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Old August 9, 2013, 03:50 PM   #1
Tucker 1371
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Should've Never Picked Up That SCAR17

Saw one for $2800 at LGS the other day and now I'm torn. To get it I'd have to sell my M1A, which I love and have no other reason to part with. I also shot my first deer two years ago with my M1A which makes it that much harder to part with.

That said I recently realized I've been trying to turn my M1A into something it's not. I have an order with McCann industries for a carbon fiber stock to make it lighter, give it forward rails, a pistol grip, and an adjustable stock... basically a SCAR 17. And the issue of how to mount an optic has been driving me nuts, can't seem to find anything low enough for my liking.

Whichever rifle I end up with I plan to hunt Tennessee and Georgia deer with.

Really feeling pretty torn here y'all, anyone care to help me decide?
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Old August 9, 2013, 07:29 PM   #2
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Tell me where it is so I can scoop up the scar! But seriously if you've been slowly modifying your current m1 headed in that direction what's not to gain by going to a fully built and finished version of what you're trying to achieve. The scar is an AWESOME platform with a strong track record that will not let you down.
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Old August 9, 2013, 07:36 PM   #3
sailskidrive
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Quote:
And the issue of how to mount an optic has been driving me nuts, can't seem to find anything low enough for my liking.
I own both. I like to shoot the SCAR and look at the M1A.

If you're going to scope the M1A, you need a cheek riser. There really isn't any way around it.

Personally, I would just finish setting up the M1A and then start saving for a SCAR.
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Old August 9, 2013, 10:25 PM   #4
Tucker 1371
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I would have both but that's kind of hard to rationalize to my fiancée with the budget we're on. She loves to shoot too but doesn't like it when I spend lots of money on gun stuff (other than ammo). So I told her I would sell one to eat some of the cost of the new one.
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Old August 10, 2013, 08:27 AM   #5
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To get it I'd have to sell my M1A, which I love and have no other reason to part with.
I also shot my first deer two years ago with my M1A which makes it that much harder to part with.
The SCAR .308 is nice, but I don't think it's remarkably different enough to justify sacrificing your proven M1A.
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Old August 10, 2013, 05:47 PM   #6
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Keep the M1A and start saving up for the SCAR. You will regret selling the M1A.

Jim
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Old August 11, 2013, 04:23 PM   #7
Tucker 1371
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Thanks y'all, still kinda turning this one over in my head, I'll keep you posted on what I decide.
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Old August 12, 2013, 06:41 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SR420
The SCAR .308 is nice, but I don't think it's remarkably different enough to justify sacrificing your proven M1A.
Right on!!

Plastic has no soul. Picked up the SCAR and played around trying to warm up with that cold plastic and aluminum... NAH. Even the test summaries out there on the net don't all jump on the SCAR bandwagon. Nice but not for everyone.

Yep, I have a strong passion for the M1A/M14 and have strayed a few times BUT keep coming back because they have magic no other rifle has. The angle of an E2's pistol grip has further entrenched my passion. Lots cheaper too!
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Old August 12, 2013, 07:03 AM   #9
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Here's the best laminated and Birch E2s I have found... LAW483

If I bought another, it'd be the Winewood laminate about halfway down the page on the left. Tony's attention to detail and quality is unsurpassed. Friendly guy too which goes a LONG way these days. His backlog is steady growing as his work is catching on with the M14 and Garand crowds everywhere.
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Old August 12, 2013, 08:36 AM   #10
Tucker 1371
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As I mentioned earlier I've got a carbon fiber stock from McCann on order, it'll cut the weight down a bit and allow me to put an AR style stock and pistol grip. It's already sitting in a synthetic stock which I have no qualms about ditching.

What's drawing me toward the SCAR right now is its light weight from the factory (doesnt feel any heavier than a 20" AR) and full length top rail.

That said I really don't have a good feeling about potentially selling my M1A, I think I'm going to see how this CF stock turns out and come to a decision then.
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Old August 12, 2013, 08:47 AM   #11
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Quote:
Tucker 1371

What's drawing me toward the SCAR right now is its light weight from the factory
Consider this comparison.

