Need .308 rifle recommendations...

[DarkCharisma]

I love my AR but I'm looking for something a bit bigger, possibly. I plan on a 1:7 barrel for my AR to lob bigger lead, but I've always wanted something in .308.

Problem is, I don't know much about .308 semi-autos. I know the AR-10 variants, and the FAL variants.

..and that's the extent of my semi-auto .308 knowledge.

Price really isn't too big of a factor, it's not going to be something I buy in the near future, but I want to start looking so when I have the money saved up I can purchase one and get a good platform.

Please take this as an opportunity to post all manners of .308 semi-auto lead throwers.

TIA

 

[FMJMIKE]

If you want to scope it get an AR-10. DPMS makes a good one. If you aren't going to scope it get a M1A.

 

[Grassman]

Get a Saiga in .308......

 

[jgatsios]

I'm waiting for Robinson Armament's XCR-M (robarm.com). It's a remarkable .308 design. I'd take it over a SCAR, Armalite or an FAL. DSArms makes a very nice FAL, too.

 

[H2O MAN]

Consider a four land and groove SEI CH barrel with a 1:10 Rate of Twist
(ROT) that will stabilize 175 grain M118LR and heavier projectiles.
Consider an SEI built M14 with a medium heavy Crazy Horse barrel.


My MK14 SEI Crazy Horse

22.0" SEI CH are also available.




Standard profiles barrels are also available in both 18.0" and 22.0" lengths.

 

[jackdanson]

Expensive, very cool, fairly accurate- m1a

Cheap, reliable, slightly less accurate- saiga .308

Expensive (slightly less than m1a currently), new, apparently very accurate -- FNAR 15

Then you've got the FAL variants and AR-10s too, but I don't have any exp w/ them.

 

[ar10]

If you're comfortable with the AR try the AR10B(no scope) or the AR10.
I started reloading my own .308's and found out the 168gr HP seems to be the best all around for my shooting. It's great at 100. 200. 300 and 500yd range.
I've run will over 3000 rounds through it and never had a problem with feed or firing. And it's very accurate.

 

[pmeisel]

Sounds like you like military style, and the above are good suggestions. I covet an AR10 and an M1A, but you might also want to consider a Browning, traditional look instead of military. Don't own one but have had the opportunity to shoot a friend's, great gun!

 

[H2O MAN]

jackdanson Expensive, very cool, fairly accurate- m1a

Not cheap, ultra reliable and extremely accurate - SEI built M14

 

[Average Joe]

I would go with an M1A or PTR-91

 

[JWarren]

If price isn't a factor, I'd go with either the LR-308, or M1A.

In 30 caliber, I've owned a HK-91, FAL, converted Saiga 308, and LR-308.

I love the M1A, but not enough to replace my LR-308 with one.


-- John

 

[Golden Hound]

Yes don't rule out the G3/HK91/PTR. It is a great rifle, if heavy. It's ridiculously simple and rugged, built like a tank, and has wonderful sights. Don't be put off by the tales of dented, unreloadable brass - a cheap accessory called a port buffer will solve that problem. It's modular, easy to change out parts, and can be a turned into a spectacular long-range semi-auto with the addition of a good scope, an adjustable cheekpiece and a PSG-1 trigger group. And it looks badass.

Mine has a PSG-1 grip but not the trigger. I did have a trigger job done on mine - you can get it for something like 50 dollars. A bipod is handy but not necessary.

(No, that is NOT my finger on the trigger - it's part of the wooden window frame in the background!)

Don't let all the HK hate on this board deter you. The design of this rifle is older than the Heckler and Koch company itself. And most of the versions around now aren't even made by H&K anyway, although they're every bit as good as the original - some say even better.

 

[TexasRifleman]

PTR91 is a great rifle, same with FAL and M1A.
I'm sure the DPMS is a nice rifle too, but keep in mind magazine costs.

Brand new in the wrapper G3 magazines are 8 bucks each.

I just bought a box of 20 lightly used aluminum G3 magazines for 3 bucks each.

FAL mags are in the 10 dollar range last time I bought some.

M14/M1A magazines are more, but still very much available. $25 brand new, less for surplus and there are lots of surplus out there.

You get into the AR10 style of magazine and wow. Armalite has the magazines for $70 each list. I think C Products makes some for around 50 bucks.

That can add up in a BIG hurry.

 

[J&J]

I can only speak to the M1a. I recently picked up a scout and have about 400 rounds through it so far. I have more experience with lighter caliber, and lighter weight weapons. This rile has taken some getting used to, but now that I have adjusted to it, I am very pleased. Absoultely 100% reliable, no jams, FTE, nothing but good solid performance. It is not a tack driver, and I have not shot it over 100 yards yet, but at 100, from field positions, with iron sights, I am hitting 3-4" 5-shot groups, which I am happy with. If you want tack driver capability, I think you need to consider the higher end M1A's, not the standard, scout or socom models.

I will at some point put optics on it, but I am limited due to the scout mounting position. Also on the mags, I have a few expensive ones and a few cheapo... they all work fine. You can get them online, at you local gunshop or at shows.

308 ammo is going up in price quickly.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your search.

John

 

[navajo]

.308

Armalite has a life time warranty and good customer service.
The mags are around 46 bucks.
Accuracy wise, AR 10.
Theses days any 7.62X51mm is expensive to feed. I cut down from 7 to 3 .30 cal. rifles.

 

[jgatsios]

Something else to consider is Rock River Arms' LAR-8. It's an AR-15 in .308 the accepts FAL mags. Very nice.