[ticlavdivs]

I'm considering buying a .308 "battle" rifle, somethign along the lines of a M1a or STG 58. I'd most likely keep the rifle in iron sighjts - I already own a Remington 700 PPS with a Luepold Mark IV.

The only "battle rifle in .308 I've fired is a STG 58, but I'm familiar with the M-14/M1a (unquestionalbly the finest looking rifle), PTR 91 and STG 58. Budget is about $1200, the rifle needs to be able to do a 1.5 MOA.

 

[jwc41]

Between the two preferences you name, the average M14/M1A pattern rifle is usually more accurate than the average FN-FAL/L1A1 pattern rifle. The standard M-14 type trigger is better and the barrel is mounted a bit more securely. That's not to say there aren't individual exceptions, but my experience confirms the general rule. The FN design allows for gas regulation depending upon load and conditions. Neither design lends itself well to solid, inexpensive scope mounts, should you desire to do so in the future.

The G3/HK-91 pattern rifles are quite robust and reliable, but accuracy is hampered by a heavy OEM trigger. Scope mounting with an OEM mount is solid, but somewhat pricey. If you reload, you might be alarmed by the flutes left in the ejected cases; it's mostly cosmetic.

Your budget might also allow you to look at some entry-level AR-10 pattern rifles. They might be the best combination of value, accuracy, reliability and flexibility.

 

[Dinky Dau Don]

You might want to take a look at Rock River LAR8, I love mine.

Of course, I love my M1A too!

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, I wouldn't count on getting that accuracy at that price, at least not out of the box. It can happen, as I'm sure someone will point out in a minute, but it's not the norm.

Of the semi-autos you name, the M14 type will probably come closest, though a new one is over your stated budget. It has the best sights and trigger of the three, and accurizing procedures for it are many and well-known. There are accurizing tricks for FAL types as well, but not as many. I don't know about the G3 types. Accurizing work gets expensive fast.

Another option might be an AR type in .308. Those I've shot have been very accurate out of the box. Whether one would fit your price range I don't know. You could also build a Garand in .308. You'd give up the big box magazine, but it can be done within your stated budget.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[Torch1972]

I'm a couple dollars away from picking up my PTR-91F(18inch barrel) which will join my M1a, there's a guy,Think Bill cunningham in Colorado Springs who does great work on PTR's and is reasonable,soon as I pick up mine that's where the trigger group is going..

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The FN design allows for gas regulation depending upon load and conditions.

So does the M14/M1A -- it's just that in the M14/M1A the gas regulation is done automatically.

The gas port vents gas inside the piston, which is open at the front. As the piston moves back, the vent in the piston and in the vent in the gas cylinder move out of alignment, and the gas flow is shut off.

If gas pressure is low, the piston moves more slowly, and the ports stay in alignment longer, allowing more gas to enter the piston. If the pressure is high, the piston moves faster and cuts off the flow quicker.

 

[40dcoe]

Fondle an AR-10 before desciding.

Joe

 

[Cameron]

Between the two I prefer a quality FAL hands down. Have a quick read what Larry Vickers (15 years in 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta) said about battle rifles:

http://vickerstactical.com/tactical-tips/battle-rifles

I frequently get asked which battle rifle is my choice for a preferred 7.62mm weapon. I have one of about every type ever made in my personal reference collection, and some are better than others in a given area, but the one I have always liked the best is the FAL. The M14 can be tuned to a higher degree of accuracy and the G3 I would consider the most rugged, but all things considered the FAL as a 7.62mm battle rifle or carbine is, in my opinion, the all around best choice.

I agree with Larry Vickers that while all the MBRs are great the FAL seems to be the best in overall performance. I own 3 NZ Surplus Lithgow L1A1s and an American made DS Arms SA58 PARA. The DSA below has been 100% reliable, and 1.25MOA accurate with good ammo, and is my favourite MBR to date.

Just for fun, here is a youtube video of me running the Viking Tactics 1-5 drill with my DSA FAL. (Click for Video) VTAC 1-5 Rifle drill with 16" .308 FAL 3.54 secs



Another really good video to watch (Click for Video) FAL DSA Products 2011 which shows Larry Vickers abusing an FAL.

Cameron

Ps. If you look outside your choices, I am now considering an LMT MWS .308 and a LaRue OBR...

