Which one M1a or or AR

[Boghog1]

so which one if you could only have one? if you choose an AR what caliber the standard 5.56 or would you do something exotic like the 6.8 or go with a AR10 in .308? Would there be a "better" rifle something that would be considered a well rounded rifle?

 

[wolf223]

AR 15 all the way.

why? because all the cool kids have them, it's a battle proven / time tested design. dead eFin sexy black rifle that does the job. sure, there are those with NO operational experience besides punching holes in paper that will advocate for a "sexy" and "exotic" caliber or rifle... there is a reason why wars are being fought with the M16.....

as for caliber - Keep it simple stupid.. 5.56 all the way.

 

[hminsky]

M1A, because it doesn't go "sproing" when you shoot it.

 

[Mass-diver]

.308 is big bucks these days, otherwise m1a, more fun to shoot IMHO

 

[EC1]

I'd go with the M1A, already have a couple of ARs.

 

[Keystone]

M1A, because it doesn't go "sproing" when you shoot it.

+1!

Plus, the M1A is just an awesome gun...I need to get me one

 

[FPrice]

I would break the rules, rig the test like James T. Kirk, and get both.

Two different rifles, arguably two different missions.

 

[KMaurer]

Since I already have both, I defy anyone to attempt to limit me to only one. As for the ARs: 2 lowers + 3 uppers (.22lr, 5.56, 6.8spc)

Ken

 

[wolf223]

AR 15 all the way.

why? because all the cool kids have them, it's a battle proven / time tested design. dead eFin sexy black rifle that does the job. sure, there are those with NO operational experience besides punching holes in paper that will advocate for a "sexy" and "exotic" caliber or rifle... there is a reason why wars are being fought with the M16.....

as for caliber - Keep it simple stupid.. 5.56 all the way.

edit: gonna quote myself... reading this back,

what i meant is that just simply "shooting" a rifle, vs. beating on it, putting it to the test alongside yourself, whether through competition, extended abuse trials, shooting at MORE than just off a bench....

i.e. GET Dirty with it. go out in the rain, snow, do a couple mag dumps ect....

-sorry, hands are faster than the brain it seems...

 

[ChevyGuy91]

I have both.

I love my M14, my favorite rifle, but if I had to have just one, I would go AR in 5.56. Ammo and magazines are more available cheaper, and it is cheaper and easier to modify it to your taste.

 

[MtRiverCharlie]

While the M1a is a beautiful rifle and a real masterpiece of machining...

I'd have to say the AR15. Ammo, mags, parts are quite a bit cheaper. So, that means you can feed her a bit longer if you can only have 1 and are on a budget.

Plus, in a SHTF-zombie-nuclear apocalypse, ammo and parts will still probably be more available since it's used everywhere.

That's not to say there aren't some trash AR-15's out there, but that can be said for M14's too.

 

[Skald]

Depending on what you want to do with the rifle.

 

[Cabin Fever]

I have both.

If you are going to be shooting at 300+ yards and don't mind the cost of .308, the M1A is awesome. My loaded model has an amazing trigger, and I have no problem hitting steel out to 300 yards and beyond.

 

[Jasper]

I have both.

If you are going to be shooting at 300+ yards and don't mind the cost of .308, the M1A is awesome. My loaded model has an amazing trigger, and I have no problem hitting steel out to 300 yards and beyond.

range isnt a problem for the 5.56mm either. it's been shot out to 1000yds, and is quite accurate in the hands of a well trained shooter.

personally...AR15 for me. i do LOVE m14's, but i like my AR more (mostly because it doesnt break all the time....and not for nothing....if your M1A doesnt break all the time, you arent shooting it enough (or you spent $4-5k to have one built by an m14-specific gunsmith)

 

[Blitz1]

Both.

 

[PaulD]

I voted M1A.

If I could only have one rifle though, probably my XCR. Thankfully I don't have to make such choices.

 

[Tim94gt]

If I could only have 1, it would be an AR in 5.56.

It's a tough choice because they are both great rifles that are battle proven.

In a SHTF situation I would rather have a 5.56 AR-15 Carbine. It is much cheaper and has unlimited options to customize to your needs. Although the M1A has a longer range, the AR is accurate and the 5.56 is cheaper and lighter allowing you to buy and carry more ammo. I like them both, just think the AR is a better all purpose rifle.

 

[Cabin Fever]

range isnt a problem for the 5.56mm either. it's been shot out to 1000yds, and is quite accurate in the hands of a well trained shooter.

personally...AR15 for me. i do LOVE m14's, but i like my AR more (mostly because it doesnt break all the time....and not for nothing....if your M1A doesnt break all the time, you arent shooting it enough (or you spent $4-5k to have one built by an m14-specific gunsmith)

You are right, a properly configured AR can shine at long range.

I have an AR service rifle too, but how many people who are buying only one AR are going to buy an HBAR with a free-floated barrel, pinned rear sights with a NM thin front sight, and a Geissele trigger?

Nevermind having to reload 80 grain bullets that are longer than mag-length to hit at 600+!

 

[P-14]

AR in 5.56 because it's cheaper to shoot. If you're going to spend that kind of moola on a gun, you should be able to afford the ammo and shoot it when you want.

If you're not financially impaired, go for the M1A.

 

[LKB3rd]

I voted AR. 5.56. I like .308 too, but the AR is more practical I think. Cheaper to feed, lighter, plenty accurate..