The best modern 7.62X51 battle rifle.

[pennlineman]

A recent thread on a battle rifle class got me thinking. A dangerous thing, I know. http://forum.pafoa.org/training-tact...st-2015-a.html

What I found in the thread was interesting in that the M1A and even the M-1 Garand ran through the drills with the best of the more modern offerings like the SCAR 17. Although I realize this was a rather small sampling. I already have a DPMS LR308, Springfield M1A loaded and an M-1 Garand (I know it's a .30-06). But I always have room for one more.

I guess my question would be, if you could buy any 7.62X51 and money wasn't an object, which rifle would you choose and why? Also, any of you guys that served in the sandbox that have any real world experience with these rifles I'd like to hear your opinion on what you've seen. Mostly curious to see if any of the new rifles really have an edge on the old tried and true platforms.

Thanks.

[arjohnson]

SCAR17

/thread

[pennlineman]

SCAR17

/thread

But why?

[sprrdhawk44]

The FAL has been getting it done for a whole lot of years.

[wanneroo]

I think it all depends what you are looking for. Size, weight, accuracy, intended use all come into play and what's important to you.

[pennlineman]

The FAL has been getting it done for a whole lot of years.

I had a chance to shoot an L1A1 years ago while stationed in England courtesy of the RAF. I liked it, range time only so no real feel for how it would work in harsh conditions. Thanks for the video.

I think it all depends what you are looking for. Size, weight, accuracy, intended use all come into play and what's important to you.

Reliability in real world use is the top priority. Not looking for match grade accuracy. A rifle that a reasonably good rifleman could hit man sized targets out to 500 yards.

ETA: Not too concerned with weight and size. Not interested in a 23 pound machinegun though.

[NathanB]

If I was getting another 7.62 rifle I'd be looking hard at the gen2 ar308 platform. They are much lighter and form factor is smaller. The dpms g2 recon was the first one that caught my eye

[arjohnson]

But why?

Since you said modern I'd get a SCAR 17. It's already been proven that it gets the job done on the battlefield. I like it's size, weight, reliability and not to mention it's a very accurate rifle.

I've had the chance to shoot a couple and can honestly say it's the nicest shooting 308 semi I've ever shot. I've owned and shot both FAL's and M1A's and IMO the SCAR handles much better. Only other one I'd maybe consider would be a KAC SR25, but I'd pic the SCAR first if given the choice. I shot a KAC once and it was nothing special, shot great but really not much different than the other 308 AR's. The KAC however has a pretty good track record so I wouldn't be to concerned taking it to battle.

I've also shot a couple 308 AR's and they just don't do it for me. The FAL and M1A were great shooters and proven track records but they don't fit in the "modern category" IMO.

I'd also like to try the HK, but since I never did I can't comment on it.

[USMC3531]

HK has plenty of support and options, I still have a need for a fal though

[moshan]

My SCAR 17 with Geissele trigger fitted with ELCAN Specter DR at 100 yards (standing...) firing Hirtenberger Austrian surplus (from 1983)





Military proven, accurate as hell, relatively light weight, eats anything...SCAR all the way.