I love all firearms, but the most special place in my heart will always be held by semi-automatic rifles chambered for .308 Winchester or 7.62×51 NATO.
It’s a cartridge that’s dropped deer and won wars for decades. Semi-automatic rifles that fire this classic are great for target shooting, hunting, and rounding out your collection with some interesting historic pieces.
THE QUICK LIST
-
Best Overall
-
Best Premium
-
Best AK Variant
-
Best American Classic
-
Best International Classic
-
Best Affordable Classic
Table of Contents
Loading…
Best .308/7.62 Semi-Auto Rifles
1. Aero Precision M5E1 – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Build it your way
- Quality components
- Excellent variety
Cons
- Assembly required
Specs
- Caliber: .308 Win
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 10+1, 20+1, 25+1, 50+1
- Barrel Length: 12.5ā, 16ā, 18ā, 20ā
The Aero Precision M5E1 is the gold standard for people who want a customizable AR-10 without breaking the bank, though you’ll have to piece it together yourself.
That makes it a fun project, and you can build your rifle however you want. Spec out a budget build, a respectable entry-level precision rifle, or anything in between. If you want to swap out a component later, you know where to go.
Coming in somewhere between $1,200 and $2,000 depending on options, the M5E1 is an excellent choice for those who want a solid rifle that can be made great with a few small upgrades.
You can read our full Aero Precision M5E1 review here.
2. Palmetto State Armory PA10 – Best Budget
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Two-stage trigger
- 15ā M-LOK handguard
- Adjustable gas block
Cons
- Not particularly refined
Specs
- Caliber: .308 Win
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 20+1
- Barrel Length: 18ā
Palmetto State Armory is a budget firearms enthusiast’s dream come true. Iām not sure exactly how they do it, but they have everything from ammo to AR-10s at rock-bottom prices.
You can check out our reviews of the .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor versions and peep our video review of the .308 version below.
Best of all, their PSA-branded uppers, lowers, and complete rifles are all very affordable compared to the competition. Their fit and finish are nothing to drool over, but they go bang every time, and theyāre more accurate than the price would lead you to believe.
If youāre looking for an entry model AR-10 or semi-auto .308 in general, the PA-10 from PSA is available in multiple configurations. They start at about $700 and top out at around $1100.
Want something a little more high-end? Check out our PSA Sabre AR-10 review!
3. FN SCAR 17S – Best Premium
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Used by SOCOM
- Tough, reliable, and accurate
- A true do-it-all rifle
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 7.62 NATO
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 10+1, 20+1
- Barrel Length: 16.25″
The FN SCAR 17S is a monster of a rifle designed to be as modular as possible and to serve a variety of uses. From being a CQB weapon for various door-kickers and SOCOM units to a scout sniper and designated marksman platform, the SCAR can do it all.
This is as solid of a rifle as you can get. The civilian version ships with a 16.25-inch barrel but you can swap them out by removing just a few screws, allowing you to slot in any number of aftermarket barrels, from 13 to 20 inches, depending on your needs (and access to NFA items).
The semi-automatic civilian version uses a modern version of the short-stroke piston FN developed for the FAL. It’s currently in service in 24 countries around the world in one capacity or another.
For civilian shooters like you and I get something thatās as military-tested as any rifle can be and is as close to military spec (aside from the lack of select-fire capability) as we can get.
The trigger isn’t perfect but certainly better what you’ll get on the FAL. The good news is that there are a considerable amount of aftermarket trigger options. If youāre going to slap a 20-inch barrel on there and stretch the SCAR out to 800 yards or more, you might consider swapping the trigger out.
All in all, it’s based on one of the best modern battle rifles out there and is pretty perfect if youāre looking for a heavy-duty semi-auto. The price is steep but, hey, you get what you pay for.
Be sure to check out our review of the SCAR-17S or watch the full video review and let us know your take!
4. IWI Galil ACE Gen 2 – Best AK Variant
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Famously reliable
- M-LOK handguard
- Two-stage trigger
Cons
- Heavy
Specs
- Caliber: 7.62 NATO
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 20+1
- Barrel Length: 16ā
Here comes the dark horse in the competition: the Galil ACE Gen 2 in 7.62 NATO. The first-generation Galil ACE was launched in 2008 but it wasn’t been featured as heavily in the U.S. market, or video games, which kept it under the radar.
