The Ruger SFAR is so light it's ridiculous

Published on January 10, 2023
Duration: 13:38

The Ruger SFAR is highlighted as an exceptionally lightweight .308 AR-pattern rifle, weighing under 7 pounds. It utilizes a DPMS Gen 2 pattern to achieve an AR-15-like size. While innovative in its weight-saving design, the test unit exhibited significant reliability issues and minor QC problems, though its accuracy was deemed adequate for its intended utility role.

Quick Summary

The Ruger SFAR is exceptionally lightweight for a .308 AR-pattern rifle, weighing under 7 pounds, thanks to its DPMS Gen 2-style small frame design. While praised for portability, the reviewed unit suffered from significant under-gassing and minor QC issues, though accuracy was deemed adequate for utility purposes.

Chapters

  1. 00:16Introducing the Ruger SFAR
  2. 01:05SFAR Design: DPMS Gen 2 Pattern
  3. 02:36Weight-Saving Features Explained
  4. 04:59Gas System and Recoil Management
  5. 06:29Trigger and AR-15 Compatibility
  6. 06:58Reliability and QC Issues Encountered
  7. 10:49Accuracy Testing Results
  8. 11:53Final Verdict: Portability vs. Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Ruger SFAR unique in the .308 rifle market?

The Ruger SFAR stands out primarily for its exceptionally light weight, weighing under 7 pounds for the 16-inch barrel model. It achieves this by using a DPMS Gen 2 pattern receiver set, which is sized closer to an AR-15, making it highly portable for a .308 rifle.

How does Ruger achieve the SFAR's lightweight design?

Ruger uses forged aluminum receivers, a plastic end plate and castle nut system, and a heavily skeletonized handguard to reduce weight. Despite these measures, it maintains a heavy profile barrel and a full-size stock for better handling.

What were the main performance issues with the Ruger SFAR test unit?

The specific test sample experienced significant reliability problems, appearing severely under-gassed even on the highest gas setting. Minor quality control issues, such as a loose ejection port door axle, were also noted.

What is the expected accuracy of the Ruger SFAR?

Accuracy testing with the Ruger SFAR resulted in groups of approximately 2 MOA. While not precision rifle territory, this level of accuracy is considered adequate for its intended use as a portable utility or hunting rifle.

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