Looking at it on their website it looks like a compromise they cobbled up real quick for an answer to the Benelli autoloader. It seems to be a little less expensive then the R1 but the R1 has a removeable barrel whereas this one does not and has a easier to maintain gas system. If I had to choose between the 2 the Benelli would get the nod just not satisfied with their caliber selection yet 30-06 and 300 win mag... Browning selection in that area is better so far. BAR's have a great reputation for accuracy and I am sure this model fits right in ...just seems to me this may be a temporary rifle until an "improved model" is introduced a year or 2 down the line.