As I’ve said before (and will say again, no doubt) the SCAR is a bit of an ugly duckling. It seems like a ton of work was put into the internal gubbins, but when it came to visual design they threw it together in a weekend. From the chunky forend to the Ugg boot shaped stock, its not the prettiest gun on the range. But it can be. More and more companies are coming out with replacement parts for the SCAR, and Kinetic Development Group has recently released a stock for the gun that looks pretty damn slick.
First, a reminder of how the SCAR looks when it comes from the factory. That stock works acceptably well, but it just doesn’t look very good. Like I said, it more closely resembles an Ugg boot than anything else. There are replacement stock adapters out there already like the VLTOR Re-SCAR that will let you mount a standard AR-15 stock on the SCAR, but if you’re looking for a SCAR specific solution then KDG has just the treat.
The SAS SCAR Stock is a drop-in replacement for the original SCAR stock, and has most of the same features. The stock is adjustable for length of pull, and has a cheek rest that pops up to give you a better sight picture with higher optics. There are also some new features baked in as well, like a set of QD cups in the rear of the stock for your sling. It also folds up, just like the FN original.
The main difference between the original SCAR and this stock is that when folded, this stock doesn’t rely on anything to keep it folded. The original stock interfaces with the shell deflector on the rifle to stay folded, but this one just uses good old spring power. It makes the stock much easier to manipulate, and won’t wear anything out. Another benefit is in the chunkier hinge mechanism, which uses one large tooth instead of the two smaller teeth as on the original. I’ve gone through two SCAR stocks due to those smaller teeth breaking off with (admittedly heavy) use, and one chunkier tooth should do the job better.
There’s also some storage space in there for CR123 batteries. Which is nice.
What you’re really paying for is the style. The stock is a direct copy of the one on the Bushmaster ACR (formerly the Magpul Masada), which is fine because that’s a beautiful gun. Then again, beauty is in the eye of the gun holder, so your mileage may vary.
Speaking of appearances, the colors probably won’t match your gun. As I’ve said before, no two SCARs are actually ever the same color, so matching the stock to your specific SCAR might not be possible. This brings the total number of shades of FDE on my gun up to four, as even the magazine is a different color. Oh well, can’t win ’em all.
Out on the range, the stock feels solid as can be. Even on a SCAR 17, there’s not really any play and the stock just stays put. It works as you’d expect a stock to work, and better than the RE-SCAR to be honest. Its here that you notice another wonderful feature, namely the weight. The stock weighs in at 15.2 ounces, which is 1/4 pounds less than a regular Ugg boot style SCAR stock. Weight savings is critical on a rifle, and every ounce matters, but they did it in a way that doesn’t throw off the balance of the gun at all.
I’m running out of things to say here. Its pretty and it works. Uhh… We should probably wrap this up then.
Kinetic Development Group are a new company on the scene, but they are putting out some beautiful and functional pieces of tactical artwork. The only problem might be the price. At $299 a pop, these are actually more expensive than a Magpul PRS stock.
Specifications: KDG SAS Stock for the SCAR Rifle
Colors: FDE, Black
Price: $299 each
Website: https://kineticdg.com/product/sas-scar-adaptable-stock-black/
Ratings (out of five stars):
Fit and Finish: * * * * *
It feels like someone actually took their time to make this thing right, not that it was mass produced in a hurried fashion. I like it.
Ease of Installation: * * * * *
Slide off, slide on.
Overall: * * * *
The price is an issue. At $299 its twice the price of a RE-SCAR, and even more expensive than a Magpul PRS. There’s no doubt that the stock performs with flying colors, but the inner cheapskate is rebelling at the price tag. Come down $100 and you’re perfect, but up at $300 four stars is the best I can do.