LMT MRP Piston vs. FNH SCAR 16S

[jmaxiom]

I'm considering these two similar options. I was hoping some people could give me the pro and cons with each. Thanks!

Option 1) LMT MRP Piston 16"

Option 2) SCAR 16S

Pros/Cons? For example, I like the LMT MRP Piston because I could use standard AR-type accessories with it. Thanks again!

[FMJ556]

The LMT ergonomically is a standard AR. The SCAR is pretty different,
especially since its charging handle is reciprocating, something that may need some
adjustment in getting used to (in my opinion).

The LMT is much heavier than the SCAR due to the monolithic construction and metal lower. Lots of plastic in the SCAR. The lower receiver is plastic. The LMT has a heavier barrel profile than the SCAR I think.

I haven't much information on accuracy comparisons.

[mattmcg]

Given your two choices, I'd vote SCAR.

I don't own a SCAR but do own an LMT gas piston AR. I think the LMT is one of the best in the piston bunch but frankly after shooting it for a thousand rounds or so, I am thinking about converting it to a DI gun by swapping the barrel and BCG. I bought the LMT piston rifle to experiment to see if the design would work for me knowing that I could always convert it back to DI without much additional cost or time.

While I haven't had any malfs with the LMT piston rifle (it has performed flawlessly), it has come at the expense of additional weight as well as additional parts on the gun. While the BCG in my 16" barrel is less dirty, it still requires cleaning as back pressure in the bore still permeates into the upper receiver when the BCG moves rearward. I also believe (and have no scientific belief to back this up) that the BCG in a piston gun is more quickly disengaged from battery than a comparable DI gun leaving higher pressures in the bore prior to case extraction thus causing additional through the bore fouling in the upper receiver.

I can also see remnants of carrier tilt wear on the upper receiver, buffer extension, and the bolt locking lugs. While not severe and not causing an issue, I can see that the carrier tilt is simply (for lack of a better term) unnatural in the platform and that over time, I will incur additional damage in these areas.

So that is my $.02 and I'm not trying to join in any piston versus DI debate. These are only my opinions.

I realize this whole piston vs DI is a debate that has gone on for over 3 decades (only recently heating up again), but my experiment with it has me desiring to keep my ARs DI. For a piston gun, I'll prefer a purpose built design like the SCAR or ACR once my wallet can accommodate it.

[variablebinary]

I'd go direct gas MRP over piston personally

The SCAR is good. I'd like it a lot more if it had SBR barrels.

Between a piston MRP and SCAR, I would go SCAR personally