Why the huge popularity for the FN SCAR and BM ACR?

Question

Maybe someone can explain to me the popularity of these to rifles.

They both cost about $2500 and don't do anything other rifles don't for roughly half the cost. Maybe if there were caliber conversions available for them I could understand but they seem to be vaporware for both rifles.

But rifles like the RA XCR that has similar features AND caliber conversions available, for a much lower price tag get little recognition. In some cases even scorned.

But maybe I'm missing something. Or is it mostly just armchair commandos playing wargames hyping these rifles up so much?

Answer 1

Pistons are the new cool thing to have, since the Army had that dust test the arm chair commando attention follow and the Piston market grew .



Price its also subjective SCAR and ACR are relative new combat rifles to the market AR 15 has a long history and the patent expire so there a tons of manufactures so it is alot cheaper same with ACR and SCAR when their patents expire.



I got a 200$ 223.Saiga AK that pretty much does what XRC ,SCAR ,ACR or $1000+ rifle can do but its already the most proven battle rifle in the world.

Answer 2

Look, there are guys who put $10,000 worth of ammo through their guns yearly. These aren't the guys who buy an $800 Bushmaster or a DPMS rifle. They buy a $1500-2000 AR-15 from LMT or Colt because they are going to use the gun to the utmost, to the point where the shortcuts that are found on the $800 rifle will begin to cause problems.



It makes total sense for those guys to desire, and to spend, the $2000-2500 for the ARC.



Of course, a lot of people who don't run their guns to that extent WANT TO and so they mimic what those guys say. But honestly, it is okay if they do, because while they may not spend $10,000 in ammo in a year, they will probably end up spending $5000-$10,000 in ammo over the lifetime (and who knows how much on range fees) of the gun (which may be 40 years) so paying twice as much initially isn't really that big of an issue over time.



And honestly, if you aren't going to shoot $100 in ammo a year, stick with 22LR.

Answer 3

The SCAR became popular for its versatility and performance after the US military tested it vigorously and passed it with flying colours. It is now being fielded in limited numbers while FN pumps out the rest of the military's order.



The ACR is popular because Call of Duty. That's it. It has no unique features and doesn't perform better than any of the other rifles that are out there.



@zchris87v: the SCAR has had the same price since it was released, long before Call of Duty. It was the ACR that doubled in price since COD. The ACR is nowhere near the same build quality as a SCAR and should have stayed at its original $1300 MSRP.

Answer 4

OMG MW2 TOTALLY ROX! IM A TOTAL SNIp0rZ!



That's about it. Notice the price of the SCAR went from around $1250 to $2500 almost magically whenever that new call of duty game came out? Yeah, that's why.



There is a linear relationship between video game/hollywood/music popularity of a gun and the price. The more a gun is featured in a game, movie, or rap song, the more the price goes up. Why do you think Glocks cost an arm and a leg?



-edit- Thanks Jon, I knew it was one of those two, just got 'em confused. I'm not up-to-date on the new high-priced rifles.

Answer 5

Pistons.... It is the latest fad. People HATE direct impingement, often having never tried it. These new rifles all use outdated and obsolete piston technology people can't live without.



After seeing so many problems from these piston driven systems, and having never had a problem with my AR's direct impingement... I won't be buying any piston driven rifles any time soon.

Answer 6

just armchair commandos playing wargames hyping these rifles



You said it

Answer 7

Nobody I know is rushing out to buy one. If I absolutely, positively, had to have a piston driven 5.56 then (Ready?) I'd get all hot 'n bothered for a Stag Arms gun. My standard profile LE6920 is staying right where it is - At home with me. ;)

Answer 8

Because they are super cool looking and no one else has one... yet.



Other than that, you're right. There really isn't anything special about them that justifies a price tag that's so high.