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Posted: 6/11/2011 6:52:57 PM EDT
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Hello Everyone,
I was at the range a couple of months ago and a guy had a MSAR with the 1.5X scope. I saw it from several lanes away and thought is was an AUG. I went over to the guy and talked to him about it. I was so impressed that he let me shoot it. Then I was Really Impressed! It functioned perfect and was so compact and pleasant to shoot. The action sounded different also, more "machine" like (for lack of a better description). When I got home and did some research, I see where they had some initial problems that seem to have been ironed out. I also discovered they have a model that accepts AR type mags. This is a big plus to me as I have many of those things lying around.. I have read that some do not like the AR mag model stating the AR mags are one of the weak links in the AR/M16 design to begin with. "Why would someone want to make the MSAR LESS Reliable?". Not sure I agree with that opinion but wanted to see what you guys think. The only disadvantages to me are the grip was kind of "squared" off and not as comfortable as my Hogue gripped AR clone. The only other thing that may be a disadvantage is the ejection port is Very Close to one's ear and may be more susceptible for hearing damage if one ever had to use it without ear protection... Thanks in advance for any replies. Blessings,Brian |
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As far as hearing damage or more noise goes, last year I took a defensive carbine class with my E4. One of the instructors worked for an accoustic research company and he had some pretty sensitive db measuring equipment. He took readings of everyones weapons at the muzzle and at the shooters ear on the ejection port side. My E4 registered 5 db lower then the lowest of any of the AR's in the class. MadDog 
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Quoted: As far as hearing damage or more noise goes, last year I took a defensive carbine class with my E4. One of the instructors worked for an accoustic research company and he had some pretty sensitive db measuring equipment. He took readings of everyones weapons at the muzzle and at the shooters ear on the ejection port side. My E4 registered 5 db lower then the lowest of any of the AR's in the class. MadDog Yeah, but your ear is much closer the to muzzle than if you were shooting an AR. I really noticed the blast with my MSAR vs my Ar's. I thank a Kel Tec RFB would be stunning. |
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You do feel more concussion with the AUG/MSAR design, however, db's are db's. If the db level is lower at the "ear" with the MSAR over the AR, then it is in fact quieter to the shooters ear. That is what the expert concluded with his equipment and shooting both MSAR and many AR's I agree. MadDog |
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I have read that some do not like the AR mag model stating the AR mags are one of the
weak links in the AR/M16 design to begin with. Mil-spec AR mags have worked for me for over 30 yrs, and still are. Nowadays Pmags are even better. I don;t consider AR mags a weak point but a strong point of the E4 version since high-quality mags are cheap & plentiful compared to AUG mags which are relatively expensive and uncommon in most cases like gunshows etc. You can order them but they will be very dificult if not impossible to find in a SHTF scenerio. Stick with the E4 model or find a E4 stock for a STG556 if you buy one of those. My .02 |
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I have an E4, and like it. It gave me a couple of jams at the start, then has smoothed out fine. A couple of pointers:
* Be ready to shoot about 100-200 rounds out of it to smooth things out and make sure it's working fine. * Have a cleaning rod with you, as I had a couple of really nasty double feeds on my second trip to the range. I was able to get them free, but I ddin't have a rod with me, and it was going to be a problem getting them out until I was able to at last. Now, I alwasy pack a 3 section cleaning rod in my range bag to pop out shells if needed. * The mag release on the E4 is an achielles (spelling) heel. An internal part was made out of plastic, would break, and would make it impossible to take the mag out. I, and many others, sent it back to MSAR, who fixed it in about 3 days, and now it has a nice steel internal part, and the mag changes are smooth and trouble free. But with MSAR about out of business, I don't know if they would retro-fit any more. Might want to call Ratworks, who seems to be their contact shop currently. |
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As a long proponent of the AUG patterned magazines I will say that the quality of current production STANAG magazines from many manufacturers is very good and I would if I were in the market today purchase an E4 instead of the STG.
OP you are right the pistol grip is something you'll be stuck with as there isn't the ability to change it out as you can with the AR. The only remaining problem with E4s is that some have had black nitrided bolts that were not heat treated properly and have failed. Those with grey parkerized bolts are fine. A hybrid bolt that uses some readily sourced AR parts is available at a cost of $125.00 and is fine. Warranty service on the rifles has been good. Bolt carriers, stocks, and barrels have been good. |
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