[Zombie Hunter]

I’m looking to pick up a semi automatic .308 here in a few months and I thought I was all set on a Springfield Squad Scout but now I saw the FN FNAR and am having doubts.
For comparison
Similarities:
They are both 7.62x51 semi automatic rifles with 20 round magazines and cost within about $100 of each other, most places I see the FN for a little cheaper than the M1A. (Magazines cost more though).
Differences:
The tests I have seen show the Squad Scout at best out of the box is a 3-4 MOA rifle
Every test I have seen on the FN FNAR has proven FN’s claim that it is a sub-MOA rifle bone stock.
The FN FNAR also comes with multiple adjustment pieces for both the stock and the pistol grip and by all accounts has a better trigger.
Any one fired both of these and have a comparison?

 

[CarlosT]

Get both?

Okay, got the standard forum answer is out of the way.

I'm actually weighing almost the same decision. For me it's between the Socom 16 and the FNAR. So I'm interested as well in the comparison between the two.

 

[ghost--scout]

I can respond better when I get home, but the review in an FN magazine had sub-moa groups. I've been considering one, but I don't know that I won't want the SCAR 17 more.

 

[Zombie Hunter]

I can respond better when I get home, but the review in an FN magazine had sub-moa groups. I've been considering one, but I don't know that I won't want the SCAR 17 more.

I'd have to try the 17H, I was not happy with the 16 I rented. The
reciprocating charging handle killed it for me.

 

[ghost--scout]

How so?

 

[Zombie Hunter]

It was distracting while firing and just begging to get caught on something. Also the barrel seemed to heat up very fast, like it was too thin.

The iron sights were amazing, it was well balanced, and quick to bring back on target for follow up shots.

IMHO not worth twice the cost of a regular AR. I liked the Bushmaster ACR becuase it is made to snap a suppressor onto and the piston system adjusts to run with it with just the turn of a switch. It also very easily switches to 6.8mm, talk about modular! Unfortunately they have all been recalled for firing multiple shots.

 

[fragout2000]

Are you looking for a field rifle, or a bench rifle?

The FN looks to be a decent bench rifle, and the M1A Scout is the clear winner for a field rifle. (Hunting/utiltiy/etc..)


Since the FN doesnt have iron sights, all tests conducted must have been with the use of optics. How many tests were conducted with the M1A Scout utilizing optics....? I wonder.
Most of the tests I seen online were of the "H" version...which is their heavy bbl version. In contrast, the Scout sports a std weight bbl.
The guarantee of MOA is apparently covered for both versions of the FN however, and would obviously depend on what type of ammunition one was shooting through it. (Think M80 Ball and compare it to M852 or M118 if your Military)
FWIW, I have a M1A-A1 that will keep 3 rds at an inch using M852.


A few other things worth noting......

The FN is based on the Browning BAR hunting rifle, and not the M1918 BAR.

An M1A is essentially an M14 clone with a lifetime guarantee that travels with the rifle new or used. Mags are easy to find, parts are there as well, and the knowledge base behind the M1A is quite a bit larger simply because the design has been around for awhile.

BTW...... It is possible to reduce the OAL of an M1A Scout from 40.3 inches to 39 inches. ( Socom = 37.5in)
An SEI gas lock front sight in combo with the Vortex direct connect flash hider.

11B

 

[Zombie Hunter]

^Good question, I was looking for more of a field rifle so sub MOA accuracy isn't a must. I'm buying a tried and true Remmington 700 for a bench gun even before I pick this guy up. I think I will end up getting the Squad scout in the long run, it has been on my list for years and I realized that I keep letting new impulse gun buys get in the way of guns I have wanted for longer. Case in point some 6 handguns later I finally just bought a 1911 last month after years of wanting one and passing it up for other stuff.

 

[baldp8]

I've been drooling over both for quite a while myself. I am pretty sure I will go with the M1A when the funds are here. I just love the look and feel of that rifle.

 

[fragout2000]

^Good question, I was looking for more of a field rifle so sub MOA accuracy isn't a must. I'm buying a tried and true Remmington 700 for a bench gun even before I pick this guy up. I think I will end up getting the Squad scout in the long run, it has been on my list for years and I realized that I keep letting new impulse gun buys get in the way of guns I have wanted for longer. Case in point some 6 handguns later I finally just bought a 1911 last month after years of wanting one and passing it up for other stuff.

LOL..... I hear ya brother

I used to do that quite a bit myself, regarding impulse buying of guns.

I also think that you would be better off by going with the M1A Scout over the FN, as it is hard to beat for a general purpose field rifle. It was built from the ground up to be a true "point and shoot" rifle, and it's layout reflects this. ( Location of op-rod handle, safety, mag release,etc..)

The worst thing about the M1A/M14S is that they are addictive. I couldn't stop at just one. Started out with a bone stock M14S Norinco, and have had a few of various bbl lengths over the years, but my absolute favorite is the 18in bbl variety, such as the Scout.

11B

 

[kirk22287]

I vote m1a but I'm biased lol. I actually just ordered a mess of parts for my socom. Its like christmas in july ha, soon she'll be sitting in a nsg sage chassis.

 

[mtcraigco]

I have both. I've always been a little bit disappointed in my Squad Scouts accuracy, and i't s heavy SOB. I really would not grab it if I have to pack it for very long, I'd grab an AR instead and take the loss of hitting power as a fair trade off.

My FNAR is lighter, far more accurate and more ergonomic to boot, other than those spendy mags, I like my FNAR alot better.

