Interested in up-gunning

[armoredman]

I would like a semi-auto rifle capable of good to excellent accuracy at 300-500 yards, with power sufficient to take down a good sized deer or other game, detachable mag fed, tough, durable, reliable, common caliber, good spare parts/magazine availability, price reasonable, ( $1000 or so).
I do realize this sounds a lot like an M1A or an FAL, and both would be acceptable IF I could know which ones were "good" ones. I do know to stay they heck away from the Century reworks, but not sure what other manufacturers are known as high quality. Also heard Springfield had some quality slippage in the M1A, don't know which ones/serial number range are considered the "good" ones, or whether that is hogwash?

This is an exploratory post, not an offer to buy, not yet.

 

[jack p]

Remington 750 or a BAR comes to mind, the 750 you can pick up for right under a grand and the Browning for just over one.

And now I see you wanted a detacable magazine, so scratch those suggestions....

 

[osteodoc08]

What is your definition of excellent accuracy?

Does it have to be a semi auto? If it does, look at the target grade AR-10 types. I feel a shot at any game animal at extended distance takes lots of practice with good equipment and appropriate caliber. .223/5.56 is not adequate for deer at that range. IMHO, neither is 300BLK or 6.8SPCnfor that matter for a clean ethical kill at 500 yds. You're better served with a bolt gun or a 308/7.62 based AR-10 variant but that will go above and beyond your budget.

I also imagine you're going to scope this. A top quality scope in and of itself be over your $1K budget. And you need a good secure mount for it as well. I'm not versed in scoping an M1 or FAL so ill let others with more authority touch on that.

Above all else, the animal needs to be harvested quickly and humanely.

 

[PJSprog]

Above all else, the animal needs to be harvested quickly and humanely.

Exactly.

If you're going to engage in long-range hunting, you need to do it with the right equipment. You are likely limiting your options to nothing with that price range.

 

[motrussell]

Have you checked out the Savage 111 Long Range Hunter in 338 Lapua?

 

[Pilot]

Here's a wild one, although I haven't shot mine at those distance, but scoped, and accurized they are capable rifles.

French MAS 49/56. Mine is in 7.5MM French which I reload for using trimmed, and neck sized 6.5x55 (Swedish Mauser) brass. I have not hunted with it, as semi autos are not allowed for hunting in my state. There were some converted to .308 by the Century Monkeyworks, but as you know they can be spotty.

 

[Reloadron]

For a hunting type rifle, non military, autoloading centerfire rifle, you can give some thought to the Browning BAR or the Remington Model 7400. Since you mention a common caliber either the 30-06 Springfield or 308 Winchester would work for you. Either rifle can be had for your price range mentioned.

As to military type rifles in an autoloader while the M1A (Springfield Armory) or an AR10 would work I doubt you will find either in the price range you mentioned. Not a good quality one anyway.

Just My Take....
Ron

 

[selector67]

I have a Century MAS 49/56 monkeyworks in 308, and my monkey actually works

 

[allaroundhunter]

You may be able to find an FNAR for about that price. The accuracy is certainly better than any M1a that I have shot.

Have you checked out the Savage 111 Long Range Hunter in 338 Lapua?

He is shooting 300-500 yards, not 1200. The .338 Lapua is certainly not needed. He also requested a semi-auto rifle.

 

[W.E.G.]

capable of good to excellent accuracy at 300-500 yards

You won't get that kind of accuracy until you spend nearly your entire budget on quality optics and a mounting system.

 

[gondorian]

What about an AR in 6.5 grendel or 6.8 SPC? The grendel has a proven track record at those ranges and the 6.8 has some new 140 grain bullets that put it withing spitting distance of the grendel.

It would be less accurate but also consider a vepr or saiga .308.

 

[browningguy]

Also the FNAR in .308 is quite a nice hunting rifle, and you can get detachable mags up to 20 rounds.

 

[Abel]

AR-10 in 308 or 7mm-08 or 260. These usually run more than $1000, but the used market might help with the price.

 

[readyeddy]

Sounds like a Benelli R1. Semi auto, common hunting calibers, 7.4 pounds, and Gunbroker prices average around $900.

 

[LebbenB]

Another vote for the FNAR. Given your parameters, it should do what you want it to do. It also has a picatinny rail to make mounting optics a snap.