[Nightcrawler]

It's not that it has failed me; it runs flawlessly, is as accurate as I need it to be, parts are cheap, it's easy to strip and clean, and the manual of arms is laughably simple.

However, I'm not happy with it being my only .308 rifle. I'm worried that if I get something else, I'll like it MORE than my FAL, and the $950 I spent on it will be...I don't know, wasted somehow. But I'm willing to take the risk. I plan on buying another rifle this summer, but I haven't decided which.

I want an M14 type. But I also want Springfield's Scout. I want a .308 AK, like a VEPR or a VEPR II. I want a Garand in original .30-06.

What can I say? I like rifles! :D

Which should I get?

[yankytrash]

Tried it.
Tried it.
Tried it.
Tried it.
Got another FAL.

Unless you have nostalgic personal attachments to any of the other choices, which would be perfectly understandable, you won't be leavin your FAL home very often.

[gryphon]

Since this is coming down to a want anad not a need, I would get what you want most first.

[Nightcrawler]

Well, Gryphon, very few of us have a "need" for a rifle that couldn't be covered by an NEF single shot, it you think about it.

[BHP9]

I own and shoot both the FN and the M1A.

I have always prefered the MIa but befoe going any further. I would caution you that if you buy a ready made M1a be prepared to replace a lot of cast parts with quality forged G.I.parts.

Having said that I would look around for a good M1A Gunsmith and if you can locate a quality forged receiver of either Smith manufacture or even a forged older Norinco I would have one built up with quality parts, a glass bedding job and a national match package which includes trigger work, gas system modified, and compensator bored out.

A national match barrel or national match heavy barrel is also well worth the money. Stainless barrels are available but in my opinion take away a little of the nostalgia of the piece and although it is unknown to most shooters stainless does not necessarliy mean longer barrel life. This was proved by the Gunsmith P.O. Ackley. So the extra expense of stainless is up to you.

I find the non-adjustable and work with every load gas system of the M1a to be totally superior to the troublesome gas system of the FN FAL. You can shoot everything from low powered cast bullet loads to match loads to full power military loads without constantly fiddling with the gas system to try and get the gun to work. I have never had any gas tubes leak or come loose like I have with the FN Fal.

There are many Smiths that specialize in accurizing the M1a and it can be turned into a real tack driver of a weapon complete with excellent trigger pull.

You can mount a scope on the M1a much faster and more ridgedly and much easier than many of the time cosuming , troublesome and less secure mounts often used on the FN FAL.

The M1a's convention stock is faster to the shoulder and more comfortable to use because of its design.

The M1a's safety is lightening fast to flick off because it is conveniently located in the trigger guard. I find it impossible to flick of the FN safety without shifting my grip.

The sights on the M1A are very good with a full range of easy adjustments and National match sights with two differenent front blade widths and two different aperatures on the rear are available and lega for service rifle competition. Contrast this to the much more slower to adjust battle sights of the FN FAL.

If you do get a quality M1A built up I seriously recommend you try out National Match shooting with it. Learning to shoot from the standing postion without the aid of a sling and hit what you are aiming at is a very satisfying achievment of small arms training and you will also learn how to shoot rapid fire from the sitting and prone and you will learn how to shoot at very long range in the prone position and you will learn how to shoot groups that rival what are usually only experieced from shooting from a rock steady rest. You will truly become a super rifleman and it is possible with the outstanding accuracy and ergonomics of the M1A rifle.

The down side to all this that to get a qualtiy M1a it is very expensive and it must be re-glass bedded every coulple of years if you do a lot of shooting with it. Compared to the AR15 it is very expensive to shoot if you are shooting quality match grade ammo out of it.

That is why I compete with the AR15. Although it is one of my least favorite rifles you do not have to bed it and it has a 10,000 round plus barrel life compared to the 308 caliber rifles which often burn out in less than 6,000 rounds of fire. Accuracy with heavy Barrel AR15's borders on the unbelievable with many groups that hover near the 1/4 inch mark right out of an brand new barrel. Scoping the flat top AR's is so easy and there are so many differnent good mounts availalbe for it that it is a breeze to put glass on this rifle.

[Nightcrawler]

I LIKE the ergonomics of the FAL, actually. I'm left handed, and the safety lever is no trouble to manipulate.

I've not heard of any chronic gas problems with the FAL. Once I got mine set I've not had to monkey with it.

I'll agree the M14 has better sights. The FAL's front sight post is too thick and the rear sight is difficult to adjust (not to mention I don't know how accurate the 300, 400, 500, and 600 meter settings are with any given load).

I do NOT want to spend the money on some kind of super accurized target rifle, nor do I want a heavy barrel. *shrug* I'd like the most accuracy I can get out of rack-grade, and would be willing to (eventually) go semi-custom, but I don't want to get into glass-bedding or any of that. The first and foremost priority for me in a service weapon is ruggedness; I don't want to spend thosuands on a rifle and be afraid to get it dirty/muddy/wet/snowy/etc.

I really like the look of the carbine. I do'nt think I can afford both an M1A rifle AND the carbine, but I might have to do that eventually, just to satisfy me.

If I really do become completely enamored with it, I could always sell my FAL. It's a DSA STG 58A...well used, but in great condition with lots of accessories. I could prolly get almost an even grand for it with all of the mags, the scope mount, etc.

Speaking of scope moutns, I've had zero trouble with my DSA mount. It's ROCK SOLID, and combined with Leupold quick-detach rings the scope returns to zero every time.

