Need Advice on Rifle Choice

[mitchshrader]

I'm contemplating a rifle that will pass for either sporting or tactical-in-a-pinch.

I'm not concerned with cosmetics, but VERY concerned with reliability. I want .308 caliber.

I've no opinion, other than good rifles are expensive.

How to arrive at maximum accuracy (and reliability) with minimum investment?

I'm looking at Springfields, Garands, and M1A's.. what (if any) sporting rifles would be closest?

Where's the sweet spot? Must go bang, not break, and approach 1 MOA.

if it helps to know, i'm lousy with a rifle, want one that takes fairly inexpensive ammo for extended practice sessions. That ALSO brings up the barrel life question. AND the barrel replacement question. And the need for gunsmithing question..

Overall, considering ammo, rifle, scope & mounts.. (no i don't Care much if it's bolt action, or gas operated).. what is most sensible?

[Decguns]

If you want maximum accuracy at minimum cost, I would steer you towards a decent bolt action. Now-a-days, most inexpensive bolt action sporters will deliver 1.5 MOA or less right out of the box. HOWA 1500's are inexpensive and exceptionally accurate. The Charles Daly and Savage rifles at Wal-Mart also perform well.

From my experience, the M1A can be a tack driver. I won't blow smoke up your ***** and tell you they shoot sub-MOA with surplus ball ammo right out of the box. They just don't do that. Expect to spend at least $1500, and closer to $2500 to get a real tack driver. Even then, they are notoriously ammo finiky. And, any gas operated rifle will start to string shots vertically when the barrel heats up.

A 308 barrel will last probably 10,000 rounds. If you don't abuse the barrel, you can expect very good accuracy out to 2000 rounds or more.

I think your best bet would be to buy a decent bolt action rifle. Top it with a quality scope (optics are not a place to go cheap). You can practice with surplus ball ammo all day long.

[mitchshrader]

thank you. that is entirely in line with what i've learned so far.

i'm looking at rugers at present.

once i'm down to a short list, i'll ask more questions..

but, as i'm somewhat interested in that 'tactical in a pinch' part..

the choices will likely be limited to weapons with external magazines.

[p01ic3m4n]

i like the FAL variants for a somewhat inexpensive .308. it's really quite accurate with optics, with the adjustable pressure knob can shoot a variety of ammo, and has 20 round magazines.

most military rifles, semi-auto or bolt action, have stripper clips or magazines that make them quick to reload. stay in that arena for a good quick rifle. don't expect to win any sniper contests at 1000 yards, but bouncing a tin can at 200 or 300 yards is not impossible.

[mitchshrader]

happens i'm looking at various used weapons right now. seems a highgrade 30.06 can be had (with scope) in VG condition under 1000$.

I don't need a military rifle. I need a rifle that'd work in a pinch as effective hunting rifle, AND defense (worst case) without appearing to be an Evil Black Rifle..

I admire the FAL but it's not for me.

I can shoot JUST well enough with a rifle to appreciate a good one.

Common caliber would allow some practice, but still i'm gonna be a lousy shot, and not enjoy it.

Guy without a rifle isn't Really armed, though, by my standard. gotta get Something.

[Kentuckian]

If you're set on .308 and want a bolt action, I'd look into a CZ550 Varmint or a Remington 700 VLS.

[M1Garand]

You can get a full tactical bolt action for $1000 in FN SPR rifle. Very nice. Heavy, though. No for hunting use. Guaranteed sub-MOA.

FBI use FN SPR as its sniper rifle.