best all-around rifle in .308

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judaspriest

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I understand it's a somewhat goofy question, but I am going to ask anyway. I am looking for one rifle that would be a jack of all trades - an competent performer in all categories, even if it doesn't shine in any single one of them. I.e:

- rugged / reliable (vital)
- quick follow-ups (hence bolts are out)
- decent accuracy to 300-400 yards, usable to 500 or so
- usable with iron sights and scope (QD / see-through)
- can be used for hunting if necessary, self-defense
- the one rifle you would want to have by your side in a long-term survival situation

I have already picked the caliber, .308 (as a reasonable all-around choice). Initially, I thought I had made my choice - an M1A for about $1500-2K tops, but as the expected costs keep climbing (esp. for forged-receiver with good scope mount, etc), I am starting to have second thoughts. I am now trying to consider sporting pumps such as the Remington 7600 or semi-autos such as Browning BAR as well as perhaps even the lever-actions.

I was wondering what people think about my dilemma?

Thanks,

JP
 
I drank the Kool-Aid, but I think Jeff Cooper's scout rifle is what you are looking for. Yes, it's a bolt, but bolt guns can be manipulated with "startling alacrity". I strongly doubt that the lever or pump guns are as fast as a trained man at the bolt.
 
Stick with your initial gut, combine .38Special's advice and go with an M1A Scout. The forward rail is perfect for a Leupold, Burris or Nikon scout scope set-up. No extra mounts to buy - use throwlever rings so you can go to irons quickly if need be. Springfield Armory's cast receivers are GTG - your children's children's children will not shoot it out.....You will absolutely be stellar at the ranges you describe....
 
FAL or L1A1 designed and built for the worst in battle field conditions, capable of super tight accuracy with quality ammo, adjustable gas system......... commonly reffered to as "The right arm of the free world" for a reason, unlike many other military 7.62x51 based battle rifles the FAL/L1A1 pattern has zero issues with heavy hunting load .308 win or standard NATO 7.62X51 due to the tunable gas system ya can dial it in for any ammo on hand to feed it....

Mags are cheap (around $6 ea for metric pattern, $19 for Inch pattern)

New basic military configuration STG58s from Enterprise arms at $899 up to a higher end DSA all USA built paratrooper (folding stock, 16" barrel etc...) around $1500

Tons of aftermarket goodies to set it up exactly as ya want

500 yards is a cake walk for the cartridge and the gun both with optics

Enterprise arms

http://www.entreprise.com/fal_rifles.html


DSA Arms

http://www.dsarms.com/
 
FAL

308ebrs.jpg


falcarbs.jpg
 
if I was going to buy a .308 rifle fitting your specifications for a reasonable cost I would get a Saiga .308

here are your specs:
- rugged / reliable (vital)
- quick follow-ups (hence bolts are out)
- decent accuracy to 300-400 yards, usable to 500 or so
- usable with iron sights and scope (QD / see-through)
- can be used for hunting if necessary, self-defense
- the one rifle you would want to have by your side in a long-term survival situation

-rugged and reliable is the AK platforms first and middle name.
-quick Follow up shots are not a problem as it is semi-automatic.
-decent accuracy 300-400 yards and usable to 500 or so.
-all Saiga .308 rifles have a side mounted optics rail that is QD and could be see through depending on scope mount style you choose.
-can be used for hunting and self defense
-One rifle I would be comfortable with in long term survival situation.

Here are some of the Saiga .308's benefits. Proven system, simple to maintain and operate, excellent all around caliber many accessories and customization options available. Very affordable compared to other semi-automatic battle rifles ($350 base cost). It is available in 16" and 21" chrome lined barrels so you can have a full length rifle or carbine that is easy to clean and maintain. It can be used in standard configuration or converted to use a pistol grip and AK butt stock if you choose to. Eastern bloc optics available for this rifle are tougher than nails, work well and are cost effective. The rifle accepts most AK accessories.

here are some of its draw backs:
Magazines are synthetic and are only 8 round ( but easily converted to 10 round) Recently a company is selling after market hi capacity 20 round magazines but they sell for about $50 a piece. But the 8 round magazines are $30-35 a piece.

Original butt stock isn't my favorite it is hollow and is light weight it feels a little cheap. But the worse thing is the distance of the hand from the trigger and safety lever. ( a thumb hole or skeleton stock is now available and requires no conversion and its is extremely sturdy.)

Lacks a muzzle device. Saiga .308 rifles do not have a muzzle device (or threads for a one) so a flash hider muzzle break, is not easily attached . (Though they can be fitted with one by a gunsmith if you so desire.)

no on board cleaning kit or cleaning rod or bayonet lug. Not serious but possible draw backs depending on your opinions.

