Happy you've stayed dedicated to this project! My SFAR has no issues, but I would still love to throw on a different AGB. To be able to fine tune it as much as possible. And I'm thankful you took the time to share your experiences! Thx!
Lovely, Mine does not run well after about 40 rounds it Either has too little gas to take the next round out of the mag or the Bullet will jam upwards holding the bolt open.. mind me asking what ammo are you shooting?
Ozark, if you do go to a different gas block I'd be interested in buying your factory sfar gas block. I'd like one for another project but ruger won't sell me one as a standalone part
Yup. I think, if you just shoot high quality 308 ammo, you have a chance of it working fine. But if you shoot a range of ammo like I’ve been testing, chances are this is not going to be that rifle! Disappointing.
It’s really not, allot of people have them and don’t have issues. Run the 200 rounds with factory 308 (ain’t gotta be fancy shit) clean it re lube it and run it on setting 2. I’m not gonna say it’s perfect for everyone but I’ve noticed people start changing shit too early.
Got my new 20-inch to the range today. This is a very exciting product. A company is finally exploiting these new alloys. We should not be disappointed with a few little glitches. It's encouraging to have a solid base rifle that we can work. I put a green sprinCo buffer spring in and an h3 buffer in ran it suppressed on setting two. Functioned perfectly. But with the adjustable gas I think that could be fine-tuned. I think they missed the bet by not extending the buffer tube by 3/4 inch and using the vltor buffers. That would allow you to tune this rifle perfectly to match your preferred ammo.
I have the same overall thinking on this. So much promise and this is a major manufacturers first attempt (POF is not major). They will get it working and everyone will own one and other companies will come out with them. Glad you got yours tuned!
Same here...I have the RPR as well. Both in 6.5 creedmoor...after 100 rounds the SFAR shot moa or better on factory loads. I keep 1/2 moa on my RPR with hand loads. I expect the SFAR will be just short of 1/2 moa but totally acceptable for autoloading rifle.
Glad the Aero block worked out for you. Ruger has some issues with their gas blocks not getting a good seal and the running into the rail is unacceptable. I wouldn’t have bought mine if I intended to keep it stock though.
Thank you for what you have done here. I appreciate your testing and tuning put out in videos. I so wanted the SFAR to be a great rifle, but it simply is not. I am not happy with Ruger and their response to my issues with the SFAR to date. The lady I talked to told me they have never heard of any problems regarding the function of the rifle, but that I should send it in so they can monkey around with it. Not very confidence inspiring. Now thanks to you, I have a better idea of what to do to bring it up to at least a functional level.
That’s not hopeful. Just from these videos I’ve heard from a LOT of people with issues. Glad this helped but I’m really hoping ruger makes a gen 2 soon and fixes all of these issues! I’m sure too late for me but this platform has promise!
Glad you might have got it fixed. Ive seen a lot of people saying they changed out the gas block to get it to run properly. I have the 20" version and have only got to put 30 rounds down range so far. It didn't have an issue but the ejection isn't the best. Thanks for the in depth videos on this rifle.
Thanks! Yes I tried to avoid doing this and tried pretty much everything else. Springs and buffer weights are easier but I figured I just needed to bite the bullet. Good luck on yours! Hopefully it works out!!
I have the 20 inch and only ran 30 rounds at 100 yards to zero and check the accuracy. Setting 3 ran fine - tore up the brass a bit - over gassed somewhat.. Setting 2 not so much - not always cycling. I just bought a Midway H2 4.6 ounce buffer to tame the recoil form the over gassed setting 3. If this works and slows down the BCG and reduces the recoil - I'll just let it run on setting 3. Oh - 1 MOA with Sig Elite 150 grain.
For me looking at the sfar bolt scares me so the 20 inch while i would prefer an 18 inch it doesn't exist but going with a rifle lenght gas system may improve bolt life and your extractor.
Great video. Very useful information. I have found the new 20 round mags loaded with 10 more seem to cause more loading issues due to spring pressure. Another reason why i like running the 10 round mags.
That’s a good point and in my recent testing I haven’t been loading full mags. Need to do that! It just gets so dang expensive. I’ll do that with my hand loads!!
I've had this intense interest in the SFAR since launch as a lightweight 'scout' rifle that can flex into duty / patrol rifle roles and keep up with more conventional carbines due to the smaller form factor. I appreciate videos like this one because it's giving me some good insight into what I'll likely need to do in order to achieve what I want out of the platform, though in fairness I do plan on going a lot further than many/most. Rebarreling with HM Defense' monobloc barrel with a medium-light contour and .081" gas port, sending off a spare BCG to get a polish and DLC coating, Tubbs flat spring + whatever buffer ends up working best, and tuning the thing around use of a Flow 762 ti. Theoretically the low backpressure from flow-through style cans should eliminate the typical need for adjustable gas blocks on AR's with suppressors. All in all this should make for a pretty reliable harder-use rifle than what Ruger ships.
Glad to see that you have the skills to handle this project. Unfortunately, I got lost with your different explanations on how to replace the gas tube on the SFAR. For those of us with limited skills, we have to depend on sending it back to the factory for them to figure out what's wrong. Enjoyed your video.
Yah, I get that. And my apologies I didn’t show it all, youtube is tricky with showing changes to the gun so I only wanted to show a couple of things that I got stuck on and was confusing me after I went down this rabbit hole. I hadn’t ever done it before this so had to learn a few things but fortunately there are many manufacturer (like brownells) who can show how-to videos. Best of luck!
Meh, your just afraid of breaking something that's already broken. Watch videos of how to do stuff and then do it. Ain't nuthin done that cain't be redone correctly ... as Ruger has demonstrated. Take a walk on the wild side, it'll be ok. You'll learn something and gain some confidence.
Great video! Found this bc my SFAR sucks, already sent back to ruger, still sucks. Bolt override malfunctions, fails to eject, LRBHO failures, chews the shit out of brass. Putting a superlative gas block on this weekend to hopefully make it better, and may add a heavier buffer as you have done. Glad this appears to be a solution.
Sure! Glad it helps (or hopefully). I’ve heard from others that did exactly as you are doing it the superlative works great! Good luck and let me know!!
Just purchased one. Had issues with brass ejection out of the box with m80 lake city. Had a few boxes of palmetto state .308 which worked well. M80 lack city appears to not have as much pressure as the PSA .308. The gun is rough on brass but should be able to reload it in the future.
Good video. Well explained, and looks like a good fix. Hopefully it's still working out for you. Now Ruger has what they call a second generation gas block regulator, that is supposed to fix some of these reliability issues. I think they ship out the new part for free, if you contact them.
Yes! I tried that in a video prior to this coming out and was one of the first to try it. It kind of worked…. On most 308, setting 2 ran great but I still had to switch it to setting 3 for 7.62 NATO. In the end I got kind of sick of having to try and predict which setting an ammo would need. Hence I went to one that had more settings so I could find one that ran all the ammo, this is doing it. Thanks for the tip though!
Ruger sent me a new gas regulator and same as original one except the number 2 hole was drilled out to 5/64, you could see the coating was off by the hole just a bit. I also read that a gentleman put in a Tubbs AR10 flat wire buffer spring and he said fixed all the problems, bought one also, still need to try both. Just a FYI, thanks for the videos, good job! Dan R.
Thanks for the update on yours. Yes I had that new regulator as well and it did improve things for me. Also I tried a different buffer spring and may yet try that tubs one as that seems like a good one. For now I’m happy with mine so more likely I’ll stop changing here but I really do appreciate hearing what others are doing and I think that may help people who these things may be a simpler fix for than a gas block replacement.
Thanks for the video man I definitely wondered if a different adjustable gas block was the answer. Yes Ruger needs to change the design of their gas block to have more settings. And by the way you're adding an extra "P" to the name of the Hornady ammunition when you pronounce it.
It'd be interesting to know if Ruger has only sampled a limited types of various rounds or like you mentioned only built it around running a particular flavor per setting. Can't help but wonder if the people saying theirs is fine, is only because they haven't cycled through the number of rounds you have. Or if it's a matter of some variance in Ruger's QC? And a certain percentage of what they ship out are going to have issues? You now need to go out and buy 4 more of these rifles and duplicate all of the steps to see!! Ruger probably watching what is going on here and you are doing their testing for them. But also as you mentioned, like we see with other cartridges (5.7 & 10mm) there's quite a difference in not only power, but also the different types of tips. I'm still interested to see my results when I get back to trying to cycle lots of the 125 gr Nosler BTs. With my luck, it will cycle and then shoot 18" groups. Or it will shoot .0005" groups, and not feed. haha
As always, great insights. I’m guessing it’s the combo of issues we are seeing: people only trying a couple of different types of ammo, QC from Ruger, and probably some design issues (single screw for the gas key) as well. And I the various tip types is another variable. I know when people send their rifle back, Ruger only tests it with one type of ammo. Yah, I think my rifle is the only one I’ll have. 🤣😂. Need 4 more people to get one! 😂🤣.
I see Ruger has made, and is sending out to SFAR customers a newly designed Gas Block. The hole on number 2 adjustment is noticably larger than on the original. I'm wondering if this isn't worth a try before fitting another brand? Your thoughts about this ?
I tried that in a previous video. It did improve things for me, but I found that I had to run 308 ammo on setting 2, but 7.62 Nato ammo on setting 3. Then if I had a can on, I had to run it on setting 2 for 7.62 Nato and setting 1 for 308. Some people that's fine and they only shoot 308 so for them, that shows its working right. In the end I wanted and felt like I needed more adjustability. I feel I have that now with this system. I have one setting for unsuppressed and one setting for suppressed, instead of variable per the ammo I'm shooting. Thanks for asking though!!
Nice outcome, seems that AP AGB tamed that rifle to how it should work. Always seemed Ruger's gas block was inefficient with all the carbon fouling on it and the gas tube. Add to that the gas porting on the bolt and barrel extension, they just didn't get it right.
Almost bought the Sfar, and because of a few reviews I watched like yours, I decide to stick to my original 308 plan and built a 16 inch dpms with a little weight savings in mind. With a ARMALITE CARBINE LENGTH gas tube from Anderson, Faxon Big Gunner 16 inch, and LMT 308 BCG and a Superlative Arms Bleed Off AGB, my rifle runs perfectly 15 or 16 clicks out from closed, with both 308&762x51. Probably throw a brake on and call it a day. Still a good bit heavier than the Sfar, but an absolutely much more robust rifle, and built for around the same price.
So, sounds like they failed to properly dial-in their adjustable ports on their gas block. If you can cycle to lock-back using lower pressure ammo, with the Aero block at full open, sounds like you solved the issue 🎉. I just happen to have a spare and new Aero .75 adjustable in my parts bin. Did you have to use a new gas tube, or did you just decide to start fresh?
Thanks! I think you’ll like it. I could not with my low level of skill get the gas tube out of the original gas block. I tried removing the pins but from everything I’ve seen from others they use two pins instead of one, and at least for me I couldn’t remove either. So I just got a new tube. I was worried about that because of the length difference but in the end it worked just fine and haven’t had an issue.
