I'm thinking about maybe purchasing a rifle in 308, and i have limited my otions down to 3 different Platforms. Can someone give me the Pro's And Con's of the M1A, AR-10, or FAL. And to be perfectly honest, I don't know what I would use it for other than maybe hunting. I want the semi-auto selection, but i also would probably want a scope seeing as how the round is great for long distance. Thank you for the help, i really appreciate it! -Danny
308 Rifle suggestions
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RockyMtnTactical
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What about a Saiga in .308?
ChuckNorris
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i dont know much about ar-10 but springfld. m14s a awsome i would say is your best bet i know fals are good to
ChuckNorris
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i am new ,how do you post/start a new thread
Everything but the FAL has pricey mags.
Start a thread: Enter a forum (i.e. Rifle Country) at the top left there is a blue button that says "New Thread" http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=292937
Start a thread: Enter a forum (i.e. Rifle Country) at the top left there is a blue button that says "New Thread" http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=292937
Thanks Everyone, and Chuck
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I am glad to see the help I'm starting to recieve.
Chuck, just joined recently too. Go to the forum you want and on the left side underneath the green horizontal bar saying 'Usercp, FAQ, Members list....' There is a blue box that say's 'New Thread.' Write back that way i know you got it.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I am glad to see the help I'm starting to recieve.
Chuck, just joined recently too. Go to the forum you want and on the left side underneath the green horizontal bar saying 'Usercp, FAQ, Members list....' There is a blue box that say's 'New Thread.' Write back that way i know you got it.
busy_squirrel
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If you don't mind feeling the Cha-chug of an AK action, I love my Saiga .308. And it's relatively cheap too.
ChuckNorris
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thanks i could figer it out i felt like a retard man i been on here for a few days i i just now started my first thread
.308 Saiga
I actually own a Siaga Sporter in 5.56 and love it! I even installed US made parts to give it a pistol grip, short stock look of an AK. Although, its nothing next to my AR, its still a fun cheap rifle. I have considered it in 308 but feel my AK style library has been filled. Thanks for the info though Folks! Once again, I do appreciate it!
I actually own a Siaga Sporter in 5.56 and love it! I even installed US made parts to give it a pistol grip, short stock look of an AK. Although, its nothing next to my AR, its still a fun cheap rifle. I have considered it in 308 but feel my AK style library has been filled. Thanks for the info though Folks! Once again, I do appreciate it!
Sleeping Dog
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I like the AR-10
With the rail (A4-style upper), you have more sighting options: Standard "military" peep and post, or a globe sight up front and better peep in the rear (e.g. Anschutz), or a fairly "normal" scope mounting setup.
M1A (M14) seems to require a somewhat strange scope-mount.
AR-10 is easier to get a free-floating barrel.
With the rail (A4-style upper), you have more sighting options: Standard "military" peep and post, or a globe sight up front and better peep in the rear (e.g. Anschutz), or a fairly "normal" scope mounting setup.
M1A (M14) seems to require a somewhat strange scope-mount.
AR-10 is easier to get a free-floating barrel.
I'm giving a +1 to the Saiga 308. I have a converted 308 that I love. I can feed it anything, and it shoots 1-1.5 MOA. Like all AKs, the iron sights bite. A set of Mojo peep sights fixes that-- or you can do what I do and scope it.
I like the AR-10, but I've read reports of them not liking some ammunition, and having issues with commercial 308. Do your research before you dump the money.
FALs have a cult-like following. They are great guns. I had one but personally I didn't like the grip angle. Some prefer the grip angle. If you go the FAL route, you may want to get a quality metric FAL from someone like DSA. Avoid Century FALs. Sure, you CAN get the to work, but if you are new to them, you will have the potential for some headaches getting it where you want it to be. The metric FALs will have cheapier magazines. Inch pattern ones have kinda pricey magazines.
I've heard good reports from the PTR-91. It's a clone of the HK-91. Some don't like the ergonomics, and some say that the cocking tube on HK-91/G3 designs are easily damaged. My first 308 was an HK-91, and the ergonomics never bothered me-- but I can see that a dent in the cocking tube would ruin your day.
CETMEs are another G3 rifle. I've toyed with them but never had one. I've read that some have had issues with ground bolt faces and have needed rollers replaces. This seems to be more of a function of Century as an builder and importer than a function of the rifle. I'd want a competant person check one out if I were buying it.
