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Posted: 10/19/2023 11:45:46 AM EDT
What’s the going rate these days? I’m thinking about selling mine. It’s black with I think ten mags. I also have the original box. Only thing I changed was the muzzle device and the grip. I still have the original parts as well. Looking at the EE it seems prices are all over the place.
Link Posted: 10/19/2023 9:54:04 PM EDT
[#1]
Based on Gunbroker prices they're going for about $2,800 or so used.
Link Posted: 10/20/2023 8:11:55 AM EDT
[#2]
Thank you. I didn’t think to check GB prices.
Link Posted: 11/5/2023 8:32:43 PM EDT
[#3]
The reason that prices are all over the place is that there is a big price difference between the original, imported "Made in Belgium" guns and the more recent "Made in USA" guns. How recently did you buy the gun? Does it have white markings on the left side of the receiver, or are they just engraved without white filling? The Belgian made guns have the white markings whereas the US made units have the latter.
Link Posted: 11/9/2023 7:31:32 AM EDT
[#4]
Is there any quality or longevity differences between US and Belgium made? I've got the least desirable model, a black US made 17.
Link Posted: 11/9/2023 7:34:27 AM EDT
[Last Edit: cnoteleo] [#5]
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Link Posted: 11/9/2023 12:46:48 PM EDT
[#6]
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Originally Posted By cnoteleo:
Is there any quality or longevity differences between US and Belgium made? I've got the least desirable model, a black US made 17.
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I doubt it but I also sought out a Belgian model and probably paid up for it just because I think it’s cool.

In order from most to least valuable I’d say it goes. US NRCH, Belgian RCH, US RCH
Link Posted: 12/9/2023 10:23:49 AM EDT
[#7]
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Originally Posted By Mblades:


I doubt it but I also sought out a Belgian model and probably paid up for it just because I think it’s cool.

In order from most to least valuable I’d say it goes. US NRCH, Belgian RCH, US RCH
View Quote


I disagree with this assessment - the Belgian RCH version will always be the most valuable due to the collector's interest it has garnered being that it is an original, factory-produced weapon made to the original SOCOM specifications.

As for RCH vs NRCH, I agree that the market seems to prefer the RCH version (note that there do not exist any NRCH Belgian rifles). Be that as it may however, I personally do strongly dislike the NRCH version and far prefer the original, simple reciprocating charging handle both from a design perspective as well as a shooting perspective (I run it on the right side like a Kalashnikov). I do understand that I am in the minority with that opinion though.
Link Posted: 12/9/2023 11:11:28 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Steamedliver] [#8]
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Originally Posted By eugene_stoner:


I disagree with this assessment - the Belgian RCH version will always be the most valuable due to the collector's interest it has garnered being that it is an original, factory-produced weapon made to the original SOCOM specifications.

As for RCH vs NRCH, I agree that the market seems to prefer the RCH version (note that there do not exist any NRCH Belgian rifles). Be that as it may however, I personally do strongly dislike the NRCH version and far prefer the original, simple reciprocating charging handle both from a design perspective as well as a shooting perspective (I run it on the right side like a Kalashnikov). I do understand that I am in the minority with that opinion though.
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How can you tell where it’s made just from the rifle itself?  I really haven’t looked.
Link Posted: 12/9/2023 11:33:37 AM EDT
[#9]
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Originally Posted By Steamedliver:


How can you tell where it’s made just from the rifle itself?  I really haven’t looked.
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You could have to look at the markings on the left side of the receiver.

The Belgian rifles are marked "FN HERSTAL BELGIUM" whereas the US rifles are marked "FN COLUMBIA, SC USA"

Note also that the markings on the Belgian guns are engraved and then filled white, whereas on the US guns, the markings are engraved prior to anodizing with no white coloring. This allows you to tell where the rifle was made instantly even if you cannot resolve the text of the markings.
Link Posted: 12/9/2023 11:47:48 AM EDT
[#10]
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Originally Posted By eugene_stoner:


You could have to look at the markings on the left side of the receiver.