So here is basic rifle with a few useful accessories

Saiga .308 rifle $350
2-8 round mags$ 65
PSOP 4X24mm $125
sling $ 10

Total $550 given average prices of a basic rifle and accessories. I have seen several used Saiga .308 in my area with some accessories in the $300 range. Seldom though do they have spare magazines they usually must be ordered online. Ammunition will be the greatest cost of any .308 battle rifle so I would buy a saiga .308 and with money I save buy reloading equipment so you afford to become very proficient with it.

Brother in Arms
 
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Thanks guys for the input.

Saiga and FAL are very fine choices indeed, but I forgot to mention one more thing that eliminates the FAL and likely Saiga as well - I live in a socialist-run state that branded them both "assault rifles" and banned. Otherwise, both would be very high on my choice list...
 
Which state? If it is CT, then they had a name ban, right? You can't own a FN FAL or anything that has the name FAL on the receiver, right? However a clone not named in the ban was OK based on posts on the FALFiles. I don't know MA's rules. NY also allows FALs.
 
I like the M1A. Get a Loaded model or the Scout. SOCOM has to much stuff attached. very heavy.
 
I know that ARS has shipped FALs to NJ. Any gun you buy will still have the silly 15 round mag rule. Are all FALs a no no or just FN FALs? Is this a new law? Back in '01 or '02 FALs were OK in NJ.
 
if "mikec" is right, i'd suggest an FAL non-named unit. otherwise the M1A seems your option, though not my personal choice. many feel otherwise, and i have no problems with their personal choice. it IS a good system.

bummer about living in the com-bloc held north east coast, bud. they haven't usurped the right to move yet, have they?

gunnie

PS---yet more PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS from gunnie:

everybody's stirring and they're packing up their goods
buying 'em a pickup truck and heading for the woods
it's a strange wind blowing

you can see 'em on the freeway with a u-haul tucked behind
running from the cities for a little peace of mind
where are they going


so the peasant left the castle walls and struck out on his own
and all he had was on his back and he felt so all alone
when he was leaving

'cause the road it is yer enemy and the road it is yer friend
it's there the day the journey starts and there the day it ends
no time for greiving


the ancients left their mark behind in most every way they could
they warned us not to be like this and always knew we would
and now it's falling

my cabin door has cracks in it and they let the north wind in
at night the wailing of a wolf you wonder where he's been
and who he's calling
 
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The current law (though, unconstitutional to any unbiased reader) states the following "'Assault firearms' means ..... FN-FAL, FN-LAR or FN-FNC type semi-automatic firearms" and then after the full list of any decent rifle known to man, "Any firearm manufactured under any designation which is substantially identical to any of the firearms listed in
paragraph (1) above"

Hence, it would seem to me that any FAL clone is banned and so is Saiga (since the AK is prominently on the list, of course)
 
Hk 770

while i really dislike the HK 91, due to poor human engineering, these have the same internals/action as that mdl. the 91 is a VERY reliable weapon, and maybe the 770 has a decent trigger. perhaps others reading this posting can expand on this as i have no experience with that model. The 770 centerfire series used a roller locked action as did the SL6/SL7 which had shorter barrels and a less traditional stock style.

the outward appearance of these could even fool the clintons. maybe N.J. as well?

see same @:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/97694475...s/Sporting-Hunting/Heckler_Koch_Model_770.htm

gunnie
 
i would still lean toward the ma and that would be my first choice even after reading your post, i agree with the above poster, either the scout or the loaded model, i personally want the scout.
 
You can buy a Saiga 308 in Jersey. I was in Jersey City recently having a priceless old 38 transferred to where I live in VA, and they had one for sale in their gun rack.

I think the 'ban' you're referring to is a firearm with 'evil' features such as a pistol grip. The Saiga doesn't have that. Semiauto sporting/hunting rifle.

Here's the store in JC I saw the Saiga.
http://www.casosguns.com/
 
M1A scout, then mount an Ultimak rail and your optics will be coincident with the irons. FNs are OK, but a tuned M1A will shoot rings around an FAL, and it's pretty easy to get a 4.5# match trigger on an M1A. You can buy a Rader trigger that will go down under 1# if you don't mind spending $250.

I am currently converting my 'Loaded' to a scout configuration. In it's current guise, it weighs more than I would like, but will deliver an honest 1 MOA out to 600. I'm hoping for 2 MOA or better with a 18 inch standard bbl.

BTW, I believe the M1A is legal in all 50 states. You may have to swap out the flash hider for a muzzle brake.
 
Gunnie, I am not sure about the 770 - hard to find any feedback on it. Do like the inconspicuous looks of it though, you're right it might survive even Madame Hellary's reign.

The CA-kosher DSA FAL might be an option as well, I need to call some local gun lawyers to find out. Appreciate the tip

AR clones I am not too keen on, sorry guys - I know it can be quite accurate (more than I need), but it's got its issues that I'd rather not deal with in exchange for the extra accuracy I don't need.

JP
 
for wood, go with cz, for all else, go either Savage, Howa, or Tikka.
the last 3 have a little bit of this , a little bit of that, you just have to see
which tweaks you like best...
 
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