Like the FAL, the M1A have a loyal following. I like them, but I am no expert on them. I've heard of difficulty mounting optics, but I am sure someone's got that sorted out. I've heard that they may take a bit of work keeping them accurate IF you are trying to have a match-grade rifle.
I hope that helps. Happy hunting!
-- John
I like the AR-10, but I've read reports of them not liking some ammunition, and having issues with commercial 308. Do your research before you dump the money.
FALs have a cult-like following. They are great guns. I had one but personally I didn't like the grip angle. Some prefer the grip angle. If you go the FAL route, you may want to get a quality metric FAL from someone like DSA. Avoid Century FALs. Sure, you CAN get the to work, but if you are new to them, you will have the potential for some headaches getting it where you want it to be. The metric FALs will have cheapier magazines. Inch pattern ones have kinda pricey magazines.
I've heard good reports from the PTR-91. It's a clone of the HK-91. Some don't like the ergonomics, and some say that the cocking tube on HK-91/G3 designs are easily damaged. My first 308 was an HK-91, and the ergonomics never bothered me-- but I can see that a dent in the cocking tube would ruin your day.
CETMEs are another G3 rifle. I've toyed with them but never had one. I've read that some have had issues with ground bolt faces and have needed rollers replaces. This seems to be more of a function of Century as an builder and importer than a function of the rifle. I'd want a competant person check one out if I were buying it.
Like the FAL, the M1A have a loyal following. I like them, but I am no expert on them. I've heard of difficulty mounting optics, but I am sure someone's got that sorted out. I've heard that they may take a bit of work keeping them accurate IF you are trying to have a match-grade rifle.
I hope that helps. Happy hunting!
-- John
glockman19
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I have a SA M1A loaded, I intend to get another. Will also get an AR-10.
I am really leaning towards an M1A, i love the design and although have never shot one, would like to consider myself pretty familiar with the M1 family. Whats SA? How much is one? And is there such thing as just a normal M1A without going all crazy on match grade expensive stuff?
AR-10 has the best accuracy. If you are serious about deer hunting and want to scope your rifle, the AR-10 (and similar rifles like the SR-25) are by far the easiest to scope. There's a bewildering array of AR-10 rifles, from companies like DPMS, Armalite, Fulton Armory, etc. The AR-10 can be tuned to be a 1/4 MOA rifle. In tactical matches where semis are used, the AR-10 totally dominates.
The M1A is a great rifle as well. It doesn't have the 'assault rifle' cachet, and is legal in places like California. It is a good shooter, particularly in it's 'loaded' or 'match versions' - better than anything but a match AR-10. It is very rugged and reliable. It has the best iron sights of any military rifle. The trigger is great, and you can add a Rader trigger that is simply incredible.
Scoping the M1A requires a good mount. Avoid aluminum. Smith enterprises or Sadlak are the best, and they are expensive. Turning the M1A into a 1 MOA rifle can be an expensive proposition. however a loaded or match rifle will shoot on par with the better bolt action hunting rifles.
The FAL is probably the best of the 3 rifles in terms of ergonomics. It just feels good. They are reasonably accurate, though not equal to the previous rifles. Creating a super accurate FAL is problematic due to the design of the rifle, but it can be done. While there is a who range of accessories and gunsmiths devoted to accurizing the AR-10 and M1A, there are almost none for the FAL. The trigger is only average, and due to design, it is very difficult to improve. The iron sites on the FAL are very primitive, and the rifle was not designed for optics. Scope mounts for the FAL are less than ideal, and scope will end up being very high. This is a problem shared by the M1A, but at least in the M1A, the scope mount is secured to the receiver by one or two bolts. The FAL scope mounts replace the sheet metal dust cover that protects the bolt. Sadly, the best scope mount for the FAL is no longer in production.
The FAL does have the advantage of cheap magazine, but when you look at them, you understand why they are cheap. Still, they do work. The FAKL is a good choice if you want a basic battle rifle. While not as accurate as the other two rifles, the basic FAL can be had for as little as $1000, while the M1A ranges from $1500 on up, while an AR-10 starts at about $1200 for the basic model.
I've owned several AR-10 style rifles, M1As and FALs. I am currently using my M1A for deer hunting, as well as tactical shoots.
