[Rebel Gunman HK]

Say you have your pick of a rifle to go at the enemy with. You know nothing of the terrain- enviroment you'll be in, the strength of the enemy, or at which distance youll be able to engage them. What rifle would you like to take your chances with?

[10-Ring]

I voted 'other' because I'd go for an HK 91 or 93 :cool:

[Abenaki]

How do you vote in these polls?

I would choose the M1A.
The best combat rife ever made!!!! Well.....that what I feel.

Abenaki

[cslinger]

I voted AK because I pretty much know it will work when I pick it up. If I determine that I need a different weapon once there I figure I can battlefield pick up something that will work better.

[Vic303]

No 4 Mk II Lee Enfield. Followed by whatever the BG's were using, so I can mooch their ammo & mags.

[Brian Williams]

I voted FAL especially after seein the Ole Dirty
http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=68486&highlight=Ol+dirty
http://www.falfiles.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=567641

[AJ Dual]

Kind of a toss-up between AR and "other".

What I'd like:

An AR-like rifle, but with a true gas-piston a-la the AR18/180 or the DR200, chambered in a 100gr 6mm intermediate round like the 6mm SAW or 6mm PPC, with an adjustable gas regulator like the FAL for fine tuning/reliability, AR style mag well, but using British SA-80 steel mags for reliability/durability.

I'd like to use an ACOG or ELCAN style optic on a QD mount, low 3-4x magnification with wide field of view. Backup iron would be A2 style adjustable and quickly deployable.

But overall it would be AR in configuration, controls, sights, weight, and ergonomics so I chose AR over "other" since my other dosen't exist.

[RWK]

Personally, I would opt for an M-14; all the advantages of an M-1A, plus the option of fully automatic fire.

[DMK]

Since I own one of most of those, I'd choose either my FAL or Garand because of range accuracy and hitting power. Right now the Garand's in the shop though so I guess it's FAL.

If I knew the conflict was going to be under 200 yards, I'd choose my Norinco SKS due to it being lighter, handier and less recoil. I could put down a higher rate of effective fire with the SKS, but only at closer ranges.

[C.R.Sam]

Real FN FAL
All the advantages of a select M-14 but I just like it better. :D

Sam

[DMK]

It's interesting how most people stated they'd pick an AR, but not one person stated why they'd pick it. :confused:

(Well, except for Andrew, but he actually would prefer something else)

[Litlman]

AR: It is what I have ( Bushmaster shorty ) and, my go to gun .

[RTFM]

AR: most familiar with.

RTFM

[teppo-shu]

I voted AR - AR10, that is. If I had to engage, I'd want some punch at longer range to hold em off long enough to bug out.

M1A/M14 or FAL would work too.

[Nando Aqui]

Also "other" for HK91!
Alex

[starfuryzeta]

I would assume that as you chose, you'd have to think about another unknown variable...ammo supply. what will you be able to get when you get there?

I think that 7.62x39 would probably be the easiest to scrounge up, so I'd have to go with AK.

[OEF_VET]

I voted AR due to it being versatile and due to my being intimitately familiar with it.

Frank

[RustyHammer]

Real FN FAL ...

[Joe Demko]

You needed a choice for "Brown Bess." Those newfangled cartridge-bearing arms are too fragile and unreliable.

[chaim]

Personally, assuming the invasion scenario, I wouldn't want any of what's listed. An untrained (or long ago trained) civilian won't do much against a squad or more of trained soldiers in a firefight (heck even two or three would have the advantage against a like, or even somewhat greater, number of us due to training or at least more recent training). I would want to avoid going head to head with them in close quarters battle as much as possible.

My choice would be a nice bolt rifle in a caliber that can put a man down at distance yet not recoil too harshly (6.5x55. .243, .308). I think your best bet would be to try to shoot from a distance and move out of the area before they sent out patrols to get you (and hope in the initial flurry of fire they didn't get a lucky shot). For the most part the only armies that would be able to really effectively defend against this (i.e. they are better equiped than what you can buy at the sporting goods store) are us and countries we are allied with and thus don't have anything to fear from (UK, Israel, Germany). If you are envisioning one of those US gov't turns against its people scenarios you are basically screwed regardless.

Barring a "reach out and touch you" rifle I'd go with a scoped .22lr bolt rifle. It is just quiet enough that you might be able to get off pot shots at closer distances without them knowing until someone went down and then they would have some trouble figuring out the exact location of the shot (especially in an urban environment).

