[Rem700SD]

I'm shopping for a semi in .308. I also have a couple .30 cal supressors that I want to use with one. I hate the blow back of the AR's, otherwise they're just fine. My question is which is better/more accurate, a quality M1A, or a quality FN FAL? If anyone else has .308 suggestion, I'd love ot hear those as well!
Dan

[usp_fan]

I loved my FAL and it was dead reliable. However, I think the consensus is that the M1A is more accurate even in stock form. Much of this has to do with the sights. If you plan to mount an optic, the difference on basic samples of each diminishes (in my opinion).

If you can pick up an FAL in para configuration, it would make a great partner to that suppressor for an urban rifle.

--usp_fan

[DMK]

I absolutely love my .308 Garand. I bought a CMP gun, had it rebuilt with a .308 barrel and added National Match sights. It was cheaper than an M1A and all USGI except for the stock and barrel. It's way more accurate than my FALs or any other rifles I own with the exception of my ARs.

[SpookyPistolero]

Saiga! 1.5 MOA. Suppress one in pistol grip format and you'll be the coolest kid on the block.

[Rem700SD]

"If you can pick up an FAL in para configuration, it would make a great partner to that suppressor for an urban rifle."

That's kinda where my thoughts are going. I just need a bit of confirmation that the quality FALs group 1MOA or so. I talked to DSA at the NRA event in Houston, and I couldn't pin them down on an accuracy figure. If I'm gonna blow close to $2K on a rifle, I wanna hit what I'm aiming at!

[enfield]

My FAL does 1.25 MOA with iron sights and my bad eyes. They're fine rifles.

[ocabj]

I absolutely love my .308 Garand. I bought a CMP gun, had it rebuilt with a .308 barrel and added National Match sights. It was cheaper than an M1A and all USGI except for the stock and barrel. It's way more accurate than my FALs or any other rifles I own with the exception of my ARs.

Did you have it bedded?

I'm acquiring all the parts for my 6 million SA receiver right now and I'm pretty close to having everything but the barrel and stock. I plan on turning it into a quasi-NM rifle, to fit that late 6 million serial heritage, but have yet decided on what do with the barrel and bedding. I'm talking to DGR right now just feeling it out to see what I may do. I'm definitely going with a non-military contour barrel (medium/heavy weight), though.

[Father Knows Best]

"If you can pick up an FAL in para configuration, it would make a great partner to that suppressor for an urban rifle."

That's kinda where my thoughts are going. I just need a bit of confirmation that the quality FALs group 1MOA or so. I talked to DSA at the NRA event in Houston, and I couldn't pin them down on an accuracy figure. If I'm gonna blow close to $2K on a rifle, I wanna hit what I'm aiming at!

I happen to have a DSA SA58 Para Congo. It's a fine rifle, and I love it. If accuracy is your primary criterion, though, it wouldn't be my first recommendation. Instead, I'd second DMK and suggest you get a Garand and have it rebarreled in .308. I think CMP still sells low grades without wood for around $300, which is a bargain. Put a new stock and .308 barrel on it, and you've got a great rifle with excellent accuracy potential for less than the cost of a new M1A, and a LOT less than the cost of a SA58 Para Congo (retail is $1,800+ new; I paid $1400 used for mine).

[TMM]

how about a G3/HK91/CETME?

~TMM

[Ad Astra]

There's a Vepr .308, if you want a better-made AK-47 (RPK) in .308...

[rick_reno]

I like the 50.63 FAL (FN Herstal). Nice gun.

[DMK]

Did you have it bedded?

I'm acquiring all the parts for my 6 million SA receiver right now and I'm pretty close to having everything but the barrel and stock. I plan on turning it into a quasi-NM rifle, to fit that late 6 million serial heritage, but have yet decided on what do with the barrel and bedding. I'm talking to DGR right now just feeling it out to see what I may do. I'm definitely going with a non-military contour barrel (medium/heavy weight), though.No, it's not bedded, but the stock is tight. I store it with the trigger guard unlocked and don't field strip it (just clean it with a bore snake or use a muzzle guide).

I had this rifle rebuilt by DGR. It has a Barnett barrel and a Wenig stock. I also got him to do a trigger job.

[Chuck R.]

I’ve owned a SA M1A standard, and now own a DSA SA58. To decide “best” it really depends on your intended use. I’d say that my SA58 is about as accurate as my “off the rack” M1A was.

