A 308: FAL or AK47?

[cbjessee@NH]

Next on my list is a .308 rifle. Figuring out which FAL or AK47 to buy seems rather difficult compared to buying an AR15. My propose would be defensive rifle, with a bit of long-range practice as part of the exercise.

I'd appreciate comments on pros and cons of the FAL and AK47 as well as brands/models to consider and to avoid.

BRET

 

[nathan]

I got a STG 58 Austrian FAL and it is one accurate rifle. Using Portuguese surplus it gives 3 inch grps at 100 yds. A SAR1 will give you average of 5 -6 inch grps at 100 yds. Of course it will differ with other folks in this forum. If you want a cheaper one the Spanish Cetme by Century Arms is a good starter and it won't burn a hole in your pocket. They are nice rifles too.

 

[Sir Galahad]

These are not the same. One (the FAL) is a battle rifle and the AK is an "assault" rifle. The AK is not .308; it fires 7.62x39mm while the FAL does fire .308 also known in some circles as 7.62x51mm. Both are .30 calibers, yes, but so are .30-30s. The AK will serve you well for a defensive weapon. Don't expect it to be a tack driver. But some FrankenFALs aren't tack drivers, either. I own an AK and am more than happy with it. Utterly reliable, ammo is cheap, and mags are cheap and plentiful. With some FALs, there is mag differences between inch and metric. With 7.62x39 AK, you insert mag from any former Warsaw Pact country and it works perfectly unless the mag is flat as a pancake because it was run over with a Terex Titan. My intermediate rifle is an AK. My long range is a Mosin Nagant and a Ruger M77 International in .308 caliber because with all three, I can fire inexpensive milsurp ammo. I shoot all three a LOT and never had a problem with any of them. All deliver the accuracy I want, but I don't expect the AK to behave like a "be-all, do-all" rifle, either. But it depends on how far you're looking to shoot. If you're looking for long range precision, look towards a .308 bolt action.

 

[gryphon]

My preference on a .308 would be the FAL pattern. There are a lot of places that sell after market parts and upgrades. You'll probably find that the FAL pattern will be a touch more accurate as well.

The AK is fine for what it is but if what you want is a good platform for a .308, then I'd go with the FAL or an M1A.

 

[Gewehr98]

Sir Galahad, don't forget...

There are several .308 AK variants out there, too. Namely, VEPR's and Saiga's.

 

[Jedi_7.62]

Not familiar with FAL's myself but I love my AK (sar 1).
I don't know of anything with it's reputation. It's virtually indestructable and fullproof. No it's not a sniper rifle it won't take anything over probably 500 yards at best. but it's pretty reliable for anything under this range. Cheap ammo cheap parts. I think everyone should have one. Oh and they are 7.62 x 39 not .308

And most importantly fun as heck to play with!!!!

Just my .02 cents worth.

 

[Kahr carrier]

I would go with the Fal because ,you said you also wanted to do some long range work. Centurys L1A1 are an Fal varient and they are budget priced. But I like M1As myself its a nice designed based from the Garand.

 

[Kharn]

Metric FAL: $4 per 20 round magazine.

Kharn

 

[DMK]

These are not the same. One (the FAL) is a battle rifle and the AK is an "assault" rifle.

Sir Galahad, you make a valid point, but please forgive me while I "pick a nit".

Unless you are buying a Class 3 "NFA" weapon, the AK is not an "Assault Rifle". By definition an Assault Rifle is a select fire rifle, firing medium powered round. Select Fire meaning it is capable of selectively firing Full or Semi auto. Most AKs on the American market are not Select fire, thereby are not Assault Rifles. This is a fine distinction I realize, but in these highly politically charged times, we (those of us who assume to know what we are talking about) need to be careful of our terminology and how we use it.

I believe the proper term for a semi-auto AK would be "medium range carbine".


As to the original question, everything said here is good advice. Since accuracy seems to be a factor, perhaps a quality SKS (Yugo, Russian, Romanian) might be more appropriate than an AK. General consensus is they are slightly more accurate and are sometimes cheaper than AKs (especially the Yugo SKS).

Then there's the standard TFL/THR answer: Get one of each! you will eventually.

 

[plateshooter]

I have a 308-1 Saiga that I really like. It's an AK action but with a 3 lug bolt for additional strength. Never had a FAL so I can't compare.

 

[Zander]

How ya gonna use your choice? There is quite a difference in weight and length between the Saiga version in .308 and the FAL series. I'd be sure to handle and fire both versions, if possible, before buying.

Good point on mag capacity...the Saiga is encumbered with Klinton mags and no real alternative in higher capacity is available.

Another option is a CETME-pattern or HK-91 clone. I traded an FA-91 in a moment of weakness and sure would like to have another...true factory HK-91 rifles in my area usually run in the $two-large$ category.

 

[Gewehr98]

And the other .308 Winchester AK variant...

In case anyone forgot, there are still a few Galil ARM's out there, with their expensive-as-hell hicap magazines.

 

[Sir Galahad]

DMK, I'm aware of that. That's why I put quotation marks around the word "assaut", with tongue firmly in cheek. I figured most folks here would understand what I was saying.

 

[Coronach]

If it were me? FAL. Hands down. It is nearly as reliable as an AK, provided you get one that is well-built, and it fires the .308 round. Cheap mags are a nice benefit as well.

Mike

 

[Mute]

I wouldn't even give it a second thought. The FAL. Better in every way.

 

[citizen]

A well-built FAL may not be as cheap as an AK variant, but your satisfaction will also be greater. Trust me.

 

[duckfoot]

Fal,Fal,Fal,Fal,Fal,Fal...

(Bandwidth reduced by Art.)

 

[Redlg155]

If most of your shooting will be 100 meters and under then the AK is a good choice.

Over 100 meters and the FAL steps in nicely.

I wouldn't want to do any room clearing with a big ol FAL. At the same time I wouldn't want to engage 300 meter targets with an AK.

Good Shooting
REd

 

[Correia]

I have examples of each. I shoot both kinds a lot.

I prefer the FAL. Better sights, fits me better, balances better, pretty dang reliable. Hard to ask for a better gun.

The AK is still a great gun though. I shoot a lot of 7.62x39 just because it costs about half that of surplus .308.