Given only your choices and scenario (you have no choice where you will be engaging them) I picked the M1A though a FAL would work just as well. It is very accurate, it is in .308 so it has "reach out and touch someone" capabilities and it has a removable mag for quick mag changes in a close quarters combat situation.

[Derek Zeanah]

I voted for the AR, for reasons which include:

I'm intimately familiar with it, and can clear malfunctions without thinking.
I'm comfortable with its performance inside of 200m (20" barrel), which is where most fights seem to take place.
Ammo capacity is important -- if you're going to live against this hypothetical enemy, it's because you're part of a team, and a big part of "team tactics" is going to be suppressing fire. 2 ammo pouches and a mag in the weapon result in 210 rounds for the AR, versus 100 for the M1A/FAL crowd. Double up on the pouches and you're seeing 390 rounds versus 180. You see where this is going.
Resupply. AR's are everywhere, as are mags, ammo, and parts. It ain't that way for the .308 rifles.
Easy shooting -- I can hand my Aimpoint/AR combo to a non-shooting neighbor and know they'll be able to do reasonably well with it. If I hand them an M1A we've got the issue of using a peep sight to deal with, on top of issues like recoil and water flying into your eyes with every shot (assuming it's raining).
Now limiting yourself to ARs really limits your ability to engage at longer ranges, but I'd argue that a bolt action .308/30-06/7mm Mag would be better at those ranges anyway, especially with any reasonable quality 3-9 scope...

[Smoke]

I voted AR

With the criteria given I might prefer the M1A after I got there.
But i am infinitely more familier with the AR. I want what I know.

[GoldenLoki]

I'd go AR.

So I can carry more ammo with me :D

GL

[Balog]

M1A. I'd prefer a military M14. Not because of the FA, but because of the quality of the receiver. I'd take it over an FAL, but not by much. And it's a close call between them and a good bolt-action (Lee-Enfield, Mosin Nagant, Savage 110, '03A3 etc). Slower rate of fire, but more reliable. And ammo in stripper clips is lighter than ammo in mags.

I suppose a good suppressed .22 would be ideal, if you initiated the action. One could scavenge a rifle from the corpse of one's enemies. Of course, a suppressed pistol (or a knife, garrote, hammer, pipe, hatchet, screw driver or any other "discreet" weapon) might be even better, since they could be concealed easier.

[Dons Nomex suit] I'd take almost ANY rifle, including WWII mil-surps, over the AR. IMO, it is flawed by design. It is simply too finicky. Maybe an AR style weapon with a different gas system, but it'd still be at the bottom of my list. I'd recommend the following site to see what I mean about the design. http://www.madogre.com/Interviews/Hate_the_AR15.htm

[Keith]

I voted FAL because I want anyone I shoot to fall down and die.

Keith

[benewton]

Has to be the M1A NM, 80's version. It has range, accuracy and power over the other military style arms I own, and, if I can't pick the time and place, I want as much of all of them that I can lay hands on.

Like the AK, but it's accuracy limited, and, as with any intermediate cartridge, lacks power. Also, mine's not all that much lighter than the M1A, and I detest the safety on it. Still, were I in the woods, as I am, that's what I'd grab: I like heavier rounds at moderate velocities against light rounds at higher speeds, and, if your longest shot would be under 100, and more likely, 50 yards, the accuracy isn't a problem.

My AR is OK, and, since I trained with it, very comfortable, and its more accurate than the AK. But it's range limited, and power limited.

M1A is simply my best choice for undefined conditions.

[DorGunR]

AK. because they are extremely reliable and the 7.62X39 round is easily available all over the world.;)

Edit: Forgot to mention the availability of parts all over the world......not that you would need parts..........the AK seldom requires parts.:)

[The Silver Bullet 1719]

AK-74 Clone, better accuracy with 5.45 than 7.62. Why an AK? Mostly because I know how to operate them very well.

[45R]

M1A for that 7.62Nato punch.

[Black Snowman]

I was torn between the FAL and a .223 of some sort. Mainly due to the ammount of ammo I could carry. But if everything is an unknown, the FAL won for me. I might end up having to shoot people THROUGH stuff (IE urban, light vehicles, etc . . . ) and the FAL wins for me on combination of firepower, reliability, and the ability to launch grenades.

