NRA Gun of the Week: ARES Defense SCR Rifle

by
posted on December 12, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
The ARES Defense Sport Configurable Rifle (SCR) is a semi-automatic rifle that employs many of the virtues of the AR-15 platform and takes AR-pattern magazines, but does not have any of the "features" that are frequently singled out by anti-gunners. That means the SCR is legal in all 50 states.

In essence, ARES took the front half of the AR bolt and mated it with a tail, as is commonly used in self-loading shotgun designs. Instead of an AR buffer tube, the tail on the back of the firing pin matches up with a recoil-spring and cup assembly that would be familiar to any semi-auto shotgun owner. Also, the lower receiver has been reconfigured to match up with the standard rifle stock. The fore-end is a slim and svelte Magpul, available for both carbine and rifle lengths. The upper reciever has a standard Picatinny rail. The SCR ships with a 5-round magazine, but higher capacity aftermarket magazines are available.

For more information on ARES Defense and the SCR, visit aresdefense.com.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: ARES Defense
Model: SCR
Action: gas-operated, semi-automatic, center-fire rifle
Caliber: .223 Rem./5.56 mm
Upper Receiver: flat-top, aluminum
Lower Receiver: aluminum
Barrel:18”
Handguard: Magpul MOE
Stock: synthetic, sporter-contour
Trigger: 6-lbs., 2-ozs.
Sights: none
Overall Length: 39”
Weight: 5.7 lbs.
Twist: 1:9” RH
Accessories: owner’s manual, 5-round detachable magazine
MSRP: $989

To learn more about the SCR, please enjoy the following:
ARES Defense SCR: Legal in All 50 States 
ARES Defense Mission Configurable Rifle

Latest

Wilson Combat eXperior Elite
Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New Digital Surveillance Tools Threaten Gun Owner Privacy

Technology contained within new digital surveillance hardware recently introduced by defense contractor Leonardo could conceivably track who has recently purchased firearm and where they're taking it.

First Look: Shell Tech Ammo Dog Bowl

The materials used in your dog’s bowl matter for all the same reasons the materials in your own water bottle matter. That's why this dog bowl from Shell Tech Ammo is worth looking at.

Pony Power: Colt Launches Optics Division with VMR Riflescopes

Colt Optics grew out of a market where military, law enforcement and civilian customers increasingly expect a firearms manufacturer to offer a complete package that goes beyond just the firearm

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.