The Belgian rifles are marked "FN HERSTAL BELGIUM" whereas the US rifles are marked "FN COLUMBIA, SC USA"

Note also that the markings on the Belgian guns are engraved and then filled white, whereas on the US guns, the markings are engraved prior to anodizing with no white coloring. This allows you to tell where the rifle was made instantly even if you cannot resolve the text of the markings.
View Quote


they arent filled in white on the belgium guns, thats how the lasering turns out when you surface laser.  The US guns are much deeper engraved so it doesn't turn white.
Link Posted: 12/9/2023 12:17:39 PM EDT
[#11]
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Originally Posted By brodband8:


they arent filled in white on the belgium guns, thats how the lasering turns out when you surface laser.  The US guns are much deeper engraved so it doesn't turn white.
View Quote


Thank you for the correction - my point was mores just that the markings on the Belgian guns appear white which allows you to tell them apart from the US made guns instantly.

If the lasered surface turns out white, then could the difference simply be that the US guns are anodized after lasering whereas they laser the markings on after anodizing on the US guns?
Link Posted: 12/9/2023 4:27:17 PM EDT
[#12]
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Originally Posted By eugene_stoner:


I disagree with this assessment - the Belgian RCH version will always be the most valuable due to the collector's interest it has garnered being that it is an original, factory-produced weapon made to the original SOCOM specifications.

As for RCH vs NRCH, I agree that the market seems to prefer the RCH version (note that there do not exist any NRCH Belgian rifles). Be that as it may however, I personally do strongly dislike the NRCH version and far prefer the original, simple reciprocating charging handle both from a design perspective as well as a shooting perspective (I run it on the right side like a Kalashnikov). I do understand that I am in the minority with that opinion though.
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Originally Posted By eugene_stoner:
Originally Posted By Mblades:


I doubt it but I also sought out a Belgian model and probably paid up for it just because I think it’s cool.

In order from most to least valuable I’d say it goes. US NRCH, Belgian RCH, US RCH


I disagree with this assessment - the Belgian RCH version will always be the most valuable due to the collector's interest it has garnered being that it is an original, factory-produced weapon made to the original SOCOM specifications.

As for RCH vs NRCH, I agree that the market seems to prefer the RCH version (note that there do not exist any NRCH Belgian rifles). Be that as it may however, I personally do strongly dislike the NRCH version and far prefer the original, simple reciprocating charging handle both from a design perspective as well as a shooting perspective (I run it on the right side like a Kalashnikov). I do understand that I am in the minority with that opinion though.


I see the appeal of the OG Belgian, like I said I sought one out but I think we’re in the minority and market prices reflect that. I found a like new, possibly never fired after leaving the factory for less than I’ve seen any NRCH go for.  

I don’t have an undying hatred for the RCH like some do and I honestly don’t even notice it on my 20 but if I could snap my fingers and have my 17 go from RCH to NRCH I would.

Most people prefer the NRCH, most people don’t care about the country of origin, combine that with the outrageous price for the conversion kit and that’s why the NRCH commands a premium.
Link Posted: 12/9/2023 10:51:02 PM EDT
[#13]
I’d rather have a FN Herstal SCAR than a NRCH SC SCAR. Herstal ftw.
Link Posted: 12/10/2023 12:28:04 AM EDT
[#14]
I don’t mind the RCH at all and prefer Belgian guns personally. Frankly it probably doesn’t matter wrt quality of the gun.
Link Posted: 12/10/2023 7:29:03 AM EDT
[#15]
Another point to bring up is that it is true that they only discontinued the Belgian production units recently, maybe a few years back so the days of being able to pick up Belgian rifles is still fresh in the mind of most buyers.