In a nutshell, the Galil ACE is the ultimate refinement of the AK-47 platform. It uses the same long-stroke piston and rotating bolt design as the Kalashnikov and even sports a similar pop-off dust cover.
Updates to this second-generation version include an M-LOK handguard, AR-style buffer tube for use with your favorite stocks, an improved two-stage trigger, and better ergonomics.
By virtue of using a long-stroke piston, the ACE is able to have a folding stock and fire when folded. It also sports a non-reciprocating charging handle on the left side. Its cold hammer forged barrel ensures good accuracy and long service life.
Although a bit heavier than the SCAR-17S or the average AR-10, the ACE is still manageable at 8.6 pounds. The ACE also benefits from using standard SR-25/AR-10 magazines.
These rifles are a bit pricier, around $1,700 to $2,000, but are far from the most expensive on this list. If you are looking for something modern that isn’t an AR-10, the ACE might be your ticket.
Want to know more about the platform? Check out our full review of the 7.62×39 Galil ACE or watch the video below.
5. Springfield Armory M1A Standard – Best American Classic
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Solid walnut stock
- Loaded with U.S. military history
- Several variants to choose from
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: .308 Win
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 10+1
- Barrel Length: 22ā
Next up is the Springfield M1A. This is the civilian version of the iconic M14; the rifle that trounced the AR-10 and FN FAL to become the U.S. Armyās primary battle rifle back in 1959 (however arguable those test results may be).
The M14 this rifle is based on is a fully-automatic military rifle but the Springfield M1A is a semi-automatic civilian versionin various configurations.
You can get everything from the stubby SOCOM version to decked-out configurations designed to get as much accuracy as possible out of the platform.
Much of the accuracy of these guns is derived from a quality barrel and the mating of the action to the stock. This means that repeated disassembly/reassembly cycles can affect accuracy, especially on the base models.
Stepping up to the Loaded model that comes with the national match barrel is a step in the right direction if you want tighter groups. Fiberglass bedding between the action and stock will really show you what a properly set up M1A can do.
These rifles used to be a frequent sight on the field of competition, especially in service rifle competitions. With classic ergonomics and excellent iron sights, the M1A lends itself well to shooting without optics.
It’s also earned a few starring roles in Hollywood.
Not sure which model is right for you? Check out our guide to the best Springfield M1A models.
6. DS Arms SA58 FAL – Best International Classic
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Battle-tested, Cold War-approved
- Good trigger
- Competitive with modern platforms
Cons
- Harder to accessorize than an AR or AK
Specs
- Caliber: 7.62 NATO
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 20+1
- Barrel Length: 18ā
FN Herstal developed the Fusil Automatique LĆ©ger (Light Automatic Rifle) in the 1940s and saw it completed in 1953. During the Cold War, many NATO countries adopted it as their primary battle rifle, where it earned its nickname, āthe right arm of the free world.ā
Its short-stroke, spring-assisted piston action was very modern at the time. The system is still relevant today, allowing the FAL to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with much newer firearms.
I love the FAL, and itās a gun I think anyone looking to build a serious collection should have. For me, it sits slightly above the AK and slightly below the AR-10 and AR-15 15 in the pantheon of small arms.
The SA58 is a solid recreation of the FAL that holds its own against the other non-AR .308s weāve talked about in the accuracy department.
Check out our review of one of DSA’s modernized FAL variants.
7. PTR GIRK 113 – Best Affordable Classic
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Based on the H&K G3
- Nifty diopter sights
- Cheap magazines
Cons
- Poor trigger
Specs
- Caliber: 7.62 NATO
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 10+1, 20+1
- Barrel Length: 16ā
The PTR-91 is a modern variant of the Heckler and Koch G3, one of the most revered battle rifles ever produced.
What would go on to become the H&K G3 was first produced in 1958. Primarily designed by German engineers working for the Spanish CETME development group, the CETME-C was a roller-delayed 7.62×51 rifle.
This legendary rifle would go on to inspire a number of similar rifles (including quite a few blatant copies) and be used by just about every country with a military.
The PTR 91 is an American-made G3 clone that uses tooling references from the original H&K G3 to be as accurate as possible to that original design, but with all the advancements and improvements of a modern manufacturing complex.
It features the iconic H&K diopter sights (the little rotating drum you probably recognize most from the MP5) and a standard 5/28 threaded barrel making it ready for suppressors out of the box.
