Good utility semi-auto in .308

[RCB]

Looking for a good utility rifle in a semi-auto 308.

I say 308, because I have many other rifles in 308 and am trying to streamline my ammo necessities.

I really would like to get an M1A, but for those prices it won't really be the utility rifle I want it to be.

I have also looked at HK91 clones... which I do like and have seen some for reasonable prices.

I need something reliable and able to be knocked around a little. That is to say, something that can sit in the truck and fall against something without me having to shed tears. Has to be able to handle dirt between cleanings. Obviously many of those high dollar rifles CAN handle dirt and being knocked around a little, but when it comes to maintenance I don't want to have to pay more high dollar prices to fix this and that.

Definitely looking for something in the sub $1000 range. I can't pay more than that for something I am roughing around with, let alone the spare parts that will eventually be needed.

Are there any recommendations along those lines?

 

[mettle]

Save and get an M1A. You'll never regret it. The other rifles are parts guns that may function; but, you'll get the most satisfaction per $$ for an M1A.

Easy to work on, strip, sight in and shoot.

Buy a standard and you will have more optic choices with a scout mount as well.

The down side is the lack of real pistol grip unless you buy an aftermarket stock. (McCann Industries)

my 2 cents

 

[alfahornet]

Personally M1A very happt with mine.

Alternatives I have looked at in the past:

FNAR heavy barrel, I shot one once and I was very impressed you find them for around 1300-1400, I know pricy but well worth it. Once I have the cash I am probably going to get one

DPMS 308 I have been close twice to getting one. Fairly cheap, AR 10 type rifle but cheaper. Never shot one but they look nice and seem to be an affordable 308 AR

Just my 2

 

[SigSense]

I have the DPMS AP-4 in 308 and love it. Reliable and relatively reasonable at $1000.

 

[bblicharski]

my 308 saiga is cheap fun, and you cant beat its reliability.

 

[Glennster]

I like the M1A, but, maybe the Remington 750 in .308 would be the way to go...........................

 

[redneckmedic]

I agree with the M1A, however Indygunworks has a FN (FNAR I think) in 308 for sale for about the price you are looking for.

 

[sporter]

Cheapest rugged battle rifle for about a grand is an FAL from DSA (they run about $1100 when AIM has them in stock).

Another option is the DPMS AR .308 line of rifles. Those seem to be @ $900-2200 depending on model and so far the reports on those rifles are excellent.

I have an M1A/M14 platform rifle and I am a fan however I am not a fan of the big price and the lack of real GI parts like the older M1A's had.

 

[RCB]

I would love to get one of the older M1A's but those are mighty pricey.

Thanks for so many great responses. It will definitely guide me.

 

[shooter521]

Saiga 308.

 

[notasccrmom]

SR-25

 

[nighthawk80]

I love my M1A.
But I have shot a PTR91 and a FN FAL.
I know that the Saiga is a good gun. I just looked at a Rock River AR in 308, that was sweet!! it was about $1100. It took FAL mags, both metric and standard.

 

[jim b]

For a utility 308 you are going to get your most bang for the buck in a saiga. AK rugged and reliability in .308 for $500 - $550, what's not to love about that?

 

[mettle]

I always forget about Saigas....

 

[sporter]

Another option (I know it's not .308):

Is a Romanian PSL:

Some positives:

1. 7.62x54r is one hell of a cartridge
2. 7.62x54r is cheap to shoot compared to .308....about $5 a box for surplus
3. PSL is decently accurate at about 4 MOA
4. PSL comes with a scope (price range on rifle is $700-800)
5. PSL uses the ultra reliable AK system
6. PSL utilizes nice little 10 round magazines
7. It is like an AK on roids.

 

[Hoosier8]

I have the DPMS AP-4 in 308 and love it. Reliable and relatively reasonable at $1000.

I agree, I picked one up with quad front rail, bipod, and a $400 dollar scope for about $1500 and am very happy with it. It seems to be very accurate.

 

[mettle]

Got a friend in Sullivan that has one. He is really satisfied with it. He says he loves the baadump! sound.

Another option (I know it's not .308):

Is a Romanian PSL:

Some positives:

1. 7.62x54r is one hell of a cartridge
2. 7.62x54r is cheap to shoot compared to .308....about $5 a box for surplus
3. PSL is decently accurate at about 4 MOA
4. PSL comes with a scope (price range on rifle is $700-800)
5. PSL uses the ultra reliable AK system
6. PSL utilizes nice little 10 round magazines
7. It is like an AK on roids.

 

[fireball168]

My experiences:


M1A/M14

• For the purposes of this, we'll look at a Springfield Standard $1400 +/-
• Look long and hard for one with as many GI parts as you can find
• If a standard model will shoot better than 2" @ 100, be happy
• Replacement parts have went through the roof since 2002
• It isn't unusual to see complete bolts at or near $300
• It isn't unusual to see complete trigger groups at or near $200
• It isn't unusual to see GI gas cylinders at or near $200
• Rebarreling isn't something most can do on their own
• Haven't seen a complete GI parts kit in years for under $750
• Decent magazines are generally $25+
• Springfield production over the last few years seems of questionable quality, although their warranty is excellent (you generally get GI replacement parts)

G3

• The only "clone" I would consider is the PTR $1050 +/-
• If a standard model will shoot better than 1.5" @ 100, be happy
• Completemilitary parts kits are anywhere from $150-$500 depending on manufacturer and/or country of origin
• Individual parts are availabile and relatively inexpensive
• HK produced aluminum magazines can be found for less than a $1
• Barrel replacement and/or headspace adjustment is generally possible for most with mechanical aptitude
• Hard to beat based on magazine and replacement parts availability and price

DPMS/KAS/M110/Larue, etc.

• For the purpose of this I'm using a AP4 DPMS for comparison $1200 +/-
• If it shoots over a 1.5" group @ 100, something is wrong
• Fire control group parts are all AR-15 common bits
• Take down pins, bolt catch retainer, buffer and spring are all unique
• Gas system parts are all AR-15 common bits
• Furniture with the exception of handguards/float tubes = AR-15
• Replacement bolts $150
• Replacement complete bolt carriers $275
• Rebarreling can be done by practically anyone
• For that matter - fitting the barrel extension, chambering the barrel and setting up the gas system could be performed by most anyone who paid attention in high school machine shop in the 80's or before.
• Magazines - $25+, some are of dubious quality.
• If and when the Magpuls are released, and working properly, this may be hard to beat for me.

FAL

• For the purpose of this I'm using a DSA STG-58 $1250
• If it shoots under 2.0" @ 100 yards, be happy
• Complete parts kits are readily available, although getting more expensive $250+
• Rebarreling isn't that difficult, some special tools and parts required
• Magazines are available, but getting more expensive $15+
• Hard to beat if you like the ergonomics

AR-10

• My experiences were poor, perhaps not fair to review it.

 

[Yamaha]

FAL > any G3 clone.....

 

[sporter]

FAL > any G3 clone.....

Agree. FAL is a smoother shooting, more accurate, with better ergo's.
I would stay away from any G3 clone unless it is a real HK.
Too many stories of bolt gap issues even with the PTR line (maybe they have that fixed now).