FAL as Patrol Rifle?

[Teufelhunden]

I've previously posted a couple of threads about the praticality of using a high-end AK (Krebs KTR-03S) as a law-enforcement patrol carbine. Returns were favorable, moreso for one chambered in 5.45X39. The original thought for a patrol rifle other than an AR was based on the fact that though I qualified expert with the M16A2 every year I was in the Marine Corps, I never really liked it. At the risk of starting a 9mm vs. .45cal-esque debate, I'm also not thrilled with launching a .22cal projectile at my foe.

Regardless, when my department found out I was investigating one 'o them Ruskie guns', I got a big and was told that though it was not specifically 'required' per se, it was 'highly suggested' that my patrol rifle be in 5.56X45 or 7.62X51. Anyone who has been employed before knows that 'highly suggested' can hold more power than policy sometimes, so now I'm looking for something in .308.

Right now, my leading contestant is a DSA STG58 Para Tactical. Statistically, peace officer rifle engagements are within 100 yards, but I work for a county agency, so I'd like to be able to reach a little further out. I'd like to be able to hit man-sized targets at 300 yards--does the 16" barrel of the Para/Tac take too much off of the .308, or will I be fine to that range and beyond?

I know Hornady markets that their TAP .308 only penetrates 10"-12", but how will that do against building materials? One of the things that I'm favoring about .308 is that if there's some hard-cover to overcome, I can throw in a mag of FMJ and still be effective. However, going indoors after someone is a eventuality, so will a 110grn .308 still tend to start falling apart after a drywall wall or two? If not, is there a better option than TAP? Ultimately, I'm reluctant to fall into the trap of making a round so safe against misses that it won't work real well when it hits, but I do have to consider the fact that I have to account for all of my shots...

Lastly, DSA's listed price is $1,750-ish, but what I've found on the 'net seems to be closer to $1,400. Does that seem about right?

-Teuf

 

[HorseSoldier]

Right now, my leading contestant is a DSA STG58 Para Tactical. Statistically, peace officer rifle engagements are within 100 yards, but I work for a county agency, so I'd like to be able to reach a little further out. I'd like to be able to hit man-sized targets at 300 yards--does the 16" barrel of the Para/Tac take too much off of the .308, or will I be fine to that range and beyond?

My DSA with 16" barrel can reliably make 400 meter shots with the iron sights if the shooter does his part (may be able to push further, I simply haven't had occasion or inclination to try). Not sure what kind of real world terminal ballistic performance you'd get from the 7.62 round form the short barrel at that range, but it gives a steel chest plate a very solid thump.

Lastly, DSA's listed price is $1,750-ish, but what I've found on the 'net seems to be closer to $1,400. Does that seem about right?

$1400 sounds like a very good deal to me. In my neck of the woods you're probably talking about a $1600 rifle, more if you want one pre-kitted out with rails.

 

[Thin Black Line]

LOL, ok this might make you weep or give you some ideas. Arsenal is a
US company that is parts compliant:

http://www.arsenalinc.com/slr106fr.htm

Looks like it would fold up rather nicely and be great for your vehicle.
If you stay 5.56 but are further disuaded from the AKs by the overseers
of dept equipment purity, there's always one of the M4geries.

I own an Isreali FAL and really like it. Mags and accessories are cheap.
You also can't go wrong with DSA and I'm considering buying one of their
paras in the future. However, some people have problems, even with DSA,
with FAL scope mounts "slipping" and not holding zeros. I, too, have
times where this happens --zero holds for hundreds of rounds one day
and starts slipping another time after the second mag. Most people just
buy another mount, or if it's a DSA return for replacement.

I've never had zero problems with the AR15 family with quality optics
and mounts. If you go with the AK family, make sure you get one with
the side rail installed rather than do a dust cover mount. The dust cover
mounts are also where the potential weakness like with the FAL family.

Obviously, if you plan on using iron sites, they are not a problem with any
of the above!

 

[Mumbles_45]

The rifle should be more than capapble of hitting man sized targets at 300 yards, as long as you are, and since you qualified expert every year with the M-16, I'm guessing you are also perfectly capable of hitting man sized targets at 300 yards.