[Combat-wombat]

I voted "other" for Sig SG550

[JeepDriver]

One of these, :neener:
http://www.fototime.com/1850483B3DFFC61/standard.jpg



Without knowing at what the terrain is and the distance or strength of the enemy I'd be engaging I'd most likely choose the AR-15. It's a good all around rifle. City fighting the either the AR or the AK, but for open country fighting the M1A would be the one to pick.

[Devonai]

US Rifle, M1, caliber .30

[mdsteele]

I chose AR because I know it best. I like the M1A, but I've never fired one.

[SaintofKillers]

I choose the AR for close combat in an urban setting whereas I think that the M1A is a better rifle for the open country. Also better for putting your target out of commision permanently. I think the AR is good for wounding your enemy from aa distance thus making him a burden on the squad. It normally takes 2 guys to carry one.

[Schuey2002]

H&K G3.

(Heck, if I can't get a G3, I'll take either a HK 91 or 93 to take on the enemy. Obtw, which 'enemy' am I taking on??) :uhoh:

[DorGunR]

Choose a rifle and go!

The question was......choose "A" rifle to go with, not give me a list of all the rifles you like.;)

[cpileri]

what this tells me is that grabbing anything in 223, 308, or 7.62x39 will be able to share and lend ammo- as long as we all have good interchangeability of equipment, ammo, and spare parts, we're doing well.
C-

[yayarx7]

AR just for the range and accuracy. I would feel better with my SKS for a short range fight, but I do not know the terrain so..

[Soap]

AR Carbine...

But I wouldn't go AT the enemy if I had no idea who the "enemy" was, their strength, their position, et cetera. I would grab my AR and move away from the "enemy".

[Skunkabilly]

AR because they're so damn easy to shoot.

[Justin]

Moving to rifle forum.

[Feanaro]

I voted other. Preferably a G3, maybe one of those underslung grenade launchers(whatever the name is). If not that, an HK91 will do. Why? 7.62x51mm NATO can reach out and touch someone, packs a punch and though not as popular as 5.56mm or 7.62x39mm it can still be found. I find the recoil pleasant. I think the G3/HK91 wins over most of the other rifles (save for the FAL, which I feel is more deserving of the "for wookies, by wookies" label than the HK91) in reliability, it's fairly simple and it's accurate enough for the job. Maybe throw in a telescoping stock for CQC work.

[Warner]

I'll take a FAL.

Better probable longevity than an M1A, and the 7.62 NATO round will have superior range and power over any AK or AR for those unknown circumstances. It seems like a really silly time to come up short.

Secondary reason(s) - - Carrying mega rounds of a small caliber or possessing an "easy" to shoot LW carbine as a main weapon is something I'm hoping my adversary chooses to do. For me it would be an unwelcome diversion from my primary purpose that I'd never allow myself to dabble too seriously with.

[Elarski]

AR : Lighter, more controlable, and the ammo is lighter. :cool:

[Dionysusigma]

Strange--I picked the AK for exactly the same reasons as Derek Zeanah picked the AR :D
I'm intimately familiar with it, and can clear malfunctions without thinking.
I'm comfortable with its performance inside of 200m (16" barrel), which is where most fights seem to take place.
Ammo capacity is important -- if you're going to live against this hypothetical enemy, it's because you're part of a team, and a big part of "team tactics" is going to be suppressing fire. 2 ammo pouches and a mag in the weapon result in 210 rounds for the AK, versus 100 for the M1A/FAL crowd. Double up on the pouches and you're seeing 390 rounds versus 180. You see where this is going.
Resupply. AK's are (almost) everywhere, as are mags, ammo, and parts. It ain't that way for the .308 rifles.
Easy shooting -- I can hand my 9x32/ AK combo to a non-shooting neighbor and know they'll be able to do reasonably well with it. If I hand them an M1A we've got the issue of using a peep sight to deal with, on top of issues like recoil and water flying into your eyes with every shot (assuming it's raining).

(Plus, it's the only one on the list that I could just "Choose & Go"--it's the only one on the list I own :) )

[VG]

An M240 - mounted on a BFV.....

[seeker_two]

Probably an FAL, in this scenario. Preferably one of the 16" barrel ones w/ a 3x scope & an M203 fixed under the barrel. I may consider a bolt-action scout-type rifle as well.

Long-range cartridges work well at short ranges, but short-range cartridges can't be made to go longer.

If I had an unlimited choice, I'd take the 4th ID...:D

[stevelyn]

The SHTF and the fight is on I'm taking the FAL. If the mission changes and requires different specialized weaponry, I'm sure it will be available.