Is there a qucik detach scope mount available for the M14?

[BHP9]

Is there a qucik detach scope mount available for the M14?

There are a plethoria of mounts available for the M1a and although many people like the Springfield Armory mount that is extremely ridged I have one of the very early S&K mounts. It mounts with only a twist of the screw just like some of the early military mounts. Some people do not like this mount because it has an aluminum base but I have had no trouble with it and I believe it is still a lot cheaper in price than the Springfield mount. It is lightening quick to mount a scope on or off the gun and it will return to within about 1/2 inch of zero which is plenty close enough for me.

[yankytrash]

Never had issues with the gas system on my FALs. Got close to 10,000rd through one of'm, all surplus ammo. All with the orignal, reportedly "needs replacing as soon as you buy it" Century two-piece gas rod.

I like the adjustable gas system for the "what if", but I don't have to mess with it.

[MiniZ]

If you are happy with the FAL, this might just be a case that you need to get a different variation(such as a carbine).

I really like my M1A and my FAL, but they are two different creatures. A few things that may sour you from and M1A are the relatively expensive mags(they can be found for about $35.00 a piece, but compared to a FAL, they are outrageous). Parts are also more expensive(though you really shouldn't need too many).

I personally find that mounting a scope on an M1A puts the scope too high for my tastes. I personally cannot get a cheek weld with this set up. Many do not find it an issue, but it doesn't work for me , and I didn't feel inclined to add a cheek piece to the stock.

Both types have their quirks(if you view them as such), and I really couldn't point you in either direction with any authority-i like them both.

Good luck!

[Warner]

My concern with the M1A is it's cast receiver and the longevity factor. This receiver is stressed far differently than say a proven cast product like the Ruger 77's when it's fired. Mil-spec reqs on the M-14 say "forged".

No controversy of that sort (or much else) with the FAL. I've had three of each rifle over time and will always accept any minor short comings the FAL may have.

I always plan to have an M1A around, and I full appreciate all it's niceties; it's a solid #2 for me. But the FAL will always be my #1.

[Nightcrawler]

So, what's the scoop on new Springfield standard M1As? Some say they suck. Is that true? I don't want to drop $1300 on a lemon.

[Nightcrawler]

Oh, and all of you folks that vote other need to tell me what you think I should get.

I'm looking at major caliber centerfire semiauto rifles only. I've owned 2 AR-15s and have slept with an M16 more than once; I have no desire to own another one. Just wanted to get that out there. Every time you ask about which rifle, someobdy suggests an AR, just like there's always at least one suggestion for a Glock whenever anyone asks about getting a handgun.

[Redlg155]

M1A is definitely on my next list.

Until then I'm scraping money together to send my FAL to Kurts to get the barrel cut to 16" and KKF type Tac Brake installed. I've seen some of the ultra short entry sized FALs and I'm intreagued by the looks.

Good Shooting
Red

[Nightcrawler]

Granted, I'd take a 13" FAL over a 5.56mm shorty any day of the week.

But a 16" FAL isn't really super short; it's about 38" overall, the same as an 18" barreled shotgun. Short enough for indoor work, in my opinion, but I really don't do a lot of that.

Nevertheless, I like the looks of the carbine M1A, and the carbine FAL. I feel bad buying a carbine before getting the full rifle. I could get my FAL carbinized, I guess, but I'd prefer the alloy lower for a carbine, it'd save about a pound of weight.

[GW45]

I have the Saiga .308, a Springfield M1A, a CAI R1A1, and a CAI Cetme......which is my favorite? The one I'm shooting right then.

I'm happy with all of them - all have scopes except the Cetme, and deliver rather nice accuracy and are reliable (no major problems).

I thought what you did - I'll let the other ones go unused if I buy this one - turns out variety is the spice of life - I can go shoot everyday and shoot a different weapon. All being .308 keeps ammo costs down.

Plus, I almost never go shooting alone and it helps to have them for others to shoot.....

Go with the one that feels right - you can't go wrong if you do your homework and handle the ones you're interested in.

**I also have a Ruger M77 Target and the Savage 10FP LE2, for those who don't think I know how to count.....:D

[762x51]

Buddy of mine has a DSA FAL, another has an M1A, I have an Orion Garand. Have shot all 3 quite a bit and they are all very nice guns. I feel that I really got more gun for my money with the Garand though....not to mention that Orion was an absolute pleasure to deal with. Just my thoughts.

[M1911]

I've got an M1A, 2 M1s, an AR10, and a FAL (it's built on an Imbel receiver with Austrian STG components, except for the required US made components which are from DSA).

Of those rifles, I'd have to say I prefer the M1A, then the M1s. They work better for me and fit me better. After that would be the AR10. The FAL would be last.

The FAL receiver is overly long, putting the handguard way, way out there, making it very difficult for me to shoot from the shoulder. I'm not a shrimp (5' 9") and I don't have short arms (32" sleeve), but the FAL just doesn't fit me. I can't easily reach the safety. The sights suck. And of all of the rifles listed above, guess which one has jammed on a couple occasions? You guessed it, the FAL. If you have the gas port open too much, then the cartridge case won't eject and can get jammed between the dust cover and the bolt. Not fun to clear.

[Jack19]

Get yourself an HK91. Either a German original, or a Greek or Portugal licenced manufacture. You will not be disappointed.