Long rambling discussion on .308 Battle Rifles

Before you makeup your mind,you should shoot my FAL.You must BYOA though [smile]

If you are looking at MOA,you are not looking for a battle rifle,you are looking for a target gun IMO.

A Battle rifle is measured by MOH (Minute of Head) [smile] weight and reliability.If I had to lug around a .308 all day long,I would definately not want to pack an M1A..M1A's are still used as a designated marksmen rifle in Iraq...

Bottom line,whatever you get will be a fine weapon.

Although the current M1A's from Springfield leave a LOT to be desired.You might get lucky and have no troubles out of the box,but that is the exception not the rule.

Unfortunately,quality control on Springfields are the end user.
 
If you intend to buy both anyway and are worried about future availability, buy the m1A now and the bolt rifle later. I have the m1A match rifle and it's a great shooter. I also have a heavy barrel bolt gun but the m1A is more fun.
 
Have you looked at the M-14/M1a Rifles put out by Fulton Armory? I think they have a double lugged reciever built with GI parts and it will out perform the SA models.

As an aside Have you looked at the Robinson XCR's ,I beilive they are working on a .308 version which will be hitting the shelves soon. It has all the best characteristics of AR/ak with reliability,accuracy that is better. It also allows for quick change barrels and adjustable gas system.
 
Greg said:
A Battle rifle is measured by MOH (Minute of Head) [smile] weight and reliability.If I had to lug around a .308 all day long,I would definately not want to pack an M1A..
Click to expand...

Standard M1A empty weight: 9.3 lbs
DSArms FAL empty weight: 8.75 lbs.
DSArms STG58 empty weight: 10.4 lbs

I've got a M1A loaded and an STG58 FAL. My M1A subjectively feels lighter and better balanced than my FAL. YMMV.
 
USMA-82 said:
Check out this for a in-depth comparison of the main battle rifles you are looking at:

http://www.amazon.com/Bostons-Gun-B...bs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239123374&sr=8-1

Highly recommended!
Click to expand...

I will second that. Boston's Gun Bible is good reading. He initially favored the FAL as a .308 battle rifle. He changed his tune in the edition that I read and now favors the M14/M1A.

That being said: I have an M1A, and an FAL - and although I like both of them, for some reason I favor the FAL (lately)
 
beungood said:
Have you looked at the M-14/M1a Rifles put out by Fulton Armory? I think they have a double lugged reciever built with GI parts and it will out perform the SA models.

As an aside Have you looked at the Robinson XCR's ,I beilive they are working on a .308 version which will be hitting the shelves soon. It has all the best characteristics of AR/ak with reliability,accuracy that is better. It also allows for quick change barrels and adjustable gas system.
Click to expand...


I have a Robinson XCR in .223. It's a good rifle. I noticed on their website that they are working on a .308 version. If they finally come out with one I might be tempted to get one of those also.

Another source for an M14 is LRB Arms. They are currently making the only forged receivers that are out there. Like the Fulton Armory stuff - it is more expensive than the M1A. But if you are looking for the best M14 reproduction out there - LRB is a great way to go.

http://www.lrbarms.com/rifles1.html
DEALER.........................................................................$2,139.00


I know when I bought my Robinson XCR I designated Four Seasons as the FFL . Karl told me that if I go thru him instead of direct to Robinson I will get a better deal because he can buy at the dealer price - and then give me a good price.

Not sure what Springfield M1A's are going for lately - but for a few hundred dollars more you might want to think about going for the best.
 
Greg said:
Although the current M1A's from Springfield leave a LOT to be desired.You might get lucky and have no troubles out of the box,but that is the exception not the rule.Unfortunately,quality control on Springfields are the end user.
Click to expand...

I know you're an FAL fan - who would not be, but that is perhaps among the most misguided quotes I've ever heard you make. Would love to see where this "stat" comes from....If Springfield Armory was making rifles that worked out of the box as an exception - rather than a rule, they would be out of business. The Internet is full of disinformation and most of all, it's a repository for people to bitch. Indeed, people do indeed bitch about issues with Springfield Armory rifles. They also bitch about issues with DSA FAL's, Beretta 92's, Ruger Blackhawks, Smith and Wesson 629's, etc - ad nauseam. The fact is that Springfield Armory builds more M1A/M-14 variants than any other manufacturers combined. Of course there are going to be issues, as there would be issues with everything from toasters to nail clippers produced in vast quantities. But to say that buying a Springfield Armory rifle is more likely to lead to problems rather than satisfaction, is a bullshit flag flying high...
 
