Choices

D

David Scott

New member
Assuming I want to get a 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester autoloading carbine, to be used as a "ranch rifle", and that I can afford any of these, what are the pros and cons of each? The .308 was chosen because some local wildlife is a bit hefty for .223, and I want a weather-resistant rifle with a detachable box magazine, 20 rounders available, and the abilty to mount a red dot sight.

Armalite AR-10B

Ruger Mini-30 stainless/synthetic stock.

DS Arms SA58/FAL

Israeli Arms M-444 FAL

Any other suggestions?
 
There is the Short M1A too. (Scout)
The Mini 30 is a 7.62*39, not 7.62*51(NATO).
If 7.62*39mm (7.62mm Soviet M43) is enough, then get a soviet style rifle- either SKS or AK series.
 
Oh, duh about the Ruger. My bad. Shoulda checked first instead of assuming it was 7.62 NATO/.308 Win. I don't have any experience with the 7.62x39, chose the NATO/.308 because I know that ammo is easily available and inexpensive compared to more exotic cartridges.

How does the 7.62x39 compare to 7.62x51 balistically? And are there not a lot of SKSs and AKs out there of less than stellar reliability?
 
David,

The 7.62x39 can't hold a candle to the 7.62x51 ballistically. The 7.62x39 is basically over and done with being effective at 300-350 yards while the 7.62x51 is just getting started.

I have two schools of thought on the rest of your question. The FN FAL is less expensive than the M1A or the AR-10, repair parts and magazines are more plentiful and less expensive, and the ammo is the same. If budget concerns are an issue, I'd get a good FAL. If they're NOT a huge concern, then I'd get the M1A.
 
Ballistically, the 7.62X39 is real close to the .30-30

If that's enough ooomph for you, AKs and SKSs have a stellar reputation for reliability. Not as much for accuracy, though.

Other options to consider, both a little rarer:
-Galil from Israel
-Cetme from ???

I don't have much data on either. Just see 'em on the surplus web sites.
 
I love my M1A. Now with that out of the way, I would go with the DSA FAL. More or less because of the spare parts and really cheap(inexpensive) mag availability.

I have no experience with the Israeli M-444, so I won't comment on it.

My next choice would be an M1A Scout, or the "old" Bush model for the short barrel variants. Parts are a little pricier, and GI mags(the only way to go), are $30-$55 a pop.

Rounding out my preferences is the AR-10. I have a huge longing for an AR-10, but the mag situation is really pricey. You can get Armalite mags(I have seen them go for $100 or more). Or you can have Armalite convert M1A mags(I don't remember the specific price, but their website does cover it).

At any rate, you have presented some great choices. Good luck with your decision!!
Zane
 
Thanx for all the advice. While at the grocery store today I found a magazine with a review of the DS Arms SA58/FAL. It sounds like just what I want, and they spoke well of it (though most gun mag reviews err or the side of sucking up to the manufacturers). I think it's time to quit reading about .308 carbines and go handle some hardware.

Then I'll figure out how to get this past my wife so soon after the negotiations regarding the Mossberg 12 gauge. :)
 
Good luck with the "boss"! :D

I think you'll be happy with that STG-58. That's the one that I have my eye on as well, so I'll be looking for a "range report" from you in the near future.
 
Good luck!! You will find the Mossberg was an easier sell(from a price standpoint) than the DSA is going to be!

Zane
 
If it's for general ranch-tote use, why not a Remington 742 or a Winchester Model 100? I have both, and have never had a moment's problem with either. (There are lots and lots of problems with cars and guns that I never seem to have. I ain't sorry about it, either. :D )

I grant they're not meant to be dragged through the mud and all that--but I've successfully avoided that sort of nonsense for more than just a week or two in my rifle-career.

Either of them will cost a lot less than these para-military types of critters.

:), Art
 
Choices (FAL)

My choice is the FAL, but I'd consider
a Stoner AR-10....

I have a Dsarms FAL in carbine length
and am very happy with it. It makes a
LOT of noise, and at the range shooters
on both sides usually clear out.

If I had to do it over again I would but would:

1) Get a standard barrel length, maybe an HBAR.
2) Do not get one that is cut for that stupid
useless carry handle.

3) While it is worth every penny of the $1500 or
so that I paid, I would consider a "parts" gun
built up around an FN receiver. Most used
FALS that I've seen in stores and at shows
are trash, however....

I've shot this rifle a LOT, going through 500
rounds in an hour, some times. The barrel guard
gets too HOT to hold but the accuracy
stays right on, even with cheapo surplus ammo.

I've had problems with the rear sight screws
getting loose. Mine has Steyr rear sights, DSA
says that their guns now have made in USA rear sights.


According to the History chanel "Tails of the
Gun", The Israelis ditched the FAL because of
reliability problems in the desert. I've had no
such problems but I've cleaned it meticuously and
have not had to fight a desert war with it, yet.
If the Israelis had had BreakFree they might have
had better luck....
 
Consider this as a concept for your "ranch rifle":

I was at a Friends of the NRA dinner (yeah, I know, but I am a Life Member) and they were auctioning off a Browning MKII in .308. I thought that it would make a good base for an "ranch/urban rifle." Get a kevlar stock (black so it would be tactical), set of robust ghostring sights (or maybe a C-more Scout scope), equip it for an HK sling, put a spiral Vortex or Phantom on it, and have some 10 round mags made up for it. I have never seen one made, but IMHO might be interesting (Freeman, you stupid gun nut. Now get downstairs and dry fire like you need to).

Any comments or suggestions?
 
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