Suggestions on what 7.62 NATO platform to select
- Thread starter Polar Express
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I paid $1550 for my SAI Loaded out the door. Like I said above my SAI has been flawless and the warranty is a nice piece of mind thing. Every time I shoot my M1A it reaffirms my love for this platform.
You have to decide what is right for you. Personally the AR's just don't do it for me (I like my firearms to be made of wood and steel) but it is a much more modern platform and is easier to put an optic on a AR10 flattop than spend $125-$400 on just a mount for the M14. Though SEI makes a Weaver mount for the M14 which is a really great deal but the little stuff starts to add up and the M14 can be an expensive proposition.
Here is min btw, it is in walnut now and looks 100x better:
ACBMWM3
member
You know Im a true AR fan and ive built several .308 AR's and LOVE THEM!
And with your budget you could build yourself an Awsome weapon. Tactical or target.
And with your budget you could build yourself an Awsome weapon. Tactical or target.
At a budget of $2500 I'd seriously look at the POF .308 rifles.
http://www.pof-usa.com/p308/p308.htm
http://www.pof-usa.com/articles/GW_POF-USA_P308_[1].pdf
I have a 16" .308 and it's extremely nice. Shoots sub moa, bolt/carrier hardly gets dirty after extended shoots, and has been 100% reliable.
Here's my baby...
http://www.pof-usa.com/p308/p308.htm
http://www.pof-usa.com/articles/GW_POF-USA_P308_[1].pdf
I have a 16" .308 and it's extremely nice. Shoots sub moa, bolt/carrier hardly gets dirty after extended shoots, and has been 100% reliable.
Here's my baby...
Bill_Rights
Member
top-rail optic mount issues?
Polar Express,
I have no opinion on the four catagories of rifles/generics you're looking at, but one of your prime requirements was:
This issue has been recently hashed out (filibustered to death?) on this forum:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=5272484&postcount=1
Enjoy!
Polar Express,
I have no opinion on the four catagories of rifles/generics you're looking at, but one of your prime requirements was:
This issue has been recently hashed out (filibustered to death?) on this forum:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=5272484&postcount=1
Enjoy!
No4Mk1*
Member
I would note that while I do "rock in" M1A magazines, they go in just as well if you push them straight up. The part that catches the front of the magazine (operating rod spring guide) moves forward allowing a magazine to be pushed straight up. I would also comment that the M1A trigger is the best rifle trigger I have felt. (equivalent of course to the M1 Garand) I would also comment that I prefer lightweight barrels since the 'weak link' in accurate shooting is my own ability, not that I don't have a match barrel, so I'll save the 1/2 pound in weight. If you're just going to own one then a little more barrel length ~20-22" would be more efficient for velocity.
All that said I would love to find a DSA PARA FAL 18" but I've aleardy got a full size rifle.
All that said I would love to find a DSA PARA FAL 18" but I've aleardy got a full size rifle.
The Wiry Irishman
Member
The one time I benched my short gas system DSA para carbine, I managed to put 15 rounds in 1.5 inches at 100 yards using the "near match grade" Lithuanian surplus. Some people over at FALfiles claim they've gotten MOA or better out of DSA guns. I've heard that the combination of the short gas system and 16.25" barrel give excellent stiffness and harmonics, but I don't know how valid that statement is.
A few years back I put a full mag in a 2" group at 100 off a bipod using a friend's FAL built by Ohio Rapid Fire. Don't remember what ammo it was, but I'd guess South African because of how much of the stuff my friend bought when it was still dirt cheap.
OP
OP
Polar Express
Member
A big thank you to all of you who posted your suggestions, and information.
Talk about being in a tizzy. Every time I would make a new 'decision' as to what platform to go with, one or more of you would introduce new information, or something else to consider and I'd be right back at beating my head against the wall.:banghead:
When I started this thread, I was leaning towards an AR-10, then trying to find a FAL Para version so I had the best of both worlds. (accuracy and rugged design) My biggest reason at the time I started the thread, was I had access to that AR-10 kit, but I was not finding any other option that I liked, without an unknown waiting period, and unknown availability.
In summary, from all the replies here and other readings, this is what I came up with: And keep in mind, this is WITHOUT Gunsmiths-type work --- out of the box with simple mods, (stock, accessories, that kind of thing)
Out of the box accuracy:
1st place) AR style 2nd place) M1A 3rd place) FAL
'environmental resistance'
1) FAL 2) M1A 3) AR
Easy to work on for lay-person
1) AR 2)M1A 3) FAL
Mag avail: (and this is debatable with the imperial vs. metric issue)
1) FAL 2) M1a 3) AR
Avail of parts in USA
1) AR 2) M1A 3) FAL
* again, debatable because of proprietary components in certain AR platforms.
