A little OT but I have a request for some advice. I’ve been seriously considering getting a rifle chambered in .308/7.62 because I’d rather get something a little longer range and more powerful than a .223/5.56. I’ve already got a medium range .357 lever action rifle, so I want something a bit bigger. I’m really leaning toward the M1A (M14) with a decent scope. I know it’s a bit heavy and I’m gladly willing to accept that. Anybody have any pros/cons on the M1A?
The M1A is a fine rifle. I have one, and it shoots straight and operates reliably. I am very fond of it.
I also have a DPMS AR-10, which shoots the same ammo. It is pretty heavy but a pure pleasure to shoot.
If you want a weapon that makes you and others drool, get a Belgium made FN LAR.
If you are like me, being unable to decide clearly means you need them all.
I second the recommendation on the AR-10. If you want to spend a few extra bucks, check out the Ruger SR-762, I think that’s what it’s called.
Many years ago in Officers’ Basic at Ft. Lee, VA, I shot Expert with an M14. Sweetest shooting large bore rifle I ever fired. Later I bought a M1A in 1986. You can’t go wrong with one as long as you’re willing to pop for the initial price of about $1,200.
Cons:
The gun and its accessories are expensive.
Twenty-round magazines are twenty dollars + a pop (compare to PTR-91 magazines, which you can get for between one and three dollars). This will make stocking up harder and we all know that magazines are currently in the crosshairs of the gun grabbers.
They tend to be heavy depending on whether you get wood or synthetic stocks. The magazines and ammo are also heavy, limiting how much you can carry. Also, unless you’re getting the SOCOM model, they’re long and awkward, which can be an issue depending on your height.
Ammo is expensive (you can buy two twenty-round boxes of 5.56 for the price of one twenty-round box of 308). Same rule as with the price of magazines applies.
To my knowledge, there aren’t any 22 conversion kits for the M1A, which means target shooting is going to be expensive.
The largest amount of bulk 308 ammo you can get is five hundred rounds, and you’ll pay more than you would for a thousand round box of 5.56.
308 kicks like a mule. You will notice this after firing off a few mags.
Pros:
If word from Vietnam is any sign, the gun is reliable and hard-hitting. Anything you hit with it is likely to stay down.
You can load the gun with stripper clips.
The bolt locks back after the last round is fired and is close enough to make charging the gun easy.
Just to let you know, I followed the same road you did (got a PTR-91), and then all of those cons reared their ugly head, especially after I read about the pros of the AR15 and 5.56 round. I don’t know what you’re planning on using the firearm for, but bear in mind that there is a reason a majority of the world’s armies got rid of long-range, heavy caliber rifles and switched over to lighter guns with lighter ammo.
If nothing else, you might consider getting an AR in 308, that way, if you decide you do want to try 5.56, it’s just a matter of switching out some parts rather than buying a whole new gun.