g3 vs m4 vs fal

[shattered00]

Since I appear to be very fickle, coupled with the fact that I now have a "hunting rifle" and a .22 plinker, I have decided that I now need another assault-type rifle. This is contigent on the fact that I graduate from this semester of hell of course. Since I am on a budget of about $1000, I am guessing that the variants of these two rifles are what I should strive for(unless the variants are not near the quality that the originals are). This rifle will serve no specific purpose(such as SHTF situations or hunting etc). Also, price of ammo need not be considered when giving me your recommendation. Issues such as reliability and accuracy would be helpful though.

So what would yall go for, an m4 or fal or g3 variant?

Thanks.

 

[Father Knows Best]

It's all personal preference. Personally, I don't care for the AR platform and the little .223 round, and I like the M4 even less because the short barrel compromises the already questionable performance of the cartridge. Lots of people love the AR platform, though. It's certainly capable of astounding accuracy, and can make a great defense rifle, varmint rifle or target rifle if you configure it right.

The G3 and FAL are heavier and use a much more capable cartridge -- the 7.62x51 NATO (aka .308 Winchester). I have one of each. I have a DSA SA 58 (FAL clone) and a JLD Enterprises PTR-91 (G3 clone). Again, which you choose is purely personal preference. The PTR-91 is less expensive that the SA58 (roughly $750 vs. $1,000 for basic models). The SA58 is softer shooting. Both are fun and reliable.

For pics of my PTR-91 and SA58, see the thread titled "Black Rifle Collection".

 

[MachIVshooter]

The G3 vs. FAL is a valid question, but I'm not sure where an M4gery fits into that equation. It is as different from the other two as could be. That said, the AR-15 will be a better plinker due to ammo cost, but not nearly as versatile as the others. I do not own an AR-15, but do have a mini-14 and enjoy it on a casual basis. But when it counts, I'll grab my AR-10A2 carbine or, if range will be an issue, my G-3 (it is scoped). Between the FAL or G3, it is a matter of personal preference. They are very similar other than their operating principal (delayed blowback vs. gas). Both are proven designs capable of good to great accuracy, depending on model. Mags are readily available and cheap for either.

 

[shattered00]

What is an AR10A2? M16? Since the m4 doesn't seem to compare to the g3 or fal, what about this AR10A2?

Also, what does "carbine" denote? Thanks.

 

[Father Knows Best]

What is an AR10A2? M16? Since the m4 doesn't seem to compare to the g3 or fal, what about this AR10A2?

Also, what does "carbine" denote? Thanks.

The AR-10 was developed by Armalite. It is a gas operated autoloading rifle chambered for the 7.62x51 NATO cartridge. When it was scaled down for the 5.56 NATO (.223) cartridge, it became the AR-15. When the U.S. military adopted the AR-15 in the 1960s, it was type designated as the M-16. These days, AR-15 generally refers to a semi-auto version of the M16 chambered in 5.56 NATO and AR-10 is the same basic rifle chambered in the larger 7.62x51. AR10A2 means the A2 variant of the AR-10.

The M4, by the way, is another variant of the AR-15/M-16. The M4 has a short (14.5", IIRC) barrel.

The AR-10 is comparable to the G3 and FAL. All three are autoloading rifles that use the 7.62x51 NATO round. The G3 is a roller locked, delayed blowback action. The FAL is gas operated using a piston. The AR-10 (and AR-15 and M-16) are "direct impingement" gas operated, meaning the gas pressure operates directly on the bolt carrier instead of a piston or rod.

 

[browningguy]

One of the Argentine FN49's in .308 with detachable mags. Scarce, so it has a good chance of holding it's value, reasonably accurate, very reliable.

 

[MachIVshooter]

What is an AR10A2? M16? Since the m4 doesn't seem to compare to the g3 or fal, what about this AR10A2?

Also, what does "carbine" denote? Thanks.

Father pretty much cleared it up, but I'll nail a couple things that weren't outlined. The "A2" designation on AR's means they are equipped with a carry handle; The "A4" variants have flat top recievers. Both can accept weaver-type (or picatinny; M1913 rail) scope bases. ARMS makes a nice steel base for A2 models (expensive, though)

"Carbine" has become a somewhat loose term, but it generally means one of two things. Either A) a handgun-caliber long arm or B) a shorter/lighter version of a rifle. The distinction can be easily made by taking into account the cartridge the firearm is chambered for.

"AR10A2 Carbine" means it is the AR-10 with carry handle and short (16") barrel, as opposed to the standard 20" tube. All the Armalite models can be seen here.