FN-15 What's the consensus? new Roll Mark

[robbins290]

If I were in the market for an off the shelf AR, I’d take a hard look at a new FN. Their quality these days seems top notch. Their M16A4 and M4A1 collector’s edition catches my eye every time I see one.

Same. But with the m16 only. ****ers sexy!

[okie]

The fact is nobody knows. It could be virtually identical to the rifles they're delivering to government buyers, it could be the rejects from those contracts, or it could just be a subbed out glorified PSA for double the price. Or it could be all of the above and everything in between, and change rifle to rifle. What's most likely is that they use whatever parts are most convenient at the time. If they have an overrun of full spec parts, they would use those. If they have a run of parts that wasn't quite up to spec for a contract, they would probably use them instead. If they didn't just happen to have extra in house parts they would likely go to someone like Microbest.

[okie]

Here’s the thing, the commercial FN guns are not made to the TDP like the Colt 6920’s. They’re fine, but the quality is not the same. I also understand them to be batch MP/HP tested instead of individual. I have an FN-15 rifle & it has been a great gun. I did replace the BCG with a spare Colt because FN’s gas key staking was shit, but otherwise it’s been a fine gun. I would not buy one over a Colt or BCM though unless you’re getting a really good deal. I’ll add that I only bought my FN, because at the time, I add an itch for an A4 & the Colts were sold out.

That's really bad. For one thing, no staking is highly desirable over anything but 100% stellar, textbook staking. Staking is one of those things that doesn't help much, but can really screw things up bad if not executed perfectly.

And as visible as it is, and as much as people obsess over it, it's a REALLY REALLY bad sign that they apparently don't give a shit about it. If there's one thing that any manufacturer at any price point is going to try to at least make it look right, it's gas key staking. You could have the most top tier AR possible and get the staking wrong, and it's like taking a hundred dollar fillet and pouring best value steak sauce on it. Might as well just give it to the dog.

[markm]

Their M16A4 and M4A1 collector’s edition catches my eye every time I see one.

They are cool looking. I keep wanting the M4a1 even though have have a few carbines that are pretty much there already.

[Hammer_Man]

They are cool looking. I keep wanting the M4a1 even though have have a few carbines that are pretty much there already.

I’m in the same boat. I already have a basic M4 finished, and another one in the works. It would be nice to at least one factory gun though.

Same. But with the m16 only. ****ers sexy!

20” guns are just sexy period.

[DoubleW]

That's really bad. For one thing, no staking is highly desirable over anything but 100% stellar, textbook staking. Staking is one of those things that doesn't help much, but can really screw things up bad if not executed perfectly.

And as visible as it is, and as much as people obsess over it, it's a REALLY REALLY bad sign that they apparently don't give a shit about it. If there's one thing that any manufacturer at any price point is going to try to at least make it look right, it's gas key staking. You could have the most top tier AR possible and get the staking wrong, and it's like taking a hundred dollar fillet and pouring best value steak sauce on it. Might as well just give it to the dog.

I’ll caveat my original post by saying I have since picked up one of their M-16 clones and the staking on that gas key was perfect. No complaints and the rifle shoots as expected. The finish on newer FN rifles seems more robust & less glossy. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one, but I do believe there are better/equal choices for the money.

[okie]

I’ll caveat my original post by saying I have since picked up one of their M-16 clones and the staking on that gas key was perfect. No complaints and the rifle shoots as expected. The finish on newer FN rifles seems more robust & less glossy. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one, but I do believe there are better/equal choices for the money.

That's pretty typical of commercial ARs. The quality of any given part is a lottery. It's like with the CR series, most are reporting a mixed bag of in house and subbed out parts, and rarely someone will get one that's all in house just like the good old days. Just pure luck of the draw.

[Waylander]

The fact is nobody knows. It could be virtually identical to the rifles they're delivering to government buyers, it could be the rejects from those contracts, or it could just be a subbed out glorified PSA for double the price. Or it could be all of the above and everything in between, and change rifle to rifle. What's most likely is that they use whatever parts are most convenient at the time. If they have an overrun of full spec parts, they would use those. If they have a run of parts that wasn't quite up to spec for a contract, they would probably use them instead. If they didn't just happen to have extra in house parts they would likely go to someone like Microbest.

How many FN clone rifles have you bought and inspected to support your comments on them possibly throwing in gov reject or PSA parts?

That’s a lot of “probably” with no evidence given to back it up.

[robbins290]

How many FN clone rifles have you bought and inspected to support your comments on them possibly throwing in gov reject or PSA parts?

That’s a lot of “probably” with no evidence given to back it up.

Exactly what I was thinking when I read that post, Same could be said about colt assembly's. I highly doubt all colts are build to the precious TDP. Both of my FN's seem pretty great, Staking was good and castle nut was staked. and they were cheaper then the colt CR series.

[Pappabear]

I would buy the military replica with knights rail in a heart beat. Had one at a LGS for around $1,300 and it took extreme will power to NOT buy it.

PB