Changing the gas block has made all the difference for this 16” rifle, added a superlative arms adjustable GB and a dead air arm micro brake and now running sweet
@@triggerbarPhD ruger‘s gas block is a loser on this rifle. Since I changed the gas block, this rifle now runs the way it should have from the beginning
@@triggerbarPhDI just bought mine home like 10 mins ago… I have a bsf 16 barrrl I want to swap but it uses the .875 gas block. Is there an agb that you recommend that would work?
@LightSkinCapabilities that is a little beyond me. I have heard great things about the superlative arms gas blocks and the rifle speed so if they have one in that size should be good to go.
My gas block is also toughing the hand guard rail. It's ridiculous to have to do this much modifications and work to a brand new factory firearm to get it to work.
on my sfar the gasblock touches the handguard on the left side, and there is little space on the right side... seems not centered ill try to rotate a bit it to equal space on both sides?
sad a company like ruger couldn't get this rifle series right before releasing. seems like many people are having one issue or another. glad the PSA10 exist
SFAR was not designed to have one gas setting for a range of ammunition! That is why it has settings. You select the setting that works best for your ammunition. Read the owners manual. My SFAR has never malfunction AFTER selecting the correct setting. Wonderful rifle with great accuracy and little recoil.
Glad yours has worked. I believe I said that and of course I read the owners manual, multiple times. In the end I wanted something that could work with multiple ammo choices and not gas me out of the range. With this change the gun works so much better and works with all ammo on one setting and all ammo with the suppressor on another setting. Sure, it’s not what ruger designed, I just don’t care for what they designed and this works much better. Aside from my gas key coming loose and having to go back to ruger, mine would have worked like yours. Now mine works with two settings for all ammo and my suppressor with less gas and recoil. Your mileage may vary.
Great informative video. How much did it cost you to send it back and forth to Ruger? I've just bought this rifle and still waiting for my background to clear. Kinda bummed out that this rifle is half baked and having gas block issues. I'd like to think that my rifle won't have these issues but i bet a farm on it that they all are like that. Thanks for sharing your finding and this video. Cheers
Thank-you that’s very kind of you. Ruger paid for all the shipping back and forth and they were extremely professional. In the end, with their help, I was able to get the gun to be reliable with 308 on setting 2. But it continued to bug me that it would run 7.62 nato on setting 2 and had to be run on setting 3. I think that is their design intent. The gun is very gassy on setting 3 and has what I’d call excessive recoil. Also the manual warns about running on setting 3. So with that I took the leap based on others feedback to put my own adjustable gas block on. I’m so glad I did. I really love how the gun runs. If your gun runs you’ll be very happy. You may have no desire to run 7.62 nato anyways so hopefully your gun will just be perfect! If not, I hope some of this helps! Take care!
It has so much potential to be great. That’s why I’ve stuck with fixing it. If you get one, hope it works out great! But hopefully you go into it knowing there could be issues!!
Yes Sir. I've been going over them pretty consistently for awhile. I'm not the biggest Ruger fan nor do I dislike them if that makes sense. I'm waiting for them to get the kinks worked out. I did the same with the Sig P365. The smallness of the SFAR is what I like. It surprises me that Ruger released it before they had handle on it.
Very wise. That’s why I have stuck with it trying so many options because I really like the light weight nature of it. I’m glad it’s working now for me because of what you said.
Most online stores will sell it, brownells, midway usa, or direct from aero precision. Make sure you get a mid-length gas tube as well. Right now they are under $70 at midway usa. Get the .75" diameter one. Lots of videos on how to install a gas block online just make sure you get aligned correctly, some good videos out there on that too. Hardest part for me was getting the old one off! hahaha.
No I ran it stock when I first got it back. No spring or buffer changes. It worked better but I couldn’t get it to run on 7.62 NATO unless it was on setting 3. So in theory it was working. Ruger never claimed it would run on one setting with all ammo. I just wanted it to do that! Hence this change. But seems like if there is a spot with a different gas block that runs all ammo, shouldn’t they have found that with their new one? I could tune my gas down even more to run the 308 on less. But this is much less over gassed than setting 3. At any rate, short answer new gas regulator helps, but would like better. Hence this change. Thanks for watching all of these!!!
But when it came back it had the BCG swapped right? How many rounds did you give it before deciding to change? There is definitely some variation, my gun runs everyone on 2 now with the update. I guess that’s one of the nice parts about this platform, a lot of options to get it tuned exactly how you want it. 👍🏻
That’s awesome! So glad it’s running everything on setting 2 after that change. Yes they did have to change my bcg. I ran about 200 rounds with the setup that I got back from them. I thought it was going to run everything on setting 2 but after about 70 rounds it’s stopped running the 7.62 on setting 2.
Had some bad experiences with my 16” SFAR too. Switched to a H2 buffer and it ran better but not great. Lots of failures to pick up a round and failing to lock back on an empty mag. I’m going to try the Aero gas block with the H2 buffer. Thanks for the great video!
@@triggerbarPhD I got out to the range and had zero malfunctions with three types of .308. Settled in on 12 clicks on the Aero adjustable gas block. Shot 50 rounds in all and noticed much less chewed up brass in the action and BCG. I’m going to head out with 7.62x51mm on my next trip but I think it will be just fine.
@jamescaravello8482 that’s about where I ended up too. So glad to hear this is working for you!! I agree I think you’ll be fine. The gun is pretty nice now right?!?
Howdy trig, glad to see you having much better luck with the new system. Looks like ya got her where ya want her, (knock on wood). Are ya feeling any difference with the H-buffer?
Hey Brad!! It’s slight. I think it just takes a little edge off but not much. I tried tuning it first with an H3 but it felt like I had to use too much gas to get it to run. This seems like a better compromise.
The gas block that comes with it lacks the adjustability that the Aero or any other off the shelf gas block has. The stock ones either wide open or not enough, or not enough and nothing depending on the ammo. Happy that you went the aftermarket adjustable gas block route. I wont be able to shoot low powered stuff until i switch the Gas block, but im fine with that. Ill just shoot my other 308's that are tuned for the low power stuff. Those would be my Kel Tec RFB and my M1A standard with the Schuster plug.
@@triggerbarPhD I did some more experimenting. After piecing my recent 5.56 build with a lightened BCG and adjustable gas block, it wouldn't hold back on the last round all the way open. I realized that the spring was longer than a carbine spring. I put a carbine spring in and voila, it held open. I took it a step further and took out the buffer weight, had zero affect. I took this knowledge and applied it to the SFAR. Spring appears rifle length, I turned the gas to 2 and swapped out a carbine spring. It worked! I put the original spring in with an empty buffer and wouldn't go into battery on the first round. Ive determined with my setup that 7.62 NATO will run on 2 with a carbine spring. Shot a whole 20 rd magazine with zero issues on#2 and held back on the last round
@@fubuh8r that’s great info. I did try mine with a Geissele braided spring and have some videos on that. Wasn’t able to achieve what I did with the gas block change. But I think all these rifles just have a huge variability in them so probably each one has to be taken independently.
I hate to say it but issues like this with the SFAR were always a possibility in a gen 1 rifle. Ya know I almost bought an MDRX but I’m glad I didn’t in 2022 since I’ve heard of multiple updates they’ve had to make this year to the X model and not just the original MDR. So what did I do? I bought a couple AR10’s, built out some Aero Precision M5/M5E1’s and a PSA AR10 Gen 2, they’re all flawless and cost me a little over a grand each. The SFAR was about the same cost and I told myself if it doesn’t work out I could just sell it or even just leave it in a corner to favor a true AR10 with no issues. I’ve only had minor problems with my SFAR, but I’m just not sure if I’d take say it to battle over all else yet. The hunting woods or range sure it’s a nice bring along, it’s not life and death for me there so a good place to break er in. But like most I don’t got 2-500 or even 1k .308 rounds to just shoot through each rifle to get em broken in, I can spare a few boxes sure, but then I got to chill. I’ve added a Kyneshot hyrdraulic buffer weight, a Geiselle braided spring, and Geiselle SSA-E trigger, a law tactical folder, a Griffin Armament SNACH charging handle, and I run a Thunder Chicken can on the end pretty much as a dedicated setup. It works, but my charging handle will tend to bump back some, which I’m not a fan of. Other than that it seems to run okay. At least it only cost a grand or so to start with the SFAR, and Ruger stands by their products. However this will definitely be a better Gen 2 rifle that’s for sure.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s a gen one it will get better. Glad yours is working out! I don’t normally rush to 1000 rounds in a gun but I kind of was just obsessed with trying different things with this gun and that obsession got away from me a little! 🤣
When people started having issues with the gas settings my first thought was to do what you did. Good to know that it is a good fix if I ever decide to get one. Thanks
The secret to enjoying the SFAR: Don't waste your money. It is a Dollar General low quality weapon. I won't buy cheap weapons. They are to defend my family and my own life. Not a place to cut corners.
Personally I go back to thinking I should have got the sig 716. I actually held one at the gun store when I got the sfar. It is heavier, at least that’s what the scale says, but honestly in person I couldn’t tell the difference. Now I have zero experience with it personally but I have friends who have them and swear by them. If you don’t mind going heavier the psa gen 3 ar-10 and aero m5 I’ve heard to be great too.
Thanks for another helpful video. My FSAR has had multiple issues with two trips back to Ruger. Now I'm trying to get the gas system working correctly. Ive considered changing the gas regulator/ block but would really like to get the original working. I tried the new revision regulator but its no better than the first one (setting 3 is too much gas, 2 is too little). What i ended up doing was gradually opening up port #2. The "sweet spot" seems to be 0.0728" for my 168gr, 2550fps loads. However, what has me stumped now is it has a 3o'clock ejection pattern for the first 20 or so rounds and then the pressure drops off and by the time 60 rounds are fired the ejection is at 5:00 and bolt wont lock back and failure to feed occur. SO I Wonder if you will have the same problem with your adjustable block after digesting multiple rounds? Ruger has to do better!
I haven’t see than on mine. But…I feel like I had that a lot prior to changing the gas block. I need to do a bit more testing with the new gas block. I probably have 100 rounds with it and haven’t seen it do that…yet. I’d want to get more rounds before I can definitively tell you that. I assume you have checked to make sure the current gas block isn’t hitting the hand rail and is seated right on the gas port (no weird gas escaping and discoloration and the screws are tight.
@@triggerbarPhD Yes gas port alignment is good. I can see it on the gas regulator during cleaning. The gas port/ hole isn’t getting fouled or partially blocked either. The gas block itself is tight and torqued. BTW Forward Controls makes a nice sling adapter that replaces that plastic piece and allows staking. The bolt isn’t getting carboned up or frozen. This is very troubling that my gun loses reliability after approximately 30 rounds. I’ll keep working on it. I may have to give in and change to an adjustable GB
@Trigger-Bar Just a quick update. I ended up installing a Superlative Arms adjustable Gas block. and went with a H2 buffer and a Red Sprinco buffer spring. When I left the range the GB setting was backed most of the way out, allowing for max gas pressure release,/ bypass. Brass ejection was roughly 2:30. I order a H3 buffer and will try that next range trip to see if I can get to 3:00. With this GB I didnt see the degrading pressure problem that I was experiencing with the Ruger "gas regulator". Reliability is still questionable as I always get a FTF at some point during a firing session. Trying hard and spending too much to get this rifle to function as it should.