A nice bonus about these guns is the widespread availability of dirt-cheap magazines. You can find surplus magazines for $5 to $10, and new magazines can be had for $10 to $15.
This was originally a mass-produced battle rifle. Itās got a stamped and welded receiver just like an AK, and the trigger does double duty as a medieval torture device. These things absolutely chew up brass; so if you are planning on reloading, this gun will literally put a dent in your plans.
Iād be comfortable calling the base model a two-MOA gun with mid-range ammo. Stepping up to their FR model with the match-grade bull barrel is an option for those looking to squeeze a bit more accuracy out of the platform.
Other Relevant Information
Why shoot .308 Win or 7.62 NATO?
Iāve talked before about how much I love the .308 Win cartridge and how perfect it is for my needs and those of most shooters and hunters.
Itās good out to 800 yards. With quality match ammo, it will probably be more accurate than most shooters.
Thanks to the extra heft of a .30-caliber bullet, itās more capable in long-distance and hunting applications than its smaller siblings, .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO.
So while I love rounds like 6.5 Creedmoor and .224 Valkyrie, I canāt get away from good olā .308.
FAQs
What's the best barrel length for a .308 semi-auto rifle?
Most semi-automatic rifles chambered for .308 Win or 7.62 NATO have a 16- to 18-inch barrel. For longer distance shooting, you might see a little more performance by stepping up to a 20-inch barrel.
What rifle do most deer hunters use?
These days, it's hard to say. Many deer hunters prefer 6.5 Creedmoor, .30-30 Win, and - of course - .308 Win.
What is the best semi-auto rifle in the world?
Now there's a loaded question! We have to give the edge to the AR platform but AK loyalists will have something to say about that. Drop it in the comments section, comrades.
Final Thoughts
That was a look at some of the awesome semi-automatic .308 and 7.62 NATO rifles out there.
This are two capable cartridges and having the ability to sling them without working a bolt is an awfully nice feature. Whether you’re honing your marksmanship, prepping for opening day, or building a collection, I’m sure you saw something you liked.
What do you think of these rifles? Let us know which is your favor it the comments and find ammo to feed these beasts with our guide to the best .308 Win ammo.
98 Leave a Reply
Why not pof revolution di or rogue?
The IWI Galil reviewed there is 7.62 x 39, not 7.62 x 51 or .308. That rifle uses AK pattern magazines, not AR10/SR25 mags as stated. That said, they do offer a Galil chambered in .308.
I have the Springfield M1A and too many DSA SA-58 FAL types.
Both are great
BUT you entirely failed to even mention "Rifle of the Year" the POF Revolution both piston driven CMR and the newer DI versions.
Also POF had made for a decade an AR-10 which has been torture tested to 68k by the San Bernardino Police
Also failed to mention
SIg 7.62 rifles, again Piston and newer DI version and not the MCX based SPEAR- US Army issue
LWRC
PWS
Ruger SR 7.62
Adams Arms
Tavor 7
Pretty happy with my M1A Loaded and DPMS LR .308 but Rugers new SFAR has caught my attention. Would love to see an objective review.
Great article, thanks!
My SFAR has been reliable and accurate. So far it has been delivering groups that are just over MOA. That is with PMC Bronze 150 gr. FMJ. I am still using position 3 for a break-in.
I wouldnāt trade my LWRCI REPR MKII 7.62 (308) for any other rifle. Yes itās expensive, but you get everything you need in one package. My 12.7 inch barrel came with a Surefire flash hider! Was it a supply chain issue? I donāt know but my SF 7.62 RC2 suppressor went right on.
Under 1 MOA with the short barrel & good 7.62x51 ammo! Not everything shoots that way, but it shoots anything you feed it!
Iām debating if I want to mess with perfection (IMO) and order a 20 inch upper.
LWRCās proprietary hand guard is dumb. You got me there. But everything else is pure smiles.
I bought right before the pandemic, but prices have finally begun to settle down and theyāre building them with Cerakote again.
I wish companies would stop advertising civilian market rifles as ābattle rifleā or ābattle readyā or "assault rifles" (yes, some companies do call their, what is basically an ordinary AR-15 platform MSR, an 'assault rifle' or claim its 'battle ready' or a 'battle rifle' for their civilian market only rifles).
