LStevens
Well-Known Fanatic
Ok, which .308 semi-automatic rifle and why? I'm looking for opinions, facts, etc. I'm tossing between a M1A and a AR10. But all info would be appreciated.
Which one?
- Thread starter LStevens
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Spiff
Semi-Pro
That's an awfully vague and open question.
drmitchgibson
The white Morgan Freeman
You should really post your purpose for this query. Buying a FAL to shoot magnified at 1000 yards would be dumb, and buying an AR10 to use for 20K rounds without maintenance would be equally dumb.
LStevens
Well-Known Fanatic
" That's an awfully vague and open question. "
Exactly, I am wanting different opinions on a variety of options. I do not have a specific intention in mind. Which .308 and why is for you to decide. Are you shooting competition or for fun, you decide.
"You should really post your purpose for this query. Buying a FAL to shoot magnified at 1000 yards would be dumb, and buying an AR10 to use for 20K rounds without maintenance would be equally dumb." This is what I am looking for, your insight. Thanks, keep it coming, there are many opinions I am sure.
Exactly, I am wanting different opinions on a variety of options. I do not have a specific intention in mind. Which .308 and why is for you to decide. Are you shooting competition or for fun, you decide.
"You should really post your purpose for this query. Buying a FAL to shoot magnified at 1000 yards would be dumb, and buying an AR10 to use for 20K rounds without maintenance would be equally dumb." This is what I am looking for, your insight. Thanks, keep it coming, there are many opinions I am sure.
[email protected]
Well-Known Fanatic
Remington 7400
KeithCross
Well-Known Fanatic
I've heard pretty good things about the Remington/FN SXAR, with the exception of the fact that the mags are expensive. I really have no personal experience of my own to offer you about .308's, but my next rifle will be in that caliber and will be something that I can get more accuracy out of than my crap hit the fan gun (an AK-47). The SXAR seems to be good for that if I wanted to mount optics on it and a bi-pod, but then again, the Rock River Varminter Would also be great for that. A friend of mine has an M1A and loves it, along with everyone who's shot it. Comes down to purpose I guess, as stated above. If you want high volume of fire - FN-FAL or maybe even a Saiga; if you want to wring some long range out of it - SXAR, AR10 or M1A. Seems to be what I've found while doing my research.
LStevens
Well-Known Fanatic
Thanks Keith, good info
The FN/FAL is a great battle rifle, as are the M14 pattern rifles. Both are robust and have a history of reliability. Accuracy can be exceptional from both, with a little work. As they come standard, accuracy is pretty damn good. Truth is, however ugly, few put in the work to shoot our rifles to the true mechanical potential of the rifle.
Same for the AR10. After all, that was the original intent of the AR15.
You can't count out the Garand either. Only downside I see to the Garand is the 8 round enbloc clip. But there are probably a few dead Nazis who would say that was a pretty effective rifle and the 8 rounder was that big a deal.
All of the above would do well as battle rifles (because they have been proven to do well in that role). As far as benchrest type shooting, you probably want to go the M14 pattern or AR10.
Same for the AR10. After all, that was the original intent of the AR15.
You can't count out the Garand either. Only downside I see to the Garand is the 8 round enbloc clip. But there are probably a few dead Nazis who would say that was a pretty effective rifle and the 8 rounder was that big a deal.
All of the above would do well as battle rifles (because they have been proven to do well in that role). As far as benchrest type shooting, you probably want to go the M14 pattern or AR10.
lowbudgethero
Active Fanatic
I was going to say this or a BAR if you wanted a hunting rifle that you could easily practice with as well. Drawback is the magazine capacity.
LStevens
Well-Known Fanatic
Thanks Troy. My neighbor has a SA National Match which is beautiful and I know can out shoot my abilities. It is a peach to shoot with it's weight. How is the recoil of the AR platform in .308?
drmitchgibson
The white Morgan Freeman
I second Troy's response. .308 out of an AR is kind of nice, really. Enjoyable.
I shot a friends 18" barreled Noveske AR10 last Saturday and I thought there was more forward recoil (BCG going back into battery) than there was recoil on the shooter. As much as I love my bolt guns the AR10 was fun to shoot. We were ringin a IPSC steel target at 1000 with it.
dennishoddy
Moderator
We have an 82 year old member of our gun club that is a reloading fanatic, and shoots an AR-10.
he shoots almost daily. He had to give up shooting his bolt guns as his shoulder couldn't take heavy recoil.
The AR-10 works nicely for him.
he shoots almost daily. He had to give up shooting his bolt guns as his shoulder couldn't take heavy recoil.
The AR-10 works nicely for him.
LStevens
Well-Known Fanatic
"We were ringin a IPSC steel target at 1000 with it."
So the accuracy is there with the AR platform, Hows the reliability? Dr. Mitch gives the impression of not so much..."buying an AR10 to use for 20K rounds without maintenance would be equally dumb." I realize all rifles require cleaning, upkeep, and maintenance, but it sounded like the AR 10 would require $$ upkeep.
So the accuracy is there with the AR platform, Hows the reliability? Dr. Mitch gives the impression of not so much..."buying an AR10 to use for 20K rounds without maintenance would be equally dumb." I realize all rifles require cleaning, upkeep, and maintenance, but it sounded like the AR 10 would require $$ upkeep.
I believe he was just drawing a parallel to the AR vs AK platform. While the AR is reliable & more accurate, the AK is less finicky & will run dirty as hell.
IMO the AR10 is reliable. What person (non-military, no time to clean or fix because they are getting shot at / unable to get parts in some far off country) really runs their rifle to 20k rounds without maintenance. I shoot for fun and accuracy not high volume competition or my life. If something breaks, I quit shooting until I get it fixed. I feel for myself having a AK platform would be more if a novelty weapon. If I were looking at a 7.62 semiauto I personally would rather have a M14 or AR10.
Glocktogo
Well-Known Fanatic
If you have no particular use in mind, my suggestion would be to handle an AR-10, FAL, M1A, etc. and select the one that pleases you most. Beyond a narrowly defined use, personal preference plays the largest role in what people prefer.