[ojibweindian]

I'd use a bolt-gun because I have a few and they're the only type I have available at this time. I'd be doing a lot of shootin' and scootin' anyways.

[Andrew Wyatt]

depends. M-1a works for everything, but the mini-14 has it beat for handiness.

[FireInTheHole]

I chose FAL because it is the only rifle on the list that I have extensive practice with. If the fal wasnt available, I would take an AK or SKS.

[jrhead75]

It depends...I voted AK, a good all around combination of firepower, dependability, knockdown power, penetration, and reasonable intermediate range accuracy. Great if the enemy is par with me (read: "low tech").

If the enemy is a modern army with all the doo-dads, arty support, air support et al, then I definitely want something with which I can engage at greater distances. M1A, FAL, H&K91, or a scoped bolt action .308. Fight smarter not harder, whenever possible.

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

FAL. Same as above. When I shoot something, I want it dead, not bitten by a 55 grain mosquito! You can make a .308 hit hard short or long, but rue the day you engage 10 BGs at 300 yds with a .223.

[Spieler]

FAL. Rifle and ammo can be found almost anywhere in the world, legendary reliability and ample power, and if it isn't suited to the AO in which I find myself, well then I can always get a battlefied pickup from the bad guys!

[Jmurman]

I would take the Garand

[VG]

Jmurman, me, too, since a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, or a LAV wasn't one of the choices! 'cause I have several hundred loaded clips..... But the thread is silly.

"Amateurs argue tactics. Professionals argue logistics."

"I know I'm paranoid - but am I paranoid enough?"

[Kurt]

Silly thread?.... nah. Be nice.

I'd venture a guess VG that most of the rest of us are just working class folks without a freshly pressed change of BDU's in the closet. The amateurs vs. professionals quip didn't resonate very well either. I'd venture a guess that we have many, many capable "pros" here who may have just been terribly underestimated by you. Now that truly IS silly! FWIW - I'd save such high style for the impressionable ladies.

I include myself with the common folk, and don't think I'd want much less than the best. I'd also will go with a FAL.

[VG]

Say you have your pick of a rifle to go at the enemy with. You know nothing of the terrain- enviroment you'll be in, the strength of the enemy, or at which distance youll be able to engage them. What rifle would you like to take your chances with?

I'd venture a guess VG that most of the rest of us are just working class folks without a freshly pressed change of BDU's in the closet. The amateurs vs. professionals quip didn't resonate very well either. I'd venture a guess that we have many, many capable "pros" here who may have just been terribly underestimated by you. Now that truly IS silly! FWIW - I'd save such high style for the impressionable ladies.

If someone started a thread with "What's your favorite civilian-available military rifle" I'd have no problem with that!

Or, "What do you have the most fun owning and shooting, and how would you justify that choice in a post-apocalyptic world." This would include how you identified "Us" and "Them."

And you brought up another important question, "Where do you find women that like guns?" Because my wife (whose late father was a WWII USMC Veteran) says she likes the fact that I collect guns "Because it repels other women."

[rayra]

Other.
Garand all the way.

[Dorian]

Another "other" for an HK 91 or 93...

A G36 would be nice if I could get my hands on one..... :)

[boing]

AK.

Low maintenance, handy, and it's what I've got the most ammo, mags, and (limited) gear for.

[Newton]

A SiG 551 would be quite nice thankyou, you can carry so much more 5.56mm, and that's what counts when it comes to caliber selection.

HK93 next, HK G36 next.

I would rather date bowlegged women than be issued with an AR, I've seen too many CLP pampered, bench rest princesses choke on the second round to ever trust one in the dirt of combat.

Not a big fan of the SA80A2, FAMAS, or the AUG either, although this is based on what I've read, and heard, which isn't the best way to evaluate weapons. But if anyone has one of the above they'd let me try.......:D

[Jack19]

Absolutely an AR.

I have an FAL that I love, but if I have to hump the rifle, ammo and whatever else, I can carry more of everything with an AR. .308 ammo gets mightly heavy if you have to carry all you have.

[MaterDei]

I voted AR because it is the only weapon on the list that I'm intimately familiar with. The others might have bigger bullets but knowing I can hit what I'm aiming at with an AR tips the scale in it's favor.