I WOULD grab it as a packing/trekking rifle if I anticipated long ranges and/or wanted more punch or stand off than an AR.
As a matter of fact, my FNAR is my current "reach out and touch someone" gun, and wont wear you out getting it there if you have a ways to go.

I vote for the FNAR, but you know what they say about opinions

 

[nyc71]

Get both?

Okay, got the standard forum answer is out of the way.

I'm actually weighing almost the same decision. For me it's between the Socom 16 and the FNAR. So I'm interested as well in the comparison between the two.

Same here..
BTW I already own the Squat Scout.


"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety"- Benjamin Franklin

 

[Zombie Hunter]

My FNAR is lighter, far more accurate and more ergonomic to boot, other than those spendy mags, I like my FNAR alot better.

I WOULD grab it as a packing/trekking rifle if I anticipated long ranges and/or wanted more punch or stand off than an AR.
As a matter of fact, my FNAR is my current "reach out and touch someone" gun, and wont wear you out getting it there if you have a ways to go.

I vote for the FNAR, but you know what they say about opinions

What sort of optics are you running on the FNAR? I thought I could throw my EO Tech EXPS 3-0 with 3x magnifier on it and have great combination of tactical ability and enough help to hit out to 300+ meters.

I think if I get the Squad scout I'll just throw on my Aimpoint M2 with the lowest mount La Rue makes.

 

[mtcraigco]

What sort of optics are you running on the FNAR? I thought I could throw my EO Tech EXPS 3-0 with 3x magnifier on it and have great combination of tactical ability and enough help to hit out to 300+ meters.

I think if I get the Squad scout I'll just throw on my Aimpoint M2 with the lowest mount La Rue makes.

Im currently running a Nightforce 2-10x32 on it, I think your idea or an ACOG would also work very well and make it a bit more versatile.

I currently just run a red dot on my M1A, I'ts either an M2 or a good clone from primary arms.

 

[usmamg]

I have both. I've always been a little bit disappointed in my Squad Scouts accuracy, and i't s heavy SOB. I really would not grab it if I have to pack it for very long, I'd grab an AR instead and take the loss of hitting power as a fair trade off.

My FNAR is lighter, far more accurate and more ergonomic to boot, other than those spendy mags, I like my FNAR alot better.

I WOULD grab it as a packing/trekking rifle if I anticipated long ranges and/or wanted more punch or stand off than an AR.
As a matter of fact, my FNAR is my current "reach out and touch someone" gun, and wont wear you out getting it there if you have a ways to go.

I vote for the FNAR, but you know what they say about opinions

Fully Agree
Weight and accuracy do it!

 

[fragout2000]

I would have to disagree in regards to the FN FNAR being lighter in weight vs an M1A Scout.

FN FNAR - L = 4.08 KG ( 8.99 lbs )
FN FNAR - H = 4.54 KG ( 9.99lbs)

Note : The above does not include optics

M1A Scout/Socom run at 8.3 to 8.8 lbs, depending on the type of stock being weighed. This doesn't include optics, but the M1A doesnt need optics to begin with.

OAL:

FN FNAR = 41.5in ( Both versions)
M1A Socom = 37.5in
M1A Scout = 40.3in

Note: If one installs an SEI Vortex flash hider/ gasl lock front sight to a Scout, then the OAL = 39.5in.


Ergonomics are an individual thing imo. I like the traditional stocks as they feel right to me, but this type of rifle can be had in either type. Add enough rails with stuff hanging off of them, and I could see how a M1A Scout might weigh more than an FN FNAR-L...

11B

 

[mtcraigco]

Frag, I am assuming you are taking this info off of specs on the interwebz and have not weighed them yourself.

If you have both guns and weighed them, take your scale back, it's busted.

Weiging both guns on my postal scale, and using the same optics and swapping them back and forth, here is what I got, first hand.

Stripped, no optics, no mag
M1A= 8.9 lbs (Squad Scout version)
FNAR= 7.8 lbs
(BIG difference, however I DO have the light version of the FNAR)

Aimpoint with empty mag in
M1A= 10.2 lbs
FNAR= 8.5 lbs
(FNAR wins again, and though expensive, its mags are a little lighter) )

Scoped with nightforce 2-10x32
M1A 11.0 LBS!
FNAR= 9.8lbs

( I am "best guessing" the tenths here as I have an old dial scale, but is is accurate and zeroed )

As far as not needing optics on the M1A, that IS true you don't HAVE to run optics as it has iron sights. BUT I find I hit faster and further out with optics than irons, so do 95% of shooters these days including those in harms way, so I'll keep optics on my fightin guns and dump weight somewhere else.

Also, IMHO the FNAR balances ALOT better in my hands, it's just easier to carry and shoulder. My eye lines up perfectly with the optics when shouldered as well, whether off hand or benched, a known weak spot in the M1A platform.

Length is within 1/2 inch of each other (to the FNAR's slight favor) when stood on a bench butt down. My Squad Scout does have a traditional M1A muzzle attachment.

Again, it's all about individual choices, but I'll still take my FNAR over my M1A if I have to choose between the two.

 

[CPTKILLER]

The M1A is a good choice in the US. It is reliable and accurate. The is good info on improving accuracy on M14 Forum - M14 Forum for M14 M1A Rifles to show how a little can make a big difference in all M1A models.

With peep sights people shoot excellent groups. Back in the day, issue M14's approaching the end of life were still quite accurate at long range in the Army & the Marines. The M14 with a little accurizing was a very good sniper rifle in Vietnam.

 

[Zombie Hunter]

Well the obvious choice is just to buy both! Lol!

Good info here though guys, thanks!