Okay, folks... I'm thinking about getting a battle rifle.

[BHPshooter]

Mace, that is a sweet rifle. What do guns like those tend to cost?

Jon, thanks for the rundown. I'm thinking that an AR with a telescoping stock would be perfect for me. On top of fitting all of my needs, they just feel right.

Thanks to all for your very helpful information.

Wes

 

[MaceWindu]

Scout price...





Here is the rundown:

M1A Scout: $1075 shipped NIB

CQB Solutions SOP ERB strap: Special Operations Emergency Release Buckle: $39

Karsten Custom Camo Stock: $120

Rooster33 Forged one piece Stainless Spring guide Rod: $40

Warbird, Gas cylinder Unitization: $40

USGI Trigger group: $85

Trigger Job: $30


15 shots @ 50 yrds, mechanical zero only, no other adjustments...4 inch circle..

Groups like this with open sights: Priceless!!!

MaceWindu

 

[MrPink]

If you don't have a semi-auto military-style rifle (as others pointed out, not all you listed are "battle rifles"), I'd suggest an AR-15.

Don't let the direct gas operating system ("craps where it eats") criticism get you. For a civilian shooter who is going to keep his gun fairly clean you'll be fine. Don't let the 5.56 sucks criticism get you. You don't have to shoot FMJ. Load yours up with Hornady TAP ammo and you got a stopper on you hands.

For an essay of the positives of the AR15, surf this link:

http://ar15.com/content/articles/idealRifle/

Also 223 ammo can be had cheap and shoots flat. Go ahead and buy a post ban in advance of the AWB sunset and add that flash suppressor later. USGI mags are also falling in price.

Other rifles mentioned - like a FAL or M1A carbine 308 - are good rifles to round out the battery. But if you only had one and wanted a general purpose rifle the AR15 is my suggestion. Besides, there is a plethora of goodies you can buy for it!

If you decide on the AR15, the next thread would be "which AR15?" which is almost as controversial as "AR vs. AK?"

By the way, my recommendation would be a Rock River Arms "R4" flattop carbine, A2 stock, chrome-lined barrel, EOtech rev F sight, Wilderness tac sling, battlegrip. I'm not into the forend rails as they are heavy and I don't have a lot of stuff to tack on the front end of the rifle anyways. Carbine=light & handy. If I wanted a gun to weigh as much as an M1A or FAL, that's what I'd use.

 

[MaceWindu]

AHHH!! The games afoot!!

MrPink!!

I think that the AR-15 is a wonderful platform with a great deal of versatility, many, many, options....

But I beg to differ on the weight aspect SOMEWHAT...not totally. The pictures that I posted above are of an M1A Scout...the differences between most the Standard M1A's and THIS Scout are the following:

1: This Scout has a synthetic stock (to reduce weight)

2: The metallic flip up butt plate was removed and replaced with a rubber butt pad to further reduce weight (significant difference)

3: The integrated forward rail (optic to be installed soon) places a bit more weight in front to reduce muzzle flip so the target acquisition after the first shot is easier.

Needless to say, this rifle is very light in comparison to most M1A's. Also the .308 gives you that reach out and touch'm capability. The .308 caliber retains more hydrostatic shock capability over longer distances than the .223, just physics.

But I also have 2 .223's!!!

It is fun and CHEAPER TO SHOOT!!!


MaceWindu

 

[MrPink]

Mace,

I'm not sure what you mean about begging to differ on the weight issue.

What I was trying to say is that I like a light AR15. There seems to be a trend today for ARs with heavy barrels, RAS/RIS/SIR forends and then jam all kinds of accessories on it: vertical foregrips, lasers, lights, optics, slings, BUIS, etc. You end up with an AR in the 9-11 pound range. To me this defeats one of the salient features of the AR: light weight.

I prefer a carbine length flattop, light barrel and EOtech. depending on barrel specs, this should result in a carbine weighing about 7 pounds.

If I wanted to carry a 9 pound gun (factory weight of an M1A scout, no optic), I'd carry an M1A rather than a beefed up AR. That's what I was trying to say.

 

[MaceWindu]

Mr. Pink

No offense was intended. Like I said I have 2 .223's.

I was just pointing out that there is a way to have a lighter M1A. My Scout in the pictures is much lighter than the Standard Scout and there are options to lighten it. (Much less metal in the stock while not sacrificing durability)

Now My Loaded is Heavier!! Significant difference when I pick the both of them up.

The AR is a good platform no doubt....Just giving the gentlemen who started the thread options.

MaceWindu

 

[pbhome71]

Mr. MaceWidu,

The price that you quoted "M1A Scout: $1075 shipped NIB" is a very good price.

May I ask where did you order that from? Could you P.M. me?

-Pat

 

[MrPink]

Mace,

No offense was taken - I just didn't know what you meant and I thought that might be because of a lack of clarity on my part. Which I was subsequently trying to rectify.

Options are good. I have an M1A scout myself, along with an SR25, FAL and AK. Plus more than a few ARs. As I've said before, the 308 is a good round for when you want to shoot down trees or thru engine blocks.

But my favorite, general purposes, all around, if you only had one gun would be a lightweight AR carbine.

Well to be honest, my favorite is the Colt M16A2 shorty, but I realize that most folks don't own transferable machine guns.