@@danhadley3432 hmm. Do you get lock back with shooting just one round? Ugh this is so frustrating. I am a little worried that you can only get it to run on the most open setting. That means you may still need more gas. Did you try it will the normal buffer weight? I can’t tell if it needs more gas or less but if you said you have to have it all the way open that tells me more so I’d recommend trying your original buffer weight at this point. This rifle is so annoying because it has so much potential but is so frustrating. Did you ever send yours back to ruger?
@@triggerbarPhD My issue with Ruger's gas regulator was setting 2 was under gassed, setting 3 was way over. The Superlative Arms Gas Block is unique in that it has 2 "modes" one is restrictive like a normal GB and the other is that it vents excess gas out the front of the block. I have mine set so it is venting as much as it can out the front and thus limiting how much is heading to the BCG. So even then I was getting over gassed, ejection near 1:00. So I went with a heavier buffer and stiffer spring. When I did that the ejection pattern got better but still in the 2:00 range. Im hoping the H3 will add a little more mass and get me closer to 3:00. For some reason my gun is really over gassed. And yes my gun has been back to Ruger twice because it wouldnt eject brass, first a new BCG which didnt change anything, then they changed the barrel, which helped the stuck case problem but the over gas condition was still a problem. Your video convinced me to give up on the gas regulator. Several types of ammo were tried with the same results BTW.
That’s the main problem with swapping this out is losing the great design from ruger to have it accessible from the side of the handguard. Initially I just used the ruger hand guard kept a longer gas key like a 6” one with me in my bag for adjustments. But I saw another RUclips video where they put on the 12.625” Midwest industries handguard on. I did that later after I was convinced this was going to work. I now have that on mine. I still need to go in from the top but because it’s much closer to the end I can keep a short key in the grip where ruger had theirs. Other have gone to the rifle speed gas block for this reason, you can get a long one and people have had great success with that. I haven’t tried that but thought you should be aware of that option.
@@triggerbarPhDThanks for your response. I've seen Hops video and he also installed the Midwest rail with the riflespeed gas block but mentioned, that this doesn't really solve the problem since that combination only leaves very small space between de GB and the handguard. I believe that there should be at least 2mm of space. I will probably try to dremel the standard Handguard and use the original GB since I don't have any gas problems. That might help with accuracy.
@@MrSchnyderli oh yes, sorry. With the aero gas block and the Midwest handguard there are no issues. The ruger fit much better too since it’s a smaller gas block. My original gb was slightly touching and it does help with accuracy so yah, the dremel seems like a great approach!
You always have to remember Ruger uses a gas regulator on the SFAR not a gas block! also the Ruger SFAR is the first generation of the SFAR, maybe if Ruger continues to make the SFAR, they will build it better in future generations.. Just saying
Prior to replacing the gas block, and after ruger fixed a couple of things (bcg and regulator) I was able to run 308 on setting 2 and suppressed on setting 1. I was able to run 7.62 NATO on setting 3 and suppressed NATO on setting 2. Once I replaced the gas block with the 15 setting aero precision gas block, I could run both 308 and NATO on setting 11 and both suppressed on setting 9. Thank-you!
No. While a top end gas blocks with a lot of adjustment should not be required actually working should be a requirement. However if that is only completed with a gas block with many settings then that is what needs to be done. In theory that would cost them $50 more max.
Right? Your think after having to redesign the regulator and over and over people sending them back, they’d make that change. I’d prefer their interface but I do prefer my gun to work above all else!!
Is there a similar rifle you would recommend? I was looking at buying one of these or the Springfield saint victor. The victor is a heavier ar-10 style rifle, but as far as I can tell it's pretty reliable. Thanks for documenting your experience and testing with this gun to help people if they encounter these same issues.
Thank-you! Honestly, all the ar-10 (lr-308 and dpms) all seem to have some similar issues though the SFAR seems to have some “birthing” pains. Equal to the SFAR? The POF is basically the same rifle. But you’ll pay almost 3x the price. But it runs. I had much fewer issues with my aero M5 but it is waaaay heavier. Honestly, knowing what I know now, I’d go with the Sig 716i. Wait for a sale on it and I’ve seen it this year for around $1350. Just be ready for no matter what you go with, it likely won’t be as reliable as any ar-15 you pickup. But you could also get lucky if you go this route! 🤣🤷♂️. Some people say theirs run fine. Once running right this SFAR is a real joy to own and shoot but could take a lot of back and forth with ruger and personal mods to make it work. I thought Brass Facts did a great comprehensive review of the “ar-10” options here: ruclips.net/video/tJ9X5INLevg/видео.htmlsi=BjNTCaeA_lw8p5yV
🤐 Wish I could say something about my situation, but it's not finalized yet and I could be screwed between then and now, as it will determine what I end up saying. 🤐 However, I will continue to be happy for those getting around their particular issues, or having never experienced them at all. Good job keeping your perseverance and motivation going! 👍
Hey there,I really appreciate the practical info w the gas block & real time ammo performance testing you've done. I'm seriously considering buying a .308 SFAR 20" bbl so any video's like what you've done here are invaluable,especially w the price of .308/7.62 nato,lol! I figured that getting into a semi automatic. 308 for under a grand wouldn't be as easy just buying the rifle,slapping a 4-12×40mm vortex,sig or leupold & making 1 moa groups at 500yds,lol! I,was,looking at a PSA AR-10 build for about $550 w the Freedom Week sales but I'm a Ruger man,I love my Mini-30 & 14,PCC,10/22,American Predator .223,Gunsite Scout 308 & 5.56,Red Label 12ga,1911,SR45 & Old Army w the conversion cylinder for .45lc so I would've felt guilty if I didnt go for the SFAR,LOL!!! My thoughts pre buy were exactly what you've done,beef up the gas block,change out the gas tube,add titanium/heat treated stainless steel screws,maybe get a beefy-er firing pin,adjust the weight of the buffer,etc,ad nauseum😂!Again, thank you for putting this info out there & also I like your closing music,it definitely sounds like Jimi ,who is my hero!!
Thanks so much, that’s very kind of you. I definitely love this rifle now. It took a while. If you are willing to do that work , and perhaps send it back to ruger, it’s worth it in the end. This thing is basically the weight of an ar-15. I have an aero precision m5, which i think is similar to the psa-10. Those are pretty heavy rifles. No issues for bench rest or on a stand (in fact may be better because less felt recoil), but for anything else this platform is better but Ruger needs to step up their game and get this quality control taken care of. But again, this is a unicorn rifle at this price point and capability so I’m just glad it’s out there!! Good luck and let us know how it goes!!
@@triggerbarPhD I put a down payment on the 20" .308 SFAR through Guncrewllc on Gunbroker,their "Layaway" program is stupidly awesome! In the meantime I'm gonna start getting some good match ammo & a really decent optic so by Christmas I'll be straight up set & raring to go! I gotta watch your channel a few more times & there's a couple of other guys on RUclips who are serious minded w good practical knowledge(Lotta SFAR yahoos out there also,lol) I always watch the finger placement on the trigger,dead giveaway for if I'm gonna even listen to or chuckle at what they're talking about! Thanks for responding to my post! Happy 🗽🎇🎇🎉💣💥🌭🍔🍻🏴☠️🇺🇲!!😜🤙
Oh yea! Guncrewllc has a semi automatic. 300 winchester magnum AR platform looking rifle! I thought about for a long second but I'm a Ruger man & I think the SFAR is gonna look really sexy next to my .308 Gunsite Scout & the Minis(14,14 Target & 30)!! Ya know...every Ruger I own(other than the 10/22) has had to go back to Ruger for a tune up but those guys always do a good job tweaking it up! My grandpa told me"Patience Is The Hunter" & I never got it until I owned a Ruger,lol!!
That’s a good idea. In the end I just changed out the gas block for an aero precision adjustable gas block that has 15 settings and that works great. Was able to find a couple of good settings for suppressed and unsuppressed.
I have been watching your videos and happy you got the rifle to run correctly. Could I ask for the part number of the Aero precision gas block and tube you ordered please?
Thank you very much for the information! My rifle runs perfectly fine with any type of ammo on setting 3. If I adjust the gas block to setting 2 it will not cycle any type of ammo. The bolt carrier will not come back far enough to pick up another round. I’m sure I could call Ruger and get a new gas block, or the parts to fix the one I already have. Instead of going through all of that I will just purchase the adjustable gas block from aero precision! Thank you for the video and the information!!
@theboatshoptb after having put in a replacement regulator and have them “fix “ it at ruger and it still not work, the aero gas block worked for me. Hopefully it works for you!!
You should not have to do all that to get the Ruger SFAR, It should take 7.62 x 51/308 without any alterations. I look at Ruger brand as top notch. They should make it right. I ordered 1 before watching your videos. I do not plan on spending hundreds of dollars to figure out that they need to fix issues with a quality gun. Sorry you are going through this I hope I do not get a lemon..
Many people have reported theirs works...And others report theirs don't. I hope you got a good one too!! Agreed. I did send my back and Ruger did "fix" it but it just still wasn't running totally right so I decided to take things into my own hands!!
What I found with mine was that with the old regulator I had problems almost on all settings with various ammo. With the new regulator I was able to run 308 on setting 2 and 7.62 nato on setting 3. I then replaced the ruger gas block with an aero precision adjustable gas block and I was able to find a single setting that has run every ammo I have (various 308 and 7.62 Nato). Hope that helps!
Does the aero gas block void warranty. Say if I had to send it in if I’m still having issues. Also I was wondering if you could show your feed ramps because mine is jamming on feeding a new round I noticed my feed ramps are not cut into the lower receiver like on my ar15 it is Also gougeing the brass on the neck like the ramps are dong it I was going to polish also didn’t know if that would void warranty any help is appreciated thanks
I would imagine it does void the warranty. However....I would just put the original one back on...But I've sent mine back and while they replaced my bcg which needed repair, the rifle still had problems. So void the warranty or have a rifle that works on select samples of ammo. I haven't seen any issues with my feed ramp. I had problems with feeding but it was all gas related. Once I tuned it with different buffer weights OR changed the gas block out, it worked (and tighted down the gas key...sigh). But before doing any of those things check your bcg, make sure the gas key is right, then check your gas block and make sure the screws are tight. The gauging on the brass is again gas issues. If you fix your gas that all goes away, trust me I've seen all of those issues...
@@triggerbarPhD thanks for your help after watching your series I ordered aero adjustable gas block and strik industries adjustable buffer weight I hope it helps. I have had the gun all apart and the gas key is tight but I did find a burr on the end of the bolt tail that I carefully removed like the fireng pin was causing it which made the bolt come out of the Bcg fairly hard now it’s nice and easy also found burrs on the bolt lugs and feed ramps that were carefully removed I have some machineing experience so you can’t even tell I was in there. For warranty sake. I haven’t shot it since working on it also haven’t put gas block on yet.
