Ruger SFAR (Small frame AR in .308)

[Jay585]

Any updates? I've got one that's pending shipment. I've been hearing that there's been issues with the gas block hitting the handrail?

Intent is to use it as a woods/homestead/hunting gun. I don't have extensive rifle experience so I'd appreciate hearing from those who do!

Thinking of putting on a Leupold Mk3 HD 3-9
https://www.leupold.com/mark-3hd-3-9...um-firedot-tmr

or Maybe the 4-12?
https://www.leupold.com/mark-3hd-4-1...um-firedot-tmr

Want to keep it light by putting some Badger Ordnance 30mm Rings: https://www.badgerordnance.com/30-mm...00-306-21.html Not sure if I need the 1" medium high or the .885" mediums. I was thinking ARMS #22 but everyone seems OOS.

Any thoughts on optic or mounting choice?

I want to put a light on it - Cloud Defensive Reign 3.0 and maybe the Bone Bipod https://www.strasser-usa.com/product/bone-bipod/ when I have the funds. I plan to suppress it too, and may get the ball rolling on that first before accessorizing. Fella on IG I spoke with recommended the CAT ODB A1-718 suppressor (to be released) but I'll be doing suppressor research in the meantime.

EDIT: Forgot to ask about mags.

Should I just run PMAGs and not worry about it or...?

[jaabdad]

Want to keep it light by putting some Badger Ordnance 30mm Rings: https://www.badgerordnance.com/30-mm...00-306-21.html Not sure if I need the 1" medium high or the .885" mediums. I was thinking ARMS #22 but everyone seems OOS.

Any thoughts on optic or mounting choice?

You want a mount that is at least 1.5" high due to the straight line comb of an AR-type stock. Don't try to get the scope as close to the receiver as possible like you would on a drop-comb stock. You may also want a mount with some cantilever forward so you have good eye relief with your head naturally positioned on the stock & the stock adjusted for LOP.

EDIT: Forgot to ask about mags.

Should I just run PMAGs and not worry about it or...?

Yep, PMAGs are just fine. I have and use tons of them for .308.

[kwb377]

Any updates? I've got one that's pending shipment. I've been hearing that there's been issues with the gas block hitting the handrail?


Should I just run PMAGs and not worry about it or...?

I've got @ 500 rounds through my 16" now...still no issues. I've read several commenting in the SFAR group on FB having issues with cycling and the gas block contacting the rail, but luckily I haven't experienced either.

As for magazines, PMags work as well in the SFAR as they do in the AR. I also have a couple of DuraMags that have worked 100% (I just like the way metal mags look).

[HeavyDuty]

Any updates from the owners? The 20” keeps catching my eye.

[GyroF-16]

Any updates from the owners? The 20” keeps catching my eye.

I’m wondering the same thing, and also contemplating the 20” barrel.
The 16” makes me wary because of my experience with a Springfield SOCOM 16 - such an unpleasant report and muzzle blast, along with an impressive fireball out front with several different loads. I know the concussive blast is largely a byproduct of the muzzle brake on the SOCOM, but I suspect the 16” SFAR (with its brake) would be similar. I’m assuming that a 20” barrel would allow more powder burn to reduce the fireball, and I’m imagining fitting an SF3P muzzle device in place of the brake, both to reduce concussion for the shooter and bystanders, and to allow fitting a suppressor.

As you can see, I’ve given this a bit of thought…
I’d welcome the experiences of anyone who’s shot either barrel length (or better yet, both) to tell me whether reality matches my expectations.

[HeavyDuty]

I’m wondering the same thing, and also contemplating the 20” barrel.
The 16” makes me wary because of my experience with a Springfield SOCOM 16 - such an unpleasant report and muzzle blast, along with an impressive fireball out front with several different loads. I know the concussive blast is largely a byproduct of the muzzle brake on the SOCOM, but I suspect the 16” SFAR (with its brake) would be similar. I’m assuming that a 20” barrel would allow more powder burn to reduce the fireball, and I’m imagining fitting an SF3P muzzle device in place of the brake, both to reduce concussion for the shooter and bystanders, and to allow fitting a suppressor.

As you can see, I’ve given this a bit of thought…
I’d welcome the experiences of anyone who’s shot either barrel length (or better yet, both) to tell me whether reality matches my expectations.

Do I need it? No. But my other 7.62x51 semi autos are 16” and 18” barrel, so having a 20” makes sense. $920 seems like a hell of a deal for a decent shooter.

[overton]

Is the SFAR now good to go? Or better wait for a Gen2? Thanks!

[Bigghoss]

[TGS]

I’m wondering the same thing, and also contemplating the 20” barrel.
The 16” makes me wary because of my experience with a Springfield SOCOM 16 - such an unpleasant report and muzzle blast, along with an impressive fireball out front with several different loads. I know the concussive blast is largely a byproduct of the muzzle brake on the SOCOM, but I suspect the 16” SFAR (with its brake) would be similar. I’m assuming that a 20” barrel would allow more powder burn to reduce the fireball, and I’m imagining fitting an SF3P muzzle device in place of the brake, both to reduce concussion for the shooter and bystanders, and to allow fitting a suppressor.

As you can see, I’ve given this a bit of thought…
I’d welcome the experiences of anyone who’s shot either barrel length (or better yet, both) to tell me whether reality matches my expectations.

If you're amenable to using a suppressor as mentioned, then just get the 16" and suppress it. No need to go to 20" unless its primary purpose is long range shooting (500+ yards), which I'm guessing is not what you're intending for this gun since it's the wrong gun for that task to begin with.

[Jay585]

I bought one new at a great price, received at my FFL and saw the gas block is crooked and touching the handrail.

Since then it's sat in the box waiting for Trajectory Arms to open the books and for their AR-15 Assembly, Inspection, and Tuning service.

Unfortunately a few days ago they put out a video on IG saying they're closing down that side of the shop and focusing on the production side.

Who's a good AR smith I can send this off to?