While the M1A appears to be 2nd place in just about every category, with what I could find, in each category, While the M1A was in second, it was a very close second, and good arguments could be made why it should have been equal to #1.
Well, last night, my digging unearthed 3 different options in a short amount of time. I found an Armalite Ar-10 complete (A4 style) for $2K, and a DSA FAL carbine for $1.8K. And a M1A for $1.2K.
All new. I chose to go with the M1A.
Ideally, I'll keep looking to add an example of each to my collection, but with the current feeding frenzy, and financial considerations, I chose to start with the M1A for now, and I am very excited about it. Now all I have to do is get one of those sage stocks.. H20Man, any suggestions on how to get one of those?
Talk about being in a tizzy. Every time I would make a new 'decision' as to what platform to go with, one or more of you would introduce new information, or something else to consider and I'd be right back at beating my head against the wall.:banghead:
When I started this thread, I was leaning towards an AR-10, then trying to find a FAL Para version so I had the best of both worlds. (accuracy and rugged design) My biggest reason at the time I started the thread, was I had access to that AR-10 kit, but I was not finding any other option that I liked, without an unknown waiting period, and unknown availability.
In summary, from all the replies here and other readings, this is what I came up with: And keep in mind, this is WITHOUT Gunsmiths-type work --- out of the box with simple mods, (stock, accessories, that kind of thing)
Out of the box accuracy:
1st place) AR style 2nd place) M1A 3rd place) FAL
'environmental resistance'
1) FAL 2) M1A 3) AR
Easy to work on for lay-person
1) AR 2)M1A 3) FAL
Mag avail: (and this is debatable with the imperial vs. metric issue)
1) FAL 2) M1a 3) AR
Avail of parts in USA
1) AR 2) M1A 3) FAL
* again, debatable because of proprietary components in certain AR platforms.
While the M1A appears to be 2nd place in just about every category, with what I could find, in each category, While the M1A was in second, it was a very close second, and good arguments could be made why it should have been equal to #1.
Well, last night, my digging unearthed 3 different options in a short amount of time. I found an Armalite Ar-10 complete (A4 style) for $2K, and a DSA FAL carbine for $1.8K. And a M1A for $1.2K.
All new. I chose to go with the M1A.Ideally, I'll keep looking to add an example of each to my collection, but with the current feeding frenzy, and financial considerations, I chose to start with the M1A for now, and I am very excited about it. Now all I have to do is get one of those sage stocks..
H20Man, any suggestions on how to get one of those?
OP
OP
Polar Express
Member
yeah, I got that from what some of you posted in the thread. That's a lot, I know, but it's how I want to set up the gun, if there are others, I'm all ears, the optics are important as well, but I doubt there will be legislation against optics. It's not that I dont' want them, or that they are a lesser priority, but right now, I'm trying to prioritize items based on which directions the political machine is heading to protect my interests at home.
TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
Clyde Armory has them for $699 - $850 depending on model, some in stock some on back order.
https://policeguns.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=28&osCsid=dnsak309cd37kqkh9p459ur5q7
I have a grey one on order, they said sometime in March is when they expect them.
Polar Express I chose to go with the M1A.
Now all I have to do is get one of those sage stocks..
Congratulations! You made a well informed decision.
Contact Josh or Andrew at Clyde Armory and tell them Kevin sent you.
Contact LaRue about a LT608 as soon as you can...
OP
OP
Polar Express
Member
Thank you Kevin,
I just tried to phone them, (10 AM PT, 1 PM ET) and nobody is answering, (I tried several branches of the phone tree). I think they are closed. I'm trying to learn about the differences between the EBR and the collapsible stock. The website says they are identical, except for the M4 stock, are they referring to the shoulder portion of the stock being the only difference, and if so, is the EBR version pretty solid when extended, or do you give up some of the shoulder stock stiffness by going with the fully collapsible EBR?
I like the EBR, but if that shoulder portion is all 'flexy', I may want to stick with the 'tube-style' version. Oh, and any suggestions on color? I'm thinking I'll stick with black for the first one, and if I can build more, then go with a different one. I just re-checked the pics you posted earlier in the thread, and I'm guessing the first one, is one of the "Sage Mod 1", (in the SEAL gray pattern) and the second in all black is the shorter forend (you mentioned lighter) is the black EBR?
