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Thread: Spike's Tactical SAR Discussion
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6 March 2011, 07:16 #1
Spike's Tactical SAR Discussion
The Spike's Tactical SAR review is up here: http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum...8532#post28532
Please comment and question here.Triple Bravo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/triplebravo/
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6 March 2011, 07:59 #2Distinguished Member
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Great work as always TB!
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6 March 2011, 08:38 #3Member
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triplebravo,
Thanks for the SAR eye candy!
Question: How do you rate the performance of the QD system on the SAR? Please factor in reliability, angle (positional axis), and durability of the QD sling loop.
Thank you,
Cannon
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6 March 2011, 08:54 #4Contributing Member
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I like how they contoured the tip, looks like it would feel nice in your support hand.
Not sure if I understand the reasoning behind the titanium barrel nut, they're using an expensive material that is harder to machine, just to save a tiny bit of weight.
I also don't understand the offset T slots on the side rails.Last edited by AR-10; 6 March 2011 at 08:58.
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6 March 2011, 09:48 #5Member
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Looking at their pricing posted in the review for a 7" SAR, vs a ST 7" BAR: $98 dollar price difference with similar included equipment. That's certainly something to consider.
The AR-15 I'm having Spike's build is priced with a 12" SAR. I chose it specifically because of the thinner profile, and reduced weight, I'm personally excited to give it a good workout. [Edit] I'm also wondering if the ruggedness of the nut will increase the potential durability at the mounting point. I'm planning on doing a few good combat drills (diving into the prone, etc) to see if it has any effect on the weapon. That's one thing I've been wary of with free floating systems.Last edited by Cannon Fodder; 6 March 2011 at 09:55.
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6 March 2011, 10:14 #6
The QD loop provided with the rail is of the heavy duty type with a large push button. The QD sockets on the rail DO NOT limit rotation. Though for my uses I prefer a QD socket that limits rotation, I've learned to deal with the many that do not. 99% of the time I run a Blue Force Gear Vickers padded two point sling with sewn in QD sling loops attached on the stock and on a QD socket near the receiver.
Triple Bravo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/triplebravo/
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6 March 2011, 10:24 #7
As I continue to use the SAR I'll report on my experience with "ruggedness", however I have a slight bit of concern about this longest 13.2 inch version: As forces exert pressure side to side on the muzzle end of the rail, the added length could act upon the mounting point at the other end with considerable leverage. After installation though, it certainly feels rock solid.
The BAR mounts to its proprietary barrel nut with eight screws that go directly into the nut itself. This mounting method has definitely proven rock solid in my experience thus far.Triple Bravo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/triplebravo/
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6 March 2011, 10:32 #8Triple Bravo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/triplebravo/
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6 March 2011, 11:29 #9Member
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Thank you for your responses, triplebravo.
Hmm. So I took a minute out to educate myself on the specific differences in the properties of aluminum vs. titanium. Aside from the fact that titanium actually weighs and costs more than aluminum per volume, the only benefits we're likely to see is its relative strength, and the resistance to work-fatigue and corrosion. I'd like to know what the specifics of that titanium nut are (ie: what alloy type) since the composition can greatly affect its overall strength. The argument would probably be more like: It's only lighter if it's smaller and thinner.
If anyone is expressly bored, we might academically benefit from knowing the weight of each barrel nut.
Note: I dont want to seem like I'm picking at the Titanium Vs. Aluminum topic. Obviously ST and Seekins picked the Titanium nut for a good reason, and this is strictly academic. I'm NOT dissatisfied, I'm just curious .Last edited by Cannon Fodder; 6 March 2011 at 11:51.
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6 March 2011, 14:33 #10Contributing Member
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Might want to do a comparison on steel vs. titanium since barrel nuts are not aluminum.
What triplebravo said makes sense, I was just wondering because I know how much a single titanium component can add to the cost of a product.
Even small titanium fasteners are expensive, so that titanium barrel nut has got to be pricey.
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6 March 2011, 18:07 #11Member
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Not to be disagreeable, but Spike's website specifically says:
-The BAR rail is Machined from 6061-T6 Aluminum, The barrel nut is Machined from 7075-T6 AluminumLast edited by Cannon Fodder; 6 March 2011 at 18:18.
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6 March 2011, 18:32 #12Contributing Member
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I am comparing steel to titanium regardless of what they are using.
A standard AR barrel nut is steel.
Steel weighs more, costs less, and is easier to machine than titanium.
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6 March 2011, 18:39 #13Member
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6 March 2011, 18:42 #14Contributing Member
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Well, you educated me about something in this thread - I had no idea Spike's made a handguard with an aluminum barrel nut.
I just assumed everyone made them out of steel, since I've played around with a few free-floating systems and they all came with steel replacement barrel nuts.
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6 March 2011, 20:12 #15Member
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Looks like we're both learning! I enjoy a good discussion Thanks for bearing with me.
I've googled around, as I don't have the means to directly test anything right now, but I didn't find any useful information on the specific weight of a standard barrel nut (for instance, High Standard mfg. AR15-Barrel Nut AR-B73-61902).
It may be a good time to state that, when compared to the Spike's Tactical BAR, the SAR offers an average combined weight reduction of 4 oz. (ST Forum)
Originally Posted by Tom Miller, CEO Spike's Tactical
So now we're looking at Aluminum vs. Steel vs. Titanium. Somebody please reel me in if this isn't the place for this specific discussion. Reading this, you might be asking "Why is he focusing on a barrel nut?" Well, it seems prudent, since many people agonize over this pin, or that.. and I have read posts of people swapping out a seemingly insignificant parts all in the name of overall weight reduction.
- Hypothesis: A Titanium barrel nut is relatively smaller, stronger, more corrosion resistant, and potentially lighter than other available methods (because of its space-saving construction). This may actually be a very good thing, since both aluminum and steel are subject to specific types corrosion. For this barrel nut, I'm thinking a good layer of grease between the nut and barrel would render this an extremely durable long-lasting solution.
Any thoughts?Last edited by Cannon Fodder; 6 March 2011 at 20:43.