Posted on 11/09/2004 7:59:30 PM PST by 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!
I got an AR-15 (Bushmaster carbine) specifically because of the compatibility of ammo and magazines. I got a Springfield M1A next because of quality and because the military still uses 7.62mm and to some extent, M-14s.
As far as I'm concerned, a "gun ban scenario" is pretty much the same thing as a SHTF scenario.
If it's time to bury them, it's time to dig them up.
I'm a devout fan of all things M1A Mulder.....
The M1A IMHO is a much better rig, accuracy and reliability either muddy or shiny clean it'll go bang every time. magazines are once again cheap for it and ya can't go wrong.
As the FN-FAL The only resident expert I know of is archy, Jeff Head or Chookter.....
As to the M1A "pistol grip" stock I believe Fulton Armory has what you seek. I don't like em. They were original for the M14 flavor and I think you'll find they ain't what ya want on a fine new M1A.
If ya get an M4 Carbine I suggest Bushmasters new rig that is AWB virus free. I purchased two brand new ones after the clintonista batfag fairy was shot down and they are flawless rigs.
Quote of the decade, my friend :)
That being said, you know I own a really cherry National Match Springfield and I don't think there's anything in the world firearm wise I would take in trade. (OK, maybe there are one or two things, but I'd make damn sure I got the better end of the deal....you know a .50 cal or something.)
Mulder wants a battle rifle that he can bet his life on so I gather. If he has a budget of 3 large or so, and he has no problem lugging a 14 pound rifle around the M1A is the way to go.
However, if his (or her, I don't really know) budget is around 1000 US or so he or she couldn't do better than and FN-FAL clone. Either one is reliable as the day is long. Both are capable of amazing accuracy when properly tuned and equipped. In either case friend Mulder will never look into his or her 'toybox' and say "God, I wish I hadn't bought that."
In fact now that the AWB has sunsetted, I intend to build myself an FN or two. It's just too easy not to try it. And, the way I look at it there's not really any downside.
Even if I completely screw up I'll end up with a reasonably serviceable FN.
Now; you and I need to hook up 'offline'. That batch of sparkling mead I told you about is done and it is indeed a wonderful thing to behold.
Give me a jingle when you have time. I have one bottle hidden with your name on it and believe me, if folks around here find out I'm holding out on them things could get ugly.
My neighbor told me that if he ever found himself in prison facing a death sentence and he was asked for his last meal the first thing he would put on his list is a bottle of Lurkers Sparkling Blueberry Mead.
So give me a call to set up shipping. Then, find somewhere to send the kids for the evening. You and Mrs N can pop the cork in a style befitting your status.
Don't worry, you can thank me later. LOL.
L
:)
The FN-FAL (particularly the L1A1) is what the M-14 wanted to be when it grew up.... LOL
All kidding aside: M1A1 rocks, but the FN variants are still better as a serious battle rifle.
Having said that--for precise shooting (sniping) with a variety of optics, the M1A1 is a more versatile platform.
I guess the answer is:
Drag a rifle through the mud and snow and hit a target reliably at 100m, you want an AKS
Drag a rifle through the mud and snow and clean it and baby it and hit a target reliably at 500m, you want an M-16
Drag a rifle through the mud and snow and hit a target reliably a few times at 800m, and then clean it and baby it, you want an M-14 (M1A1)
Drag a rifle through the mud and snow and hit a target every time at 600m, and do it again tomorrow, you want an FN-FAL.
"If I were going to get a rifle in a .308, then I'd look at the Galil."
have a look :
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976435566.htm
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976495791.htm
and in .223
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976495792.htm
It's a true battle rifle, but stick to the open sights on it. Optics, are tits on a warthog on such a rugged rifle....
How's that FN handle really cold environs....?? My M1A does really well in Alaska freeze and desert sand..... I have honestly never played with or handled an FN short of the behind the fence at Aberdeen MD school. We've had this talk long ago so I guess it's time I bought one for myself and get educated by ya'll.
