AR15.Com Archives
 Looking at an FNC ~ Total Newb ~ School Me
Rhinox  [Member]
6/16/2011 2:39:03 PM
My buddy brought the FNC to my attention because I would like an NFA 5.56 caliber rifle.

I did a little research and watched some videos and it looks like a pretty cool platform for the money. I know very little about the FNC platform though.

What would you guys suggest for reading? Any and all info for a total newby looking at buying this rifle would be appreciated.

Pros, Cons, ownership?

Thanks!


*I currently own an M/11 FA, so I do know the ins and outs of a class III firearm
BullittBoy  [Member]
6/16/2011 3:54:03 PM
The FNC is in my opinion vastly underrated in semi and full auto's as far as reliability, accuracy, ease of use and cleaning and it is a 5.56 weapon that uses AR mags. In full auto it is extremely controllable-especially in 3 round bursts.
I have shot every full auto I could get my hands on over the past few years and the FNC recoils less and is more controllable than a 14.5", 16" or 20" M16 or an AUG in full auto.
It is about on par with a AK74 as far as controllability is concerned.

The weapon is very reliable, easy to take completely apart and clean and the only thing that breaks is a firing pin and they are $35 available from DS Arms and another person in the US who specializes in FN parts for these-Vulcan Firearms? I think was his name.
The stock that folds locks up tight and the sights are good for open sights, it is extremely accurate for a 16-18" carbine. Their is a scope rail available now in Picatinny form from Stormwerkz and it is very nice so you can mount current optics.
The handguards keep you from getting burned-they are very good, this is a well though out weapon. Think of it as a FN FAL "improved" in 5.56 and takes AR mags.

The 16" folders are Howco imports and more rare than the Gun South 18" ones. I have owned 8 over the years, only have one now
223monkey  [Member]
6/16/2011 4:47:19 PM
Originally Posted By BullittBoy:
The FNC is in my opinion vastly underrated in semi and full auto's as far as reliability, accuracy, ease of use and cleaning and it is a 5.56 weapon that uses AR mags. In full auto it is extremely controllable-especially in 3 round bursts.
I have shot every full auto I could get my hands on over the past few years and the FNC recoils less and is more controllable than a 14.5", 16" or 20" M16 or an AUG in full auto.
It is about on par with a AK74 as far as controllability is concerned.

The weapon is very reliable, easy to take completely apart and clean and the only thing that breaks is a firing pin and they are $35 available from DS Arms and another person in the US who specializes in FN parts for these-Vulcan Firearms? I think was his name.
The stock that folds locks up tight and the sights are good for open sights, it is extremely accurate for a 16-18" carbine. Their is a scope rail available now in Picatinny form from Stormwerkz and it is very nice so you can mount current optics.
The handguards keep you from getting burned-they are very good, this is a well though out weapon. Think of it as a FN FAL "improved" in 5.56 and takes AR mags.

The 16" folders are Howco imports and more rare than the Gun South 18" ones. I have owned 8 over the years, only have one now


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ +1

The biggest challenge with them is the availability of spare parts, I've got one that is in the x-fer process with the 3 round burst and happy switch.
motoguzzi  [Member]
7/5/2011 7:01:50 PM
Arguably the best "normal" platform for the 5.56. Compare the number of parts in the AR to the number n the FNC, the bolt alone has to be close to only half the number of parts.
The system has less parts and if it starts to have cycling issues, your support thumb bumps the gas setting piston to get you rolling again.
The only drawbacks that I see are that the selector lever is not as ergonomic for me, I have to shift my grip slightly to move it to fire, some may not like the manual bolt hold open.
Take down is a breeze compared to the AR, try removing the hand guards on one and you will be a believer.
jimlostt  [Member]
7/12/2011 12:41:45 PM
Main question, what do you want to do with it? If you are looking for a great fun range to with all kinds of things to change out. Then you need to save an extra 3-4 grand and get an M16, DIAS, or LL. if you are after a 556 rifle and dont plan on going apeshit with it. an FNC is a great rifle.

I got mine in 07 and have logged roughly 8k rounds. No problems so far and I love it. I disliked both the fixed stock and the folder (for use with my aimpoint) and put an aftermarket ar stock and a folding mech on it.

Pros:
take ar mags
fun as hell
easy as snot to clean
very controllable

Cons
parts, I like to have an extra bolt but I do have a good source of parts but I have to search for them. You wont be able to open up website and order spares.


Like the poet said, "to thine own self be true." answer that and you can deduce an answer that works for you.

Here is mine all dirty and nasty after a rifle course.


Quake_Guy  [Member]
7/13/2011 11:50:14 AM
parts are difficult to find, but they dont break much either.

With the recent price increase on M16s, you are better off buying an FNC MG and then a spare FNC for parts. For $10k, you will have a better more durable gun than an M16 clone. Probably still a bit cheaper too.

However, the M16 will be more flexible when it comes to configuration and calibers.
223monkey  [Member]
7/16/2011 9:43:46 AM
Originally Posted By Quake_Guy:
parts are difficult to find, but they dont break much either.

With the recent price increase on M16s, you are better off buying an FNC MG and then a spare FNC for parts. For $10k, you will have a better more durable gun than an M16 clone. Probably still a bit cheaper too.

However, the M16 will be more flexible when it comes to configuration and calibers.


It is too bad, no one will import any AK5s or AK5Cs even the uppers now that the barrel ban is in effect. The FNC is a niche gun, you can get a good deal at around 6500 bucks for a F/A with 3 round burst installed. I was fortunate to find one with the rare bipod, original box, as well as hand-grip oiling kit and FN scope rail. Look for a complete "kit" if you can find one, it will be wort a bit more to collectors, as the factory accessories and doo-dads are often lost when the gun trades hands.