comparing apples to apples to me.
This one is DI (I watched their cleaning video). The barrel is 4140 which was just fine for the M14 and Garand and is just fine here since Ruger had the sense to not copy the Government barrel. The only short frame 7,62 piston rifle I'm aware of is the Adams AR308. All my Adams piston rifles run like sewing machines and I haven't seen any wear on the part of the bolt that takes the piston strikes. In iraqvet888's rifle meltdown series the Adams bolt came through unscathed while the more expensive LMT failed because that part of the bolt deformed.
The bolt Four position adjustable gas block - pros and cons there Appears to not be compatible with the G2 and other short frames. The G2 pattern has a curved rear receiver section like the DPMS AR10 pattern, where the SFAR is more angular like the Stoner AR10 pattern. Hard to see so perhaps I am wrong
@3M-TA3 "Hopefully that would be a steel sight/gas block unlike the aluminum one used on the AR556." I'm assuming the aluminum cannot take the wear and tear?
The hot gasses erode aluminum gas blocks fairly quickly. They use them on the AR556, and while I really like it otherwise (I dig the anti glare stepping on the shooter side of the sight), but were it steel it would last much longer. Also, as a softer material would be easier to bend under "your life depends in it" usage. Mine makes a terrific truck gun, but it's only marginal as a first line weapon. Comes with a non auto bolt as well, though that's easily replaced.
Full disclosure, I'm not an AR fan. But with all the talented people at Ruger, the best "new" design they can come up with is about as new as a smaller mouse trap. Bill Ruger copied many aspects of other existing firearms, but they were different enough to deserve to be called new. I want to see a revolutionary new design. Browning, Colt, and Stoner new.
How many here can remember the earlier 7.62 NATO SemiAuto Rifle Ruger was designing from scratch? It was patterned after the Ruger Ranch Rifle.... They had prototypes sent out to writers under a Non-Disclouser Agreement... After many tries, they could never get it to group well, at 300-400 Yds, so they scrapped the whole Program, and cut up all the prototypes...
I remember that one. Maybe this time with Bill Ruger out of the way, they can successfully bring something to market. He did get in his own way pretty often making things different for no other reason than ego. jim