MassMark said:
I know you're an FAL fan - who would not be, but that is perhaps among the most misguided quotes I've ever heard you make. Would love to see where this "stat" comes from....If Springfield Armory was making rifles that worked out of the box as an exception - rather than a rule, they would be out of business. The Internet is full of disinformation and most of all, it's a repository for people to bitch. Indeed, people do indeed bitch about issues with Springfield Armory rifles. They also bitch about issues with DSA FAL's, Beretta 92's, Ruger Blackhawks, Smith and Wesson 629's, etc - ad nauseam. The fact is that Springfield Armory builds more M1A/M-14 variants than any other manufacturers combined. Of course there are going to be issues, as there would be issues with everything from toasters to nail clippers produced in vast quantities. But to say that buying a Springfield Armory rifle is more likely to lead to problems rather than satisfaction, is a bullshit flag flying high...
Click to expand...

My buddy got a M1A NM and the headspace wasn't set properly,brand new in the box..There were a few other little things wrong with it,but that was the major thing.

He had to send it back and Springfield fixed it free of charge of course..It is completely badass now,but for $1400 bucks that thing should sing right out of the box.he has not had one single problem since they fixed it...

C'mon Mark,you mean to say you haven't heard about Springfields end-user QC ?

When I was thinking of getting one I did a lot of research and my friends case was not unusual.

Maybe the fact is that they do build so many...

I would never even consider a Springfield M1A,yes based on my one experience with them.

LRB makes quality stuff and is far superior in every way to a Springfield M1A.

This would make for good conversation/argument drunk..LOL
 
Last edited:
beungood said:
Have you looked at the M-14/M1a Rifles put out by Fulton Armory? I think they have a double lugged reciever built with GI parts and it will out perform the SA models.

As an aside Have you looked at the Robinson XCR's ,I believe they are working on a .308 version which will be hitting the shelves soon. It has all the best characteristics of AR/ak with reliability,accuracy that is better. It also allows for quick change barrels and adjustable gas system.
Click to expand...

I like my Robinson XCR-L (light) so far. Changing calibers (5.56, 6.8, 6.5, 7.62x39) only takes a new barrel, bolt, and magazine. Its not built for the .308 though. The mid-weight XCR should handle .308 and other similar size calibers. The SCAR platform also looks interesting and will be available in .308.
 
Greg said:
My buddy got a M1A NM and the headspace wasn't set properly,brand new in the box..There were a few other little things wrong with it,but that was the major thing.

He had to send it back and Springfield fixed it free of charge of course..It is completely badass now,but for $1400 bucks that thing should sing right out of the box.he has not had one single problem since they fixed it...

C'mon Mark,you mean to say you haven't heard about Springfields end-user QC ?

When I was thinking of getting one I did a lot of research and my friends case was not unusual.

Maybe the fact is that they do build so many...

I would never even consider a Springfield M1A,yes based on my one experience with them.

LRB makes quality stuff and is far superior in every way to a Springfield M1A.

This would make for good conversation/argument drunk..LOL
Click to expand...

So based on your buddies experience and the Internet Commandos, you feel comfortable enough to say that Springfield Armory is more likely to build a bad rifle than a good one? Interesting....[thinking]
 
MassMark said:
So based on your buddies experience and the Internet Commandos, you feel comfortable enough to say that Springfield Armory is more likely to build a bad rifle than a good one? Interesting....[thinking]
Click to expand...

No,not at all Mark.But with my luck I would end up getting the 1 in 50 that is.When I am spending that much cash,I want a great rifle out of the box and not even a chance that something could be wrong with it that requires me sending the thing back and waiting for them to fix it.

Even if I was guaranteed a great rifle out of the box,I would still get a LRB.This has nothing to do with fear of getting a lemon,I just want the best version of an M1A I could buy.
 
Greg said:
I would still get a LRB.This has nothing to do with fear of getting a lemon,I just want the best version of an M1A I could buy.
Click to expand...

Now that I agree with - the LRB is a sweet ride....Last time I checked, wait time was 6-months - it has to be more now with Obamamania in full swing. I don't know what Fulton is using for receivers anymore since Armscorp went tit-up, but the Fulton Scout I fired was like a Ferrari...They're not cheap though....
 
Thanks for the input guys. What I've decided to do is sit on the cash and think about it. Basically, the SA firearms, like many these days, are way out of line in terms of price right now. No, I'm bitching about gouging, I'm definitely not anti free market, in fact, I'm exercising my belief in the free market by not purchasing one at an average of $300 above MSRP right now. I'm just not paying $1800 for a base model SA M1A. The rifle isn't worth that much to me as I'm as well armed as the next of you yo yos[wink] so no worries there...

So...I'll sit. As long as I have the cash and can move instantly, I'll find someone willing to sell me a reasonably priced M1A in the near future. Sooner or later someone will need to raise some cash and I'll have a pocketful ready to deal.
 
Raoul Duke said:
Thanks for the input guys. What I've decided to do is sit on the cash and think about it. Basically, the SA firearms, like many these days, are way out of line in terms of price right now. No, I'm bitching about gouging, I'm definitely not anti free market, in fact, I'm exercising my belief in the free market by not purchasing one at an average of $300 above MSRP right now. I'm just not paying $1800 for a base model SA M1A. The rifle isn't worth that much to me as I'm as well armed as the next of you yo yos[wink] so no worries there...

