The FN FS2000 is an EXCELLENT rifle.
Scout,
I just did a lot of shooting with my Buddies SOCOM 16, and while the rifle is fun, it has a considerable flash out of the front when fired especially at night. I suspect the factory porting has a lot to do with it, and since they don't have threaded barrels, there's nothing you can do to change it easily.
May be a problem for night time shooting.
Also, the .308 is a super combat round for sure, and loaded with some Hornady TAP rounds it should be right at home in a patrol car, however I would consider the power of the .308 an added liability in a densly populated area, and the blast a liability for your hearing indoors. Again, a surpressor is NOT an option with the SOCOM.
The FAL and AR-10 are both in the same boat. They offer a little more modification options, but are still .308's.
The P90 is select fire. While this may serve you for your job ammunition is still a hassle to get and very expensive.
The AR15's are a safe choice, but the AR15 is NOT the ultimate battle rifle some people make it out to be. I am an AR15 guy, I know.
The SIG offers little more than a revised gas piston upper to the AR15, but pretty much the same thing in my opinion.
While the FN FS2K does have a paramilitary look to it, I don't see how it would be more threatening or not as P/C as any AR15. This is the 21st century and weapon designs are bound to evolve sometime. The FN has a lot going for it as far as a compact weapons system goes.
#1. You have the full ballistic capability of a 17.4" barrel with a 1:7" barrel twist. The FN will ballistically out perform any 11.5" or M4 configured AR15/M16, in a package the same length as a CAR15.
#2. No "Gas Blast" in your face. The FS2K's gas operating system sends nothing towards the shooter and burns clean, unlike the AR15 design.
#3. The FS2K is one COOL gun. The guns outer stock keeps heat away from the shooter and does not radiate heat after firing like an AR does. After a few magazines my M4's are uncomfortable to handle without gloves. The foregrip retains heat radiated from the barrel and get REAL hot sometimes. It also takes quite a while for the gun to cool down too. The FN's outer surface never heats up to that level in the first place, so can be immediately placed back in the car after shooting without having to worry about it melting anything.
#4. Natural pointing position. Just like an M1 Carbine the FS2K is lined up to the target as soon as it is shouldered. The gun has a comfortable, natural feeling point, which can speed up target aquisition alot under stress.
#5. Easy to Maintain. One pin and the gun comes apart.
#6. Excellent Flash hider. The stock Flash Hider on the FS is very good. The gun has a mild flash signature even when fired in low light. The stock FH is no Vortex or Phantom mind you, but it is better than any Birdcage FH for an AR15.
#7. Comfortable for carry. The short length and smooth outer surface of the FS along with it's HK style folding charging handle make it very comfortable to carry. No points to poke you in the ribs or back. No magazine hanging out to snag on anything either.
#8. Balance. Not that you will be doing any one handed shooting, but unlike an AR15 the FS can be easily held at the ready with one hand, as it carries it's weight right over the trigger housing. This may come in handy if even you have to use your weak hand to move something or push something out of the way. There is no way you could do this with an AR15, not unless you have the wrists of a professional arm wrestler.
#9. Totally Ambidextrous. ALL the guns controls can be manipulated either right or left handed. This makes off-hand shooting a breeze.
#10. Takes easily available AR15 magazines and Ammo. Some of the most common magazines and ammunition calibers available.
I understand that there may be some concern over how the FS2K looks, but again, how much more intimidating is it over a fully accessorized M4? The FN FS2000 is a compact, well balanced machine with the Ballistic capability of a full sized AR15. The 1:7" twist barrel can easily handle the heavier .223 defensive bullets, as well as the higher velocity 5.56 X 45mm Ammo.
FN Herstal doesn't pay me a dime for saying any of this (even if they SHOULD!) All of this comes from my experience with the FS2000 so far. The gun is absolutely reliable and surprisingly accurate (the size is decieving) and tough. The only fault I could find with the gun is the stock iron sights which are better left as back up than primary. That's my recommendation. We are talking about a Squad Car rifle here, not a primary battle rifle.
