FN non-mil carbines?

[Doc45]

My son is looking at buying an FN AR carbine from one of his friends. The guy never shot it, original owner. My son has used FN M4s in his military service, no issues, so the assumption is the civvy guns are good to go. He can get it for a nice price (under $950). Thoughts?

[mutt]

It's used no matter the claimed round count, or lack there of. I wouldn't pay more than 80% of new value, especially in this buyer's market. Does this one have the KAC rail? If so I guess the price is good for that setup. If it's the plain hand guard model the price is not so good. Colt 6920's go brand new for $850 or less these days. I think he can get a better deal if he looks around.

[Doc45]

Thanks for the speedy reply. I agree on the "used" aspect, the seller is a very good friend of his (brother soldier), bought the gun, took it home, put in his safe and hasn't shot it yet. Deployment orders came in so he said he'd sell it if my son was interested. I'll pass on the info on the Colt price too.

[mutt]

Have him look up the online price of that particular FN model. Factor in shipping and transfer costs and then make an informed decision. If he was going to spend the money anyways, there is no harm in helping his buddy out at the same time. Sometimes price isn't everything. Helping a good friend out does justify a premium in certain circumstances.

[Doc45]

Very true on helping a pal out. His friend doesn't need to sell, he just offered as he knows my son is looking to get another one. At least he can make an informed decision now, thanks!

[MarkCO]

While FN makes more M4s for our military than Colt, realize that the FN ARs are not made directly by FN. Due to contract issues, the FN AR parts are sourced outside of FN. They are good ARs, just not made in the same factory as the service M4s.