10 lbs as pictured




10 lbs as pictured

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Old August 12, 2013, 11:09 AM   #12
SmokyBaer
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I knew those BlackFeather stocks would start coming around. Glad to see it.


Oh btw, Tucker... my order for a McCann CF stock has been going on for the 2nd year now, When Richard passed so did his passion for flagshipping the carbon fiber M14 stock. Debbie did say back in April their 3rd party builder "might" be getting it together this summer. We will see soon enough. Fall is coming quick!
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Old August 12, 2013, 11:34 AM   #13
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SmokyBaer, check out LAW483's web site, Tony recently changed his focus.
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Old August 12, 2013, 11:56 AM   #14
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When I talked to him last, he did say something about adding more models to his line up. Looked like his latest creation has a higher comb. Went to his home page looking for a change and yep, it does look different. No doubt in my mind, if a fellow called or emailed Tony wanting to get a stock built like anything shown in the LAW483 photo gallery, he would build it. I would be totally shocked if he declined.

I know his bedding uses a steel insert for seating the M14 receiver legs and epoxy on the sides and front to trap the action. He put in a lot of work experimenting with his method and it shows. Finish is top notch too.
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Old August 12, 2013, 02:59 PM   #15
Tucker 1371
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Oh btw, Tucker... my order for a McCann CF stock has been going on for the 2nd year now
Holy crap.... They told me a tentative date of some time in May when I ordered, I've had a few emails back and forth with their sales@mccann address and it's always "no new information we'll tell you when it's done." I'm reluctant to mess with the Blackfeather because I have no gunsmithing tools and don't know squat about replacing the ORG or the ATF paperwork that must be done. Thought about ordering a McMillan MFS-14 but I'm really sick of waiting, been waiting on some kind of stock since Christmas.
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Old August 12, 2013, 03:08 PM   #16
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I'm reluctant to mess with the Blackfeather because I have no gunsmithing tools and don't know squat about replacing the ORG or the ATF paperwork that must be done.
The paperwork was easy and Frank @ M14.ca will help you with it.
The kit includes DIY instructions for installing the ORG, and there is information about
its installation on the net. I hired a local smith to install mine, he did it in just a few minutes.
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Old August 12, 2013, 03:19 PM   #17
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The Scar17 is meant to cover a different role than an M1A in today's gun environment. The recoil and ergonomics might be a little better, but I'd trust an M1A with a Sage EBR stock with my life over any SCAR17
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Old August 12, 2013, 05:28 PM   #18
Tucker 1371
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SR420,

What was the total time from order placed to stock received that it took you to get your Blackfeather? I think I've had it with McCann after hearing SmokyBaer's situation.
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Old August 12, 2013, 05:52 PM   #19
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Tucker, mine was one of the very first "RS" to be imported into the US, and I think it took 8 weeks for my paperwork to process... shipping was real quick after the paperwork was received. Frank recently told me that they have now imported close to 100 "RS" ... I believe the entire process is much more streamlined today, email Frank at M14.ca for the details. Good luck.
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Old August 12, 2013, 05:55 PM   #20
Tucker 1371
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Thanks SR420, I'll be putting an order in tonight. The M1A stays with me for now and the SCAR will have to wait, thanks to everyone who posted on here as well!
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Old August 12, 2013, 07:12 PM   #21
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I have both....and the SCAR 17 would be my pick even when my M1A scout is sitting in $3500 in upgrades
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Old August 13, 2013, 04:55 AM   #22
SmokyBaer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tucker1371
Thanks SR420, I'll be putting an order in tonight.
Everything I have heard about Frank at M14.ca has been positive.
Please update the post with how it goes.

Oh, what color did you order?
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Old August 13, 2013, 08:24 AM   #23
Tucker 1371
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They come in different colors?
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Old August 13, 2013, 08:38 AM   #24
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Old August 13, 2013, 08:45 AM   #25
Tucker 1371
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Well dang, I must've been so excited to order one I overlooked that. Don't want silver. Is that something you have to email them or do you select it when you order?
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