[SZonian]

Oh, I am willing to consider the .308, less punch. Just looking at .30-06 based on ammo availability in a SHTF scenario, but would move off that if the right rifle for the right price is found.

M1A, sweet looking rifle...but there are so many conflicting reviews and the price...there’s just not that much room in the budget.

AR-10 - Stuck in Kommiefornia, not an option. ;(

Currently own a Mini-30 as my “tactical” option. I like it alot.

[jboot]

There were definitely teething pains with the M1A. Springfield has largely overcome them and the new rifles seem solid. I agree about the price. It's why I don't have one. :-( You might want to re-visit the ballistic data on 30-06 vs 308. There's very little difference in the performance of mil-spec loads. The advantage of 30-06 is that it can accomodate a longer, heavier bullet, which is useful if you want to hunt large game. Otherwise there isn't much difference.

Glad you like the Mini-30. Those are legal in Crazyfornia?