I handled an FS2000 Tactical at a local shop this weekend and I was looking to buy one but I wanted to know the main differences bewteen the Tactical model and the Standard model. I see that the Tactical has the BUIS and Rail. I read that the Standard has a rail under the optics and that it is 1.6X. How is the stock optic on the Standard model? What does the reticle look like? If the Standard comes with an optic  and has the rail why is it the cheaper model?

the difference is the rail on the standard is made of polymer and is about 7mm lower than the tacticals rail

the retical is a half cross with a cresent around it  and you either love it or hate it. Many people like the standard because that was the iconic original seen in the early days of the f2000 military

The standard model seems to be a little less popular because of the appearance and the fact that you are a little more limited with optic options, and I think thats why it is usually priced less.

The iron sights on the tactical model arent great, the rear peep is way too small for any sort of quick acquisition, and they sit a little too low to be comfortable, but I still picked the tactical over the standard. I personally think the standard is hideous.

The optic itself is not bad quality, its a decent optic for sub-100 yard work, but less than desireable for CQB, which is primarily what (I believe) the FS2000 excels at.

I wrote a pretty in depth review of the FS, you'll find it in the "Gateway to useful threads" that is tacked at the top of the FN forum. If youre seriously considering one, I'd say its worth a read.

As stated already the main difference is the Standard shroud and plastic rail. For me, I liked the looks of the Standard model better. It looks "finished".
I think the Tactical model is going to allow more choices to attach to the rail.

Basically, if you want to do aftermarket optics you want the Tactical. I suppose it is the same with the MSAR AUG style rifles.

The Tactical is the first FS2000 model to arrive on the market. It allows the use of aftermarket optics on its Picatinny rail.



The Standard came out later on and has the 1.6x optic similar to the one on the F2000 sans the grenade launcher ballistics "computer".