Re: M1A or HK 91
Between the HK-91 and the M1A I'd pick the M1A, but for the stated purpose of sub-300m/living in the woods, hunting zombies, etc. I'd pick the FAL, with the M1A Scout being a very close second.
The Hk-91 was designed specifically to frustrate people with normal hands. I sold my PTR-91 to buy a FAL, which has become one of my favorite rifles of all time, followed closely by my M1A Scout.
Everything about the PTR/HK91 is wrong. Stamped steel, brass mangaling, non-reachable safetied, last shot bolt hold openless, el cheapo plastic stocked, case hurling, horrible triggered garbage.
And the charging handle is heavy and almost at the muzzle.
And the mag release is in a useless spot and the paddle mag release is of questionable legality. There is a halfway excuse for a paddle mag release that moves side to side instead of forward and back. Better than the button one I suppose.
And putting the bolt back in the carrier always raises my blood pressure.
I might not hate it so much if it was in the same price range as an AK clone, because I think they're in the same class, and not everyone can afford a used FAL at $800 or a new FAL for over a grand. But $899 for a PTR-91 is no kind of deal. And the HK going for over $3000 makes me sick.
It's like the Mini-14 of battle rifles. Not everyone can afford an AR, but who wants a Mini when another $75 can get you an AR?
But whatever, if you like'em, cool. They're not all bad I guess. mine was pretty much 100% reliable and pretty accurate.
The FAL used to be the right arm of the free world. The G-3 is the right arm of what...? The RUF?