[geekWithA.45]

I'm looking for a rugged, reliable, friendly semiauto in .308.

From what I can tell, these all have good reputations, and are in the same ballpark pricewise.

(I'd get a .50 bmg, since they look to be an endangered species, but I just can't afford it)

So, in no particular order:

Springfield Armory M1A, Standard
Armalite AR-10A4
DS Arms SA-58
Saiga in .308...don't pass up a $400 .308!
Something Else, (please specify)

[Duke of Lawnchair]

IF it were my birthday and IF I could legally own one in California it'd have to be the DSA SA58. Why? Because that was the next firearm I was going to purchase before California's SB23 came into effect. Ran out of cash, so that's my sob-story.

[Steve F]

I'm partial to the DSA as well,and I managed to get in the before the SB23 deal:D ,it's really a Imbel G/L receiver built with a pristine STG58 parts kit;) SUPURB piece engineering:o ,I highly recommend one:)

[geekWithA.45]

So when sb23 went into effect, all previously owned rifles where grandfathered in?

Presumably with some registration component to prove you owned it before the ban?

That's how they did the jersey ban...some poor yutz up north got snagged because he didn't register his marlin .22 rimfire because it had a 17 round cylindrical magazine....

[Steve F]

Prior to the SB23,I already owned it,and so long as I removed the pistol grip from it:confused: ,I would be exempt from having to register it at all as a AW:D I'll be darned if I know that grip is:rolleyes:

[CaesarI]

The FN FAL was the "right arm of the free world" and was the West's answer to the AK-47.

It is, as specified, "Rugged, Reliable, and Semi-Auto" it is also "battle proven" "easy to get parts for" and it comes fully equipped with an "evil pistol-grip" The magazines are also cheaper, and a lot less likely to become real expensive in the future. 20rd M14 mags are $30-50 and higher. 20rd FAL magazines (metric) are $10. We won't even talk about AR-10 magazines, that's just depressing.

My Semi-Auto battle rifle, when I get around to getting one, is going to be an FN FAL. And I'm a nerd too.

-Morgan

[Dr.Rob]

I'd get the SA-58 but only because the hi-cap mags are way cheaper than hi-caps for the M1A.

I think I'd prefer the M1A's ergonomics and weight (to me FAL's a really heavy) and better sights.

Still, get what you want.

[12.7x99mm]

I wish I would get a SA M1A for a birthday present.

Nice!

[cheygriz]

HK-91

[Ullr]

I've owned FALs and I've owned M1As -- they're both the cat's whiskers. If you've got the money for a DSA SA-58, I'd say go for it -- those are sweet. Another option is DSA's "parts gun." Quite a bit cheaper, every bit as nice (at least, mine was before I sold it).

If you've got a hankerin' for an M1A though, nothing else will do. They've got an almost religious following. (Sez me, with two in the locker... ;)). Speaking of which, check my ad in the classified section if you're interested in a standard M1A "and all the fixin's."

Both are outstanding rifles. Handle a sample of each before you decide -- fit and balance are personal.

[geekWithA.45]

Thanks to all who voted and put in their .02...

It's helped to clarify my thinking....I've eliminated the AR-10 and the Saiga, so now I gotta think about FN FAL, the early leader, against the classic lines of the M1A.


I'm gonna look into the "parts" SA-58, see how much I'd save...more research to do,


Thanks Again!

[another48hrs]

I would suggest a G3 or Cetme clone. For a good clone made by Portugal or Greece is about the same price as a DSA FAL. You can get one of those century ones for about as much as the saiga (but quality is iffy.) And a new clone is coming out which may be good the PTR-91. Finally, magazines are around $5.

[cdbeaver]

My birthday present to myself (this month) is a single-shot NEF Handi-Rifle in .45-70. Just the thing for hunting ground squirrels or digging for earthworms.

Are people who buy single-shot rifles really more self-assured than others, or merely deluding themselves more?

[JeepDriver]

I voted for the SA58.

I'm hopng to buy one sometime this year. If not the SA58 then the M1A is the only other one I'll be looking at.

[jacks308]

After shooting the Garand as much as I can . Stepping into a M1A is easy . Very happy with it's performance out to 300yds , gonna try out 450 real soon . Ball ammo of course

Jack

[3 gun]

Only one real choice in your list as far as I can see..SA M1a. Get "The M14 Owner's Guide" by Duff and Miller, study the "What to look for in a rifle" chapter and hit the show circuit. Find a preban rifle with USGI parts and you'll never second guess your choice.

[Jack19]

On the list, SA58. Lots of available parts and cheap mags. US made by a great company.

Off the list, HK-91. I like the ergonomics better than the FAL, no gas system to mess with, better sights. Downside, parts can be expensive. As someone mentioned above, the Portugese and Greek guns can be had in the same price range as the rest of your selections. I also have a Greek made SAR-8 (contract made in Greece on HK machinery) it's just as accurate, maybe a little more actually, than my German made HK, and quality is the same.

[geekWithA.45]

The Geek has chosen,

And the form of the destructor is not the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

(Oooh, did I date myself with a Ghostbusters reference?)



It is.....













http://www.springfieldarmory.com/images/rifles/2001-products-rifles-standard.jpg

In businesslike black, of course.


Deciding factors?

A) I've been jonesing one for ages, and whenever I think of something else, I always come back to it.
B) 2 stage trigger, nuff said.
C) It'll pass casual inspection as a politically correct rifle, which, I hate to say, is a consideration in this accursed place.
D) Did I mention I keep jonesing one?

If my Dissipator is my gugnir, my M1A shall be my mjolnir.
(And I guess that makes my Sigs those groovy Viking daggers)

Thanks to everyone for their input, and now to make some calls to find the best deal.....

[six 4 sure]

If I had that kind of money to spend, I'd buy one of the complete rifles here http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com/

Six

[jacks308]

I went out and was jonesing with mine in the snow yesterday at the 25 meter range . Practicing putting on elevation and removing it , groups and all that . The rifle will do less than one inch with ball ammo , I'm still working on the owner :D

Jack