Battle Rifle Advice Wanted

self ^ | Tuesday, November 9 | self

[Mulder]

I'm looking to purchase a battle rifle next year in .308, and can't decide what I want to get.

I love the AR-15 rifles in 5.56mm, but have heard some bad things about reliability of the AR-10s. Also, the recoil is apparently more from this rifle than the other 308 semi-autos. But the AR-10 does have the advantage of having the same manual of arms as an AR-15.

Another consideration is the Springfield M1A Scout. The M1A was ranked #1 by Boston T. Party in his "Gun Bible", and has a lot going for it.

Finally, there is the FN-FAL. I don't know too much about this rifle, but a lot of folks seem to like it.

I want to mount either an Aimpoint or 4X ACOG to it, and setup it up as something I can use out to 300 yards or so. Of course, since it's .308 and can really reach out there, I want something accurate enough so that if I decide I want a semi-auto precision rifle, I can just put a Leupold scope on her, and be set.

Also, I really like the pistol grip and collapsible stocks on the AR-15s, and would prefer that furniture on my battle rifle as well. I *think* someone makes them for M1A, but aren't certain. So that is another consideration.

Thanks in advance!

[Lurker]

How much for the Galil?

L

[hiredhand]

Both serve a purpose. I do plan to keep my 5.56 stuff, and am even in the process of building another AR-15 right now.

But some possible scenarios in the future could require something in .308

I love the 5.56mm for CQB, but a .308 gives you the capability to 'reach out and touch someone'.

I agree! I go "around" with a GOOD friend of mine on a regular basis. He's a ".30 cal or DIE man". :-) I think that footpound for footpound, the 5.56mm does quite well, but I like the better range and energy transfer of the .308 .

I noticed quite a few people on this thread put in a plug for DSA. If you're leaning towards an FAL, look into their rifles (http://www.dsarms.com). I don't have one, but I've done enough research to wish I did. :-)

An added "plus" with most ARs is that you can buy an upper (such as that offered by DPMS) which converts your AR into a 7.62x39. :-).

OH...almost forgot. DSA makes at least ONE FAL chambered for the .243 Winchester as well. :-)

[Chode]

with a 14.5" barrel won't it have to be BATF registered as a "Short Barreled Rifle"???

[Mulder]

Does the M1A crimp your brass such that you can't reuse it?

[ozzymandus]

M1-A is the way to go. Expensive, but worth it and holds its value. I have several .308 semi-autos, but the M1-A is the best. If you want a beater, get a FAL or a CETME. If you want an expensive beater, get a G3 or H&K 91.

[Mulder]

with a 14.5" barrel won't it have to be BATF registered as a "Short Barreled Rifle"???

I'm going order it with a Phantom Flash Suppressor permanently attached to get it to the "legal" 16 inches.

[Trailerpark Badass]

with a 14.5" barrel won't it have to be BATF registered as a "Short Barreled Rifle"???

If you permanently attach certain flash hiders to the 14.5" barrel, they are considered part of the barrel and bring the length over the 16" minimum.

[Lurker]

Not at all. Most times crimped brass will be once fired military stuff like the Lake City brass I mentioned previously. Most commercial brass is crimp free.

You'll have to be careful buying surplus foreign ammo though. A lot of that is Berdan primed so it can't be reloaded. I learned to take a look into any suspect cases with a small light just to be sure.

Do you load your own?

If so, let me know. I've got a nice pet load that's wicked accurate out of my Springfield. I'll send it to you if you like.

Have fun with your new rifle.

Remember; Only hits count.

L

[Squantos]

We "must" have a pic when ya get er done !

[Joe Brower]

"I'm really starting to lean that way.... M1A is my frontrunner now."

I have an M1A, and I love it. However, I'd hate like hell to have to lug it around all day -- it's heavy, at least it feels much heavier than the FAL, although it's only about a pound or more on the scale. Go figure.

The M1A is a better long-distance shooter, for sure. But overall, I still give the FAL superior marks. Again, feels lighter and points much more easily. At least for me, at 170 lbs. If you're a bigger guy, or stronger overall, then the heavyness, real or perceived, of the M1A would be less of a difference, I suppose.

Just my two bits,

[Atlas Sneezed]

with a 14.5" barrel won't it have to be BATF registered as a "Short Barreled Rifle"???

---

Not if it has a permanently attached muzzle brake or flash hider.

[Atlas Sneezed]

I just got done with "Molon Labe", which is the latest from Boston, and I thought it was great. Have you read it?

---

Yes. And an excerpt of my review of it in a thread here is found on Boston's site.

[Squantos]

Agree with your valid points yet I have the good fortune to have a few choices and if I "did not" have a few in the gun safe and was limited to one I'd go with my tried and true that works for me. I suspect that's whay we have M1A, FN or AR guys and gals just as we have Chevy, Ford, Mopar, Toy-YotA sorts as what works for "you" is the key.

My M1A's ride in my FJ80 & Toy 4x4 Truck and my Remington 870 Marine Magnum, bone stock out of the box with no mods, loaded with slugs and #4 Buck is my choice for bump in the night feel good warm and fuzzy needs .

[Joe Brower]

"warm and fuzzy" -- oh yeah! $:-) Happiness is a warm gun, even if it's just that Texas sun...

Hey, that rhymes!

[LowNslow]

6.8 version of AR-15 and you have two for one.

SF troops have given 6.8 round great reviews. AR-15 6.8 upper in very cost effective, uses same mags. You get two rifles in one.

[snowsislander]

Perhaps I can solve this one for you: just plan to buy them all. Remind yourself this is just the first acquisition of many.

Were I starting my collection, I would probably go for the M1A. I don't think that any of the others are any better overall, and remember, you are planning to buy the rest anyway.

[surfatsixty]

ping for later

[KoRn]

"HK Model 91"

W00T I love mine...its a clone though

[Chode]

coool...

[Squantos]

LOL..........yer a poet Joe !

Stay safe !