Recommendations for a Battle Rifle

ohen cepel · Jun 30, 2020

md makes it tough, pretty sure the Hk91, M14, and FAL are all banned.

Could get a "pistol" based on the Hk91 or FAL and brace it (depending on atf this week). Same for the Ak, could get a pistol version of that if it works for you.

AR10 may be the easiest, direct path.

whistlersmother · Jun 30, 2020

I like the compactness of the Tavor 7 and SCAR 17. Unfortunately, one has to be neutered with 3" extension and the other is mucho dinero.

What's the opinion on the Law Tactical folding adapter for AR's?

mdhog · Jun 30, 2020

If AR-10 are not banned I'd put in a vote for that.

TheOriginalMexicanBob · Jun 30, 2020

Norton said:
If you're talking about a classic old school 7.62 NATO main battle rifle, as it's come to be known:

For functionality, FAL all the way. Simple design, reliable and tough as nails. Downside is that the heyday of the FAL has passed as far as affordable availability. But damn, a good one is amazing.

For style - M14/M1A. No further justification needed.

I cannot disagree in any way, shape or form with this advice. But realistically in Marylandstan you won't be able to legally buy one of these...the best choice is an AR-10...affordable...reliable...the ergonomics are the same as the AR-15/M4 which are excellent...common caliber...easy to shoot well.

AR-10 for the win.

Pinecone · Jun 30, 2020

Norton said:
If you're talking about a classic old school 7.62 NATO main battle rifle, as it's come to be known:

For functionality, FAL all the way. Simple design, reliable and tough as nails. Downside is that the heyday of the FAL has passed as far as affordable availability. But damn, a good one is amazing.

Yeap.

But now banned in MD.

calicojack · Jun 30, 2020

K31 said:
Get a Garand in 308.

That would not be a bad way to roll, other than trying to find one. Not sure if CMP has any right now.

erwos · Jun 30, 2020

None of the old ones are MD legal, unless you do something like buy a M1A in 6.5C, or the Chinese copy, or get that Garand conversion. IMHO, this isn't much of a loss, none of them are very good by modern standards, and I've owned all of them at varying points. G3/HK91 is the best of them in terms not being a boat anchor and having decent optics options.

Options that are available are the AR-308, Tavor 7, Galil ACE, various AKs in 7.62x51 (probably mostly used), etc. I suspect the highest performer would be an AR-308 based on my experience, probably followed by the Galil ACE.

ezracer · Jun 30, 2020

If I didn't have the scratch to buy a Tavor.......I'd get an AR-10 :thumbsup:

grimnar15 · Jun 30, 2020

calicojack said:
That would not be a bad way to roll, other than trying to find one. Not sure if CMP has any right now.

Shuffs --- Mini G. (Garand base Rifle) 308, shortened and converted to hold 308 magazines...

135sohc · Jun 30, 2020

The brownells "retro AR-10" in either flavor seems to be getting good reviews.

Smacduff99 · Jun 30, 2020

Battle Rifle

Given the limitations in MD, I'd vote M&P 10. Not the sexiest choice, but makes sense in a number of ways. Price is on the low side, light weight for a 7.62/.308 battle rifle, readily available and cheap magazines, reliable and they have a good reputation for accuracy.

I own FAL's of various types, an M1A, a couple of versions of PTR 91's, Rock River LAR 8, all great rifles. That being said, the one I keep close by to grab at a moments notice, oddly enough is the S&W. The weight and accuracy in particular make it a winner.. (although I really love my FAL Para too!)

I'm a WV resident, so thankfully plenty of options here in America!

Sirex · Jun 30, 2020

Battle rifle in the traditional sense, like a classic rifle? I have a 308 M1 Garand and really love it, as a shooter. Not really practical for multi role use.

A battle rifle, in the sense of full power cartridge, semi auto rifle, I don't think anything can beat a well built AR10. Magazines are plentiful, and not too expensive. Easy to strip and clean. Reliable. Accurate. Not banned in MD yet. I have a M&P10 and it is a nice rifle.

DutchV · Jun 30, 2020

whistlersmother said:
I like the compactness of the Tavor 7 and SCAR 17. Unfortunately, one has to be neutered with 3" extension and the other is mucho dinero.

What's the opinion on the Law Tactical folding adapter for AR's?

The Law folder is good stuff. They have worked out the kinks. Be advised the BCG adapter (extender) adds about 2 ounces to the effective buffer weight.

DutchV · Jun 30, 2020

As for the OP, I'd look at an AR-10.

I do like the Garand, and I'd like to try an FAL. Realistically, all the older platforms are out of support. You're relying on dwingling stocks of most parts. Even finding fresh magazines can be a hassle. Magpul makes mags for the AR-10, and all the other parts are easy enough to find.

If you're really broke, an SKS will work. I'd stock up on stripper clips and whatever small parts might break. (Springs, firing pin, etc.)

rootytootyshooty · Jun 30, 2020

All of this has been invaluable info. Thank you. I will probably look into building the least expensive AR10 I can or save up for the T7.

The MiniG looks fascinating but hard to rely on obtaining older parts...

teratos · Jun 30, 2020

Don't forget, you can make any banned rifle into a "pistol" or SBR. Yes, $200 more, but a FAL with a 15.9" barrel is just fine.

Pale Ryder · Jun 30, 2020

Cept you can’t make that AR pistol into a truck gun unless you get that “hens teeth” like permission from the Gestapo.

Pinecone · Jun 30, 2020

teratos said:
Don't forget, you can make any banned rifle into a "pistol" or SBR. Yes, $200 more, but a FAL with a 15.9" barrel is just fine.

Especially a Para with folding stock.

Occam · Jun 30, 2020

TheOriginalMexicanBob said:
I cannot disagree in any way, shape or form with this advice. But realistically in Marylandstan you won't be able to legally buy one of these...the best choice is an AR-10...affordable...reliable...the ergonomics are the same as the AR-15/M4 which are excellent...common caliber...easy to shoot well.

AR-10 for the win.

I stewed and stewed about this while stashing away some cash for something as my first .308, and finally realized you were right. So it's an AR-10. Cheaper than many other choices, which allowed me to put good optics on it (and buy a hundred pounds of ammo to warm it up and dial it in). No regrets.

Following some future windfall? Sure, a SCAR-17 and/or other goodies. But I know that the AR-15 muscle memory will make the AR-10 just work. And it sure shoots better than I can operate it, so that's the end of that.

Alea Jacta Est · Jun 30, 2020

Occam said:
I stewed and stewed about this while stashing away some cash for something as my first .308, and finally realized you were right. So it's an AR-10. Cheaper than many other choices, which allowed me to put good optics on it (and buy a hundred pounds of ammo to warm it up and dial it in). No regrets.

Following some future windfall? Sure, a SCAR-17 and/or other goodies. But I know that the AR-15 muscle memory will make the AR-10 just work. And it sure shoots better than I can operate it, so that's the end of that.

FTW

...muscle memory...

Recommendations for a Battle Rifle

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