@adamkelley3622 wow that’s crazy about that burr and glad you found it. Hopefully you are gtg once the new gas block comes in!! Let me know how it goes!!
Thank you for the videos TBP. I don't want to hijack your video but I just got my Ruger SFAR delivered to my door. Literally 5 minutes ago. I am an FFL Dealer. The Bolt is copper colored not black. The ejector is black. There is a silver band all the way around the bolt except where the ejector is right behind the lugs as well as half way down the bolt. This is very odd. Has anyone seen these before? I will reach out to Ruger and see what's up. Thanks for any feedback guys.
Hi all I sent Ruger a picture of the bolt and a Valerie that works there got back to me and told me that the technicians said it it supposed to be that color. I cleaned the barrel and the cleaned and lubed the BCG and shot it 5 times, It ran great. so far so good. I hope it was one of the newer ones and maybe they got them fixed?
Yes it is. If you are willing to do this and potentially work with ruger to have them fix other issues (which they do right away and are easy to work with), then yes. Man it is so lightweight and such a great gun when running right.
Hey TBP I just got my 20 in sfar back from ruger it fires loads and locks back on 2 with norma Winchester hornady 150 fine and un damage brass hornady 165 am whitetail and 165 superformance sst fires and locks back exactly the same but the ejectors and extractor are damaging the brass am I going to have to use only 150gr or is this a bcg issue
Sounds to me like it is still over gassed on setting two. You could try to use a heavier buffer like an h1 to slow it down just a tad. But glad to hear it is running better!
For this video: aero precision .750 journaled adjustable gas block and mid length aero precision gas tube. In later videos I have the primary arms plxc 1-8 lpvo. Then the hand guard is: Combat Rail One Piece Free Float Handguard, M-LOK™ MI-CRM12.625 Handguard Length: 12.625" from Midwest Industries.
Probably well worth it at this point. The POF had its problems originally but they have been worked out. Never great to be on the experimental side of a gun. How is the POF been for you?
I really appreciate your video as i got an sfar 16.1” 2 weeks ago and nothing but problems with several settings and ammo. Your video is so edited between shots that it appears to be a cover up or sales pitch. Unfortunately dont know what to believe in this day and age. Really disappointed in Ruger for making their customers find solutions to their problems
I’m sorry. Most of my editing is done because I try to remove a lot my “um’s” or awkward long pauses. Also I’ve had to at times edit out showing things because RUclips won’t allow me to show it. At this point, I have about 8 videos before this one, and two after this one, the rifle is finally running correctly. That was after a trip back to ruger, which they paid for, where they replaced the bcg and gave me yet another regulator. Then as shown in this video I replaced the gas block with one from aero precision. I own this rifle and paid for it out of my own money and I don’t get squat from anyone. I wanted this rifle to run and so I worked hard to try to get it there and hopefully show people my process and journey incase it might help. For me, getting a repaired bcg from them, and then putting a gas block with more adjustable settings made this rifle reliable. Others have reported they still had problems. 🤷♂️. Others had no problems from the start. Hard to say what a new purchase would give. Hope this helps and sorry for the low quality and editing, I’m not trying to hide anything except what YT won’t let me post.
For me Ruger has lost a lot of luster. Recalls, non recalls on flaws (57 safety) reliability issues (PC carbine) and other issues had me sell all my rugers except my 308 scout rifle (mod 77 action been around a long time). And I won’t buy another Ruger product.
Unfortunate...I have the RPR as well. Both in 6.5 creedmoor...after 100 rounds the SFAR shot moa or better on factory loads. I keep 1/2 moa on my RPR with hand loads. I expect the SFAR will be just short of 1/2 moa but totally acceptable for autoloading rifle.
So the concept of paying a pretty good amount for a rife , from a reliable company. I can expect to have to buy more parts along with getting my degree in gunsmithing, in order for it to work, operate and function reliably.......SMH......
Yah it’s a lot of ammo invested into this gun. Got it working after this and it’s running great now but man it was expensive trying everything to get it running.
@CrunchDramaNetwork is still say it’s a crap shoot as to where or not you get a reliable one out of the box. I’d say by and large replacing the gas block ends up fixing them if you don’t get a good one. Others just run a couple of types of 308 and it runs fine. But I’ve seen some (rare) people still can’t get it run reliably and need to send it back to ruger (again- try that first if you have problems). From comments on my videos and other RUclipsrs (larger and small) is where I’ve got most of this info, so take it at that value. I can really only speak to mine. There are some early videos out that claim some mythical break in period. That’s been debunked but unfortunately often repeated. The manual and talking to ruger says it’s only 100-200 rounds. If it’s not reliable after that give ruger a call. It is a great gun when it runs. I have several follow on videos showing how I great I think it is. It’s incredible how light it is…
Thank-you for that correction. Did you mean use a torx bit or i said that? They are definitely hex heads but I’ve heard of people using a torx head on a hex head to get them out.
@@triggerbarPhD An appropriate size torx bit driver will fill the opening in a hex head fastener but won't slip / strip like the cheaply made Allen wrench. For many of my experiences, better than an easy out. You mentioned rubber glove. I don't have any so I used a torx bit
Yes, I’ve heard that, thanks for the clarification!! Easy out is a dangerous road to go down too. I’ve had it work and not work. So good to have other ways before having to resort to that!
Ejection still looks slow I bet if you went with a strike industries flat wire spring it would solve this.. I checked out the one I have on layaway and the ruger spring is HEAVY
The few ars that I've had I put them in and they made a big improvement.. but like I said to the sfar spring is imo too strong compared to my pof p308 which has the flat spring
I’ll definitely check it out. I started with modifying weights and springs and wasn’t satisfied with it. So I went to the agb. I was happier with those results. I have thought to do the spring next but haven’t had a chance to test it out yet and still trying to financially receiver from the 1000 rounds of commercial 308 I put through this rifle in the last 4-5 months!
This trainwreck of a rifle....🫣 Thank you for your persistence. A lot of good info has come out of your videos. Ruger, Ruger, Ruger.....Wth🤷♂️ what happend on this one?
Yah, when it comes down to people having to replace factory items with non-company parts, you have to wonder. I am convinced after this it’s their inability to consistently produce the same gas setting on every rifle. Not sure if it’s the gas hole, or gas block that goes out of spec but in my opinion that’s where the problem is. Hopefully they figure this out in a gen 2…
@@Sjordan8922 Yes, I'm sure publications were in no shape or form influenced by access and money. I bet you think Joe got 81million legit votes as welll...
Happy you've stayed dedicated to this project! My SFAR has no issues, but I would still love to throw on a different AGB. To be able to fine tune it as much as possible. And I'm thankful you took the time to share your experiences! Thx!
Thank-you! Really appreciate you following along and glad yours is still humming along!!
Lovely, Mine does not run well after about 40 rounds it Either has too little gas to take the next round out of the mag or the Bullet will jam upwards holding the bolt open.. mind me asking what ammo are you shooting?
I’ve shot a wide range of 308 and 7.62. I’ve found this rifle likes 308 federal. What have you been shooting?
Ozark, if you do go to a different gas block I'd be interested in buying your factory sfar gas block. I'd like one for another project but ruger won't sell me one as a standalone part
40 rounds, 40 rounds ,newbie that thing isn't even nearly broken in. Don't badmouth a product with so little use. Holly smokes 😢@@goldentiger1266
Stuff like this really dissuades me from buying a sfar. I just want a factory standard rifle that is super reliable
Yup. I think, if you just shoot high quality 308 ammo, you have a chance of it working fine. But if you shoot a range of ammo like I’ve been testing, chances are this is not going to be that rifle! Disappointing.
It’s really not, allot of people have them and don’t have issues. Run the 200 rounds with factory 308 (ain’t gotta be fancy shit) clean it re lube it and run it on setting 2. I’m not gonna say it’s perfect for everyone but I’ve noticed people start changing shit too early.
@@HuntingMontana I am still gonna wait a year or so. I bet ruger will make some production revisions that will improve reliability
@@zekiah2 it could be a possibility, they did create something many dared not. The scariest part as an owner is parts.
There is too many people with problems for it to be all self imposed. You are wise to wait.
Got my new 20-inch to the range today. This is a very exciting product. A company is finally exploiting these new alloys. We should not be disappointed with a few little glitches. It's encouraging to have a solid base rifle that we can work. I put a green sprinCo buffer spring in and an h3 buffer in ran it suppressed on setting two. Functioned perfectly. But with the adjustable gas I think that could be fine-tuned. I think they missed the bet by not extending the buffer tube by 3/4 inch and using the vltor buffers. That would allow you to tune this rifle perfectly to match your preferred ammo.
I have the same overall thinking on this. So much promise and this is a major manufacturers first attempt (POF is not major). They will get it working and everyone will own one and other companies will come out with them. Glad you got yours tuned!
@@gunlearning4628 good information! Thanks for sharing what you did w your tweaks!!
So good, you're on a roll with the SFAR videos, love it
Hahaha thanks! Everyone wants this thing to work, the hope of a light weight ar-10 is so alluring!
Thanks for the follow-up and congratulations on getting yours running like you want it! You certainly worked for it!
Hahaha! Thank you!
I just purchased a 20” SFAR and have run 200rds on setting 3 of 4 different rounds and it ran flawlessly. Love it so far.
That’s very good to hear!
Same here...I have the RPR as well. Both in 6.5 creedmoor...after 100 rounds the SFAR shot moa or better on factory loads. I keep 1/2 moa on my RPR with hand loads. I expect the SFAR will be just short of 1/2 moa but totally acceptable for autoloading rifle.
Glad the Aero block worked out for you. Ruger has some issues with their gas blocks not getting a good seal and the running into the rail is unacceptable. I wouldn’t have bought mine if I intended to keep it stock though.
Great points. The gas block seating issue is one I didn’t have but have read about on some of the forums. Thank-you!
Would you be interested in selling the factory sfar gas block? I'd like one for another project but ruger won't sell me one as a standalone part
Sure, email me, it’s on my channel description (you have to click to reveal the email but I listed it).
I admire your persistence.....😀
Hahahaha. That’s a kind way of putting it! Some call me stubborn 😂🤣🤷♂️
Thank you for what you have done here. I appreciate your testing and tuning put out in videos. I so wanted the SFAR to be a great rifle, but it simply is not. I am not happy with Ruger and their response to my issues with the SFAR to date. The lady I talked to told me they have never heard of any problems regarding the function of the rifle, but that I should send it in so they can monkey around with it. Not very confidence inspiring. Now thanks to you, I have a better idea of what to do to bring it up to at least a functional level.
That’s not hopeful. Just from these videos I’ve heard from a LOT of people with issues. Glad this helped but I’m really hoping ruger makes a gen 2 soon and fixes all of these issues! I’m sure too late for me but this platform has promise!
