New from Sturm, Ruger & Co. is the SFAR, or Small Frame Autoloading Rifle. While nearly identical in size to a traditional 5.56mm caliber modern sporting rifle, the SFAR is chambered in 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester. This allows the SFAR to combine the advantages of the larger .308 Winchester caliber with the size of a traditional AR-15 pattern rifle. The SFAR is initially offered in two models, one with a 16.1 inch barrel, and one with a 20 inch barrel.
The bolt and barrel extensions are CNC-machined from high-strength super alloy steel that outperforms traditional C158 bolts. The tapered lug geometry further strengthens the breech in order to support larger short-action cartridges.The bolt includes dual ejectors and an optimized extractor to ensure positive extraction and ejection of the spent case through the enlarged ejection port. The rifle-length gas system features a .75 inch 4-position rotary-regulator gas block for functionality across the wide range of ammunition available in the marketplace. There are venting holes in the upper receiver, barrel extension, and bolt carrier to ensure that excess gas is directed safely away from the user.
The upper receiver is made from a 7075-T6 hard-coat anodized aluminum forging and has a brass deflector, forward assist, and full-length Picatinny rail. The lower receiver features a generous flare on the magazine well for easy magazine insertion. There is also a Ruger Elite 452 trigger for a smooth, crisp 4.5-pound 2-stage trigger pull. A full-strength hammer spring and lightweight hammer ensure fast lock times and consistent primer ignition. The SFAR is also compatible with mil-spec MSR trigger groups, receiver end plates, charging handles, pistol grips, and adjustable stocks. The rifle ships with one, 20-round Magpul PMAG magazine and is compatible with SR25/AR-10-pattern .308 Win/7.62 NATO magazines.
MSRP for either version of the Ruger SFAR is $1,229, and more information on this rifle and other products from Ruger is available at ruger.com.
Going to the range and pressing the trigger is only the beginning of armed self-defense. Creating a combat mindset requires no trigger time at all.
In today's episode of "I Carry," we have a Springfield Armory XD 9 mm pistol with an OSP 9 mm slide assembly carried in a Crucial Concealment Ambi Cover IWB holster and topped with a Bushnell RXC-200 red-dot sight.
While on a recent cleaning binge of my .45 ACP pistols, I noticed that some of the barrels had a right-hand twist, while the majority had a left-hand twist. This got me wondering why that was and what the difference between the two may be.
Responders reported that most incidents are resolved without any shots being fired.
Four new options for off body carry of your defensive firearm.
Red dot pistol sights can be an incredibly useful addition to your defensive pistol, but they take some time to master.