[Old Sarge Ski]

The 5.56mm (or .223 Remington in its civilian version) is best when using the heavier bullets up to the equivalent of the 77gr Boat-tail (which is a copy of the military Stoner bullet) that matches the lethality of the .308 Winchester (7.62mm NATO) at 350m given that your barrel twist can handle the length of the heavier bullet without causing stability problems. If you don't mind recoil (which is a function of velocity and bullet weight) stick with the NATO (.308) round. If you are susceptible to recoil go with the 5.56mm round, just make sure your target is within the 350m lethality limitation. (THE 350m lethality measure was developed by the US Army in the 1970s as a benchmark during the Cold War. Warsaw Pact doctrine had infantry dismounting from BMPs at that range for assaults.)
As far as scopes are concerned, go for a 3X9 variable with a mil-dot reticle. A fixed 4 power doesn't offer the variety of options that a variable does. And the mil-dot, once you learn how to use it, let's you judge range without having to futz around with tables or cams or any of the other kind of crap that takes time and losses your target.
The FN is OK, as is the H&K, but I would stick with the M1A or the Ruger Mini-14 just because I like them. All are gas operated in one form or another and the recoil is therefore diminished.
But if'n you want real fun go for a good ole M-1 in 30-06. It'll really reach out an touch someone.

[NoLibZone]

What if you live in Kalifornia?

Can any of these be legal?

[GunnyB]

If you are looking for a modern, well-made, seriously tough weapon, then consider either the Heckler & Koch 91 (7.62 NATO/.308 Win) or 93 (5.56). Bother are incredibly tough weapons. In addition, they are easy to maintain, have tons of extras (magazines, stocks, slings, battle sights, etc.), and are extremely accurate. I've got one of each in my safe - with lots of mags - lots of mags because once you start shooting these beasts you won't want to stop for a long time...

[Squantos]

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.

[karnage]

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.

[injin]

" For Mulder, it's all going to come down to budget I guess. "

if this is the case , then here is a good deal on a Para-Fal
type of rifle :

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/viewitem.asp?item=25307236

great starting price on this auction and no bidders so far.

[in the Arena]

Hey Mulder,

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

[ol painless]

No contest. Get an M1 from the CMP. "The best battle implement ever devised." G. Patton

[AppyPappy]

Mauser.

[yarddog]

If all you care about is performance, there is nothing I have ever seen which can beat the HK-91. I have owned several and they were all 100% reliable and really unusually accurate, in fact they would beat most bolt actions.

The only down side is they feel a little clunky to me.

I personally want very very much one of the commercial FN's which were imported by Gun South. I looked at one in the store a few years ago and was drooling over it but couldn't afford the $2000 price tag. Maybe they are cheaper now. The same store had an FN (was it the FNC?) sub caliber in .223 at a very reasonable price. (I think it was only $400) I wish I had bought one because they disappeared pretty quickly.

[dljordan]

I just sold two Colt 5.56 "poodle shooters" and am going to use the money to buy an M1A. There's a lot of open space here in Northern Colorado.

[gedeon3]

FN-FAL.

[hiredhand]

We've got AR-15s (Armalite) and an FAL.

I LIKE the FAL that I can put the red dot on a target at 400 yards and EXPECT to perforate it with with substantial energy transfer at that distance.

I like the AR-15 (Armalite) because it's VERY accurate, has low recoil, and you can carry a substantial amount of ammo over an equivalent weight of .308 ammo. But it has a BAD reputation as a battle rifle.

The ".223 vs .308" discussion is a religious war. :-) You're going to get everybody's opinion here, including mine! But I'll tell you this. I've got a most gracious and lovely woman in my house who simply does NOT have the upper body strength to effectively handle the FAL. The odds of her ever being as effective as I am with it are very low. However, she shoots the AR-15 VERY well, as does my 9 yr old (boy)....as does my 11 yr old (girl).

The trade off in my purist rifleman's mind was that the AR is useable by more people in my house than just me. So my primary weapon is the FAL, unless it breaks, and then I fall back to the AR (always keep a spare!).

Having said all that....I wish I had bought a DSA SA-58. (http://www.dsarms.com) instead fo my "mostly" STG-58 FAL. :-)

[tophat9000]

Check out the Russian VEPR it's an AK but in .308 built on the RPK receiver... http://www.robarm.com/

[Tempest]

Damn! I thought that this was going to be a Halo2 discussion.

[GunnyHartman]

U.S.C.M. M41-A Pulse Rifle

[hubno]

Here is some of our inventory in Daleville,Al.We are near Ft,Rucker Army base.
Not trying to sell anything just some pics of guns.
http://www.ordnancedepot.com/weapons.htm

[Spottys Spurs]

Check out the new Bushmaster offerings

http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/bushmaster308.asp

[roaddog727]

M1A and or M14

Hard to improve upon perfection.

[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.