Glad you might have got it fixed. Ive seen a lot of people saying they changed out the gas block to get it to run properly. I have the 20" version and have only got to put 30 rounds down range so far. It didn't have an issue but the ejection isn't the best. Thanks for the in depth videos on this rifle.
Thanks! Yes I tried to avoid doing this and tried pretty much everything else. Springs and buffer weights are easier but I figured I just needed to bite the bullet. Good luck on yours! Hopefully it works out!!
I have the 20 inch and only ran 30 rounds at 100 yards to zero and check the accuracy. Setting 3 ran fine - tore up the brass a bit - over gassed somewhat.. Setting 2 not so much - not always cycling. I just bought a Midway H2 4.6 ounce buffer to tame the recoil form the over gassed setting 3. If this works and slows down the BCG and reduces the recoil - I'll just let it run on setting 3. Oh - 1 MOA with Sig Elite 150 grain.
@@armycaptain37a59 glad that is working for you!
For me looking at the sfar bolt scares me so the 20 inch while i would prefer an 18 inch it doesn't exist but going with a rifle lenght gas system may improve bolt life and your extractor.
@Shark_Theory that seems very valid.
Great video. Very useful information. I have found the new 20 round mags loaded with 10 more seem to cause more loading issues due to spring pressure. Another reason why i like running the 10 round mags.
That’s a good point and in my recent testing I haven’t been loading full mags. Need to do that! It just gets so dang expensive. I’ll do that with my hand loads!!
Found the same
I've had this intense interest in the SFAR since launch as a lightweight 'scout' rifle that can flex into duty / patrol rifle roles and keep up with more conventional carbines due to the smaller form factor. I appreciate videos like this one because it's giving me some good insight into what I'll likely need to do in order to achieve what I want out of the platform, though in fairness I do plan on going a lot further than many/most. Rebarreling with HM Defense' monobloc barrel with a medium-light contour and .081" gas port, sending off a spare BCG to get a polish and DLC coating, Tubbs flat spring + whatever buffer ends up working best, and tuning the thing around use of a Flow 762 ti. Theoretically the low backpressure from flow-through style cans should eliminate the typical need for adjustable gas blocks on AR's with suppressors. All in all this should make for a pretty reliable harder-use rifle than what Ruger ships.
I’m excited to hear how the new barrel and different gas port makes. That should be awesome!!!
Glad to see that you have the skills to handle this project. Unfortunately, I got lost with your different explanations on how to replace the gas tube on the SFAR. For those of us with limited skills, we have to depend on sending it back to the factory for them to figure out what's wrong. Enjoyed your video.
Yah, I get that. And my apologies I didn’t show it all, youtube is tricky with showing changes to the gun so I only wanted to show a couple of things that I got stuck on and was confusing me after I went down this rabbit hole. I hadn’t ever done it before this so had to learn a few things but fortunately there are many manufacturer (like brownells) who can show how-to videos. Best of luck!
Meh, your just afraid of breaking something that's already broken. Watch videos of how to do stuff and then do it. Ain't nuthin done that cain't be redone correctly ... as Ruger has demonstrated.
Take a walk on the wild side, it'll be ok. You'll learn something and gain some confidence.
@@twboegel2918 Truth. Dig in and learn in real-time.
Great video! Found this bc my SFAR sucks, already sent back to ruger, still sucks. Bolt override malfunctions, fails to eject, LRBHO failures, chews the shit out of brass. Putting a superlative gas block on this weekend to hopefully make it better, and may add a heavier buffer as you have done. Glad this appears to be a solution.
Sure! Glad it helps (or hopefully). I’ve heard from others that did exactly as you are doing it the superlative works great! Good luck and let me know!!
Just purchased one. Had issues with brass ejection out of the box with m80 lake city. Had a few boxes of palmetto state .308 which worked well. M80 lack city appears to not have as much pressure as the PSA .308. The gun is rough on brass but should be able to reload it in the future.
@fred-ts9pb yah that’s consistent with what I found.
Good video. Well explained, and looks like a good fix. Hopefully it's still working out for you. Now Ruger has what they call a second generation gas block regulator, that is supposed to fix some of these reliability issues. I think they ship out the new part for free, if you contact them.
Yes! I tried that in a video prior to this coming out and was one of the first to try it. It kind of worked…. On most 308, setting 2 ran great but I still had to switch it to setting 3 for 7.62 NATO. In the end I got kind of sick of having to try and predict which setting an ammo would need. Hence I went to one that had more settings so I could find one that ran all the ammo, this is doing it. Thanks for the tip though!
Ruger sent me a new gas regulator and same as original one except the number 2 hole was drilled out to 5/64, you could see the coating was off by the hole just a bit. I also read that a gentleman put in a Tubbs AR10 flat wire buffer spring and he said fixed all the problems, bought one also, still need to try both. Just a FYI, thanks for the videos, good job! Dan R.
Thanks for the update on yours. Yes I had that new regulator as well and it did improve things for me. Also I tried a different buffer spring and may yet try that tubs one as that seems like a good one. For now I’m happy with mine so more likely I’ll stop changing here but I really do appreciate hearing what others are doing and I think that may help people who these things may be a simpler fix for than a gas block replacement.
Thanks for the video man I definitely wondered if a different adjustable gas block was the answer. Yes Ruger needs to change the design of their gas block to have more settings. And by the way you're adding an extra "P" to the name of the Hornady ammunition when you pronounce it.
Thanks!
It'd be interesting to know if Ruger has only sampled a limited types of various rounds or like you mentioned only built it around running a particular flavor per setting.
Can't help but wonder if the people saying theirs is fine, is only because they haven't cycled through the number of rounds you have. Or if it's a matter of some variance in Ruger's QC? And a certain percentage of what they ship out are going to have issues?
You now need to go out and buy 4 more of these rifles and duplicate all of the steps to see!!
Ruger probably watching what is going on here and you are doing their testing for them.
But also as you mentioned, like we see with other cartridges (5.7 & 10mm) there's quite a difference in not only power, but also the different types of tips.
I'm still interested to see my results when I get back to trying to cycle lots of the 125 gr Nosler BTs. With my luck, it will cycle and then shoot 18" groups. Or it will shoot .0005" groups, and not feed. haha
As always, great insights. I’m guessing it’s the combo of issues we are seeing: people only trying a couple of different types of ammo, QC from Ruger, and probably some design issues (single screw for the gas key) as well. And I the various tip types is another variable. I know when people send their rifle back, Ruger only tests it with one type of ammo. Yah, I think my rifle is the only one I’ll have. 🤣😂. Need 4 more people to get one! 😂🤣.
Definitely looking forward to your 125 gr Norma’s. 🤣😂. I resemble that luck!!
I see Ruger has made, and is sending out to SFAR customers a newly designed Gas Block. The hole on number 2 adjustment is noticably larger than on the original. I'm wondering if this isn't worth a try before fitting another brand? Your thoughts about this ?
I tried that in a previous video. It did improve things for me, but I found that I had to run 308 ammo on setting 2, but 7.62 Nato ammo on setting 3. Then if I had a can on, I had to run it on setting 2 for 7.62 Nato and setting 1 for 308. Some people that's fine and they only shoot 308 so for them, that shows its working right. In the end I wanted and felt like I needed more adjustability. I feel I have that now with this system. I have one setting for unsuppressed and one setting for suppressed, instead of variable per the ammo I'm shooting. Thanks for asking though!!
Nice outcome, seems that AP AGB tamed that rifle to how it should work. Always seemed Ruger's gas block was inefficient with all the carbon fouling on it and the gas tube. Add to that the gas porting on the bolt and barrel extension, they just didn't get it right.
Agreed. They just didn’t get it right some how. Hopefully they come out with a gen 2 with all of these issues addressed!
Almost bought the Sfar, and because of a few reviews I watched like yours, I decide to stick to my original 308 plan and built a 16 inch dpms with a little weight savings in mind. With a ARMALITE CARBINE LENGTH gas tube from Anderson, Faxon Big Gunner 16 inch, and LMT 308 BCG and a Superlative Arms Bleed Off AGB, my rifle runs perfectly 15 or 16 clicks out from closed, with both 308&762x51. Probably throw a brake on and call it a day.
Still a good bit heavier than the Sfar, but an absolutely much more robust rifle, and built for around the same price.
That’s fantastic!! Sounds like an awesome setup! Thanks for reporting it!!
Makes u want a socom 16 from Springfield Armory don’t u think?
Yes it does! One that just runs!!
Nope, too heavy.
@@davidwarren3433 Bought the ruger for the weight reduction.
So, sounds like they failed to properly dial-in their adjustable ports on their gas block. If you can cycle to lock-back using lower pressure ammo, with the Aero block at full open, sounds like you solved the issue 🎉. I just happen to have a spare and new Aero .75 adjustable in my parts bin. Did you have to use a new gas tube, or did you just decide to start fresh?
Thanks! I think you’ll like it. I could not with my low level of skill get the gas tube out of the original gas block. I tried removing the pins but from everything I’ve seen from others they use two pins instead of one, and at least for me I couldn’t remove either. So I just got a new tube. I was worried about that because of the length difference but in the end it worked just fine and haven’t had an issue.
Changing the gas block has made all the difference for this 16” rifle, added a superlative arms adjustable GB and a dead air arm micro brake and now running sweet
That’s awesome! I’ve heard great things about both the superlative arms gb and the rifle speed one too!
@@triggerbarPhD ruger‘s gas block is a loser on this rifle. Since I changed the gas block, this rifle now runs the way it should have from the beginning
@@stuartdivebum agreed.
@@triggerbarPhDI just bought mine home like 10 mins ago… I have a bsf 16 barrrl I want to swap but it uses the .875 gas block. Is there an agb that you recommend that would work?
@LightSkinCapabilities that is a little beyond me. I have heard great things about the superlative arms gas blocks and the rifle speed so if they have one in that size should be good to go.
My gas block is also toughing the hand guard rail.
It's ridiculous to have to do this much modifications and work to a brand new factory firearm to get it to work.
Completely agree with you and I think a lot of gas blocks are touching on the SFAR and people haven’t checked it!
on my sfar the gasblock touches the handguard on the left side, and there is little space on the right side...
seems not centered
ill try to rotate a bit it to equal space on both sides?
@@triggerbarPhD more than likely the issue why many complain about its accuracy.
@@D3st1nyHD yep gonna have to do some messing around with mine also.
@@toddparsons2980 agreed
sad a company like ruger couldn't get this rifle series right before releasing. seems like many people are having one issue or another. glad the PSA10 exist
Agreed very sad. But my hope is like PSA there will be a gen 2 and gen 3 that works through these! I guess a reminder to don’t buy gen 1! 😂🤣
SFAR was not designed to have one gas setting for a range of ammunition! That is why it has settings. You select the setting that works best for your ammunition. Read the owners manual. My SFAR has never malfunction AFTER selecting the correct setting. Wonderful rifle with great accuracy and little recoil.