[pdt203]

voted other = CETME

[wanderinwalker]

I'd pick an AR-15. Full length 20" barrel and all. I can handle the AR platform very, very effectively, and am becoming better. If it is within 300 yards, I know I can hit it. After next summer, I hope to have that out to 600 yards. Plus, it is light, which is good for me (small person). And it is easier to run away with lighter weapons! :)

[Schuey2002]

maybe one of those underslung grenade launchers (whatever the name is)
http://www.hkpro.com/image/g41tgs.jpg
HK79. ;)

[Obiwan]

Fal or AR

I am comfortable with both

Personally I see having to engage at 300 yds as a failure in conflict avoidance;)

[achadwick]

I'd go with an M1A1 tank. True, it's not technically a rifle (the rounds are fin stabilized), but it is a superb offensive and defensive weapon. YMMV;)

[duckfoot]

Fal,

Reliable
Good range
Good stopping power with hollow points
Good ammo load
Easy repair

[Tommy Gunn]

Give me a tuned up .30 caliber bolt-action sporter with good glass and a ghilly suit.

[Fire1]

For me, other = AR-10. Everything you love about the AR-15, but MORE!

[Publicola]

I am extremely disheartened. Now there were some okay choices up there on the poll. The Ak & SKS are decent. I've heard good things about the FAL. & the M1A is nothing to shake a stick at by any means.

But why on earth would anyone start a poll & leave out the M1 Garand? I had to select 'other' as if my choice were a second hand, oddly designed pinfire driven relic of the blackpowder days! :o

The M1 has 3 faults - in a very very very heavy rain (or if you turn a firehouse on it) the grease might wash away & cause the op rod to bind under sustained fire, the en bloc clips aren't easy to reload whilst in the action & no matter what's been tried, the damn things just won't float!

Yes, the rifle (& I stress - rifle) is heavy & so is the ammo when you compare it to the other choices. But luggin around the extra weight is part of the program. We are talking about combat rifles aren't we? Sometimes you just have to carry the equipment that will get the job done. Carrying relative extra weight will be the least of your problems should you need the rifle. War is heck from what I'm told.

But to sum it up, I'd wager any odds you want that ten red necks with Garands can succesfully take on any 100 regular troops armed with any Main Battle Rifle, Assault Rifle, Carbine, etc... from any military on the planet.

Oh, & make mine in '06 please. ;)

[Fatelvis]

Id have to say an M1A. To me, it is a great preformer in most scenarios.

[clarkg1124]

I voted other.My goto rifle is my FR8.I am intimately familiar with this rifle,and it shoots readily-available ammo if I should run low.The Mauser design is easy to clean and maintain,loads quickly with stripper clips(which I have in abundance),and no magazines to lose or damage.The rifle will even function as a single-shot,if needed.
Clark

[Revolver]

I would choose an AR-15 Because I know It well and Ammo and mags are light. While in dense woods or semi urban areas or hilly terrain like I live it would be good. If I lived on flat terrain I would have an Remington 700 in .308 set up for long shots to deal with the bad guys.

[surfinUSA]

I chose the FAL but it was a real hard choice between that and an AR15. Had I done this on a different day it may have been the AR 15 first and if this was based on accuracy alone it would have beeen the AR.

In either case the SKS would be close third. This is a great rifle in its own right and especially at the price.

[admar2]

either M1A or an AR variant


most likely the AR though.

[cookhj]

you know, my position would probably be over run because i wouldn't be able to decide. i like all of them, and each one of them has its advantages and disadvantages. now, if someone just said, "here's X rifle, go kill Y people," that would be so much easier!

[STONER]

AR-15

I love the FAL, but voted AR. If I were in a fixed position, would take the FAL. However, the question implies will be on the move, and since the terrain is unknown, and could vary, for me the AR would give better all around performance.

The AR is light, accurate out to 350 m, very familiar with it, reliable, and at my age, can carry more 5.56 than .308, in addition to other items on back.

Much higher probability of picking up battlefield surplus ammo in 5.56 than .308. I assume this is a SHTF scenario. In that case, you can not call "Time Out" to go to a store to resupply. You DO NOT want to run out of ammo during a firefight.

[makarov1989]

I chose the AR. I have owned two of them and they have been much more accurate and reliable than the AKs, in my experience. I fell for the BS about how you can take the AK through hell and back and it will never jam.:rolleyes: It is just a gun and it will jam. The AR is a quality rifle that is built much better and as long as it is kept reasonably clean, it will work.

[Checkman]

I'd have to go with the AR. That's the rifle that I'm most familiar with.