SAR 3 vs. M96 Expeditionary Rifle

[nethound]

I want economy, but I need reliability and low maintenance.

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[Ekie]

nethound

You want economy, reliability and low maintenance.

The M96 lacks economy. This attribute is beyond repair.

The SAR 3 is economical and low maintenance. Out of the box reliability can be iffy. You can get a SAR 3 that is reliable in the extreme. The problem is that SAR 3's have had quality control issues in relation to their US made parts. At this time it appears that problems are getting more and more rare. The first SAR 3 that I received had dangerous head space (bolt was mismatched, probably here in the States)and the hammer would not strike the firing pin. If you have the patients I can recommend the SAR 3. If you do not feel like taking the chance, try the M96.

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[nethound]

Thanks Ekie.

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[backblast]

You could always try the SAR2 in 5.45x39. It is very reliable out of the box, and is a straight shooter. Mags are dirt cheap, and ammo price is not too far away from 223. Just a thought. cya

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[Jimbob]

Personally I am suspicious of the SAR3 and the mag issues. If you want near absolute reliability buy a MAK90 in 7.62*39. As for the expedition rifle they are sweeeeeeet but at over $1600 you could have a SAR1,SAR2,SAR3, and maybe even a postban Oly AR so it really isnt an option. If you have covered all the other bases and have money burning in your pocket it might be a good choice. However it wouldnt be my choice of guns to take on an expedition small caliber, finiky mags, to refined and tight of a design. Give me a 12 gauge pump and a good old AK in the backwoods anyday. Best of luck

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[LAgunman2K-3]

the M96 looks cool, BUT the parts is an issue, if you want a 223 gun then buy an AR15

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Ted Nugent for President in 2000

get out the marshmallows and throw another SUV on the fire -- Welcome to LA

backblast is right...if you need out of the box reliability and low cost, get the 5.45 sar-2. it has a much better track record for complaints than the sar-3-.223 "bastardized" ak.

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[Ekie]

"bastardized" Ouch. Many AK types think that the 223 and the Kalahnikov is a strange combo. I like em.

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[ValmetM76]

The SAR 3 is a bastardised weapon. It's a conglomeration of parts that are banged together in order to chamber 223. The design of the SAR 3 just isn't really "right".
Galils, Valmets and the Chinese rifles that are available in the USA are properly designed 223s. No doubt the better arsenals that have actual design teams, like the Russian factories and Radom in Poland, also make properly designed 223 AKMs.

Regards,
Mike

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[Ekie]

Valmet 76

I am glad to see you contributing over here. Your candor is appreciated. You are correct in that the Valmet and Norinco 223 rifles are better thought out weapons. The SAR 3 is closer to a AK-74 then the previous mentioned rifles. This is where some find interest in the SAR 3.

The big bug a boo in the SAR 3 is that the rifle can not be sold with the Romanian designed hammer installed. It will take some time for us to figure out how to get around this problem, but we will.


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[ED4x]

Couldn't they use the romanian if they use a US stock instead of just the grip? Or do they use US grip and butt? I don't know I don't own an SAR at all. I was thinking about getting a SAR1 and 2.

Just a thought.

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[Ekie]

ED4

Sure that would be legal. The problem is that the original hammer is not available right now. Century has SAR take off parts for sale in their latest catalog. I called about them last week. I was told that they are not ready to ship them yet. I also asked if they had them listed for the different models. He was unclear on that. We shall see.

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