Glad to see Hop is taking this rifle...SFAR as it can go

The SFAR is an amazing product. You get the Vietnam war experience with stuck cases right out of the box.

My SFAR has ran great (thankfully). I’ve been running it like a fool and she’s been a champ.

I think the SFAR is a good sign that the market for a small frame 308 is going to expand. Probably because of, not in spite of, its problems. Its cost is so tempting, its compatibility with common AR components means its easy to tinker with, and since most AR owners treat guns like LEGO sets, changing a bunch of parts out is a feature, not a bug. So, I wouldnt be surprised if this sparks a minor aftermarket in fixes for common problems, and maybe down the line an ecosystem for small frame 308s that center on the SFAR, since the DPMS GII fell to Cerberus and the Rogue is priced out of the casual buyer range.

Absolutely hilarious when he coughed after all that gas blowback, and the cool air condensed his breath, looking like he had swallowed all that smoke! Like a cartoon!

Have had mine since November and so far zero issues

Riflespeed is an amazing product and we love them. 40k of full auto among the collection of our samples and they run like the day they where installed. Glad to see it fix your issues with the SFAR.

This is the series I'm most interested in on your channel and I feel like I'm not alone. Thank you for all the information.

no greater ad campaign than ruger being sure a “certain someone” got a functioning SFAR in stock configuration

The reason why I bought the SFAR was because of price and weight. I had to send mine because of shaving the brass and double feeding on setting 2. Just came back after a fast turn around and tried it a couple of days on setting 3 and while still shaving some of the brass, I saw great improvement after 50 rounds. On setting 2 worked flawless with my handloads. If I start spending money changing all the parts that mentioned, I'll be defeating the purpose of acquiring the SFAR. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Haha, I was just thinking about the Dictator gas block as a solution and there it was in the video. I've used the Dictator on a couple builds and like it aside from the concern for overall height. It's tall and the straight gas tube is tall, so handguard must be chosen carefully.

The sfar seems like the optimal platform for a low back pressure can like the flow 762 ti. The small amount of back pressure that a flow through can may be enough to make the factory setting 2 reliable while also cutting down on gas to the face. The low weight and and small form factor of that can also compliments the SFARs strengths. edit: This may be why Military Arms Channel’s SFAR is reliable, I know he loves to use huxwrx cans.

I'm so glad you got a new jacket. If you were still wearing that rag you had last year I was going to write a nasty letter to James for not keeping up with his child support payments.

‘T&Fd outside an REI’ That’s top shelf comedy 😄

I'm so glad you didn't abandon this project. It's SUCH a compelling gun considering how overpriced SCARs are and how much excess weight there is in shortstroke piston AR-10s. I'd love to see you try out a Faxon MLOK carbon fiber handguard (which would give more clearance for the gas block) or a BLK LBL integrated bipod handguard

I’m running mine at the gas setting 2 with a flow through suppressor. I’ve been using a variety of loads ranging from M80 ball to 168gr HPBT Match. Never had a single failure.

I'm probably lucky in that my SFAR has had no problems. I've only put about 500 rounds through it, but they have been problem free. My build is maximizing the SFAR's strength, in that it is light, so I've kept it as light as possible. 3x Prismatic optic, Back up Irons, sling... That's all this rifle needed.

I also had stuck casing issues. Contacted Ruger and they sent me their upgraded gas regulator. I've shot almost 100 rds without issues.

I still remember when ruger made the Gen 1 AR556 with no dust cover. I think that was the point when I realized that ruger and the AR15 design don't mix.

Nice review, super easy to watch, barely an inconvenience!

Hopefully Ruger takes note and comes out with a gen 2. I’ve wanted the SFAR for a while now, but have been patient, strictly due to Hop. Appreciate it, great series

SFAR is a winner for a gun to be modded. It'll get the job done with the right upgrades. Would love to see custom barrels that match the SFAR spec.

For the old dust cover.. You can just take a triangle file and cut another groove around the little rod and order another tiny C-clip and snap it on there.. works just fine for a budget hack; or if you just happen to have a c-clip already and don't want to wait on parts.

Super easy, barely a inconvenience.... nice. Love the pitch series

MAC was just talking about you and the SFAR today...... I've had zero issues with mine....but I have used a suppressor

Glad to see this rifle back on the channel. Based on your experiences and those of others I know who shoot their sfar's, they really do need a whole new front-end. New barrel w/ smarter gas port, new gas regulation, new handguard. All things that could literally be fixed inexpensively from the factory if Ruger could get its head out of its own butt.

