All around rifle?

W

Wittel3

Inactive
Hello everyone,

My question is I am thinking of buying a rifle platform that is suitable to many needs.

-can shoot 500 yards with a scope
-rugged and reliable
-lot of punch
-versatile beyond all means

My thoughts were one of a M1A SOCOM II platform with an extended rail.

The rail would allow many usages such as straps, forward grip, scope, sights, laser, flashlight, anything that can be railed really. In addition to this the .308 Win has a lot of punch and the 16" barrel may not be the best choice for a bit of distance shooting but I would like to think it gets the job done. I know that this rifle is not really the best in one particular category but I like to think of it as a jack of all trades so to speak.

Thoughts? Opinions? Am I overlooking anything?

-Brian Wittel
 
The rail would allow many usages such as straps, forward grip, scope, sights, laser, flashlight, anything that can be railed really.
Click to expand...

Reads like you want something you can attach stuff to... so why not a .308 (or numerous other calibers) AR?

C
 
While I do want those options, they are more for different needs (from a rifle that is maneuverable or a rifle that can take a bi pod and a scope) than I think an AR would be able to handle...not saying AR's can not handle these situations, but I think a rifle platform would more suit my needs. Also the reliability of AR's is a constant nag for me as well, even though I know they are stories of old but still are a factor to me. The M1A action was based off the M1 Garand and I know some Marines took that rifle to hell and back with them still in perfect working order today. Again, all my opinion.
 
The standard full lenght M1A will meet all your requirements WITHOUT having to add a scope or a bunch of tacticool crap that would get hung up in the brush and add weight.
 
I would also suggest the FN SCAR 17. It is a very versatilve and rugged platform that accepts some of your requirements like lights, lasers, scopes, grips, etc. If you don't want to go with the AR platform, the SCAR is a good way to go. A bit on the expensive side but worth it IMO. It has reversible charging handle, folding stock, ambi mag release, etc and comes in .308/7.62. If I could afford one of these I would buy one in a heartbeat.
 
I think you would find the reliability of the AR platform to be more than suffice for your needs.
The AR platform has been been through hell and back with plenty of soldiers, marines and special forces too.

Is semi automatic a must have for your application or would bolt action be ok?
 
Guess versatility means different things to different folks, Me, it means a platform and caliber for killin a wide variety of critters. Personally I can't see anything the Op wants outta rifle being a necessity. If he's thinkin SD/HD or zombies he might just find himself toes up from a guy shooting a plain jane AR or pump 12ga.
 
Brian, I like the SOCOM M1A, but you may want to replace the original muzzle device, gas plug and front sight with SOCOM upgrade parts from SEI.


I also suggest that you put it in a M14ALCS/CV SAGE EBR chassis or a NEW Blackfeather RS from M14.ca.


This is my CQB-16 EBR type SEI in a M14ALCS/CV SAGE EBR chassis.

CQB-16-EBR-1.JPG
 
bolt

I knew there'd be lots of semi comments, but I'm going to suggest a bolt gun, or 3.

At first blush, I wanted to suggest some type of "scout rifle" but going to 500 yds on smallish targets with a low power IER scope is a bit of a stretch, so.....

Savage Precision Carbine with an intermediate powered variable, say 2-10x, 4-12 at most. (its a carbine, right?)

REm 700 ACR 20" carbine with same type scope. ( I may not have model right) This is a 20', medium heavy barrel rifle, with top end stock and a space coating on the metal. Listed in their tac rifles.

Rem Model 7 with a compact 3-9.

If you like scouts, the Ruger with an alleged but hard to find Leupold 1-4x IER might make hitting coyote size targets easier at 500. Finding them in the tiny FOV would be another story.
 
Uh, an AR-15 or AR-10 would meet your requirements just fine, assuming the manufacturer built to spec. and you use the right ammo (55grain .223 won't have that much energy out at 500+ yards.)

You mention rails for a whole lot of stuff. Do you intend to put a bunch of stuff on your rifle? They start to get heavy and clunky really quick when you bolt on stuff you don't need/use. For most people, an optic, sling, light, and maybe a fore grip or bipod is all that they put on a "fighting rifle." For hunting and target applications, usually an optic, sling, and/or bipod are all that get used.
 
Savage 110
New England single shot
Ruger bolt actions

If semi auto is required there's always an AR.