Glad yours has worked. I believe I said that and of course I read the owners manual, multiple times. In the end I wanted something that could work with multiple ammo choices and not gas me out of the range. With this change the gun works so much better and works with all ammo on one setting and all ammo with the suppressor on another setting. Sure, it’s not what ruger designed, I just don’t care for what they designed and this works much better. Aside from my gas key coming loose and having to go back to ruger, mine would have worked like yours. Now mine works with two settings for all ammo and my suppressor with less gas and recoil. Your mileage may vary.
Great informative video. How much did it cost you to send it back and forth to Ruger? I've just bought this rifle and still waiting for my background to clear. Kinda bummed out that this rifle is half baked and having gas block issues. I'd like to think that my rifle won't have these issues but i bet a farm on it that they all are like that. Thanks for sharing your finding and this video. Cheers
Thank-you that’s very kind of you. Ruger paid for all the shipping back and forth and they were extremely professional. In the end, with their help, I was able to get the gun to be reliable with 308 on setting 2. But it continued to bug me that it would run 7.62 nato on setting 2 and had to be run on setting 3. I think that is their design intent. The gun is very gassy on setting 3 and has what I’d call excessive recoil. Also the manual warns about running on setting 3. So with that I took the leap based on others feedback to put my own adjustable gas block on. I’m so glad I did. I really love how the gun runs. If your gun runs you’ll be very happy. You may have no desire to run 7.62 nato anyways so hopefully your gun will just be perfect! If not, I hope some of this helps! Take care!
This is probably my next rifle. Thanks for the indepth info on it.
It has so much potential to be great. That’s why I’ve stuck with fixing it. If you get one, hope it works out great! But hopefully you go into it knowing there could be issues!!
Yes Sir. I've been going over them pretty consistently for awhile. I'm not the biggest Ruger fan nor do I dislike them if that makes sense. I'm waiting for them to get the kinks worked out. I did the same with the Sig P365. The smallness of the SFAR is what I like. It surprises me that Ruger released it before they had handle on it.
Very wise. That’s why I have stuck with it trying so many options because I really like the light weight nature of it. I’m glad it’s working now for me because of what you said.
Thankyou for a super video...
How do i order this Gas Block? How much did it cost...
Most online stores will sell it, brownells, midway usa, or direct from aero precision. Make sure you get a mid-length gas tube as well. Right now they are under $70 at midway usa. Get the .75" diameter one. Lots of videos on how to install a gas block online just make sure you get aligned correctly, some good videos out there on that too. Hardest part for me was getting the old one off! hahaha.
Did you ever try running it back to stock with the updated regulator? From what I remember in your last update you still had stuff changed out.
No I ran it stock when I first got it back. No spring or buffer changes. It worked better but I couldn’t get it to run on 7.62 NATO unless it was on setting 3. So in theory it was working. Ruger never claimed it would run on one setting with all ammo. I just wanted it to do that! Hence this change. But seems like if there is a spot with a different gas block that runs all ammo, shouldn’t they have found that with their new one? I could tune my gas down even more to run the 308 on less. But this is much less over gassed than setting 3. At any rate, short answer new gas regulator helps, but would like better. Hence this change. Thanks for watching all of these!!!
But when it came back it had the BCG swapped right? How many rounds did you give it before deciding to change? There is definitely some variation, my gun runs everyone on 2 now with the update. I guess that’s one of the nice parts about this platform, a lot of options to get it tuned exactly how you want it. 👍🏻
That’s awesome! So glad it’s running everything on setting 2 after that change. Yes they did have to change my bcg. I ran about 200 rounds with the setup that I got back from them. I thought it was going to run everything on setting 2 but after about 70 rounds it’s stopped running the 7.62 on setting 2.
Well glad you got it where you want it! Thanks for all the videos!
@@Sjordan8922 yes thanks and glad yours is running too! Now that they run these are awesome guns!!! 😂🤣
Had some bad experiences with my 16” SFAR too. Switched to a H2 buffer and it ran better but not great. Lots of failures to pick up a round and failing to lock back on an empty mag. I’m going to try the Aero gas block with the H2 buffer. Thanks for the great video!
Appreciate it! Let me know how it goes! I went the same route and tried the buffer first.
@@triggerbarPhD I got out to the range and had zero malfunctions with three types of .308. Settled in on 12 clicks on the Aero adjustable gas block. Shot 50 rounds in all and noticed much less chewed up brass in the action and BCG. I’m going to head out with 7.62x51mm on my next trip but I think it will be just fine.
@jamescaravello8482 that’s about where I ended up too. So glad to hear this is working for you!! I agree I think you’ll be fine. The gun is pretty nice now right?!?
@@triggerbarPhD definitely, it went from a gun I was about to trade out to a definite keeper!
Appreciate you doing the legwork on the rifle!
Howdy trig, glad to see you having much better luck with the new system. Looks like ya got her where ya want her, (knock on wood). Are ya feeling any difference with the H-buffer?
Hey Brad!! It’s slight. I think it just takes a little edge off but not much. I tried tuning it first with an H3 but it felt like I had to use too much gas to get it to run. This seems like a better compromise.
The gas block that comes with it lacks the adjustability that the Aero or any other off the shelf gas block has. The stock ones either wide open or not enough, or not enough and nothing depending on the ammo. Happy that you went the aftermarket adjustable gas block route. I wont be able to shoot low powered stuff until i switch the Gas block, but im fine with that. Ill just shoot my other 308's that are tuned for the low power stuff. Those would be my Kel Tec RFB and my M1A standard with the Schuster plug.
Agreed. And this rifle is fine if you are okay with that reduced range of ammo. Cool other 308’s you have though!!
@@triggerbarPhD I did some more experimenting. After piecing my recent 5.56 build with a lightened BCG and adjustable gas block, it wouldn't hold back on the last round all the way open. I realized that the spring was longer than a carbine spring. I put a carbine spring in and voila, it held open. I took it a step further and took out the buffer weight, had zero affect. I took this knowledge and applied it to the SFAR. Spring appears rifle length, I turned the gas to 2 and swapped out a carbine spring. It worked! I put the original spring in with an empty buffer and wouldn't go into battery on the first round. Ive determined with my setup that 7.62 NATO will run on 2 with a carbine spring. Shot a whole 20 rd magazine with zero issues on#2 and held back on the last round
@@fubuh8r that’s great info. I did try mine with a Geissele braided spring and have some videos on that. Wasn’t able to achieve what I did with the gas block change. But I think all these rifles just have a huge variability in them so probably each one has to be taken independently.
What muzzle brake is that big one?
It’s the JMaC customs x37 360 brake that is hub compatible for suppressors that use the hub interface.
I hate to say it but issues like this with the SFAR were always a possibility in a gen 1 rifle. Ya know I almost bought an MDRX but I’m glad I didn’t in 2022 since I’ve heard of multiple updates they’ve had to make this year to the X model and not just the original MDR. So what did I do? I bought a couple AR10’s, built out some Aero Precision M5/M5E1’s and a PSA AR10 Gen 2, they’re all flawless and cost me a little over a grand each. The SFAR was about the same cost and I told myself if it doesn’t work out I could just sell it or even just leave it in a corner to favor a true AR10 with no issues. I’ve only had minor problems with my SFAR, but I’m just not sure if I’d take say it to battle over all else yet. The hunting woods or range sure it’s a nice bring along, it’s not life and death for me there so a good place to break er in. But like most I don’t got 2-500 or even 1k .308 rounds to just shoot through each rifle to get em broken in, I can spare a few boxes sure, but then I got to chill.
I’ve added a Kyneshot hyrdraulic buffer weight, a Geiselle braided spring, and Geiselle SSA-E trigger, a law tactical folder, a Griffin Armament SNACH charging handle, and I run a Thunder Chicken can on the end pretty much as a dedicated setup. It works, but my charging handle will tend to bump back some, which I’m not a fan of. Other than that it seems to run okay.
At least it only cost a grand or so to start with the SFAR, and Ruger stands by their products. However this will definitely be a better Gen 2 rifle that’s for sure.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s a gen one it will get better. Glad yours is working out! I don’t normally rush to 1000 rounds in a gun but I kind of was just obsessed with trying different things with this gun and that obsession got away from me a little! 🤣
When people started having issues with the gas settings my first thought was to do what you did. Good to know that it is a good fix if I ever decide to get one. Thanks
Thanks! Yah I resisted it and messed with the buffer weights and springs but I think you are right, this should be the first thing done!
@@triggerbarPhD oh totally understandable. It will be fun to see long term testing with it
The secret to enjoying the SFAR: Don't waste your money. It is a Dollar General low quality weapon. I won't buy cheap weapons. They are to defend my family and my own life. Not a place to cut corners.
LOL. That's well said.
Which rifle in your opinion would be a good choice? I was going to purchase a Ruger sfar but not since i watched your videos.
Personally I go back to thinking I should have got the sig 716. I actually held one at the gun store when I got the sfar. It is heavier, at least that’s what the scale says, but honestly in person I couldn’t tell the difference. Now I have zero experience with it personally but I have friends who have them and swear by them. If you don’t mind going heavier the psa gen 3 ar-10 and aero m5 I’ve heard to be great too.
Well thought out.
Thank-you!!
Thanks for another helpful video. My FSAR has had multiple issues with two trips back to Ruger. Now I'm trying to get the gas system working correctly. Ive considered changing the gas regulator/ block but would really like to get the original working. I tried the new revision regulator but its no better than the first one (setting 3 is too much gas, 2 is too little). What i ended up doing was gradually opening up port #2. The "sweet spot" seems to be 0.0728" for my 168gr, 2550fps loads. However, what has me stumped now is it has a 3o'clock ejection pattern for the first 20 or so rounds and then the pressure drops off and by the time 60 rounds are fired the ejection is at 5:00 and bolt wont lock back and failure to feed occur. SO I Wonder if you will have the same problem with your adjustable block after digesting multiple rounds? Ruger has to do better!
I haven’t see than on mine. But…I feel like I had that a lot prior to changing the gas block. I need to do a bit more testing with the new gas block. I probably have 100 rounds with it and haven’t seen it do that…yet. I’d want to get more rounds before I can definitively tell you that. I assume you have checked to make sure the current gas block isn’t hitting the hand rail and is seated right on the gas port (no weird gas escaping and discoloration and the screws are tight.
@@triggerbarPhD Yes gas port alignment is good. I can see it on the gas regulator during cleaning. The gas port/ hole isn’t getting fouled or partially blocked either. The gas block itself is tight and torqued. BTW Forward Controls makes a nice sling adapter that replaces that plastic piece and allows staking. The bolt isn’t getting carboned up or frozen. This is very troubling that my gun loses reliability after approximately 30 rounds. I’ll keep working on it. I may have to give in and change to an adjustable GB
@Trigger-Bar Just a quick update. I ended up installing a Superlative Arms adjustable Gas block. and went with a H2 buffer and a Red Sprinco buffer spring. When I left the range the GB setting was backed most of the way out, allowing for max gas pressure release,/ bypass. Brass ejection was roughly 2:30. I order a H3 buffer and will try that next range trip to see if I can get to 3:00. With this GB I didnt see the degrading pressure problem that I was experiencing with the Ruger "gas regulator". Reliability is still questionable as I always get a FTF at some point during a firing session. Trying hard and spending too much to get this rifle to function as it should.