I've already drilled out 3 SFAR regulators, thankfully it seems to be a happy middle-ground for sizing, stock port size for #2 is 0.093" and we opened it to 0.098" and that was enough to have it cycling everything. We did find the #1 really only works well with higher back-pressure cans so we also opened it from 0.063" to 0.072". The #3 is 0.112", which is outrageously huge even as an adverse setting for any .308 gas gun.

I have an SFAR with a Midwest handguard and radian raptor. Run suppressed on setting 2. I have had zero issues after the first 100 or so rounds. I like the rifle a lot. Shoots under 1 moa with sig 150 fmj

“…Common to all Trijicon 1-4’s unFOURtunately…”. Nice touch.

The SFAR is a good idea and has appeal...but it's Gen 1 and new systems in Gen 1 almost always have bugs. Appreciate the effort, reviews, and updates Hop, it takes things like this to result in Gen2/Gen3 systems that are BNIB reliable.

Been going back and forth between the sfar and 716i... been itching for this video thanks for the awesome content as always

I use superlative arms gas blocks in all of my ars. perfect reliability with any bullet despite spring weight/buffer weight/bullet types. Runs waaaay cleaner suppressed and no gas in the face as long as your settings are good.

Had something similar with the AASF .308 by Adam’s arms over gas. Solution 5.8 ounce buffer weight and a rifle length spring. Cycles 147-175 ejection pattern is 1 o’clock 147 to 3:30 4 with the 175. The rifle has 5 settings on the gas block. Surefire war comp and warden device.

Have one of those gas blocks coming for my USPSA rifle, makes me feel better knowing my purchase is validated by my favorite guntubers.

I'm liking my SFAR so far. Still running the factory gas block, but did swap out the HandGuards for a MI combat rail. Have had issues suppressed on setting 1 and unsuppressed on setting 2. Will try those lower gas settings once I get more rounds through it.

i swear the rogue used to have an adjustable gas block. it also used to be $1700.

It seems most people have issues with the 16” version. I personally have the 20” and it has cycled everything flawlessly…even my mild hand loads.

I think that the potential is there, with the work like you have done, it seems like a great rifle. Imagine if munitionworks got their hands on the specs and means to produce it

Thank you for all the awesome content ✌🏽

Definitely not on my to-buy list, but really enjoyed the SFAR video series - great content as always!

Bro, totally the best on the tuning of the Ruger sfar. Ive been binging KZfaq spar videos all morning while doing my paperwork if I could have just saw yours first I would have moved on to my TE150 Husqvarna top-end rebuild video and then on to my air Venturi moisture removal video and then on to my electric water heater probe insert for my RV. crap sounds like I got a lot of work to do. Why do I buy things that need work? when I don't want to work this much. If I buy less I can work less. Fish hunt more

I've got a POF rogue and used a riflespeed to tame the gas on that as well. The biggest problem after tuning everything is that the gas system is just too short causing the bolt to start to unlock too early. I get that they designed it to work with cheap steel ammo, but I wish they opted for a longer gas system so it stops eating brass.

Hop. Don’t ever change. Your reviews are the best and funny at the same time. Haha “ I know what the F stands for “

Thanks! I was thinking about SFAR, now I'll wait awhile till they get the bugs out,

Story of hops life is him continuously getting disappointed by rugers products.

Try keeping an old style paint can / soda bottle opener in your kit. The hook end (paint can) fits in the same location as the extractor. The length let's you pry out the casing w/o sending a ram-rod down the barrel.

Appreciate the review. I have yet to try mine out after months. Waiting to finish my scope or red dot decision.

Thank you for your honest appraisal!

Almost bought one of these when they first released them. Glad I didn’t. Typical ruger that doesn’t work out of the box or after a couple trips to customer service. Ruger - gunsmithing required. Thanks for updating us on this this project.

As someone with another brand AR10 who has also dealt with these struggles, I think the issue with these platforms (larger frame AR's) is the 6mm ARC exists, and ammo prices between good match 308 and 6 ARC is getting very close.

I think Hop does an excellent job on this page and puts these rifles through a proper performance review. I trust his advice and rely on videos he puts out to make decisions. That being said, I have the 20” barrel of the SFAR and have had none of the same issues with reliability that he’s experiencing. I’ve now put 750+ 7.62x51 M80 Ball down range (don’t price that out please 😂) and can’t remember experiencing a single misfire or chambering issue. I have not even cleaned the rifle yet and performance has been exceptional for me. I’m actually frustrated that poor Hop has had to deal with these issues because I know how smoothly the gun has run for me. I’ve even considered purchasing the 16.1” version of this bc I would configure it much differently than the 20”. The 20” rifle is still completely stock config from Ruger, I’ve added scopes / fore grip / bipod accessories but have not altered any of the mechanical aspects of the rifle. It seems that the use of a suppressor on this rifle may interfere with proper gas release. I feel for you Hop, keep up the good work.

