.308 semi-auto rifle. Help me choose.
 

I've recently been in the market for a semi auto 7.62/.308 rifle. After much research I have it narrowed down to 2 rifles. The FN FNAR 20" heavy barrel and the Springfield M1A Loaded. I've found both rifles locally for around $1400 which seems to be a pretty good deal. However, in the most recent CDNN's flyer they have the FNs for $1000. I know the M14/M1As are a truly battle tested rifle, and from what I understand the FNAR uses the BAR operating system which has also served our country well. At this point I would just like to hear some of your opinions, preferably by someone who owns one or both of the rifles. How are their accuracy and reliability? Have you had any problems? Are they worth the money?

Thanks you in advance.



http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/g.../FNM0137mb.png
FN FNAR 20" Heavy Barrel



http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/g...226_Alarge.jpg
Springfield M1A Loaded

Sent you a PM

Not to sound like a girl about it, as aesthetics are never my main concern, but the FN is one butt ugly rifle. Looks like it fell from the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. It's like a Chiappa Rhino with out the classy good looks. Like Rosanne Barr after a rough night of meth and hookers. Like Abe Bagoda in a leotard and spandex. Like Hillary Clinton after mauling an all-you-can-eat dookie buffet.

I have shot the FN. Very nice. Used the M1 back in the day. Would get the M1 personally, due to familiarity.

The M1 is proven and will not do you wrong I would go with a 16" version, for weight.

But given that I would have not overlook that FNAR I am sure it is a shooter.

The FNAR uses the SPORTING BAR, not the Browning Automatic Rifle (machinegun) lineage.

Of the two......i'd pick neither, I'd get a SCAR 17 or an OBR and accept the price difference because they're accurate and they work.

You never truly narrow it down. You will always question your 7.62 battle rifle choice.

Thank God you didn't say Abe Vigoda, cuz' that would have made me stab my eyes with knitting needles...:supergrin:

OP, I say go for the FN. It's easier to outfit with a good optic, and AFAIK they still know how to made a gun work right.

Ain't that the truth!
I have bounced between deciding on a M1A, M1 Garand, FN FAL, HK, AR platform to just about everything else out there.

BTW, I'm back to the m1a. Now I can't decide which model of the M1A!!:crying:

SCAR 17S or XCRM perhaps?

http://home.comcast.net/~gunspotz/Ri...ar17s/8124.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...2/DSC_4775.jpg

Both cost more than your initial choices by a wide margin however.

I'm hoping to grab an XCRM soon.

M1A Scout/Squad!!!!!!


You know you want it. Get it!

Honestly, I say neither. I just pre ordered a Colt SP901 308. Not sure of ETA because it has been pushed back for some time but it looks like March/April as of now. Price is expected to be sub $2000 level which is a deal to me considering what you get.

http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/r...hree/SP901.jpg

FNAR magazines run like $60 at least, that would be a factor for me since I would want like 10!

Rancher

I have a (1955)Springfield M1 Garand and also a (2011) Ruger Mini 14 Ranch rifle. I'm also a big fan of there mechanics and how they work, so I guess you'd know what I'd prefer. It would have to have a wooden stock though to fit in with the other two.:supergrin:

I considered the same choice. I thought the comments I found on the FNAR's field stripping for cleaning to be a negative for the rifle. Supposedly it's a real PITA. It may be a fine police duty sniper rifle, which is what it was designed to be, but it's no MBR.

Just so you're not shocked when you get it, you're getting on LE901, not an SP901.

I have personally shot the XCRM. That will be my next rifle. Way ahead of everyone else IMHO.

To my best knowledge, it will be an SP901. I am not a LEO and no longer in the military.

check out ar-10 style also. nice thing about these, tons of aftermarket parts. i have and like dpms lr308, 24" barrel, i added a geissele trigger, sub moa out to 600 yds.

LMT ar-10 is a little more expensive but is an amazing rifle, but you can't go wrong with the M1A standard length or shorty.

Colt used the SP moniker for a year or so, now they're back to using LE like they have for the last several years. It has nothing to do with you, just how Colt lables their rifles. Look at Colt's current on-line catalog for confirmation.

+1 on this, great rifles and a little handier than the standard M1A

I was unaware of this information and thanks. I wonder why they are back to using the LE marks for these. That will be fine with me as it will match my other Colt LE. :cool: