Seriously. I've been leaning FAL and then I read on the interwebs that they don't like steel ammo. They're finicky. The PTR-91s, with the CETME-designed delayed blowback will spit out cheap steel ammo with no prob.
So CETME, right?
Well, when I went to handle one, the salesman put a Serbian Kalashnikov in my hand. 2/3rds the price. Beautiful weapon.
Used to own a MAC-90. Indestructable. But I don't really want a SHTF rifle that is chambered in non-USA ammo. Then again, doesn't really matter because when TSHTF, guns and ammo will be lying all over the place.
Confused....
imo
FAL if we are talking 7.62 Nato battle rifles. Imbel or DSA. Most reliable, eats all ammo and is proven all over the world. Only downside is getting plenty of mags. PTR is a nice rifle but u have to watch bolt gap and picky with ammo, also bulky. Mags are cheap though. FAL with 1-4x red dot is super ergonomic and handles easy, also will excel in most engagements which likely will take place under 200 yards. .308 or 7.62x51 runs fine in FAL and in shtf it will be around as much as some other common stuff.
M1a Scout squad would be my other go to battle rifle with red dot optic.
In assault rifle category...i’d go with AkM. Bulgy, Russian Vepr...chf barrel, side optic rail and tons of surplus mags.