I can assure you that the Belgian guns will be worth a heavy premium come 10 or 15 years. Not saying that's a good or bad thing, but it is more or less inevitable. Look at what happened to the FNC and FS2000 rifles over the years. I would argue moreover that neither of those systems are as iconic as the SCAR and are still commanding insane prices as are pre-ban, factory Belgian FAL rifles.
Link Posted: 12/11/2023 12:33:55 PM EDT
[#16]
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Originally Posted By eugene_stoner:
Another point to bring up is that it is true that they only discontinued the Belgian production units recently, maybe a few years back so the days of being able to pick up Belgian rifles is still fresh in the mind of most buyers.

I can assure you that the Belgian guns will be worth a heavy premium come 10 or 15 years. Not saying that's a good or bad thing, but it is more or less inevitable. Look at what happened to the FNC and FS2000 rifles over the years. I would argue moreover that neither of those systems are as iconic as the SCAR and are still commanding insane prices as are pre-ban, factory Belgian FAL rifles.
View Quote


It comes down to supply and demand. The other rifles you listed all have very limited supply, how many FNCs were imported? Probably only a couple thousand, the FS2000 was never popular and had a short production run, pre-ban FALs I’d also assume made it over here in limited numbers a long time ago. Compare that to the SCAR 17S which has been available to US consumers for well over a decade and made in huge numbers compared to those other rifles.

I think you may be over estimating the number of people who care about having an original Belgian gun vs the latest production with upgrades like the NRCH and high pressure bolt. This thread is clearly full of those people but this forum hardly has any traffic and we are only talking about a handful of individuals and there are tens of thousands of Belgian SCARs to meet that demand.
Link Posted: 12/17/2023 11:05:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Apec] [#17]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By eugene_stoner:
Another point to bring up is that it is true that they only discontinued the Belgian production units recently, maybe a few years back so the days of being able to pick up Belgian rifles is still fresh in the mind of most buyers.

I can assure you that the Belgian guns will be worth a heavy premium come 10 or 15 years. Not saying that's a good or bad thing, but it is more or less inevitable. Look at what happened to the FNC and FS2000 rifles over the years. I would argue moreover that neither of those systems are as iconic as the SCAR and are still commanding insane prices as are pre-ban, factory Belgian FAL rifles.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By eugene_stoner:
Another point to bring up is that it is true that they only discontinued the Belgian production units recently, maybe a few years back so the days of being able to pick up Belgian rifles is still fresh in the mind of most buyers.

I can assure you that the Belgian guns will be worth a heavy premium come 10 or 15 years. Not saying that's a good or bad thing, but it is more or less inevitable. Look at what happened to the FNC and FS2000 rifles over the years. I would argue moreover that neither of those systems are as iconic as the SCAR and are still commanding insane prices as are pre-ban, factory Belgian FAL rifles.

FS2000s have not appreciated that much. A number have recently sold for well under $3K, including the one I bought earlier this year. They are not in the same league as original FN FALs or FNCs. Would disagree that the FNC is not iconic (to quote GD, "the gun from HEAT"), however note the availability of transferable sears for that gun also increased demand/prices at one point in time.

Originally Posted By Mblades:


It comes down to supply and demand. The other rifles you listed all have very limited supply, how many FNCs were imported? Probably only a couple thousand, the FS2000 was never popular and had a short production run, pre-ban FALs I’d also assume made it over here in limited numbers a long time ago. Compare that to the SCAR 17S which has been available to US consumers for well over a decade and made in huge numbers compared to those other rifles.

I think you may be over estimating the number of people who care about having an original Belgian gun vs the latest production with upgrades like the NRCH and high pressure bolt. This thread is clearly full of those people but this forum hardly has any traffic and we are only talking about a handful of individuals and there are tens of thousands of Belgian SCARs to meet that demand.

I've more or less observed this. The used/secondhand Belgian guns I see listed at a premium never sell for the most part, and the ones that do typically sell for less than retail new for a US made NRCH.

Belgian guns are only worth more to the people who value that, and those people are not the majority of SCAR owners.
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