 

[DivePanama]

If you are going to strictly base your decision on the stock sights and out of box accuracy then the M1A is the only choice. The FAL is a good second but the PTR sights suck IMO. Both the FAL and M1A are quite capable of the accuracy you are looking for, as long as you do your part.

But with that said the FAL ergonomically is a much better choice that the M1A. If you have any experience with the AR15/M16 then you would probably find the FAL a better choice.

Regards,

 

[AndyC]

Budget is about $1200, the rifle needs to be able to do a 1.5 MOA.

FAL will do 2-3 MOA as standard, as will most M1As out of the box.

 

[jonconsiglio]

I've never owned a FAL, but one of these days I will. Currently, my 308 Battle Rifle of choice is the SCAR Heavy. I enjoy shooting this rifle as the recoil is very manageable and it's a couple pounds lighter than most other options.

I also owned an LWRC REPR which I sold quite recently. It was a good rifle, but more of a precision rifle than a Battle Rifle at least for me. It shot great, but it's very heavy and not as easy to manage with a 16" barrel on the move as the SCAR is.

Now, even though I have never owned one, I think the FAL should be at the top of the list as every serious shooter I know (from the world of the AR) has or recommends having a FAL.

2nd from the right

 

[DivePanama]

FAL will do 2-3 MOA as standard, as will most M1As out of the box.

I have little experience with the FAL but can tell you from my M1A that it shoots consistent 1.5 - 2 MOA at 100 yards with the factory irons. Not looking to argue, just a observation. I have a buddy who also runs a M1A which shoots just as well with the irons.

My experience has been that the M1A is capable of better accuracy than most folks who are behind the trigger:biglaugh:

 

[wlhawk]

I have little experience with the FAL but can tell you from my M1A that it shoots consistent 1.5 - 2 MOA at 100 yards with the factory irons. Not looking to argue, just a observation. I have a buddy who also runs a M1A which shoots just as well with the irons.

My experience has been that the M1A is capable of better accuracy than most folks who are behind the trigger:biglaugh:

My M1A has served me well, just as the M14 did during my military days. I've yet to exceed, or meet the limits of this rifle.

 

[russtolium]

jealous

cameron has THE most insane rifles, i think he has all of 'em

 

[Kokopelli]

I'm terribly fond of my SOCOM-16... It's not everyone's "cup-O-tea", but it rocks with open sights at <100yds.. I can't see well enough to best it.. Ron

 

[AndyC]

I have little experience with the FAL but can tell you from my M1A that it shoots consistent 1.5 - 2 MOA at 100 yards with the factory irons. Not looking to argue, just a observation. I have a buddy who also runs a M1A which shoots just as well with the irons.

I have no doubt that there are plenty out there, sure

Point was, if he's looking for a guaranteed, "must-have" 1.5 MOA, he ain't gonna just pick one of the shelf like that unless he's very lucky, whether it's a FAL or an M1A.

My experience has been that the M1A is capable of better accuracy than most folks who are behind the trigger:biglaugh:

My experience has been that any weapon is capable of better accuracy than most folks who are behind the trigger :biglaugh:

 

[DivePanama]

I have no doubt that there are plenty out there, sure

Point was, if he's looking for a guaranteed, "must-have" 1.5 MOA, he ain't gonna just pick one of the shelf like that unless he's very lucky, whether it's a FAL or an M1A.

True

My experience has been that any weapon is capable of better accuracy than most folks who are behind the trigger :biglaugh:

So very true:biglaugh:

 

[cv0lv0g0]

T-31

http://media.photobucket.com/image/m14 bullpup/Adler69_photo/J_Garand_w_bullpup.jpg

 

[tdifiglio]

So does the M14/M1A -- it's just that in the M14/M1A the gas regulation is done automatically.

The gas port vents gas inside the piston, which is open at the front. As the piston moves back, the vent in the piston and in the vent in the gas cylinder move out of alignment, and the gas flow is shut off.

If gas pressure is low, the piston moves more slowly, and the ports stay in alignment longer, allowing more gas to enter the piston. If the pressure is high, the piston moves faster and cuts off the flow quicker.

However, the FAL allows the gas to be completely turned off for best possible accuracy, resulting in manual operation.

 

[mosses]

For a battle rifle that would be my pick, they are rugged and pretty accurate, but....
you still got to love the M14 and its a hair more accurate, If you go that route I would get a LRB they use forged recivers vs. springfields investment cast but that just my OPINION its your money buy what you want and shoot the $h!t out of it