Hello all. I'm looking for an accurate semi auto rifle, something capable of 2 MOA or so. My problem is I can only spend $800 - $1000 and I really don't want 223. I have considered a Draganov in 7.62 x 54, but the ammo is not as available as I would prefer around here. Any one have a suggestion?
accurate semi auto rifle
- Thread starter Knox
- Start date
Knox,
Buy a FAL variant... (FAL, L1-A1, Stg-58).
Can be had well under the price you mention. Bunches of accessories available and good milsurp mags are dirt cheap. Very good used for $5. New for under $10 each.
M1-A's are great, but finding a really nice one for the price you mention, and still having enough cash left to buy mags is a problem. USGI mags (the ONLY type to buy) run over $30 each for good used ones. New ones run $50 to $60.
Swampy
Buy a FAL variant... (FAL, L1-A1, Stg-58).
Can be had well under the price you mention. Bunches of accessories available and good milsurp mags are dirt cheap. Very good used for $5. New for under $10 each.
M1-A's are great, but finding a really nice one for the price you mention, and still having enough cash left to buy mags is a problem. USGI mags (the ONLY type to buy) run over $30 each for good used ones. New ones run $50 to $60.
Swampy
In the price range you're looking at, if accuracy is a key point, get a slightly used, bare bones Springfield M1A (should run about $800-900; new one would probably run between $1150-1400, depending on how much your dealer wants to gouge you). They aren't match rifles, but they're pretty accurate... maybe 2, 3 MOA out of the box.
Do not suggest a Norinco M1A. The receivers are soft. Yes, you can get the receivers heat-treated and up to a comparable level to the Springfield, Inc. receivers, but by the time you've gone through the trouble and expense of that, you'll wish you'd have just bought an M1A.
You won't get a 2 MOA rifle out of a stock FAL. Yes, you can throw a grand at a FAL and accurize it, but they really max out at 1.5MOA. Don't get me wrong -- I love my FAL, it shoots very well, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a good, reliable range rifle or SHTF rifle, but it's not an accurate weapon.
Do not suggest a Norinco M1A. The receivers are soft. Yes, you can get the receivers heat-treated and up to a comparable level to the Springfield, Inc. receivers, but by the time you've gone through the trouble and expense of that, you'll wish you'd have just bought an M1A.
You won't get a 2 MOA rifle out of a stock FAL. Yes, you can throw a grand at a FAL and accurize it, but they really max out at 1.5MOA. Don't get me wrong -- I love my FAL, it shoots very well, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a good, reliable range rifle or SHTF rifle, but it's not an accurate weapon.
Bottom Gun
New member
How about one of the Remington semi autos or a Garand?
Sounds like a VEPR-II in .308 would fit the requirements. Check out http://www.robarm.com/
I got a Polytech M1A clone for less than you're talking about, and would do it again in a heartbeat. No problems w/receiver hardness (but then, Polys are said to be better on this count that the Norincos), and at least in this neck of the woods outshoot the rack grade Springfields. Mine does about 1.5-2 MOA, last I checked. Mags are an issue, as already mentioned, and you will want to replace the stock, maybe the bolt, maybe the sights.
Alternately, there's CMP and the Garands at the 400-500 level, if you're willing to pay for 30-06.
-K
Alternately, there's CMP and the Garands at the 400-500 level, if you're willing to pay for 30-06.
-K
A Browning BAR semiauto would the refined choice. Probably the most accurate of any listed, especially with BOSS installed.
I would also second checking into the VEPR II and Super VEPR. Robinson seems like they do what they say. They did a great job with the M96.
You can occasionally find a Greek EBO made Springfield SAR-8 for less than $1000 that will do what you want with some ease. These are contract built HK91's with all factory parts. I've had two, 1 MOA is a reality. Don't confuse these with the later aluminum receivered SAR-8's. You could get lucky with one of the current Frankenstein HK clones, but they seem spotty. Do some research if you want an HK type.
The office of civilian marksmanship has Danish M1 Garand turn-ins for $400. They can certainly be made to shoot well and might meet your requirements out of the bag. Many knowledgeable smiths work on this gun and the low price leaves room for their work. Classy!
Sometimes you'll find an HK SL7 .308 for a $1000. Great rifle.
An 18" barreled FAL may make your minimum requirements, but don't count on it. The rifle has much to offer as a decent battle rifle and might be worth it.
If you're serious about accuracy, reloading 7.62X54 for the Draganov would solve any ammo concerns. Of course, so would mail order surplus ammo.
It really comes down to if you want a battle rifle or a just something capable of fast follow-up shots. There really aren't so many big bore battle rifles out there that use standard ammo. The profile of the BAR or Garand are more "sporting rifle" and are generally a little easier to deal with in the field -plus you get 30'06 power. I hunt with a scoped SAR-8 and am happy.
I would also second checking into the VEPR II and Super VEPR. Robinson seems like they do what they say. They did a great job with the M96.
You can occasionally find a Greek EBO made Springfield SAR-8 for less than $1000 that will do what you want with some ease. These are contract built HK91's with all factory parts. I've had two, 1 MOA is a reality. Don't confuse these with the later aluminum receivered SAR-8's. You could get lucky with one of the current Frankenstein HK clones, but they seem spotty. Do some research if you want an HK type.
The office of civilian marksmanship has Danish M1 Garand turn-ins for $400. They can certainly be made to shoot well and might meet your requirements out of the bag. Many knowledgeable smiths work on this gun and the low price leaves room for their work. Classy!
Sometimes you'll find an HK SL7 .308 for a $1000. Great rifle.
An 18" barreled FAL may make your minimum requirements, but don't count on it. The rifle has much to offer as a decent battle rifle and might be worth it.
If you're serious about accuracy, reloading 7.62X54 for the Draganov would solve any ammo concerns. Of course, so would mail order surplus ammo.
It really comes down to if you want a battle rifle or a just something capable of fast follow-up shots. There really aren't so many big bore battle rifles out there that use standard ammo. The profile of the BAR or Garand are more "sporting rifle" and are generally a little easier to deal with in the field -plus you get 30'06 power. I hunt with a scoped SAR-8 and am happy.
Freedom in theSkies
New member
Knox,
I was intending to get a Savage model 112BT in .223 or .308, but I seemed to have gotten sidtracked with an opportunity to pick up a n.i.b. Norinco M1A for > $400.00.
I have heard all the opinions on metalurgical deficiencies, however, I will bring mine in to work and have the bolt, reciever and barrel tested for a definitive Rockwell Hardness.
This should put all the demons to bed and let me get some sleep.
The rifle will be here on Monday, so I'll try to post the Rockwell info before the end of month.- I'm on leave till Jan. 4th.
Cheerz!
I was intending to get a Savage model 112BT in .223 or .308, but I seemed to have gotten sidtracked with an opportunity to pick up a n.i.b. Norinco M1A for > $400.00.
I have heard all the opinions on metalurgical deficiencies, however, I will bring mine in to work and have the bolt, reciever and barrel tested for a definitive Rockwell Hardness.
This should put all the demons to bed and let me get some sleep.
The rifle will be here on Monday, so I'll try to post the Rockwell info before the end of month.- I'm on leave till Jan. 4th.
Cheerz!
700PSS Shooter
New member
M1 Garand
'Nuff said!
'Nuff said!