Stay safe !!
In the sand, the L1A1 version is preferable because it has the 'sand-cuts' in the bolt carrier and receiver rails that prevents any binding.
C'mon, it's a John Browning design: He was a f&cking firearm genius...
Seriously though, I quite honestly love, and I do mean love, my M1A. As I said before, I don't think I'd trade it for anything. Well ok, if I ran into some fool willing to trade me a Barrett Light for it I'd do it but barring that.....
The M1A platform is a no s*** 1000 yard platform when properly set up. Even their 'standard model' outperforms most other 'match' rifles out of the box. Now that the AWB is dead and buried I can't find it in my heart to recommend buying anything else. That's providing that one has the budget for it.
The FN is also a mighty fine weapon and as I said before I'm going to try building a copy or two. Parts kits are now more than affordable and it's a well proved and battle tested weapon. There's almost no reason not to give one a try.
As far as the Springfield product goes, the only reason I can't say that it's accurate beyond 600 yards or so is that I don't have access to a range any longer than that. I know I can knock over targets out to that range and if I had access to a place I could work out longer range tables I have no doubt that Mama 14 wouldn't let me down.
For Mulder, it's all going to come down to budget I guess. Funny how things work out that way.....LOL.
I'm going to stick by my original recommendation. If he has an bucket full of dough by all means by the Springfield or the Fulton Armory product. If he doesn't have a truck load of greenbacks, he should buy an FN clone.
If he sticks to those two choices he's never going to look in his gun case and feel the slightest pang of regret.
Just my two cents on the subject.
Regards,
L
FN-FAL is elegant, comfortable to shoot, accurate and easy to take down for cleaning.
HK91 is industrial in feel, accurate, rugged, and reliable. More of a pain to take down.
Springfield M1A is beautiful, points well, accurate, reliable.
All are excellent choices - proven, battle-tested rifles with long pedigrees. Check out all three and decide which you enjoy most.
LOL....I'm sensing a bit of nervous agnst Bro.....:o)
So ya have to dink wid it depending on where ya carry it ?
I want one regardless........Hope yer doing OK and remember I'll have to pick yer brain as to which one is the best for yotes here in Poohville TX !
Stay safe Bro !
Yep, it all comes down to personal preference.
"Domestic Enemies" is coming out ???? or whenever I finish it, plus a few months... Sometime in 05 I'd say.
I have a few mementos I cherish and one is a TRW M1A built up for me by a good friend. I carried that rifle around the world for a few years while working for Uncle Sugar.
The accuracy is scary .....with federal 168gr HPBT Match and even Mexican Match white box I can hit a brisket almost every time at a grand. Very good rigs. I recently added my third M1A to the safe with one of SA's "loaded" versions. Seems the black phenolic or glass stock is the GI issue green surplus one that SA says they painted with some bulk flat black paint they got from Harley Davidson.
My M1A newbie is a Harley !!
If I went with an AR10 platform it would be the G.A. Precision AR-10 built by George Gardner. Everything I've read is positive. I have a custom built NM Springfield M1A. It's a great rifle but scope mounting and bedding is an issue.
Check it out here: http://www.gaprecision.net/content/products.php
LOL.
Mine has a TRW stamped bolt. Folks tell me that means something good.
All I know is that I can hit everything I aim at out to 5 or 6 footbal fields. That's pretty damned good in my book.
I'm not knocking either choice. In fact I intend to put an FN in the toybox as soon as I'm able. However.....As far as this Freeper is concerned, the Springfield is the way to go. Yea, it's heavy. Yea, it's expensive. Yea, spare parts and mags are more expensive. Guess what. I don't care.
If I had 1 minute to get out of my house and only had time to grab one rifle, it would be the M1A. There's not the slightest doubt in my mind about that.
But, that's just me.
Well that's all for me tonite. Ya'll have fun.
Regards,
L
Self ping for later reading and commentary at work.
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