Oh, and I guess I should mention that the M1A that is 'going into the stock' is the 'standard M1A' I think I might want to find a smith to cut the bbl down a little bit. Ideally, I think I'd like to cut it down to 18", and have the end threaded to be able to add a flash suppressor on top of that. I'll have to confirm with local laws to make sure that's ok (but I'm pretty sure it is). How accurate at what ranges is that M1a capable of with a 16" or 18" bbl?
I just tried to phone them, (10 AM PT, 1 PM ET) and nobody is answering, (I tried several branches of the phone tree). I think they are closed. I'm trying to learn about the differences between the EBR and the collapsible stock. The website says they are identical, except for the M4 stock, are they referring to the shoulder portion of the stock being the only difference, and if so, is the EBR version pretty solid when extended, or do you give up some of the shoulder stock stiffness by going with the fully collapsible EBR?
I like the EBR, but if that shoulder portion is all 'flexy', I may want to stick with the 'tube-style' version. Oh, and any suggestions on color? I'm thinking I'll stick with black for the first one, and if I can build more, then go with a different one. I just re-checked the pics you posted earlier in the thread, and I'm guessing the first one, is one of the "Sage Mod 1", (in the SEAL gray pattern) and the second in all black is the shorter forend (you mentioned lighter) is the black EBR?
Oh, and I guess I should mention that the M1A that is 'going into the stock' is the 'standard M1A' I think I might want to find a smith to cut the bbl down a little bit. Ideally, I think I'd like to cut it down to 18", and have the end threaded to be able to add a flash suppressor on top of that. I'll have to confirm with local laws to make sure that's ok (but I'm pretty sure it is). How accurate at what ranges is that M1a capable of with a 16" or 18" bbl?
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Honestly I would suggest keeping the barrel length especially if this is your only .308 you get the benefit of the extra velocity and range plus you don't bubba a barrel and hurt the value of the rifle IMO. If you want a scout or SOCOM save up for a second rifle. If you go 16" you are going to have to upgrade the gas system anyways. The scout 18" is still pretty accurate at range but you do lose range and velocity and the SOCOM 16" will definitely cost you that much more velocity and range.
Your M1A does have a flash suppressor and is threaded already correct? Or is it a CA model? Are you saying you wand to drop the castle nut and get a straight screw on flash suppressor like the SEI vortex? SEI also makes a vortex as a replacement for the stock usgi type flash suppressor.
Your M1A does have a flash suppressor and is threaded already correct? Or is it a CA model? Are you saying you wand to drop the castle nut and get a straight screw on flash suppressor like the SEI vortex? SEI also makes a vortex as a replacement for the stock usgi type flash suppressor.
I have both and prefer the M14ALCS/CV like the one pictured below.
All three barrel lengths are accurate, but I prefer nothing shorter that 18.0".
I not a big fan of cut down barrels, having a new barrel installed is a better option.
Good luck
Ignition Override
Member
Tweakkkk: This is not the main topic, but...
I enjoyed your summary of the political situation regarding the congressional priorities right now.
Few people seem to ever state the obvious fact that so much panic-buying for rifles has been done by people who seemed to have little desire for various ARs (AKs, Saigas etc) or spare rifles until after the election.
And the extra financial debt seems to contradict the very tight economic realities for so much of our country.
For regular working people, $600-1,000 seems like a lot to blow on a superfluous rifle, when so many spouses might lose his/her job.
What do people plan to do with redundant guns (long-term) that they did not want before Nov 3rd? There are no guaranties that they will make any large profit.
If they had previously wanted/needed them (assuming they were affordable back then), it seems that they would have already bought them over the last few years instead of the last few months.
Like you suggested, there probably will be many hundreds of these sold at a steep discount by this summer.
It could easily be a buyer's market, as it is with mortgages. More sheep mentality.
I enjoyed your summary of the political situation regarding the congressional priorities right now.
Few people seem to ever state the obvious fact that so much panic-buying for rifles has been done by people who seemed to have little desire for various ARs (AKs, Saigas etc) or spare rifles until after the election.
And the extra financial debt seems to contradict the very tight economic realities for so much of our country.
For regular working people, $600-1,000 seems like a lot to blow on a superfluous rifle, when so many spouses might lose his/her job.
What do people plan to do with redundant guns (long-term) that they did not want before Nov 3rd? There are no guaranties that they will make any large profit.
If they had previously wanted/needed them (assuming they were affordable back then), it seems that they would have already bought them over the last few years instead of the last few months.
Like you suggested, there probably will be many hundreds of these sold at a steep discount by this summer.
It could easily be a buyer's market, as it is with mortgages. More sheep mentality.
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