Help Choosing a new 308

[bagman45]

Hey Gang,
I've got a birthday coming up, and have decided that my wife is going to get me a new 308 - lucky me!!! I'm looking for a versatile, accurate semi-auto, preferably one that will take affordable mags (kind of leaves out the Scar, FAL and their ilk). It would be used for hog hunting, a problem arises, etc. I've got an honest-to-god pre-ban HK91 and a Remington Model 700, but want something that's more easily customizable. I'm pretty much committed to doing a piston gun, and have been looking at the Sig 716 a lot lately, as it seems to fit the bill. Also would consider the POF, but have seen some questionable quality/customer service reviews. Trying to keep it close to or below $2k for the weapon only, so LaRue and many others are out.

Appreciate any suggestions or testamonials that you have. Thanks in advance!

[RSJ]

FNAR

[snatchel]

M1A









Seriously. An M1A







That is all.

[Longshot38]

Affordable quality mags really leave with only two good options. A large frame AR the uses the DPMS/Knight pattern or an M1A. An M1A fits you bill best seeing as it was designed to be a gas piston rifle from the ground up. However the draw back is that you will spend 2 to 3 times as much on this type rifle in order to get accuracy comparable to an AR style rifle. On the AR rifles POF makes great stuff and you can buy with confidence, if a problem is found they will make it right. And as an added benefit the affordable and reliable PMAGS are available for these type rifles. Were it me I'd just get the POF and be done with it. It will give you rifle that has better options for mounting optics and accessories while retaining all the other benefits mentioned above. But then again M1As are just cool, but in my mind not cool enough to pick one over a AR style rifles (hints why I don't own one).

[The Annoyed Man]

M1A









Seriously. An M1A







That is all.

This (I had one, and still miss it).

Also consider this:


http://ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/models.html

[G.A. Heath]

FNAR

I think his requirement for affordable mags kinda knocked my favorite Semi-Auto out of consideration. I will agree that the M1A or the AR10 style rifle that takes the DPMS style mags is the best bet.

[SSGMWP]

M1A is the best way to go. Superior rifle. Highly endorse this weapon. Easy to customize and overall great shooting experience. I would not trade or sell mine for any price.

[PBratton]

M1A National Match.

[RSJ]

I will put my FNAR against an M1A, any day of the week.

[The Annoyed Man]

I will put my FNAR against an M1A, any day of the week.

No doubt....but unlike the FNAR owner, the M1A owner will still have money left over for ammo after buying magazines.

[PBratton]

I will put my FNAR against an M1A, any day of the week.

No doubt....but unlike the FNAR owner, the M1A owner will still have money left over for ammo after buying magazines.

I can loan him a few rounds...

[LabRat]

Affordable quality mags really leave with only two good options. A large frame AR the uses the DPMS/Knight pattern or an M1A. An M1A fits you bill best seeing as it was designed to be a gas piston rifle from the ground up. However the draw back is that you will spend 2 to 3 times as much on this type rifle in order to get accuracy comparable to an AR style rifle. On the AR rifles POF makes great stuff and you can buy with confidence, if a problem is found they will make it right. And as an added benefit the affordable and reliable PMAGS are available for these type rifles. Were it me I'd just get the POF and be done with it. It will give you rifle that has better options for mounting optics and accessories while retaining all the other benefits mentioned above. But then again M1As are just cool, but in my mind not cool enough to pick one over a AR style rifles (hints why I don't own one).

Agreed. I have a P308 and its ROCKS! No issues whatsoever. I did hear of quality issues from several years ago, but it appears that's all in the past. What makes the P308 really shine is the no lubrication.

However, if 2K is your upper limit, that POF will be out of reach. Expect to pay about 2.5K for the hardware only - not including the scope.

Best of luck making the choice; its not an easy one to make. It took me months to decide.

[threoh8]

The M1A has another advantage: In the more common forms it's legal for both NRA and CMP Service Rifle matches. Formal competition is a good way to really wring one out.

The only other .308 semiautos legal for those matches are .308 Garands and the M110 (NRA Only).

Match Rifle competition is a lot more open.

[bagman45]

Thanks for the input guys! I do love me some M1A, and have shot it quite a bit. In fact, I was convinced that the SOCOM 16 was the one for me; until I actually handled it. Great gun, but reminded me of my mini-14 - not as handy or accurate as my AR's.... SO, I'm pretty set on an AR patterned 308. Could do the POF, but the Sig 716 looks like a similar build for WAY less. TAM; I am intrigued by the Ruger Scout as "the 308 after this one" - why do you miss yours??

[AdioSS]

What do y'all think of the VEPR in .308?
They are available with barrels as short as 16.5" & as long as 27" and the VEPR Super & Hunter have 21.5" fluted barrels.