Another variation on the AR?

https://www.thefirearmblog.com...le-the-arka-44828743

I hope the listed weight is wrong because a 11.25" weighing over 8 lbs without an optic, light or laser is stupid.

Barrel length

CQC: ≈ 285mm (11.25")

STD: ≈ 368mm (14.5")

Weight (empty magazine)

CQC: ≈ 3.7 kg (8.2 lb)

STD:≈ 3.9 kg (8.6 lb)

quote:

Originally posted by lkdr1989:
I hope the listed weight is wrong because a 11.25" weighing over 8 lbs without an optic, light or laser is stupid.

Yeah... It's effectively a SCAR-L/Mk 16 redesigned to have AR-style controls and stock.

A 10 inch SCAR-L is 6.7 pounds and a 14 inch is 7.3.

So where are the extra 1.5 pounds coming from?

An AR15-ish short-stroke piston rifle. Looks to be kinda heavy. Likely will be expensive. Based on prior experience with SCARs, probably acceptable but not great accuracy.

Ground breaking. Game changing. Nothing like this has ever been introduced during the short time that ARs have been on the market.

This is another case of the AR-fication of small arms where everything eventually just evolves and reinvents itself back into something that resembles an AR.

quote:

Originally posted by fritz:
<snop>
Ground breaking. Game changing. Nothing like this has ever been introduced during the short time that ARs have been on the market.

My thoughts exactly … just another boring overpriced 556 launch platform. It’s like no one in design is smart enough to have an original idea/design/concept

As part of this deep dive into the new AKRA, Ian explained why FN went with AR-style controls and furniture.

Basically, while trying to sell the SCAR for the past 2+ decades, they kept running into LE/Mil clients who liked the SCAR operating system, but ultimately passed on the SCAR because they wanted something with AR controls to limit retraining, and that could accept their specific choice in AR grip/stock.

It also highlights a detail that I hadn't seen mentioned yet: The lower receiver is polymer.

And they reduced the size and weight of the bolt carrier from the SCAR version, in order to reduce felt recoil from less reciprocating mass (and I'm sure to address the SCAR's notoriety for being harsh on optics).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ea6jNRFsM8&t=1s

i actually like the design. they made some pretty interesting choices. Though from the video, the two position gas system is two equal/same settings? Apparently user error with too many choices is an observed reality for them and their customers.
For the potential price though... i don't see it being all that viable for private/civilian buyer. The 11.25" one looks sweet.... heh

quote:

Originally posted by alteon180e:
Though from the video, the two position gas system is two equal/same settings? Apparently user error with too many choices is an observed reality for them and their customers.

That's the default, at least on those production models. But he did mention that contract runs could include different gas settings, if requested.

quote:

Originally posted by alteon180e:
For the potential price though... i don't see it being all that viable for private/civilian buyer.

While a price hasn't been disclosed yet, these ARKAs are estimated to be $2k-$3k. FN sold plenty of commercial SCARs, and they cost $3k+.

It looks like the gas jet system is gone, which for me is THE key capability of the SCAR to run suppressed.
I'm sure the aftermarket will make a different set of 2 pos gas settings quickly but it won't even be close to what we have with the SCAR today.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
While a price hasn't been disclosed yet, these ARKAs are estimated to be $2k-$3k. FN sold plenty of commercial SCARs, and they cost $3k+.

Time will tell. The SCAR was a very different rifle and came with an unusual amount of "fame" from all sorts of places. Plus "SCAR" vs "ARKA"... giggle.

Another concern is when you design a firearm so close to what an AR-15 is... people will compare it to other $2k-$3k AR's and wonder. A short stroke piston AR lands in a very competitive space.
I still really like the design, though.

quote:

Originally posted by alteon180e:
Another concern is when you design a firearm so close to what an AR-15 is... people will compare it to other $2k-$3k AR's and wonder. A short stroke piston AR lands in a very competitive space.

But it's not just another piston AR, and it's not designed "so close to what an AR-15 is"... Other than the layout of the controls, and the stock/grip/mag compatibility, it shares basically nothing with the AR15.

It's a SCAR wearing an AR trenchcoat.

I just wish they'd kill some of the AR things. From what I've seen there is certainly a training curve for nongun people to learn to use different controls but to a certain extent those people will adapt to what you tell them to if they have the right amount of ammo. If we are avoiding the ammo that goes into a train up for refielding I would also say that the people who cant pick up a gun and learn the controls relatively quickly are typically going to be subpar performers anyways.

This unfortunately keeps the AR charging handle which is not a particularly good design and is a leakage point for gas especially in the modern era where most guns get a can. I also dont need the stock being AR just because thats what you are used to though Ians vid makes it sound like that will be optional. If they wanted to keep the basic ergos and just install the SCAR-L on top I'd be happy, ala Jakl or something similar, just with FN quality behind it.

I end up with a kinda want?