The M1A1 had a better trigger, and better sights. The FAL has better ergonomics IMHO, and a newer design. I think of the M1A1 as modified 30s technology, while the FAL is 50s technology. Both of mine were reliable, but the FAL is easier/faster to take down and clean. To me, the FAL is a much better CQB weapon as the DSA SA58 is lighter due to it’s aluminum lower receiver and its pistol grip aids with control. It feels like a big beefy M16 to me. The operating controls allow your right hand to remain on the rifle at all times. Also, as a reloader, the adjustable gas system saves wear and tear on the action and lets me minimize recoil.

If you want accuracy, I think it’s easier to get there with a M1A1 loaded or tuned. If you’re looking for a MBR with “enough” accuracy for the job at hand, then I think the FAL is the way to go.

Both cost about the same (SA Vs. DSA), so that’s a wash.

Chuck

[meef]

As far as better/best/whatever..... I have a SOCOM 16 that is my clear favorite of all the .308 rifles I've ever owned.

It just "feels" so very right.

I've had rifles that were more accurate and equal the quality. But... nothing ever just plain felt better to put to shoulder and make gunpowder burn.

My $.02.

:)

[newfalguy101]

I love my FAL rifle and for my interest its plenty accurate at 2+or-inches/ 100yards running the issue iron sights.

For deadnuts accuracy I wouldnt choose the FAL platform however, dont get me wrong, there are some wonderfully accurate guns out there that would probably fit the bill, but alas they are the exceptions not the rule. FALs generally are closer to 2 inches (like mine) than 1 with some even worse.

I have no personal experience with any other .308 semi's so I dont have any input there.

[Rem700SD]

Thanks for the input!
My goal is a light(er), high-cap all around SHTF/fun gun. I'm definately going to put optics on it as my dominant(right) eye is the weaker one. 1- 1.5 MOA is good enough for this application.
Is there any gas adjustment on an M1A? The problem with adding a suppressor to a semi is the increased back pressure. Depending on the cyclic mechanism, this can do a number of onersome things, including geting the action dirtier FAST(AR series), sticking/warping cases (M1A, I have read), etc.
I'm hoping an adjustable gas system can alleviate this prob.
I've seen suppressed M1s, and may consider a scout model. Any collapseable/para stocks for the M1?
Dan

[MachIVshooter]

I hate the blow back of the AR's, otherwise they're just fine.

:confused:

Last time I looked at my AR-10, it was gas-operated rotating bolt.

[newfalguy101]

:confused:

Last time I looked at my AR-10, it was gas-operated rotating bolt.

I noticed that also, I guess I just figured he meant the direct gas flow to the chamber, as in NOT piston driven

[Rem700SD]

Yup, that's what I'm referring to. I have an AR-15 that's suppressed and the chamber gets dirty very fast, which kills reliability. The tops of all my mags are covered in residue.

[db_tanker]

you hit the nail right on the head...M1A has no gas adjustment system...the FAL does...so you can actually tailor a low pressure, low noise round for the FAL and still have it cycle reliably...only constraint, and this goes with any mag-fed self-loader, is the cartridge overall length. This is if your wanting to use the VLD bullets designed for long range suppresed apps.

The PTR-91, G-3, CETME, etc etc doesn't have any gas adjustment either...and the extra fouling from using AR's and HK's, IIRC, is due to them using a gas-impingement operating system...the FAL uses a rod/piston.


MTCW
D

[stoky]

You might want to check out Boston's Gun Bible. He picks the M1A over the FAL, Garand, HK91 and AR10. He rates the AR10 last for reliability issues. He rates the HK first in SHTF low/no maintenance reliability. His criteria are for best battle rifle.
I have an M1A, HK91 and a Garand (.30-06). The M1A has better ergonomics, is lighter weight and is much easier on brass than the HK. I like the Garand the best.

[latisimusd]

My 308 favorites are:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/ARfun/MAK3.jpg
6-250, 223, 308 switch barrel - uses AICS 5 & 10 round mags

Remi VSSF 308
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/ARfun/RemiVSSF1.jpg

1977 (red) Ferrari 308 GT :)
Don't have one though!

[Rem700SD]

latisimusd,
What's the maker of that switch barrel gun? you've got me curious!

[artherd]

I'm shopping for a semi in .308.

KAC SR-25. Period.

(well the DPMS Panther .308 is getting rave reviews at 1/4th the cost too. Probally not built nearly as well.)

[Rem700SD]

SR-25 has the same probs as all the other AR tack drivers. When suppressed, the increased back pressure blows all the crap back into the chamber. This is not amusing on my AR-15, and it'll be worse in a .308 AR. The exception would be if a company used the op rod system i've seen for the HK AR-15 uppers on a .308 upper.

[mp2go1]

the jld ptr-91. accurate, good price and great shooter. as a bonus you can get 50- 20 round mags for $50 at tapco. just add ammo.