It just plays into the democrats false claim of that a rifle in common use is an 'assault rifle intended to kill as its only purpose" and that makes them 'weapons of war', and ignore that less then 4% of all criminal shootings is with a rifle of any type and people use them for sporting and to have for defense and not offense - if anything the AR-platform MSR today is a 'Modern Defensive Sporting Rifle' at the most in common use. Its kinda hard to explain to the anti-gun idiots it isn't an 'assault rifle' when they can look at a company web site and say "See, even the company says its an assault rifle! They intentionally create and supply assault rifle weapons of war for the general public!"
I disagree, I think stop capitulating to the dumbass dems and start claiming the right to own Assault weapons, and Battle Rifles. It is our god given right and its time to stop trying to tiptoe around the Libs feelings.
It's not a matter of capitulating or about their feelings, it's a matter of the definitions being used against us to continue to create a false impression and deceive the public into supporting what ever claims they make.
Amen.
It's foolish to buy into such a simplistic them/us point of view. Statistics reveal that there is a much higher percentage of college educated, more prosperous, worldly and cultured individuals that fall into the Democratic camp. In fact I know many who are expert marksmen, hunters, and adventurers. Food for thought mate.
Hands down, the FN-FAL.
Wait a tic...no Tavor T7? Lemme just scroll up and see what that "Headline" was again. Yep, "6 Best .308/7.62 Semi-Auto Rifles: Battle Ready". T7 is 7.62/.308, fully ambidextrous (capable, you can switch it to wrong-handed in the field in about 10-15 minutes), 16.5" barrel but OA length is 26.75. Adjustable gas block for suppressed set up (like the Hellion 5.56), No iron sights though, needs an optic of course. Accuracy is sub 1.5 to 200yds. This is very battle tested and possibly the bestest for run and gun. This should be in the 3 Best .308/7.62 Semi-Auto Rifles: Battle Ready article that you were about to write.
One mighty fine .308 semi auto that is missing is the Browning BAR MK3 DBM.
Magazine fed, GREAT trigger out of the box, and very reliable (so far) for me. I know its not a former military rifle or descendent thereof, but that may be the beauty of this one.
They have a new go2 308 psr gas gun guaranteed to shoot 1 moa. Mine is shooting 1/2 moa and the bbl is not completely broken in, cycles perfectly, giesely trigger on and on. You might Ike to review one. Made in fl. If the shit hits the fan you would be best off with a m1a or bm59 both proven. The socom guys love all of these...
This really was an article about all the "one offs" in 7.62. Not at all educational for someone looking to buy a mainstream AR10 of superb quality from LWRC or DD (ok a slight nod with the AERO and PSA). True waste of time for me which is rare from Pew Pew.
Why is the Grey Ghost Precision MK ii .308 not listed especially given many of the inferior rifles on this list? Do you have any testing experience with the Grey Ghost MK ii .308? It is extremely accurate and eats just about any ammo you feed it with very little effort spent on maintaining a clean rifle. Thoughts?
I wish when making a list of the "best" you actually listed the best. This is a list of the best AFFORDABLE 7.62 semi-auto rifles. The LWRCI/Knight Armament/Daniel Defenses of the world have made some truly unbelievable 7.62 semi-auto rifles. Those rifles, and everything in that tier, are truly the best.
I own a couple of PTR-91's and a M1A Scout Squad. I love them all. The Springfield has an outstanding trigger. One PTR has a mule of a trigger, gritty and needs a team of oxen to get it to break. Reset is worse. The other trigger is almost as good as the M1A. Love the article and am a HUGE fan of the .308.
Why don't you ever hear about rock river ar8
Wheres the XCR-M
Best is with training, however u left out the bm 59/63 . Superb rifles for serious use. Loved your article!
Have you reviewed the PATRIOT ORDNANCE FACTORY ā REVOLUTION ā...
Lighter than any above...accurate...AR-15 sized...
then thereās their āROGUEā ...at 5.9-lbs (LIGHTEST .308, AR), 16-inch barrel , MICRO brake , heat-sink barrel nut , ROLLER cam pin ,
with AR-15 : * bolt carrier
* CH
* barrel nut
* Trigger Group
* Stock, Buffer tube, Buffer
* Grip
MSRP $1799.99
I always liked the M1 and M14. They were what I started with. The SLR and G3 were serviceable but not as instinctive. The sights and trigger were better on the US rifles. I never saw an AR10 but did use various M16 A1s and A2s. I would chose a Navy M1 in 308 as an ideal battle rifle for the armed citizen. Good weight, balance, and firepower, without the clumsy magazine of the other options.
