What battle rifle to get?

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If I had to stray from my M4gery for defensive purposes, I'd choose a M1A/M14 platform weapon. The Scout Squad or Natuonal Match in an EBR chassis would be an excellent defensive/long range multi purpose battle rifle. The Socom is a lil smaller than I'd want, but I wouldn't rule it out.

I would also take a good look at the FN FNAR, but the Scar, FAL, G3......not my area. I don't really like the handling characteristics or manual of arms for those weapons.

Eta: I might be able to convince myself into a G3, I've never really handled one and they always had a certain Euro appeal to them. But hard pass on the Scar and FAL. When I think of a Battle Rifle and if I was shopping for one, it would be an M14/M1A type rifle right off the bat, next would be an M1 Garand and then a .30cal Jungle Carbine
 
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I forgot about the FN FNAR. They also make Browning and Winchester versions. Probably a better choice than outdated Euro designs.
Winchester version discontinued. Browning makes one with DBM that is a rebranded FNAR. It seems they also sell the old Browning version as well. Avoid that.
FNAR says it shots sub MOA with match ammo. Way better than the rest on that list.
I don't know that it is a full fledged Battle rifle but then neither are the civilian versions of the other rifles.
 
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I did vote for the FAL... but I should give an honorable mention to the Cetme. mine was junk built by CAI, and it wouldn't do anything right.

long story short, I fixed it so it runs reliably (magazine selection, bolt gap and springs) installed an HK drum sight, and an HK wide hand guard with a bipod. Now it's tits and nearly my favorite.
 
I forgot about the FN FNAR. They also make Browning and Winchester versions. Probably a better choice than outdated Euro designs.
Winchester version discontinued. Browning makes one with DBM that is a rebranded FNAR. It seems they also sell the old Browning version as well. Avoid that.
FNAR says it shots sub MOA with match ammo. Way better than the rest on that list.
I don't know that it is a full fledged Battle rifle but then neither are the civilian versions of the other rifles.

The FNAR isn't really a hard use battle rifle. They're certainly accurate and at least relatively dependable, but take down is comparatively complicated and they're heavier than most other battle rifles.

An AR10 can be made to out shoot one for less money and less weight, plus cheaper, not proprietary magazines and greater parts availability.

It was neat when it was released, but it's time has passed. Now it's kind of an expensive oddity.

It's a "battle rifle" by definition, but Isn't a particularly well suited rifle to the role.
 
The FNAR isn't really a hard use battle rifle. They're certainly accurate and at least relatively dependable, but take down is comparatively complicated and they're heavier than most other battle rifles.

An AR10 can be made to out shoot one for less money and less weight, plus cheaper, not proprietary magazines and greater parts availability.

It was neat when it was released, but it's time has passed. Now it's kind of an expensive oddity.

It's a "battle rifle" by definition, but Isn't a particularly well suited rifle to the role.
I agree about the AR-10. The Op wants an obsolete over weight civilian copy of a battle rifle that is also overpriced and complicated. The FNAR has the advantage of being much more accurate and optics ready probably lighter and better quality than copies of those rifles. Yeah if an AR-10 was on the list options along with an M14 clone there would be better choices. Just a alternative to cheap copy of a FAL depending on taste. I would be inclined to the Browning version that doesn't look tactical myself so I could hunt with it. But this is one guys fun gun. The FAL copy might be right for this guy. I just threw it out their.
I don't think the relative merits matter much Guy's taste vary on military nostalgia. Imagination is what powers desire for old military style weapons.
 
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I agree about the AR-10. The Op wants an obsolete over weight civilian copy of a battle rifle that is also overpriced and complicated. The FNAR has the advantage of being much more accurate and optics ready probably lighter and better quality than copies of those rifles. Yeah if an AR-10 was on the list options along with an M14 clone there would be better choices. Just a alternative to cheap copy of a FAL depending on taste. I would be inclined to the Browning version that doesn't look tactical myself so I could hunt with it. But this is one guys fun gun. The FAL copy might be right for this guy. I just threw it out their.
I don't think the relative merits matter much Guy's taste vary on military nostalgia. Imagination is what powers desire for old military style weapons.
Technically it's video game nostalgia, hence the mishmash of cold war obsession and 20 minutes into the future tacticool gizmos.
 