"It's like poetry. It rhymes." Thanks George.

Really like what you did here. I want another 308 auto, but most of them are just to heavy out the gate. This looks like a viable alternative, as long as you expect to need to tweak it

Im kind of out on Ruger over the last few years. Their QC has been rough at best. I have a first gen PC9 thats been through a boltface, boltface pins, two extractors and still has extraction/feed issues. Its been back to Ruger and it was worse afterwards. I picked up the SFAR six months ago and I think the nicest thing I can say about it is that its light for a .308 platform. Its been a picky eater and as you mentioned, is over gassed or under. No sweet spot or pet ammo Ive found to get it cycling reliably out of the box. Both are just taking up space in the safe now. If I get a wild hair Ill check out that gas block.

I have the 20” version and have put an ambi charging handle, Magpul angled foregrip, padded sling, Leupold VX3HD scope and a PSA single stage match trigger. I set it up for deer hunting. Had some issues early on but now is working flawlessly. It will group 3/4” at 100 yards with Federal Fusion 166 gr bullets. It will do 1” with Federal Premium 150 gr Nosler Partitions. Other hunting ammos I tried opened up beyond that. Absolutely love the rifle but did not get a chance at a deer this season so will have to wait another year.

Hop, the shots of you “blowing steam “ were hilarious!

I would say that a Huxwrx suppressor should work pretty well with the SFAR.

The Riflespeed adjustable gas system feels very underrated. I have one on my rifle and I'll never build another one without adjustable gas. The only thing I dislike about it is the longer versions tend to ring like a tuning fork when firing. Just put some sort of band on it if it annoys you.

Shopping for a new 7.62 AR platorm rifle right now. Thanks for this video. Moving on....

You sir are a Saint. And providing a great public sery

Its the FUDD ghost of bill ruger haunting these war rifles😂

Push it to the limit man. Pass along the razors edge…hold on…stopped myself

Thanks hop, at least you didn’t abandon us like Chrisky, and are still doing gun interviews as opposed to brass facts

I put the RifleSpeed adjustable gas block on My Home built (w/choice Parts) and it became EVERYTHING I HOPED FOR!!! Beautiful! I used a Midwest Industries 15" slim rail on my 556 w/riflespeed and fits Great!

Didn’t you get a lemon originally? Did you get double lemonade? Which actually surprises me from Ruger to be honest.

Can't get one, my antenna is built into the car window.

I guess I've been lucky. I took mine through the break in period with 200 rds of LC ball ammo, and then some extra ammo a friend gave me:). Zero failures on setting 3. It just worked perfectly. I ran into some lock back issues when I made some ammo for it that was a little to spicy. I dialed the powder back, and got exactly what I want for a Vmax 110gr bullet with exterminator. No failures yet.... If I have any issues I guess I could just change the gas block since Ruger is giving new revised ones away.

my favorite channel on entire youtube. I just bought Riflespeed gas block after watching this lol

Mine is stock 16”. Setting 3 to high and setting 2 to low. Hand guard is too close to the gas block. Besides that I love this rifle. I just want to know how reliable the BCG will last. I want this to be my SHTF gun but I’m not fully trusting it yet with 200 rounds I have in it with not really any “real” issues. Good video just disappointing. I’m still very happy with my SFAR

Super easy, barely an inconvenience ❤

Thanks for the great review 👍🏼

I have the sig tread snakebite se and I love it. 1500 ar10. It has upgraded trigger break twice toned. Sweet gun

This is why I enjoy being a SCAR guy, everything I’ve done to it feels more like “salt to preference” it doesn’t really need anything upgraded on it aside from a angled charging handle

Riflespeed is a good option. I've also had great luck with the Noveske Switchblock as well, but you need a cutout to use it properly. Tried it on a N6 and I went from hardcore skeptic to a believer pretty quick. It's no wonder why NSW dudes like the N6 with a switchblock, it just makes sense. Would that have a place on the SFAR? Doubt it, but it's still another solid option. I was literally about to buy one of these when I got a screaming deal on a N6. Glad to see it's not total dogshit ass garbage.

The fact you having all the problems and I’m over here no problems at all using hand loads and factory and I just put a can on it and no problems love it

Thanks for this review and all valid points. I am still considering this rifle as it is a sub 10lb 308/7.62 nato rifle. Pretty amazing development and price point from Ruger, all things considered.