Just got a IWI Galil so far I like it a lot. Planning on adding a red dot to it. Still seeing want ammo it likes the best.
This guy has no clue. The FAL was replaced by Israel with the Galil because the FAL preformed terrible in sand enviornments. To they essentially tweaked a milled ak into the best all around battle rifle, the original 308 Galil. The C308 made the list? They are terrible the sights dont even have windage adjustment and sometimes you get one one that actually works and prints 5moa groups. The FAL is also pretty inaccurate, ive heard dozens of guys drop 2k on a DSA then cry about accuracy. The M1A had the shortest US service career of any standard long arm fielded for good reason. The HK PSG-1 variant of the G3 50 years laiter is still the most accurate semi auto sniper/target platform that isn't a custom gun. The G3 what also called the kraut Kalashnikov because of not only its similar construction, but because they were AK reliable! They have a fluted chamber to aid in reliability, because of it even if you lose your extractor completely it will still run more reliable than a M1A or FAL sadly enough. The HK-417 style of battle rifle is currently being fielded by the Marine Corps with the purpose of phasing out the last of the M-110s which is a slightly accurized ar-10 from Knights Armament. The 417 is far more accurate and reliable, while also weighing less with a longer barrel life. I could go on all day....
Your complaints about the CETME are understandable, but then you go on to sing the G3's praises, citing things it shares with the CETME...?
The Cetme and Hk 91 are the same gun, internal parts interchange. While PTR has a decent reputation, I wouldn't buy a pack of gum that had Century on in. To this day I still find their guns that were built wrong and unsafe to shoot.
Do go on!
The s&w mp 10 308 is super accurate at 1500 dollars. I can hit steel at 600 yards all day with no tuning or accessories. Dont know why its not far ahead of psa or some of your choices.
Combat rifles. It would have been nice to have written some notes about 2 or 3 top choice ammo rounds as an addendum.
.308win 168gr OTM/ Gold metal match for out to 800m
.308win 175gr OTM/ Gold metal match for out to 1200m
There is also a 185gr thats gaining popularity, but at 1000m the bullet is dropping something like 7ft.
Thanks this was extremely informative!
What about a piston ar10 the size of ar15, with sub moa like the POF rev?
Are there any economical versions of the FALthat work I've heard mixed review for Century arms.
Wow again I am amazed. The HK 416 and 417 replaced the scope eating SCAR 17 that we all hated from the beginning. The RCH was violent and God help you if it accidentally hit a corner of a wall while maneuvering in combat because it will be ripped out of your hands. It happened more than most know. Even the Elcan Specter scopes would eventually become useless after riding that bull. Don't get me wrong it is a great concept but FN just could not modify the weapon to make it what it was actually designed to do. Outmatch the enemies capability but the HK 416 and 417 can and is better suited for any battlefield. Kept this opinionated man above ground more times than I can count!!
Thanks, this is a great review! I tend to wax nostalgic on battle rifles and pine for an M-1A, but your analysis opened my eyes quite a bit. The modernistic lines of the FN-SCAR turn me off a bit, but I've seen videos of it being used and it appears to be lightweight and very versatile. Happy 2020!
get an m14 because you love the m14 and not because it'll be versatile or super accurate. Best 308 option for versatility, ergos, cost and accuracy is an AR10 variant.
I rock out the M1A Scout. There are plenty of companies out there that offer parts to upgrade the system. You can drill into the stock and add rails. AMS Machine has great rail sections for the M1A.
LMT????
What about the Browning and the Benelli?
Good question.
Galil Ace 1651, please.
Agreed. Also the Tavor 7. Two excellent platforms that are battle proven by IWI.
Prices are off about $300+ at Palmetto. They raise their prices every time the sun rises...
The price for the PA10 model listed is correct, but it is out of stock right now and the only one that is in stock is PSA's brand new gen 3 PA10 that is also an upgraded model over their baseline rifle.
The above link for PA10 full review is down. Is it still available somewhere else?
Here it is!
Thank you!
Oops, internal error - NOW the link is fixed!
The SCAR will make a comeback one day ... Mark my words! I'll take one now if anyone wants to liquidate theirs! Let me know.
Mark
Just got a Springfield Armory Victor 308 rifle. Love it!
