I'm planning on buying a semi-auto .308 in the near future and am having a tough time deciding between the AR type and the M14/M1A type. Mostly it will be used for punching holes in paper, but might once in awhile go varmint or deer hunting. The budget for this rifle is $2k. I'd like to hear what you guys have to say about the choices and would especially like to hear about first hand experience.

I had a DPMS LR308 once upon a time. I bought it with a scope, bipod and 100 rounds of South African surplus ammunition. It had a 24" stainless barrel and was heavy. It was quit accurate and easily shot 1" +/- groups at 100 yards. When I shot up all the ammunition, I sold it for a hunnart dollars more than I paid.

Why I sold it: Too heavy, too long and I don't care much for high cap magazine rifles. For sitting at a bench and shooting ground squirrels or PD's, it is too much rifle, for deer it is too heavy in my opinion. I had an M-14 once too but that was long ago and far away. It was a wonderful rifle and I got free ammo for it.

you could build you a 308 on a AR platform for quite a bit less than your budget...

Or you could buy a FN/FAL type rifle...It really depends on what you want. From the way you talk, I would recommend building yourself one on an AR platform. This way you could have control over the end weight and the way its set-up.

Semi 308-
Purchase an ArmaLite AR-10A4,they are set up with the best trigger group/magazine system on the market.
Other production AR platforms use aluminum/cheap steel & now offered plastic magazines.
The M1A is an awesome rifle but require extensive work to keep under 1MOA accuracy.
If you want a rifle that won't hold 1MOA w/ handloads purchase an FN-FAL or HK-91

Didn't H&R make a semi auto in 308, a long time ago? They were good looking rifles IMHO. Also H&K make a VERY accurate semi auto as I recollect. Just alternatives to the "assault rifle" style firearms.
Peter.

the ar platform is making good 308's today. the m14 platform from springfield is good in the target grades, but expensive. best out there is JP's 308 but its more $$

Have played around with a lot of the 308 simi autos over the years FN's, AK varients. HK's, AR types M1A's ect. If I did another one I would built it on a AR platform

p dog shooter, I think for pure accuracy you are correct!
Peter

H&K made the SL7 carbine in .308, also the M770.I had a SL7 and was impressed with the quality and accuracy. The problem is/was that scope mounts are $300 and extra mags 3and 10 rounds are almost impossible to find. I needed a set of rings and a 10 round clip and finally got them from their headquarters, but it was a real PITA. H&K dealers would not even talk to me let alone order anything for me. Also has a fluted chamber which many folks find alarming.

Several of my friends have the DPMS .308 win platform and love it. They offer a lot of options.

My .308 semi platform? HK G3, but a heavy SOB.

I have 2 FAL rifles, like them for nostalgic reasons, but would really like to have a Remington R25.

My son shoots the DPMS LR-308L, the light weigth version, with a Burris 1.5x6 Tactical Scope.

This gun is a real tack driver, not too heavy, and a really nice deer rifle for someone wanting light recoil. It is real easy on the shoulder. Mike

colt has a new one on their website. i think bolt action 308 rifles are great for hunting. 308 hi-cap semi rifles are just too heavy

I've got a Rem 700 and a BLR that I mainly use for hunting. The semi-auto will be used mainly for target shooting and occasional pest control.

I second Dans40XC comments regarding the Armalite version, excellent rifle. Shot the M14NM and built M1A for several years and excellent, accurate rifle. However, the AR10's and variants don't have to worry about bedding. Fellow shooter has the Armalite, but will say it tends to deliver more felt recoil than the M1A, but that is just me. Either will give MOA accuacy, but the AR10 will do so longer without maintenance of the bedding.
Certainly not a semi auto, but I would venture the best rifle on the market today for accurate slow fire or sustained fire is the one offered by Tubbs. You can work that bolt very quickly and without coming off the stock/weld, target. It's been reported that Tubbs did not care for the gas guns for the gas system slowed him down in rapid fire!! Of course he can sight in his rifle/sights in standing/off hand position.

Dans40XC has it right, hit the nail on the head.

I have a HK SL7 that I love! I wish someone would produce this gun again!

Jaqua's has a Model 770 H&K semi-auto 308 on Guns Intl for $1,500. Ed, I'll make you broke if it kills me!!!!