Love the constant content from you and 🅱️rass 🅱️acts lately

That riflespeed gas block seems really neat. For anyone that has one, how difficult is it to adjust? In the video it looks like something that could get adjusted by bumping into rubble/barricades etc.

Gosh I want to get one of these bad to try out for my channel. With all the work Hop had to do inorder to make it "reliable" sure makes me wonder... But its a super intriguing concept.. Appreciate all the leg work with this one Hop!

Picked up mine Friday, put 65 rounds through it and no malfunctions. I left the gas block setting on 3 as that was where it was set in box.

Damn that sucks man....my SFAR has been reliable and deadly accurate through 300 rounds so far

How TF are we supposed to use rifle grenades without a 0 gas setting? Hmm?

I was dealing with the same issue like Hop at the beginning of the video with my aero precision AR10. It was undergas until my gunsmith made a bigger hole for the gas to travel more. Which now my AR10 run perfect, despite it being a heavy girl lol

Got a 5.9 lb Rogue and using a Riflespeed system with a Silencer Co Hybrid 46M ...I'm very pleased with the groups I'm getting and very reliable ...not had the problems Ruger SFAR owners had with the POF but then the Rogue cost more and it has a roller pin bolt and their G2 chamber extraction system that will run Chinese Lacquer coated steel case no problem as well...

Hop, you are a gluton for pain and backpressure. I highly recommend a Hux. Love my Flow 556k. The 7.62Ti has great Pew Science results. You don't have to tune every gun you have if you use a Hux.

Faxon carbon fiber handguard is suppressor width to help with gas regulator contact and helps with the whole "lightweight battle rifle/hunting rifle" concept. Id also say again that an OSS Ti can would be awesome on a system like this (yes OSS, I'll never call it that new hipster name - not even if there's a fire) Also I love the PA Micro5x - highly recommend. Tbf I'm cross eye dominant, so for me it's a ACSS red dot 90% of the time that I can close my dominant left eye and get some longer shots without having to LPVO from min to max magnification

that flashlight set up is slick. thats what im looking for, no fuss, no cables. simple light IF you need it, not in the way the other 99% of the time.

Nerd. -Tarburz told me to say it. He has my family hostage. Please give this a heart react to free them from his grasp. :(

Look at that hair. It's Magnificent!

I like guns that work out of the box. I don’t get you guys that like to spend twice as much as the gun cost just to get it to run.

😂😂😂 Hop's comments always crack me up! Great video!

the amnt of gas coming out of the bolt is pretty insane

The lesson people should be taking away from these videos and others is the juice to squeeze ratio on .308/6.5cm platforms is abysmal. These things quickly turn into money pits. Assuming you think these might have merit as a DMR of sorts you have to ask yourself “what is this platform affording me over a dedicated 6arc rifle or upper?” The answer is very little IMO.

I was about to drop some cash for this item this month. This review was very timely so thanks for this video, look forward to seeing more.

@3:06 Even with some modern weapons you need ye-old trusty ramrod. Well done on the video, hop.

Sidebar: the Ruger 5.56 has been a solid choice for an entry level rifle

Even if it's over gassed-- it shouldn't rip the casing on extraction like that. Chris at SAS has a very good hour long video on buffers and buffer weights. Your issue is that it was trying to extract too soon, so the chamber still has very high pressure as the bolt is already trying to move. This is likely because the bolt is so light weight. So what you can do is add an H2 or even H3 buffer: what this does is add more inertia to the BCG and it will delay the acceleration of the bolt for just a slight moment which allows the projectile to have more time to exit the barrel, which will drastically drop the pressure in the chamber and that will keep the casing from getting stuck... The problem is TIMING-- not necessarily over gassed, but just that the bolt is too light. A heavier buffer would at least stop the casing from sticking to the chamber walls... You can get a 3 pack of tungsten weights from brnells for twenty-five dollen and just swap them in the buffer you have. Even though you already "fixed it" -- I would still do this anyway. It should keep you out of that window of high chamber pressure: to the point that it should never rip a case again, no matter what setting you are on.

Fantastic video. Very helpful content

Great video. Surprised to hear of so many gas issues but I believe it. Nice call on that new gas block. Only issues I had reliability wise was suppressed, so tuned a load for that. Accuracy wise, it's 308. Tested 6 or 7 different factory options... 7.62 ammo ranged from 2 to 3 MOA... 308 ammo was far better and was able to get consistent 1 MOA groups and no problem shooting the gun out to 750 yards. Just picked up the 6.5 CM and REALLY looking forward to stretching it out there.

Hop, you're my favorite lesbian aunt guntuber