Iāve heard great things about the SA Victor 308, is there anything that compares at that price point? Considering it for my first 308.
Ruger SFAR beats most of them. 6.8 pounds, the size of a 5.56mm rifle, 452 Elite trigger, common magazine and low price.
Knight's Armament, LWRC...
This list LOL more like the only 308 rifles you could think of. POF Revolution and Revolution DI take number 1 and 2 spot.
Seems as though I hear, as in this report lack of any acknowledgment of the DPMS LR-10, one of which I own and have excellent results with, that is if one considers nailing golf balls at two hundred yards with an NF-SHV 5-20X 56 Scope, compensator, and Geislie trigger. Off the shelf price-1,200.00$s (that is for the rifle alone of course)
Great information, keep up the good work.
I like my Ruger SR762, but have a long term fondness for my railroad tie, the venerable HK91...
What about Salvage...Accuracy!!!???
What about Daniel Defense????!!!
Galil ACE .308 turds on most of these mentioned. Making this list pretty useless.
Love my M1A! I always think it's too big and heavy in the safe, then spend a whole afternoon shooting it. Now I want a Bula version
What about the Saint Victor 308?
I love my FNAR...... but then again I love my LR 10 too
Zastava m77. Boom
I have two of these rifles. Both I built from demilled kits. The first one is from a CETME kit which cost $178. It came with everything but receiver but had the front trunnion. I then bought a ready to use PTR receiver for around $300. from Atlantic. It was a bear to get the trunnion/barrel set up and spaced but worth every head ache. I powder coated the rifle a stealth grey and it looks very exotic. I also installed an HK forearm that has the fold up bipod. While no 1000 yd. shooter I can bang the 250 yard steel with ease using fmj surplus.
My next surplus built rifle was an FN Fal kit I got for just over $500. I then bought a receiver from DSA. The receiver was one that they had made for a cancelled order placed by the Mexican Government. I think the receiver was right at $300. It doesnāt have a carry handle cut out. I also purchased a new 16ā barrel from DSA as well. Remembering how much a pain setting the head space on the CETME was and me not having any of the gauge pins and unsurity of the process I opted to let DSA install the new barrel onto the new receiver. I sent them all the parts to assemble the upper assembly and for $165. and about 2 weeks in time I received a completed properly headspace upper assembly. Neither of these guns are not light to carry but if the SHTF I am ready. I also have a Garand that will easily hit steel open sighted at 250 yards. The M1A is on my list but I just canāt canāt find one in my price range.
I grew up on a farm with my grandpa who was a ww2 nut. It wasn't until after his death that I realized he was collecting military weapons. I just didn't know that was his reasoning, I just thought he loved guns. I didn't appreciate his m14 until I shot it and that was with basic peep sights. It was the only large caliber I've shot that blew the bullseye out at 110 yards. I mean every shot touching no black left. When he passed, it went to my uncle. Here I am 10 years later, went through the Marine Corps and I want my own. I'm very happy to see the M1A on this list, very happy. It's helping me justify my next purchase. Think I'll go with the 20" version in 308 and read forums on enhancing accuracy with gunsmith work I started to read about.
Check out the IWI Tavor 7. Same amazing amazing traits as the other Tavors, but chambered in 7.62X51mm. Feels awesome to shoot, especially suppressed.
POF Revolution is by far the best.
So, you're a shill, then.
I like the Rock River Arms LR-8 in the Standard Operator configuration. At my age I am not much good out beyond 600 yds and I find the LR-8 under a Nightforce ATACr to work well. The last piece I want is a full auto anything. That sort of thing is for when Victor Charles is coming through the wire at 3 AM. Not these days though. Now he's making furniture.
Aero AR-10 are awesome guns. I have two. Both are tack drivers. They are Not using an adjustable gas block and work just fine. They shoot everything. It took shooting them for a while and a lot of oil to loosen up the very tight BCG.
I'm going to build an Aero precision AR 10
Is the PSA rifle in your photo the same one you saw listed for $600?
The only one I see with a stock like the one on the photo cost $750 and has a 20" barrel.
The $599.99 version looks totally different. https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-gen2-pa10-18-mid-length-308-win-stainless-steel-classic-rifle.html
You are correct the one that's $600 has an A2 style front sight and a standard milspec stock
Getting ready to get my 308 Semi auto. I am probably going to choose either the PSA. I am also considering the DPMS Recon Gen II, fo you have any comments or advice on that model? Great rundown, salute!
