AAHHHH!!!! Decisions decisions AR15,FAL,or M1A

[Roadwild17]

Ok guys, I'm finally going to have the cash (later this summer) for a assault/battle rifle. The AR I've decided on is a Elite CAR A4. I haven't done a whole bunch of research on the other to, but the M1A I looked at was a SOCOM 16, but its out of my price range and I've been hearing bad stuff about the Springfield rifles. Can anyone suggest anything around the $1K mark that would make an excellent 16" rifle?

I guess a good AK would fit the bill after more thinking, but with the ammo shortage and all .

 

[MechAg94]

I don't have any problems at all with my Springfield. I think much of that is inflated. SA does have excellent customer service and a good warranty. I don't think the SOCOM even approaches $1000 though.

For your price, a good AR might be best. I think the STG58 FAL's from DSA are within that price range as well based on some posts I have seen. Depends on what you want. The AR will be lighter with less recoil and higher capacity mags. The PTR-91 is in that price range as well.

If you want to go the AK route, ammo is available, it just isn't as cheap as it used to be. I have seen it at gun shows around Houston since earlier this year just with higher prices. Mail ordering cases might involve some back order time.

 

[taliv]

spend $750 or so on the AR, and the rest on optics, magazines, cleaning supplies, ammo, etc

 

[American By Blood]

Ask and you shall receive.

I wouldn't worry too much about the ammo shortage with the AK. Russia has a basically free-market economy now and the demand is there for the 7.62x39. The supply will adjust for there is money to be made. Although I doubt the round will ever again be as cheap as it used to be.

If you do opt for an AK, go Bulgarian. Armory USA makes some great rifles and if you buy one you'll have money left over for ammo.

EDIT: If you want to mall-ninja your rifle then I'd recommend against the AK. It's possible and relatively common, but the platform doesn't take to doohickeys as well as the AR.

 

[MechAg94]

Is Armory USA the Global Trades outfit? Arsenal Inc. is the one up North? I can't ever remember.

 

[American By Blood]

Armory USA is indeed Global Trades.

IIRC, Arsenal USA is based out of Nevada and charges much higher prcies for rifles that don't justify the tag.

 

[DMK]

Different rifles have different specialties.

I got an AK, FAL and a Garand before I got my first AR. I wish I would have got the AR first. I love all the rifles, but the ARs are much more accurate than anything else I own, plus they are light, low recoil and have great sights. They are just more fun to shoot.

However, I'll always consider the AR a close range carbine. To reach out there, I prefer the Garand (in your case the M1A), which is a little heavier, but still has great sights along with a bit more punch.

 

[Eat Beef]

I'm with MechAg, the rumors of Springfield's demise have been overstated.

I'd go with the FAL in that price range, but then again I'm a 308 kinda guy. I like the M1A better than the FAL, but its 40% more expensive, and you're talking Ford vs. Chevy.

YOU need to decide if you want a light, high volume AR or a heavy, high power FAL or M1A.

 

[Deer Hunter]

I just ordered my 18" DSA STG58. It cost me 860, shipped.

Well within your price range, and a great gun.

 

[Bwana John]

I got an AK, FAL and a Garand before I got my first AR. I wish I would have got the AR first. They are just more fun to shoot.

Heresy, I say!
I am so happy the AR was one of my last purchases as far as EBR's go. For me it was a M-1917(@13!), M-1 Carbine, Enfield, M-1 Garand, M-98, M-1903, M-1a, FAL, AK, last the AR(@43).
I would never trade all those years with the Garand for a poodle-shooter.
In fact if I could undo the bubba job on the M-1917 that I did in 1973 (Im so ashamed):banghead:, I would trade it for the AR.

 

[CCWMAN]

I RECOMMEND A CMMG AR OR DSArms FAL!

I would recommend the CMMG M4 style AR semiauto because they have the superior M4 feedramps for no-jam reliability and the highest quality for around $1000. If you want a .308 I'd get the folding stock Para-Congo FAL with 18" barrel and the Long Rail System from DSArms. With a match trigger it's accuracy is awesome!

 

[AndyC]

EDIT: If you want to mall-ninja your rifle then I'd recommend against the AK. It's possible and relatively common, but the platform doesn't take to doohickeys as well as the AR.

Oh, I don't know so much



My money's on the FAL; admittedly I'm an enthusiast, but they're pretty uncommon at the range, so if you're into a bit of the "cool" factor...