So...I'll sit. As long as I have the cash and can move instantly, I'll find someone willing to sell me a reasonably priced M1A in the near future. Sooner or later someone will need to raise some cash and I'll have a pocketful ready to deal.
Click to expand...

Holy Crap! A real live free market believer!!! +1
 
RD,

Have you thought about buying a tack driver upper for your existing AR? Put a top quality optic on it, feed it high end ammo and you might save some cash.

Something to think about.
 
That's an interesting idea my friend. I appreciate it. Since I posted this thread I've come to lust after the M1A more and more. Guess, after you spend so much time chasing one down and learning about it, you convince yourself you need it more. But I think sitting on the cash for a while is good. I might get a scope though if I see a good price on one. Had my eye on a Leupold Mark 3 3-9 which Midway has for $414 with the FFL03 discount. Still, I don't want to tap the fund too much since then I won't have the $ to make the purchase at the opportune moment which is when the best deals are to be had.
 
Raoul Duke said:
Thanks for the input guys. What I've decided to do is sit on the cash and think about it. Basically, the SA firearms, like many these days, are way out of line in terms of price right now. No, I'm bitching about gouging, I'm definitely not anti free market, in fact, I'm exercising my belief in the free market by not purchasing one at an average of $300 above MSRP right now. I'm just not paying $1800 for a base model SA M1A. The rifle isn't worth that much to me as I'm as well armed as the next of you yo yos[wink] so no worries there...

So...I'll sit. As long as I have the cash and can move instantly, I'll find someone willing to sell me a reasonably priced M1A in the near future. Sooner or later someone will need to raise some cash and I'll have a pocketful ready to deal.
Click to expand...


I saw a used Springfield "Loaded" at a shop here in Maine for $1350 last Friday.
 
what about a saiga .308? They are relatively cheap, reliable but how do they compare to the M1A, Fal or G3 in accuracy? I know its not going to be a 1 MOA but is it worth spending the three times the money for a M1A?
 
Raoul Duke said:
Thanks for the input guys. What I've decided to do is sit on the cash and think about it. Basically, the SA firearms, like many these days, are way out of line in terms of price right now. No, I'm bitching about gouging, I'm definitely not anti free market, in fact, I'm exercising my belief in the free market by not purchasing one at an average of $300 above MSRP right now. I'm just not paying $1800 for a base model SA M1A. The rifle isn't worth that much to me as I'm as well armed as the next of you yo yos[wink] so no worries there...

So...I'll sit. As long as I have the cash and can move instantly, I'll find someone willing to sell me a reasonably priced M1A in the near future. Sooner or later someone will need to raise some cash and I'll have a pocketful ready to deal.
Click to expand...

That's a completely reasonable course. The only thing you might consider is to call a good shop or two and put your name on a waiting list for a new one. I know Four Seasons hadn't jacked up the prices on new guns as of a couple of months ago. Things may have changed of course.
 
PatMcD said:
I saw a used Springfield "Loaded" at a shop here in Maine for $1350 last Friday.
Click to expand...

Where in ME?

The last price I was quoted for a "loaded" model by one of everyone's "favorite" shops in MA was $2099! Yeah...

4-Seasons said I could order one. No waiting list. But there IS a 8 month wait.

Collectors... no.....

So...I'll wait.

To everyone who thought up good alternatives-thanks. Thing is, the M1A has that sexiness that only it has. I just love the sleek, uninterrupted lines. Nope, that's the one for me. I'll come my way. In fact, later, I'm going to turn my tinfoil inside out and start broadcasting my M1A beacon. I'll call one home.
 
Raoul, if you know you're going to get an M1A eventually you may want to consider getting some magazines in the meantime. Who knows when there will be another nationwide limit on capacities in the form of an awb. PMing you with another source for M1A's and equipment.
 
Raoul Duke said:
So...I'll wait.
Click to expand...

RD, that's what I'd do in this market. Hang onto the cash and hit shops, shows, etc.... you'll "know" you've got one you want in your sights when
you see it. The thrill of the hunt, as it were.... [laugh]

-Mike
 

Similar threads

Help on which Rifle to choose
Replies
18
Views
371
P. Lopes
P. Lopes
Looking for custom engraving on O/U shotgun
Replies
5
Views
93
tinhorn
tinhorn
Help with rust prevention on my friend's Browning Citori CXS
Replies
15
Views
429
StephDoza
S
Rifle Identification
Replies
5
Views
315
PatMcD
PatMcD
What is the story on buying / building a short barrel rifle in Mass?
Replies
9
Views
688
Rob Boudrie
Rob Boudrie
Back
Top Bottom