Most Versatile?

[Nightcrawler]

What, in your opinion, is the most versatile rifle on the market? What one rifle can perform the widest variety of roles, kill the largest variety of game, etc?

I think that an M1A carbine has to be pretty close. You can take any game in the lower 48 with .308. Put in a 5 round mag and you can hunt in most states. The carbine is a little shorter and maybe a little handier inside thick brush or buildings, and the semiautomatic action provides rapid follow up shots should they be necessary. It has great iron sights and can be scoped. Plus, with the 20 round mags, it can perform (I'm loathe to use this term) "tactical" work as well.

What do you think?

 

[Schuey2002]

As far as bolts, IMHO, it's the Remington model 700 in .308 Win. ...
My vote for the most versatile semiauto is the H&K G3/91 also in .308 ..

Just my .02 cents of a buck..

 

[Art Eatman]

The reasons given by Nightcrawler are good. To change it a bit, I'd say that any reliable semi-auto which can accept high-cap mags (to me, that's over ten rounds) and uses a medium capacity cartridge (such as the .308) would be generally fit the description of "most versatile".

Whether it's the M1A-based critter, or an HK or an FAL or whatever, that's pretty much "beauty in the eye of the beholder". We all have our own pets, of equal utility or versatility.

A few observations: The .223 is not a serious big-game food-getting cartridge, so rifles chambered for it are out. Cartridges other than the .308 are not commonly found in rifles using high-cap mags, so goodies like a .243 are out...

And it still comes down to overall preference. Absent a self-defense need, I'll generally stay with a bolt-action, and handload for it. That gives me a very wide choice in versatility. But, again, personal choice.

Art

 

[s&w 24]

98 mauser based bolt gun in 308/30-06 my pick is the 1903 springfield in a sporting trim. If you want to shoot reduced loads your semi is going to get tied up,if you want heavy bullets you will loose powder capasity with a semi because of the shorter mag.
A case separation in a semi takes alot more work to rectify than in a bolt gun. A friend of mine was hunting in SD in 0 to -10 deg weather the guys with bolt actions removed the bolts from there rifles and kept them in there coats untill game or good sine was picked up, the guys with rem 7400's just went click---damn at the deer because there weapons froze.

 

[cratz2]

Even though I don't have one, I'd probably say the Browning BAR (light modern semi auto, not the one in Saving Private Ryan ) Accurate enough for hunting, quick enough for tactical use. It is available in a variety of calibers, the aforementioned and widely distributed 308 included. It allows for quick follow-up shots, absorbs recoil allowing for more effective shooting with any caliber, or allowing the shooter to accurately shoot a caliber he/she might not otherwise be able to, it isn't too expensive. If they'd make a version that accepted M14 or M1a mags and was reliable, it'd be that much better.

If I were out on my own, fending for myself in the middle of the US, carrying my own ammo to both take food to eat and protect me from these imaginary bad guys that were after me, I doubt I could come up with a better choice than the BAR Lightweight (with open sights) with a Swarovski 6x scope and quick removable mounts and rings. Couple dozen mags loaded up ready to go.

 

[Destructo6]

Some semi in 7.62x51.

Available is a ton of ammo, parts, accessories, and expertise for them.

Take your pick (in no particular order):

• 1) M1A
  2) HK-91/G3/CETME
  3) FAL
  4)...

 

[Drue]

What do people use rifles for?

Practice and plinking: any rifle that pleases the user will do fine

General Hunting: something in the 7mm/.30 cal is the most versatile

Defense: hi cap semi auto preferred

Target Shooting: accurate rifle with good sights and a good triger

To me, this boils down to the M1A. Bolt rifles do not have the rate of fire capability that would possibly be benefical in a defense situation. The AR is a fine rifle but the .223 is light for a general hunting rifle. The FAL and HK are also fine rifles but the sights and trigers on them are not as suitable for target shooting as those on the M1A.The M1A can easily be scoped and used for hunting or even silhouette shooting.

I am certainly not opposed to buying different rifles for different purposes (just ask my wife) but I do believe that the M1A covers the most bases.

Drue

 

[cheygriz]

Most versatile for all possible situations? Not just paramilitary?

OK, the model 70 Winchester Featherweight in .30-06! With a quality (Schmidt & Bender, Kahles, Swarovski etc) scope, fixed power, 6X42.

 

[PATH]

Well I would say either a .308 or a .30-06/ I lean towards aught six. In semi I like the Sprimgfield but I'll go with the FAL as that is what I own. In bolt it is the 700 Rem again in .308 or .30-06. I have the .30-06 so I'll go with it.

 

[Soap]

I would vote for the DSA Lightweight FAL w/ an IOR Valdada 1-4x scope. Or the M1A scout rifle.

 

[jar]

Gotta vote for the oldie but goodie, Winchester '94 in 30-30.

 

[4v50 Gary]

AR. Change uppers and you've adapted for another mission.

BTW, the standard carbine mag was only a 15 rounder. Gotta love that stock pouch that held two spares. My carbine wears one.