Here's what I am looking for. 1) Ability to mount scope or various sighting options. 2) Availiblility of 20 round mags. 3) Price of 20 round mags. 4) Available parts and options. 5) Accuracy, especially for hunting. 6) Will be used for both hunting and defence in a SHTF situation.
Here's what I think are the various options. 1) G3 Centme/HK-91 2) Springfield M1A 3) FAL L1A1 4) DPMS 5) Armalite AR-10 6) Rock River LAR 8 using FAL mags 7) Possible different upper calibers.
These 6 seem to be the most abundant variations.
I already have an L1A1 with mags. However attachment options are slim or expensive. I feel that it is the AK 47 of 308 platforms.
I'm leaning towards a Rock River LAR 8 because of the interchangeability of FAL mags. Also, the DPMS because of the availibility of parts and options.
What do you guys think? I also feel that most manufacturers are switching to or will eventually switch to the Magpul mags that DPMS uses.
Since you already have L1A1 mags, I say the Rock River would be your choice. Since any semi-auto is only as good as it's magazine, being able to use a real proven military mag is a big plus to me. I've owned many FAL's and never had a problem with mags, either steal or aluminum. And BTW, the FAL is not the AK-47 of .308 platforms, it is the Rolls Royce of .308 platforms.
I know that DPMS has barrels for 243, 7mm08, 260 rem, and 338 Federal, so different uppers are available for theirs. One could make a 358. This gives theirs more flexibility. Remington has taken over DPMS and Bushmaster. However, I do like the Rock River LAR 8. Wish I could buy them all.
You mentioned accuracy. The RRA or DPMS if that's very high on your list. There are a couple of guy's at my club with the RRA's. The groups they're shooting with these are VERY impressive.
Armalite now has a AR10 which will accept P-Mags. I am personally not that crazy about the idea of the FAL mag in an AR, but realize it works well in the original application.
I have two AR-10's and am quite happy with them. However - I might just look at one of these next time around:
The FAL is THE .308 battle rifle. It won against the M14 in US tests so the US went back and basically rigged the tests to make the M14 win. That doesn�t mean the M14 is a bad rifle by any means, I love the M14, but the FAL is just a superior rifle. The AR-10 didn�t even come close, and the current AR-10�s all have some proprietary parts, and none of them have been thoroughly battle tested with the exception of the M110 Sniper System (which is borderline, and has had some issues). The FAL is the most thoroughly tested .308 battle rifle in existence. It is not as accurate as an AR-10, but it is accurate enough that you can bag a deer out to 600 yards if you�re up to the task. I�ve heard people say the FAL isn�t easy to put optics on, and I wonder where they�re getting that. DSA makes a fantastic Picatinny rail top cover that allows you to mount optics just as easy as an AR-10. As for magazines, FAL metric magazines are cheap, and they are as battle proven as a .308 magazine can be. Your preference for the L1A1 means an Inch FAL and those magazines are more expensive; but just as good. Parts for a FAL are as cheap as they get, and readily available even in the darkest corners of the globe. Accessories are readily available and you can do most anything you want with a FAL. If you have to have a FAL that shoots those itty-bitty groups, then DSA makes a heavy barrel target version, but they�re a bit heavy. Lastly, the balance and ergonomics of the FAL are simply outstanding. In battle, you don�t have bench rests and you mostly shoot offhand, and nothing balances like a FAL (although the M14 comes close).
Everyone these days wants the AR-10, and I will admit the AR-10 makes a fantastic range toy because it shoots itty-bitty groups. I that�s your main concern go with the AR-10. But if you want something that is truly a battle rifle, then you�d be selling yourself short by considering that AR-10 over the FAL.
I have a FAL. The cheap mags around here have dried up. Used are running $20-25. The inch version will take metric mags, but the metric version will not take inch mags. I bought a complete set of springs, gas piston, etc for the FAL in case parts get in short supply.
I want to get a DPMS 308. They now have 243, 260 Rem, 7mm08, and 338 Federal barrels for them. They use Magpul mags which are becoming the standard. Several of the AR-10 manufacturers are now making theirs compatable with Magpul. I think the M110 uses the Magpuls. Also, most of the lower parts are interchangable with the AR-15. With the recent flood of AR-10s etc, many parts for the 308 version will be available.
Another thing. IMHO, if you hunt a lot, the DPMS is the way to go. If you just want a defensive weapon, then maybe the FAL. I think most here will hunt more than use them in a SHTF situation. If you are defending your home, homestead, you will probably still need an AR type weapon for closer in. The 308 would be more for longer range and hunting. Real close, then it gets to shotguns and handguns.
The FAL is THE .308 battle rifle. It won against the M14 in US tests so the US went back and basically rigged the tests to make the M14 win. That doesn�t mean the M14 is a bad rifle by any means, I love the M14, but the FAL is just a superior rifle. The AR-10 didn�t even come close, and the current AR-10�s all have some proprietary parts, and none of them have been thoroughly battle tested with the exception of the M110 Sniper System (which is borderline, and has had some issues). The FAL is the most thoroughly tested .308 battle rifle in existence. It is not as accurate as an AR-10, but it is accurate enough that you can bag a deer out to 600 yards if you�re up to the task. I�ve heard people say the FAL isn�t easy to put optics on, and I wonder where they�re getting that. DSA makes a fantastic Picatinny rail top cover that allows you to mount optics just as easy as an AR-10. As for magazines, FAL metric magazines are cheap, and they are as battle proven as a .308 magazine can be. Your preference for the L1A1 means an Inch FAL and those magazines are more expensive; but just as good. Parts for a FAL are as cheap as they get, and readily available even in the darkest corners of the globe. Accessories are readily available and you can do most anything you want with a FAL. If you have to have a FAL that shoots those itty-bitty groups, then DSA makes a heavy barrel target version, but they�re a bit heavy. Lastly, the balance and ergonomics of the FAL are simply outstanding. In battle, you don�t have bench rests and you mostly shoot offhand, and nothing balances like a FAL (although the M14 comes close).
Everyone these days wants the AR-10, and I will admit the AR-10 makes a fantastic range toy because it shoots itty-bitty groups. I that�s your main concern go with the AR-10. But if you want something that is truly a battle rifle, then you�d be selling yourself short by considering that AR-10 over the FAL.
Very well said
I have an optic dust cover for my FAL as well as the original, its easier and faster to change from optics to irons than on any AR-10
I think a lot of people love whats new and cool, be my guest, but you would hard pressed to find a rifle that will do everything as well as the FAL
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. -Thomas Jefferson
The RRA LAR-8. For $1500, there is no better 308 platform. they also offer 243 and 7-08 uppers. Check my other comment on another thread looking to buy a 308 AR.
My brother has a 243 LAR-8 and it is crazy accurate. Everything you feed it is under .75" with no load developement at all.
I don't drink or Smoke. I spend my money on gunpowder and gasoline.
My LAR-8 is as accurate as any bolt gun I own. The best group I ever shot with the LAR-8 is around .165" and the best bolt action group was .101". My LAR-8 will consistantly shoot under .75" with hunting ammo and even 40yr old ball ammo is under 2".
I don't drink or Smoke. I spend my money on gunpowder and gasoline.