@@danhadley3432 hmm. Do you get lock back with shooting just one round? Ugh this is so frustrating. I am a little worried that you can only get it to run on the most open setting. That means you may still need more gas. Did you try it will the normal buffer weight? I can’t tell if it needs more gas or less but if you said you have to have it all the way open that tells me more so I’d recommend trying your original buffer weight at this point. This rifle is so annoying because it has so much potential but is so frustrating. Did you ever send yours back to ruger?
@@triggerbarPhD My issue with Ruger's gas regulator was setting 2 was under gassed, setting 3 was way over. The Superlative Arms Gas Block is unique in that it has 2 "modes" one is restrictive like a normal GB and the other is that it vents excess gas out the front of the block. I have mine set so it is venting as much as it can out the front and thus limiting how much is heading to the BCG. So even then I was getting over gassed, ejection near 1:00. So I went with a heavier buffer and stiffer spring. When I did that the ejection pattern got better but still in the 2:00 range. Im hoping the H3 will add a little more mass and get me closer to 3:00. For some reason my gun is really over gassed. And yes my gun has been back to Ruger twice because it wouldnt eject brass, first a new BCG which didnt change anything, then they changed the barrel, which helped the stuck case problem but the over gas condition was still a problem. Your video convinced me to give up on the gas regulator. Several types of ammo were tried with the same results BTW.
Does the Aero gas block clear the standard handguard well or would you change the handguard too?
That’s the main problem with swapping this out is losing the great design from ruger to have it accessible from the side of the handguard. Initially I just used the ruger hand guard kept a longer gas key like a 6” one with me in my bag for adjustments. But I saw another RUclips video where they put on the 12.625” Midwest industries handguard on. I did that later after I was convinced this was going to work. I now have that on mine. I still need to go in from the top but because it’s much closer to the end I can keep a short key in the grip where ruger had theirs. Other have gone to the rifle speed gas block for this reason, you can get a long one and people have had great success with that. I haven’t tried that but thought you should be aware of that option.
@@triggerbarPhDThanks for your response. I've seen Hops video and he also installed the Midwest rail with the riflespeed gas block but mentioned, that this doesn't really solve the problem since that combination only leaves very small space between de GB and the handguard. I believe that there should be at least 2mm of space.
I will probably try to dremel the standard Handguard and use the original GB since I don't have any gas problems. That might help with accuracy.
@@MrSchnyderli oh yes, sorry. With the aero gas block and the Midwest handguard there are no issues. The ruger fit much better too since it’s a smaller gas block. My original gb was slightly touching and it does help with accuracy so yah, the dremel seems like a great approach!
@@triggerbarPhD what about the combination you have in this video? Original handguard with Aero Gas Block? Enough clearance or very minimal?
@MrSchnyderli no- it works better than with the ruger gas block. It’s much slimmer so doesn’t interfere at all.
You always have to remember Ruger uses a gas regulator on the SFAR not a gas block! also the Ruger SFAR is the first generation of the SFAR, maybe if Ruger continues to make the SFAR, they will build it better in future generations.. Just saying
Yah I hope they fix the gen 2.
Great videos ! Keep up the good work. What gas setting did you have it set at ?
Prior to replacing the gas block, and after ruger fixed a couple of things (bcg and regulator) I was able to run 308 on setting 2 and suppressed on setting 1. I was able to run 7.62 NATO on setting 3 and suppressed NATO on setting 2. Once I replaced the gas block with the 15 setting aero precision gas block, I could run both 308 and NATO on setting 11 and both suppressed on setting 9. Thank-you!
Thank you !!!!
No. While a top end gas blocks with a lot of adjustment should not be required actually working should be a requirement. However if that is only completed with a gas block with many settings then that is what needs to be done. In theory that would cost them $50 more max.
Right? Your think after having to redesign the regulator and over and over people sending them back, they’d make that change. I’d prefer their interface but I do prefer my gun to work above all else!!
@@triggerbarPhD I’ve wanted one but too many issues for me to get one.
Is there a similar rifle you would recommend? I was looking at buying one of these or the Springfield saint victor. The victor is a heavier ar-10 style rifle, but as far as I can tell it's pretty reliable. Thanks for documenting your experience and testing with this gun to help people if they encounter these same issues.
Thank-you! Honestly, all the ar-10 (lr-308 and dpms) all seem to have some similar issues though the SFAR seems to have some “birthing” pains. Equal to the SFAR? The POF is basically the same rifle. But you’ll pay almost 3x the price. But it runs. I had much fewer issues with my aero M5 but it is waaaay heavier.
Honestly, knowing what I know now, I’d go with the Sig 716i. Wait for a sale on it and I’ve seen it this year for around $1350. Just be ready for no matter what you go with, it likely won’t be as reliable as any ar-15 you pickup. But you could also get lucky if you go this route! 🤣🤷♂️. Some people say theirs run fine. Once running right this SFAR is a real joy to own and shoot but could take a lot of back and forth with ruger and personal mods to make it work.
I thought Brass Facts did a great comprehensive review of the “ar-10” options here: ruclips.net/video/tJ9X5INLevg/видео.htmlsi=BjNTCaeA_lw8p5yV
🤐 Wish I could say something about my situation, but it's not finalized yet and I could be screwed between then and now, as it will determine what I end up saying. 🤐
However, I will continue to be happy for those getting around their particular issues, or having never experienced them at all. Good job keeping your perseverance and motivation going! 👍
Thanks my friend. I look forward to hearing about your resolution with yours because while I’ve had my issues, yours seems 10x worse IMO. Thanks!!
Glad she is running. Shame that you had to go to such lengths.
Yah my feelings exactly!! Thanks for watching!!
Hey there,I really appreciate the practical info w the gas block & real time ammo performance testing you've done. I'm seriously considering buying a .308 SFAR 20" bbl so any video's like what you've done here are invaluable,especially w the price of .308/7.62 nato,lol! I figured that getting into a semi automatic. 308 for under a grand wouldn't be as easy just buying the rifle,slapping a 4-12×40mm vortex,sig or leupold & making 1 moa groups at 500yds,lol! I,was,looking at a PSA AR-10 build for about $550 w the Freedom Week sales but I'm a Ruger man,I love my Mini-30 & 14,PCC,10/22,American Predator .223,Gunsite Scout 308 & 5.56,Red Label 12ga,1911,SR45 & Old Army w the conversion cylinder for .45lc so I would've felt guilty if I didnt go for the SFAR,LOL!!! My thoughts pre buy were exactly what you've done,beef up the gas block,change out the gas tube,add titanium/heat treated stainless steel screws,maybe get a beefy-er firing pin,adjust the weight of the buffer,etc,ad nauseum😂!Again, thank you for putting this info out there & also I like your closing music,it definitely sounds like Jimi ,who is my hero!!
Thanks so much, that’s very kind of you. I definitely love this rifle now. It took a while. If you are willing to do that work , and perhaps send it back to ruger, it’s worth it in the end. This thing is basically the weight of an ar-15. I have an aero precision m5, which i think is similar to the psa-10. Those are pretty heavy rifles. No issues for bench rest or on a stand (in fact may be better because less felt recoil), but for anything else this platform is better but Ruger needs to step up their game and get this quality control taken care of. But again, this is a unicorn rifle at this price point and capability so I’m just glad it’s out there!! Good luck and let us know how it goes!!
@@triggerbarPhD I put a down payment on the 20" .308 SFAR through Guncrewllc on Gunbroker,their "Layaway" program is stupidly awesome! In the meantime I'm gonna start getting some good match ammo & a really decent optic so by Christmas I'll be straight up set & raring to go! I gotta watch your channel a few more times & there's a couple of other guys on RUclips who are serious minded w good practical knowledge(Lotta SFAR yahoos out there also,lol) I always watch the finger placement on the trigger,dead giveaway for if I'm gonna even listen to or chuckle at what they're talking about! Thanks for responding to my post! Happy 🗽🎇🎇🎉💣💥🌭🍔🍻🏴☠️🇺🇲!!😜🤙
Oh yea! Guncrewllc has a semi automatic. 300 winchester magnum AR platform looking rifle! I thought about for a long second but I'm a Ruger man & I think the SFAR is gonna look really sexy next to my .308 Gunsite Scout & the Minis(14,14 Target & 30)!! Ya know...every Ruger I own(other than the 10/22) has had to go back to Ruger for a tune up but those guys always do a good job tweaking it up! My grandpa told me"Patience Is The Hunter" & I never got it until I owned a Ruger,lol!!
Why not use a pigtail gas tube??? Let the case pressure decrease before the bolt moves reward?
That’s a good idea. In the end I just changed out the gas block for an aero precision adjustable gas block that has 15 settings and that works great. Was able to find a couple of good settings for suppressed and unsuppressed.
It's a dam shame that you need to replace parts on a new rifle just to get it to run.
Agreed. I resisted it and sent it back and yet here I am…
Interesting, so maybe 1 of the problems have been resolved. Do you know how much the SFAR weights?
Let than 7lbs like 6 lbs 13 oz.
@@triggerbarPhD not bad, thanks
Think you figured it out. Good job. Ruger should go back to the drawing board
Thanks! Yah it’s running great now. Hopefully Ruger comes out with a gen 2 soon.
I have been watching your videos and happy you got the rifle to run correctly.
Could I ask for the part number of the Aero precision gas block and tube you ordered please?
www.midwayusa.com/product/1025562018
Get the .75 diameter one (Aero Precision Low Profile Adjustable Gas Block AR-15, LR-308 Nitride
Product #: 862951
Manufacturer #: APRH101614C
UPC #: 815421028218)
Thank you very much for the information! My rifle runs perfectly fine with any type of ammo on setting 3.
If I adjust the gas block to setting 2 it will not cycle any type of ammo.
The bolt carrier will not come back far enough to pick up another round.
I’m sure I could call Ruger and get a new gas block, or the parts to fix the one I already have.
Instead of going through all of that I will just purchase the adjustable gas block from aero precision!
Thank you for the video and the information!!
@theboatshoptb after having put in a replacement regulator and have them “fix “ it at ruger and it still not work, the aero gas block worked for me. Hopefully it works for you!!
You should not have to do all that to get the Ruger SFAR, It should take 7.62 x 51/308 without any alterations. I look at Ruger brand as top notch. They should make it right. I ordered 1 before watching your videos. I do not plan on spending hundreds of dollars to figure out that they need to fix issues with a quality gun. Sorry you are going through this I hope I do not get a lemon..
Many people have reported theirs works...And others report theirs don't. I hope you got a good one too!! Agreed. I did send my back and Ruger did "fix" it but it just still wasn't running totally right so I decided to take things into my own hands!!