If you're looking for a hunter ... I'd honestly suggest a Rem 7600 pump gun or a standard frame AR in 6.8 SPC II. For the money you have you can do both.

Match M1A is a delightful rifle. I love mine. But I don't hunt it much.

Large frame AR in .308 Win is just too heavy for use as a hunter.

quote:

Originally posted by sam308:
I'm planning on buying a semi-auto .308 in the near future and am having a tough time deciding between the AR type and the M14/M1A type. Mostly it will be used for punching holes in paper, but might once in awhile go varmint or deer hunting. The budget for this rifle is $2k. I'd like to hear what you guys have to say about the choices and would especially like to hear about first hand experience.

I was thinking about posting some info I had regarding the "do all" rifle. But I don't believe that such a rifle exists. But if there was such an animal, I would elect my M1A custom built match rifle. It punches a 4" group at 600 yards, has the huevos to knock a deer down at up to 800 yards, no problem on black bear out to 400 yards, should be called the ultimate pig & coyote slayer and I wouldn't hesitate a moment to take it out for PD's. It's also very, very light. Lighter than any hunting rifle with the exception of some "ultra lights". So for me, I don't see how anyone could go wrong choosing this rifle as their primary rifle.

Keltec RFB

http://forums.accuratereloadin...571045211#3571045211

I throughly enjoy my M1A Loaded and MIA Scout Squad. The shoot damn well and are very reliable.

BUT to answer your thread, if I were getting my first 308 semi it would be an Armalite. Easy to work on, accurate as hell, easy to upgrade, and very well made. And the number of parts out there now is off the wall.

When you get your second one -- go M1A!!

It looks like I have it narrowed down to these 2: A Springfield M1A national match or a DPMS SASS. Also looked at the Armalite Super SASS, but they are out of my price range.
The DPMS and M1A NM seem to be the best things going that fall within my budget constraints.
The comments on this thread have me leaning toward the AR platform, but I have always wanted an M1A.

quote:

Originally posted by sam308:
It looks like I have it narrowed down to these 2: A Springfield M1A national match or a DPMS SASS. Also looked at the Armalite Super SASS, but they are out of my price range.
The DPMS and M1A NM seem to be the best things going that fall within my budget constraints.
The comments on this thread have me leaning toward the AR platform, but I have always wanted an M1A.

I am very unfamiliar with Armalite other than watching them get eaten up by M1A Nat'l Match rifles in service rifle competitions. Could be the shooter's? But I know what mine is capable of. You won't be disappointed with an M!A Match or Loaded rifle.

quote:

A "good" friend is NOT a good friend because he bailed you out of jail, a "real good" friend would be in jail with you!

A friend will help you move, A good friend will help you move... a body

quote:

Originally posted by Collins:

quote:

A "good" friend is NOT a good friend because he bailed you out of jail, a "real good" friend would be in jail with you!

A friend will help you move, A good friend will help you move... a body

And a "real good" friend will help clean up the mess..

Have you looked at the FN AR or the winchester SX AR? Good shooting rifles. Mags are pricey though. Also cleaning is not as easy as Ar's. they are based on the browning BAR.

Finally something I like a 308 in, an auto!

I like old reliable but have to give the edge to the AR in this case.

quote:

Originally posted by Collins:

Keltec RFB

http://forums.accuratereloadin...571045211#3571045211

Probably not a good choice for hunting at any extended range, but I'll bet it could clean a building of bad guys up with great efficiency!

Optics "fit" better, more ergonomic, on an AR platform. I've had both and that was the only draw back to the M14.

Perry

quote:

Originally posted by perry:
Optics "fit" better, more ergonomic, on an AR platform. I've had both and that was the only draw back to the M14.

Perry

M14/M1A are notorious for jarring scope mounts. Sadlac who delivers to the military made several different mounts for IP and trials. They are the best out there bar none! However, with that said, use only the titanium mount! It was built to be the lightest and strongest. It held up during testing better than any other. It held zero after 1000 rounds, bouncing around in the back of a vehicle for 50 miles, field striped and packed.

A little price'ee at around 400 bucks but down the road after you have abused it, you'll be glad you spent the extra $$. Mounting is cridical and thread-loc is a must!