The GII Recon is very good out of the box but becomes excellent once some upgrades are done.
Having spent my life to this point shooting, this article was a great read. I have had in the past a Century FAL, still have a Springfield M1A and a PSA AR10 20" heavy barrel with a CMC 3.5# trigger. Most of the others I've come in contact with and agree with your assessment in the article, as you vary them, the assessment changes. All in all a fun read and a good article for those thinking of taking the plunge. And I do love the 308, my tack driver is the Savage model 10 FLCP-SR w/24" bull barrel and 4X12 Nikon M-308 scope, a very capable rifle that didn't empty my bank account! Keep up the good work!
And how about DB10ELB? Or DB10CKMB. Its cost from 960$ to 1099$
Great article and a fun read- hoping for a lottery win!
I find your article accurate from my personal
experience, a well written buyers guide.
Thanks love my Aeroās never a problem everything I need -would love a M1A tho so damn cool
Enjoyed the article -- wasn't expecting the c308. Could've had at least one bullpup.
Galil Ace? I prefer mine over my FAL.
This is the question that keeps me up at night. Galil or FAL? FAL or Galil?
GALIL for the win !
Any experience with or feedback on the Colt LE901 S or SE ?
I can't imagine why the LWRC Int'l REPR MKII wouldn't be on this list ... probably #1. I get it ... very expensive ... but an awesome high-end long-distance weapon. I have it in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor, and I'd put LWRC quality, accuracy and reliability up against any other device. For those that can afford 2x the price and want 4x the weapon ... it's an easy choice.
An AR-10 is basically an AR-10. There are better-made ones and worse made ones, but it is the same pattern of rifle. This list was more a look at battle rifles as a whole Vs. just a long list of AR-10s.
That's an interesting response. The name of the article is "Best .308/7.62" ... not "Cheapest" or "Battle" or whatever. I'm just sayin' ... you identify the best "Bang for the Buck" and other categories, so I'm wondering why a "Best High End" or something like that wouldn't rate consideration, unless you think it's just not a good .308. If it's the best on the market, like LWRCI usually is thought of, it shouldn't be excluded from a "Best of ..." list like this. Your article - my opinion - both are respected. Thanks for the great work. I don't have to agree to enjoy the quality journalism.
It is one of the best high-end AR-10s, it's just in another article ;) Glad you enjoy!
Just read the article that reviewed the LWRC REPR. I agree, after buying the .308 and loving it so much I bought the 6.5 Creedmoor Elite (carbon-fiber barrel). They're beyond expensive ... but I'm grossly overpaid ... and I WANTED THEM. Pondering the AR-15 SBR version, but I believe if I bought another one, my wife would load it up and shoot me in
the @$$.
Hi rusty .They did a best ar10 article months ago and the Repr was on the list. The author of the article actually glommed all over it on how much he loved it.After reading about the Repr I would defenetly opt to purchase if I had the means.I have 2 AR's in 308 a savage msr 10 and a PSA PX 10. The PSA is ok. The Savage after s#*t canning the Blackhawk grip,stock and trigger and replacing with Magpul and Ruger elite trigger,this I believe to be one of the finest 308's in the AR platform on the market.Enjoy your firearms and God bless. Kris
Great perspective, and I just saw the article. Owning two, I can attest to the fact that "Yes" ... they really are "that good". When I go to the range, if I want practice, I bring one of my other rifles. If I want precision shots in sub-MOA bulls-eyes to and through 500 yards ... I bring my .308 REPR. If I want to hit the 14-inch gong at 1,200 yards ... I bring my 6.5 REPR (Vortex Golden Eagle 60x scope). One of the things that nobody ever mentions in articles (because they only test-shoot them) ... is how easy they are to clean. I can put 100 rounds down-range, and the bolt carrier group and upper receiver clean with a simple wipe-down and re-grease due to the piston-driven gas system. All that nasty carbon never gets to the bolt since it drives a piston that pushes the bolt, instead of doing that with gas. Clean-up takes 15 minutes to be ready for the safe, and most of that is punching the barrel. I have 1,000+ rounds down-range on both, and I've never had to take a brush to either bolt carrier group to have them looking like new.
Yes! Thanks...
Can t belive you put the springfield so far down on the list thats crazy bud
Saved the best for last.
The list isn't in a set order.