The M1A is a great rifle as well. It doesn't have the 'assault rifle' cachet, and is legal in places like California. It is a good shooter, particularly in it's 'loaded' or 'match versions' - better than anything but a match AR-10. It is very rugged and reliable. It has the best iron sights of any military rifle. The trigger is great, and you can add a Rader trigger that is simply incredible.
Scoping the M1A requires a good mount. Avoid aluminum. Smith enterprises or Sadlak are the best, and they are expensive. Turning the M1A into a 1 MOA rifle can be an expensive proposition. however a loaded or match rifle will shoot on par with the better bolt action hunting rifles.
The FAL is probably the best of the 3 rifles in terms of ergonomics. It just feels good. They are reasonably accurate, though not equal to the previous rifles. Creating a super accurate FAL is problematic due to the design of the rifle, but it can be done. While there is a who range of accessories and gunsmiths devoted to accurizing the AR-10 and M1A, there are almost none for the FAL. The trigger is only average, and due to design, it is very difficult to improve. The iron sites on the FAL are very primitive, and the rifle was not designed for optics. Scope mounts for the FAL are less than ideal, and scope will end up being very high. This is a problem shared by the M1A, but at least in the M1A, the scope mount is secured to the receiver by one or two bolts. The FAL scope mounts replace the sheet metal dust cover that protects the bolt. Sadly, the best scope mount for the FAL is no longer in production.
The FAL does have the advantage of cheap magazine, but when you look at them, you understand why they are cheap. Still, they do work. The FAKL is a good choice if you want a basic battle rifle. While not as accurate as the other two rifles, the basic FAL can be had for as little as $1000, while the M1A ranges from $1500 on up, while an AR-10 starts at about $1200 for the basic model.
I've owned several AR-10 style rifles, M1As and FALs. I am currently using my M1A for deer hunting, as well as tactical shoots.
SA is Springfield Armory, the largest manufacturer of M14 styles rifles. You can get a basic M1A at a reasonable price, but it will be a 2-3 MOA rifle. This is more than adequate to hunt deer at typical ranges.
There are a number of M1A/M14 builders. Personally, I consider Fulton Armory the best, but you pay for the premium.
Thes best value in an M1A is the Springfield 'loaded'. Yoou get an M1A with a match barrel, match sights and a very good trigger for a little more than the basic rifle. Well worth the extra $$. Base price is around $1700 MSRP but it's easy to find one for around $1500 NIB on sites like gunbroker or at gun shows. SA has a very good warrantee.
There are a number of M1A/M14 builders. Personally, I consider Fulton Armory the best, but you pay for the premium.
Thes best value in an M1A is the Springfield 'loaded'. Yoou get an M1A with a match barrel, match sights and a very good trigger for a little more than the basic rifle. Well worth the extra $$. Base price is around $1700 MSRP but it's easy to find one for around $1500 NIB on sites like gunbroker or at gun shows. SA has a very good warrantee.
If the barrel is marked 'NM', or is stainless, it is a National Match barrel.
You won't find a new 'standard' M1A at a gun shop for $1200. You can look for a used one, or check sites like gunbroker. For example:
Nice match barrel!
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=76917746
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=77062394
You won't find a new 'standard' M1A at a gun shop for $1200. You can look for a used one, or check sites like gunbroker. For example:
Nice match barrel!
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=76917746
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=77062394
I have all 3 of the rifles you mentioned in your choices. When I purchased all of mine (different times) I was looking for the best semi-auto rifle I could find for pig hunting. My recommendation would be the AR-10 if you are looking for a sem-auto hunting rifle.
The FAL did not last long in the competition. While reliable it did not have the long range capabilities I was looking for. The price was not too expensive and did not break the bank after mounting optics on it running about $1400 for everything when I bought it about 5 years ago.
The AR-10 has been great. This rifle was more expensive than the FAL and ran about $2200 by the time I had decent optics mounted on it. I have used it for pig hunting for the last 4 years and it has stayed 100% reliable and dead bang accurate taking game for me at ranges out to 250 yards which is about as far as I can see where I hunt. The rifle is also easy to manage while hunting with good ergonomics.
