need help choosing 308 rifle

[Revolver Ocelot]

I want a wieldy 308 semi auto rifle but am having trouble choosing which one, I've decided that the m1a suits my needs perfectly but I can't bear to look at the price tag and I need advice which one may also suit the role of a cqb rifle in that caliber.

most of the ones I have found just seem to big and bulky or to expensive so I hope there may be something I have overlooked.

 

[CTW]

If your on a budget you might want to check out a saiga in .308. You can probably get one in the 500-600 range. I have not had experience with them, but I know some happy customers that have them. I myself prefer the Fal and they can be had for a decent price these days.

 

[Victor1Echo]

I have been thinking about this for about a year, and I am going with a $600 Saiga w/ the 21 or 22? barrel. Lots of after market products. There is really not much of a choice for someone who won't look at the price tag of a an M1 ( you and me both).

 

[Z-Michigan]

If you really like the M1A then I would really just save the money to get one. They are really nice rifles.

Other options that I would suggest are a DPMS .308; some of the more basic models can be had for $900-1000 if you find a good deal (Gunbroker or look up R Guns). You could also get a good used FN-FAL for $700-1000 depending on exactly what it is and how used you're OK with. Or a new STG-58 from DS Arms for $1000-1200 depending on the deal you can find. (Note: STG-58, not the all-US-made SA-58 that is significantly pricier.)

What barrel length and what are your intended uses?

FYI, funny search given your signature line!

 

[JDGray]

My brother has a nice Rem 7400, or is it a 7600, in .308

 

[PT1911]

I went the PTR-91 direction.. not cheap... but damn fun and different enough from the M-1a and the AR-10 platforms that it gets some crazy looks... also amazingly simple... sorta...


there are a lot of good guns out there... none of which are cheap... I recommend getting what you want.. if that means holding off until you can save the money for it... that is what you should do.

 

[PT1911]

I discourage the remington semi-autos... they have a big problem with rust and erosion in the chamber and then your extraction is screwed... actually saw two come in the shop today(one in 30-06 and on in 308) with this problem and many others in the past. there is no good way to fix it only work to prevent it.

 

[Publius1688]

You are better served, I think, saving up for the M1A, instead of buying a low-end rifle.
Buy Cheap---Buy Twice!

 

[Frankl03]

I like My M1A especially for accuracy. Very nice weapon. I like the way it handles. I would save up for one.

 

[rangerruck]

get a Saiga allready converted, in a wood stock, with the 16 inch bbl if you can find one. that way, you will have a classic looking hunting rig, with the allready improve ergos and trigger. then anytime you want, take off the wood furniture, add your aftermarket hi speed doo dads and furniture, and now you are tacticooled out...

 

[JpSnareGuy]

AR-10 ? M14 or Garand. I wish I had them all.

 

[wally]

You are better served, I think, saving up for the M1A, instead of buying a low-end rifle.
Buy Cheap---Buy Twice!

But then you end up with two rifles, so what is the problem with that again?

In the ~$1000 market I think its hard to beat the DPMS, likely the most accurate of the lot out of the box.

Converted Saiga would be the easiest choice on the budget ~$500 to start and another $200 or so for the conversion which could be done later as funds permit. The 20 round Surfire Saiga mags are about the same price as the 20 round DPMS.

The STG-58 FAL type is good especially if you can find an Imbel receiver, wins big on magazine costs.

--wally.

 

[Titan6]

If you can't afford an M1A than you probably don't want to pay the prices of an AR-10 either. That pushes you down into the FAL/PTR-91 range, quality varies a bit. Still we are talking $750-1200 about less than half the price of a decent AR-10 or M1A respectively. Under that you won't find anything in that caliber suitable for CQB.

If you want to drop even further than you can go with the shorty 7.62 and get an AK $400-600 range for a good one. If you want to go with a hunting rifle there are few SA choices in that price range, none of which are really suitable for CQB. So you pay the money or settle for a compromise, much like everything in life.

 

[Publius1688]

Good point Titan--the FAL is a good compromise position. A good friend of mine recently sold his for $600--needed the cash quick, so bargains are out there.

 

[skipbo32]

look no further. M1a/m14 is the .308 to have

 

[Zerodefect]

Atlantic Arms remanufactures old M1's. They repark, then replace barrel and stock. Around $1000 I think. I have no idea if they are any good. But I like the idea of these better than an old CMP Garand for $600

Armalite has AR10's in the $1500 range now. So deos DPMS. LMT is coming out with a new .308 with ambi controls for $2500.

None of those are any good for cqb. Too heavy and lethargic. .308 is more of a mid to long range round. A lighter 6.8spc or 5.56 rifle is prefered for cqb. I can't move quick at all in any practical fashion with a .308, not to mention the recoil.

 

[ar10]

None of those are any good for cqb. Too heavy and lethargic. .308 is more of a mid to long range round. A lighter 6.8spc or 5.56 rifle is prefered for cqb. I can't move quick at all in any practical fashion with a .308, not to mention the recoil.

Where did you hear that?????

 

[MeanStreaker]

I'm sold on the M1A being the best rifle for me. I would advise saving up and getting it since that's what you want. Otherwise you'll just get something more inexpensive now and then buy the M1A down the road anyway.

If you're truly on a budget and can't swing it, pick up a Garand from the CMP. It's not an M1A, but darn close.

Personally, I don't trust the (lack of) ruggedness of an AR10 and the M1A sights are far superior to a FAL. So I don't consider those two. That's my humble, personal opinion from someone that has shot 600 7.62x51 rounds in one setting in all weather conditions without problems with my M1As.