My favorite caliber is .243 and that's what I'm suggesting. The AR-10 in .243 is tempting.
 
Carrying wasn't part of the specs. I've found bolt guns are generally much more compact and lighter than 308 self loaders. A decent 308 bolt gun would do everything on the list, and be more friendly to actually carry around and use, if it isn't just a range gun. Had an M1-A years ago, got tired of carrying it in a couple weeks. Love the Ruger 77 in 308, it's very nice to shoot and carry.
 
I'm an old guy and not hip to all the tacticool initialed abbreviations thrown around. What does "sd/hd" mean? Self defense and home defense? If so, then none of the above are all that helpful as a rifle is going to carry well beyond the target and endanger neighbors half a block away. What happened to using a short shottie or a pistol with hp's? Unless you plan on running gun-battles.... Imagine the press you'd get when the publish pics of your little pride and joy. Personally Id rather not have to explain all that to a DA or jury.
Thanks, Dun
Just for the record, I shoot rifles, not "platforms". I don't wear black ninja clothing, nor do I kick in people's doors at 3AM and make jerky movements while pointing my rifle around the room and saying in a loud voice "Hah! Hah! Hoo!"..... OyVey!
 
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Wow, did not expect this traction.

First off thank you for all of the suggestions:
-Malamute
-Justice06RR
-old roper
-Locked Breech
-WV gunner
-DanRanull

Now the answers to all question/comments thrown:

Kraigwy- Sir I cannot disagree with you in your statement that the standard M1A can achieve all the parameters I have given. I simply see these 'tacticool' parts as only tools to aid in job at hand, with only being able to say in response as long as the ends justify the means.

trg42wraglefragle- I know that AR's are not what I have stated nowadays, but when I think of this rifle I think of a rifle rifle, not so much an AR. For this rifle especially I would like to be as comfortable and confident as I can be.

L Killkenny- It took me about ten minutes to realize where you were going with that. And 'toes up'? May I ask what that is in reference to and where did it come from? Never heard that expression. The last response should clarify what I am thinking.

SR420- Very nice gun. All I can say.

bamaranger- Ultimately I am looking for the semi capability, if ever need be. Although some of the Brits with their mad minute records from WWI would beg to differ.

raimias- All of the gear would just be 'there' if needed. It would not all be on the rifle. That would be a major pain if that was so.

DunRanull- Dun, this is the rifle that I know everyone here has. That one rifle that the world as everyone knows it goes to hell, the system crashes, whatever it is, this would be that rifle that you would grab and not even think twice about your choice and is ready for anything that is thrown at you. That, to me, would be the designation of this rifle and it's tools.

Thank you all again,
-Brian Wittel
 
Wittel3 sez: DunRanull- Dun, this is the rifle that I know everyone here has. That one rifle that the world as everyone knows it goes to hell, the system crashes, whatever it is, this would be that rifle that you would grab and not even think twice about your choice and is ready for anything that is thrown at you. That, to me, would be the designation of this rifle and it's tools.

Dun Sez: Thats a toughie.. rate of fire is surely something to consider if you have the ammo to sustain it. The AR or even AK address this issue.
One rifle I have that would be a "go to hell" gun is the MkIV Lee-Enfield. Ten aimed shots pretty fast for a bolt and accurate out to some distance. Also very reliable and well made. Heck, even a Marlin .30-30 would fit the bill.
Some of us have been at this for years and collected a small pile.. my own go to hell rifle would be either my as-new (as in hardly broken in) Port kit-built H&K91 or an AK. At my age the AK is easier to handle and Im pretty good with it, some say.
On the the other hand... if I got caught out and away from my suppy base.. Id go with what's in the trunk- SKS with chest pouchs filled with stripper-clipped ammo. And a 9mmP...
 
Dun,
All of those rifles sound great. They really do, I guess it all just comes down to what each individual wants and sees as the best in their eyes. For example, never been really 'attracted' to the AK. No idea why that is so, I know it is a phenomenal rifle in many areas but I just cannot bring my self to it. Again, no idea why. And is the H&K 91 based off the FAL or the other way around or not at all? They both strike me as very VERY similar. Just was wondering. Also why the SKS? And 9mmP? If you are speaking pistols I constantly go back and forth between a 9mm and 45 ACP. Constantly.

Regards,
-Brian Wittel
 
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