[Slick]

For plinking and punching paper (or shooting steel) out to 300 yards, and some Varmint shooting up to Coyote size. Which would you choose, and why?
I'm being corrupted, I'm starting to lean toward a .308... :evil:

Thanks,
Slick

[cheygriz]

IMHO, AR-15. No question! In states where it is legal to hunt with the .223, folks drop deer in their tracks out to 300 yards with boring regularity.

Ammo is cheaper, components are cheaper, recoil is non-existent, noise is far less.

[TIMC]

Hands down, No question. Get the AR. I own both and don't care too much for the L1A1. If you want a good .308 Get a G3 sporter. I like it much better. I use my G3 for pig hunting.

[HSMITH]

I have an L1A1 and hate the G3. The AR is a better paper puncher and will work fine for varmint/predator hunting. For what you are asking I think the AR is the better choice even though I do not own one. The 308 will show the real difference out past 300 yards, unless that is part of your needs the AR is the obvious choice.

[Nightcrawler]

Dare to be different. Get the L1A1.

You'll enjoy the FAL, so long as it is a quality example. Who makes the L1A1 in question?

[Jim K]

I admit to some prejudice, but for a .308 (7.62 NATO) rifle, I prefer the M1A or equivalent. The FAL and G3 are superior in FA fire due to the more straight line stocks, but for what you want to do I see no advantage (except for the lesser cost of the cheap semi-auto FAL and G3 rifles now available).

Jim

[Stephen Ewing]

For the purposes you set forth, the AR is the only choice that makes any sense to me.

And, yes, I love my FAL and the .308 round and it could just be the last rifle I'd give up, but the FAL isn't the answer to every rifle question any more than the Glick is the answer to every pistol question.

Steve

[Slick]

Okay, Okay,
I surrender! :D No matter how I phrase this question, it seems that the right rifle for me is an AR-15. I keep trying to find "cheaper" ways to fill my need, but it always comes back to the AR. That's okay, I really want one. Now I just have to keep saving.
Oooh, my wife's not going to like this one.... :uhoh:
:D

Thanks everybody, I appreciate the input!
Slick

[Nightcrawler]

In any case, if the FAL you're thinking of costs less than an AR-15, it's probably a Century. You're better off with any quality AR-15.

But yes; if you're going to be varmint shooting and paper punching primarily, you're better off with an AR-15. A 20" Flattop with a good scope.

[DMK]

For plinking and punching paper (or shooting steel) out to 300 yardsMight not be much of a selling factor, but it's a lot easier to see a .30 hole in paper than a .22 hole.

Besides, you know what they call ARs on the FAL Files? Mouse Guns. :D

On the other hand, ARs are generally more accurate, ammo can be cheaper and they have loads of cool toys for 'em. (Just get a better spotting scope I guess. :) )