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?