The M-21 (Sniper version of the M1A) has all the bells and whistles, tuned trigger, glass bedded action, adjustable cheek risor, match grade barrel. This rifle is a sub MOA shooter and controlling shots during fairly rapid rates of fire is easy. I am very happy with this rifle and feel it will out shoot my AR-10 but this is a break the bank rifle running about $4000 with rifle, mount, rings and good optics. I just purchased this rifle a couple weeks ago and it has not made it to the woods yet but will get a lot of time in this year to prove it was worth it.
The FAL did not last long in the competition. While reliable it did not have the long range capabilities I was looking for. The price was not too expensive and did not break the bank after mounting optics on it running about $1400 for everything when I bought it about 5 years ago.
The AR-10 has been great. This rifle was more expensive than the FAL and ran about $2200 by the time I had decent optics mounted on it. I have used it for pig hunting for the last 4 years and it has stayed 100% reliable and dead bang accurate taking game for me at ranges out to 250 yards which is about as far as I can see where I hunt. The rifle is also easy to manage while hunting with good ergonomics.
The M-21 (Sniper version of the M1A) has all the bells and whistles, tuned trigger, glass bedded action, adjustable cheek risor, match grade barrel. This rifle is a sub MOA shooter and controlling shots during fairly rapid rates of fire is easy. I am very happy with this rifle and feel it will out shoot my AR-10 but this is a break the bank rifle running about $4000 with rifle, mount, rings and good optics. I just purchased this rifle a couple weeks ago and it has not made it to the woods yet but will get a lot of time in this year to prove it was worth it.
I'm pretty sure I can find an extremely decent M1A and scope all for less than $2000. I feel like most ideas i have been given have been over priced... So tell me what you think the cost of this Entirely Stag AR would go for? because I got all the Parts Brand Spankin' New for Less Than $700.
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Hmmm, last time I knew, the DS Arms Extreme Duty FAL scope mount was still available. I have used it to mount my scope in a set of low TPS tactical rings extremely low. Use of this mount actually makes the FAL less problematic than the M1A when it comes to mounting a scope securely.
Don
You may find one for under 2k with a scope used and it will probably serve you well. What kind of hunting and at what range are you planning to shoot?
From your post I assumed you wanted a new quality long range semi-auto rifle, my mistake. Getting a tack driving semi-auto .308 and putting something on it besides Tasco or Simmons will run into a little cash if purchasing new. I myself would not buy a $1500+ rifle and put a $200 scope on it but each to his own.
AR 15's were not what you asked about. I have 2 AR's that I have bought and were in the price range you mention but I don't feel they are good long range hunting rifles unless you are hunting Coyotes and smaller game.
Excuse my ignorance, but are you using this for hd or hunting? If for hd, then all the above replies are valid. If for hunting, I will respectifully disagree. Take it for what's it's worth.
The standard for hunting is a bolt action, or single shot. Lighter and more accurate. Have you held an M1A or M14? Now imagine hauling it for five miles to the spot the guide show you. I'm probably all wet, but I'd consentrate on getting a kill the first shot with an accurate rifle than taking 2-3 with a semi.
But, you want a semi. If you do, all the above responses are very very good.
The standard for hunting is a bolt action, or single shot. Lighter and more accurate. Have you held an M1A or M14? Now imagine hauling it for five miles to the spot the guide show you. I'm probably all wet, but I'd consentrate on getting a kill the first shot with an accurate rifle than taking 2-3 with a semi.
But, you want a semi. If you do, all the above responses are very very good.
Crunker1337
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TIMC, who made that M-21? It's really nice. 
The FAL is a battle rifle; it was never intended to be a long-range rifle. That said, it is not inaccurate and I'm sure it's a great battle rifle.
The M-14/M-21 is expensive, but many people say it's worth the money.
I like the AR-10. It's got that EBR look to it, you can get it to be really accurate and it's not as expensive as a tricked-out M-21.
The FAL is a battle rifle; it was never intended to be a long-range rifle. That said, it is not inaccurate and I'm sure it's a great battle rifle.
The M-14/M-21 is expensive, but many people say it's worth the money.
I like the AR-10. It's got that EBR look to it, you can get it to be really accurate and it's not as expensive as a tricked-out M-21.
Thank you,
I have lusted after one for over 20 years. I finaly saved enough pennies to get it.
It is a Springfield Armory mod SA9121 topped with a Smith Enterprises mount, Millet rings and a Leupold VXIII 4.5-14x50mm LR scope. Still deciding on staying with this scope or getting something else. So far I am pretty happy with it.
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