I agree about the AR-10. The Op wants an obsolete over weight civilian copy of a battle rifle that is also overpriced and complicated. The FNAR has the advantage of being much more accurate and optics ready probably lighter and better quality than copies of those rifles. Yeah if an AR-10 was on the list options along with an M14 clone there would be better choices. Just a alternative to cheap copy of a FAL depending on taste. I would be inclined to the Browning version that doesn't look tactical myself so I could hunt with it. But this is one guys fun gun. The FAL copy might be right for this guy. I just threw it out their.
I don't think the relative merits matter much Guy's taste vary on military nostalgia. Imagination is what powers desire for old military style weapons.

It's an interesting alternative for sure. It really depends what the OP is looking to do with it.

Iron sighted, off hand, blasting trash? Whatever tickles his fancy

A fighting rifle, I'd l prefer an AR10 firstly or maybe a modern DSA Para FAL clone with an appropriate optic. But arguments could be made otherwise.

Bench rest or prone precision shooting, a FNAR might be a pretty good choice of he's not keen on an AR10. It'll certainly provide better accuracy than most other 308win semi autos.
 
It's an interesting alternative for sure. It really depends what the OP is looking to do with it.

Iron sighted, off hand, blasting trash? Whatever tickles his fancy

A fighting rifle, I'd l prefer an AR10 firstly or maybe a modern DSA Para FAL clone with an appropriate optic. But arguments could be made otherwise.

Bench rest or prone precision shooting, a FNAR might be a pretty good choice of he's not keen on an AR10. It'll certainly provide better accuracy than most other 308win semi autos.
Usually I like to put together fighting rifles, the "it would work in the real world" factor is a big part of the cool of a weapon; although I can also place it in the era so I'm not sit around putting rails and acogs on mosins.
 
Usually I like to put together fighting rifles, the "it would work in the real world" factor is a big part of the cool of a weapon; although I can also place it in the era so I'm not sit around putting rails and acogs on mosins.

I think an M16A4 inspired AR10 might be worth consideration in that case.

A little bit retro, but still modern and adaptable without looking like a civilian competition rifle.

Stencil and spray paint a rack number onto the stock for an extra touch of "been there, done that"

Just say no to red anodized parts though.
 
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I think an M16A4 inspired AR10 might be worth consideration in that case.

A little bit retro, but still modern and adaptable without looking like a civilian competition rifle.

Stencil and spray paint a rack number onto the stock for an extra touch of "been there, done that"

Just say no to red anodized parts though.
I have only seen rack numbers on training rifles, not actual combat rifles.
 
Buy or build a GOOD FAL---accuracy is sufficient for most any task---mounting optics is easy---replace top cover (slides right in or out as needed) and as a bonus, the FAL is easily the softest shooting .308 rifle ever!
If you can afford it, seek-out a factory built FN, or Argie FM---it'll cost you, but you'll have an excellent, lifetime investment...! Lay-in a few metric Israeli surplus mags, and you're all set!
 
I'm probably in the minority here, but I never could warm up to the FAL - even though I've owned five of them over the years. My favorites have been my HK91's which I've had since the early 80's. My HK's have always been more accurate than any FAL I ever had, including a Belgian heavy barrel. I will admit though that my Larue AR10 is a more versatile and easier to use rifle than any other battle rifle I've owned. But as far as classic battle rifles go I'll stick with my HK's - and my SIG AMT. :)
 
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Decently accurate enough to get a deer a couple years ago, topped with an Alcan Spectre 4x scope. I'll tote it all day in the deer woods, and will feel it when I get home. AR's just don't trip my trigger after 30+ years with the military, also tried liking the Garand but sold it. But I do like my M1A Scout, so a toss up depending on how I feel that day to tote either the Scout or the STG-58.
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