Where using the 2 setting or is there no setting to worry with on the new gas block
What I found with mine was that with the old regulator I had problems almost on all settings with various ammo. With the new regulator I was able to run 308 on setting 2 and 7.62 nato on setting 3. I then replaced the ruger gas block with an aero precision adjustable gas block and I was able to find a single setting that has run every ammo I have (various 308 and 7.62 Nato). Hope that helps!
Thank you for the videos! Where did you get the gas block from? Everywhere i checked, they're out of stock.😅
Oh, and what gas tube type did you end up going with?
Aero Precision Mid length. It’s a little longer but functions just fine.
I got the .750 aero precision at midway USA. Not sure if they are still in stock there.
@@triggerbarPhD Thank you sir!! Just placed my order lol.
That ear pro is next level awesome
😂🤣. Thanks. Actually I did put a lot into these. They have the gel insert upgrades so they are super comfy!
Does the aero gas block void warranty. Say if I had to send it in if I’m still having issues. Also I was wondering if you could show your feed ramps because mine is jamming on feeding a new round I noticed my feed ramps are not cut into the lower receiver like on my ar15 it is Also gougeing the brass on the neck like the ramps are dong it I was going to polish also didn’t know if that would void warranty any help is appreciated thanks
I would imagine it does void the warranty. However....I would just put the original one back on...But I've sent mine back and while they replaced my bcg which needed repair, the rifle still had problems. So void the warranty or have a rifle that works on select samples of ammo. I haven't seen any issues with my feed ramp. I had problems with feeding but it was all gas related. Once I tuned it with different buffer weights OR changed the gas block out, it worked (and tighted down the gas key...sigh). But before doing any of those things check your bcg, make sure the gas key is right, then check your gas block and make sure the screws are tight. The gauging on the brass is again gas issues. If you fix your gas that all goes away, trust me I've seen all of those issues...
@@triggerbarPhD thanks for your help after watching your series I ordered aero adjustable gas block and strik industries adjustable buffer weight I hope it helps. I have had the gun all apart and the gas key is tight but I did find a burr on the end of the bolt tail that I carefully removed like the fireng pin was causing it which made the bolt come out of the Bcg fairly hard now it’s nice and easy also found burrs on the bolt lugs and feed ramps that were carefully removed I have some machineing experience so you can’t even tell I was in there. For warranty sake. I haven’t shot it since working on it also haven’t put gas block on yet.
@adamkelley3622 wow that’s crazy about that burr and glad you found it. Hopefully you are gtg once the new gas block comes in!! Let me know how it goes!!
Thank you for the videos TBP. I don't want to hijack your video but I just got my Ruger SFAR delivered to my door. Literally 5 minutes ago. I am an FFL Dealer. The Bolt is copper colored not black. The ejector is black. There is a silver band all the way around the bolt except where the ejector is right behind the lugs as well as half way down the bolt. This is very odd. Has anyone seen these before? I will reach out to Ruger and see what's up. Thanks for any feedback guys.
Hi all I sent Ruger a picture of the bolt and a Valerie that works there got back to me and told me that the technicians said it it supposed to be that color. I cleaned the barrel and the cleaned and lubed the BCG and shot it 5 times, It ran great. so far so good. I hope it was one of the newer ones and maybe they got them fixed?
@billmartin5709 glad to hear it thanks for reporting in!!
I have seen others with bcg’s that color.
I whispered sweet nothings to mine… seems to have worked.
🤣🤣. Man yours has always run right!! You live a blessed life!! 🤣😂
@@triggerbarPhD I made a deal with the devil 🤣🔥.
@@sonnygunz9207 🤣😂🤣😂👊👍
Did you keep the giessile braided spring and h3 buffer?
Yes I did.
Still performing well? I’m considering this rifle knowing I may have to do this.
Yes it is. If you are willing to do this and potentially work with ruger to have them fix other issues (which they do right away and are easy to work with), then yes. Man it is so lightweight and such a great gun when running right.
So…..has Ruger fixed these issues on newer sfar’s?
I haven’t seen evidence of that yet. I’d wait for a gen 2 if it were me…
Hey TBP I just got my 20 in sfar back from ruger it fires loads and locks back on 2 with norma Winchester hornady 150 fine and un damage brass hornady 165 am whitetail and 165 superformance sst fires and locks back exactly the same but the ejectors and extractor are damaging the brass am I going to have to use only 150gr or is this a bcg issue
Sounds to me like it is still over gassed on setting two. You could try to use a heavier buffer like an h1 to slow it down just a tad. But glad to hear it is running better!
Will do I’ll give it a try is there a specific brand and should I do just buffer or buffer and spring
@@Bobscustoms I’d just try a h1 buffer, no specific brand. I wouldn’t change the spring at the same time personally. Just one change at a time.
No we should not have to modify the SFAR, it should be good from the factory just like all the other Ruger products. Ruger, please fix this.
Agreed.
Would you be able to send me pirchase list of everything you currently have on the sfar?
For this video: aero precision .750 journaled adjustable gas block and mid length aero precision gas tube. In later videos I have the primary arms plxc 1-8 lpvo. Then the hand guard is: Combat Rail One Piece Free Float Handguard, M-LOK™
MI-CRM12.625
Handguard Length: 12.625" from Midwest Industries.
@triggerbarPhD thank you very much
I was about to buy the sfar but I’m so disappointed in the reviews on this gun I went and bought the POF revolution in .308
Probably well worth it at this point. The POF had its problems originally but they have been worked out. Never great to be on the experimental side of a gun. How is the POF been for you?
@@triggerbarPhD idk yet it comes in today I’m patiently waiting watching the tracking info lol
Thanks!
Could I ask a couple questions like in a email or something please. Thanks
Yes for sure. Email is TriggerBarPhilosopher(at)gmail.com
Wow-no need to do a super chat but thank-you!
Ugh, I misspelled my email address. I’m so sorry I was typing it in a hurry. triggerbarphilosopher@gmail.com
I really appreciate your video as i got an sfar 16.1” 2 weeks ago and nothing but problems with several settings and ammo. Your video is so edited between shots that it appears to be a cover up or sales pitch. Unfortunately dont know what to believe in this day and age. Really disappointed in Ruger for making their customers find solutions to their problems
I’m sorry. Most of my editing is done because I try to remove a lot my “um’s” or awkward long pauses. Also I’ve had to at times edit out showing things because RUclips won’t allow me to show it. At this point, I have about 8 videos before this one, and two after this one, the rifle is finally running correctly. That was after a trip back to ruger, which they paid for, where they replaced the bcg and gave me yet another regulator. Then as shown in this video I replaced the gas block with one from aero precision. I own this rifle and paid for it out of my own money and I don’t get squat from anyone. I wanted this rifle to run and so I worked hard to try to get it there and hopefully show people my process and journey incase it might help. For me, getting a repaired bcg from them, and then putting a gas block with more adjustable settings made this rifle reliable. Others have reported they still had problems. 🤷♂️. Others had no problems from the start. Hard to say what a new purchase would give. Hope this helps and sorry for the low quality and editing, I’m not trying to hide anything except what YT won’t let me post.
For me Ruger has lost a lot of luster. Recalls, non recalls on flaws (57 safety) reliability issues (PC carbine) and other issues had me sell all my rugers except my 308 scout rifle (mod 77 action been around a long time). And I won’t buy another Ruger product.
I get that. This project has made me distrust them.
Unfortunate...I have the RPR as well. Both in 6.5 creedmoor...after 100 rounds the SFAR shot moa or better on factory loads. I keep 1/2 moa on my RPR with hand loads. I expect the SFAR will be just short of 1/2 moa but totally acceptable for autoloading rifle.
So the concept of paying a pretty good amount for a rife , from a reliable company. I can expect to have to buy more parts along with getting my degree in gunsmithing, in order for it to work, operate and function reliably.......SMH......
Sigh. Yah not a pretty picture.
Why can't Ruger get it right before they release it? No Bueno.
Agreed.
🤟🏽👍🏼🤘🏼
1,100 it's not reliable? Damn
Yah it’s a lot of ammo invested into this gun. Got it working after this and it’s running great now but man it was expensive trying everything to get it running.
@triggerbarPhD I was going pick one up today, or tomorrow. Not so sure now.
@CrunchDramaNetwork is still say it’s a crap shoot as to where or not you get a reliable one out of the box. I’d say by and large replacing the gas block ends up fixing them if you don’t get a good one. Others just run a couple of types of 308 and it runs fine. But I’ve seen some (rare) people still can’t get it run reliably and need to send it back to ruger (again- try that first if you have problems). From comments on my videos and other RUclipsrs (larger and small) is where I’ve got most of this info, so take it at that value. I can really only speak to mine. There are some early videos out that claim some mythical break in period. That’s been debunked but unfortunately often repeated. The manual and talking to ruger says it’s only 100-200 rounds. If it’s not reliable after that give ruger a call. It is a great gun when it runs. I have several follow on videos showing how I great I think it is. It’s incredible how light it is…
@3:30 Torx bit.
Thank-you for that correction. Did you mean use a torx bit or i said that? They are definitely hex heads but I’ve heard of people using a torx head on a hex head to get them out.
@@triggerbarPhD An appropriate size torx bit driver will fill the opening in a hex head fastener but won't slip / strip like the cheaply made Allen wrench. For many of my experiences, better than an easy out.
You mentioned rubber glove. I don't have any so I used a torx bit
Yes, I’ve heard that, thanks for the clarification!! Easy out is a dangerous road to go down too. I’ve had it work and not work. So good to have other ways before having to resort to that!
Ejection still looks slow I bet if you went with a strike industries flat wire spring it would solve this.. I checked out the one I have on layaway and the ruger spring is HEAVY
Yah I have a few springs I may tweak with. I have some springco ones.
The few ars that I've had I put them in and they made a big improvement.. but like I said to the sfar spring is imo too strong compared to my pof p308 which has the flat spring
I’ll definitely check it out. I started with modifying weights and springs and wasn’t satisfied with it. So I went to the agb. I was happier with those results. I have thought to do the spring next but haven’t had a chance to test it out yet and still trying to financially receiver from the 1000 rounds of commercial 308 I put through this rifle in the last 4-5 months!
@@Red-mf5uqit’s not the spring. The bcg literally seized in the housing
This trainwreck of a rifle....🫣
Thank you for your persistence. A lot of good info has come out of your videos.
Ruger, Ruger, Ruger.....Wth🤷♂️ what happend on this one?
Yah, when it comes down to people having to replace factory items with non-company parts, you have to wonder. I am convinced after this it’s their inability to consistently produce the same gas setting on every rifle. Not sure if it’s the gas hole, or gas block that goes out of spec but in my opinion that’s where the problem is. Hopefully they figure this out in a gen 2…
@@triggerbarPhD My next project is to fit a side charging upper to this. The receivers don't mate up as they should so no harm in trying this.
That would be interesting!
It’s gotten multiple rifle or the year awards soooo yea, what a “train wreck” 😂
@@Sjordan8922 Yes, I'm sure publications were in no shape or form influenced by access and money. I bet you think Joe got 81million legit votes as welll...
Makes u want a socom 16 from Springfield Armory don’t u think?