Wanting a battle rifle

[Jmccracken1214]

After 6 years in the Army, 1 of those in Afghan... Ive just never felt close to the 223/556 after getting out. Wasnt ever impressed with it during my service. I like the ar15 platform, but to me, a 223 is only good for plinking, and 30 cent a piece aint cheap to plink.. Just not a fan of the round.

Ive been looking at AK's, mainly a PSA.. I hear good and bad about them but cant seem to bring myself to spend $1000+ on an AK... But the Galil on the other hand, has me wanting to throw money at it.

Just seeing what everyone thinks of the Galil, for its quality, performance and it's cost... Is it a smart "battle rifle" or are there a lot better choices for the money?

 

[RickyRodney]

SCAR 17. You will have no regrets!

 

[AMGtuned]

I have AR platform weapons in both .223, and .308 and have no regrets. Any different, I think I would go FAL.....

 

[XLR308]

" Battle Rifle "
Here you go.
Anything less is mostly a civilian semi version of lessor rifles not really battle rifles.

 

[Strykervet]

I have some nice FAL parts I'm selling including a Cerakoted PRS stock and lower assy. + scope mount, all you'd need is a few small parts and a barreled upper.

You say you like the AR platform, then why not 6.5G? Has a higher BC than 7.62 and when it goes trans, the Grendel is still supersonic. It's got double the momentum of 5.56 and almost double the energy and it makes a bigger hole and shoots straighter. Not to mention it's damn accurate. IMO it's the best round for the AR. But if you consider AK good enough, then why not .300BLK? Better platform, supers perform like an AK AND you can fire subs in the same rifle without any grief. Oh, and short 8.5" barrels do almost as good as 16" barrels. Almost.

I got an SR25 and yeah, it ain't cheap, but it's a DAMN FINE rifle. Accurate. The new ones are lighter.

There's the Mk20 for about the same as the SR25.

I have an FAL folder and I've owned a G3 and AK's and shit, and out of 'em all I only have the FAL folder left. It's a solid rifle, it was literally designed to fight WW3 FFS, so it's got that going for it.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

You say you like the AR platform, then why not 6.5G?

But if you consider AK good enough, then why not .300BLK?

I got an SR25 and yeah, it ain't cheap, but it's a DAMN FINE rifle. Accurate. The new ones are lighter.

There's the Mk20 for about the same as the SR25.

I gather from the OP that he's too stingy for any of your suggestions.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

You gather wrong. You can gather elsewhere too.

You literally said 223 is too pricey for you.
And then 308 was too pricey.
It looks like 7.62x39 is your choice because of the ammo cost, since thats all it has going for it.

 

[XLR308]

You literally said 223 is too pricey for you.

Well then I guess my suggestion is out the window.
Way to battlish
The 65G was a damn good suggestion though and of course there's the 68SPC.

 

[buffalowinter]

 

[TonyTheTiger]

For a plinking round it is. It’s too small, like I said. Something like Grendel or x39 can be had cheaper or st same price and fit more roles than the tiny 223

You can get cheap steel case 223, and as long as you're buying garbage ammo it won't matter if it's 223, 6.5G or x39, it'll all just be plinking fodder.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

If it has a pistol grip then it is a battle rifle.

 

[XLR308]

If it has a pistol grip then it is a battle rifle.

I've got a tv remote with a pistol grip on it, gotta do something with all those leftover A2 grips. ???

 

[Deleted member 10043]

OP, the Galil can be traced to the AK. An affordable AK can be had and will swallow up any cheap ammo you like. And don't know of any combatant being shot at by cheap ammo not asking for support. Especially, the U.S. Army.

 

[W54/XM-388]

I love it when somebody starts things off with "Battle Rifle"...... We have had such beautiful raging debates about what qualifies as a "battle rifle".

An AR15 platform in .223 with a decent 20" or longer barrel shooting the heavier 75gr / 77gr rounds is in my opinion greatly superior in most respects to an AK platform, with a 20" or greater barrel & some decent ammunition, you get a lot more performance than the short barreled ones shooting bulk ammo. Use good high power ammunition and it will do decently on the same game you'd shoot with an AK.

You could go with the M1A platform (and put it in an EBR stock if needed), or a HK93/G3 Style rifle, or a FN/FAL style rifle if you want one of the "Purist" approved "Battle Rifles", however if you want to shoot .308 I'd suggest a good AR10 style rifle as being way easier to be accurate with & to put a scope on than any of the others.

If you want to do longer range target shooting, you could go with a long barreled AR10 in 6.5 Creedmoor.
If you want the AR15 sized platform but with a heavier bullet, then you can go with .224V, or 6.5 Grendel or 6.8 SPC II, or even .300 Blackout in supersonic.

I'd only go the AK route if you actually wanted an AK specifically.

 

[rxer311]

PSA has been spotty with QA. It seems generally for Ak's that imports seem more reliable? But...I don't have any experience with AK's so don't listen to this post...

 

[JMGlasgow]

What about a VZ58?

 

[W54/XM-388]

PSA has been spotty with QA. It seems generally for Ak's that imports seem more reliable? But...I don't have any experience with AK's so don't listen to this post...

If you want to get into high quality AKs, there are some very nice USA made milled receiver models made, but you'll pay the same as for an AR15/AR10 platform... so again it's if you want an AK specifically.

 

[fxdrider]

If you like the AR platform, why not a PSA in .308 or 6.5 Creed? They currently have an 18” .308 complete rifle for $599. They’re always having sales on complete uppers and lowers as well.
I recently picked up one in 6.5 Creedmoor and am really enjoying it.

 

[Deleted member 113831]

I love it when somebody starts things off with "Battle Rifle"...... We have had such beautiful raging debates about what qualifies as a "battle rifle".

The title said "Battle Rifle", but what I think he meant to say is "Commie Bullet Hose"

 

[knuckleballz]

AK platform, heavy and 2-3+moa and limited range/accuracy. 300 blackout ammo is expensive and relative short range. You can shoot 308 for the same cost but better performance. The AR platform in large frame or small frame offers the most flexiblity for creating a rifle in a caliber that suits your goal. Build different uppers for different needs. My ak's collect dust while my ar's are more satisfying to shoot accurately at long range. An AK pistol with a brace has great value for a truck gun or home defense though. Many different tools for whatever you choose is the most important for the task. I have many tools for a variety of uses.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

You are correct, but missing my point. I'd like something that has the option for cheap ammo, but can use for other things. I can run wolf in a ak, or grendel when doing speed drills.. then load up some ammo and take medium game at 150-300 yards.

Well now that I understand your goals a bit better this thread makes a little more sense. But I'll still disagree with you in that I'd rather blast with a 223 and then use the proper ammo to accurately dispatch medium game at mid range (plenty of deer around here dying from .224 sized holes) than rely on a heavier but typically less precise round/platform to get those 300yd deer.

 

[VP47PPC]

M1A 308/7.62

 

[DaleGribble82]

After deciphering The Da Vinci Code I have come to the determination that you in fact don’t want a battle rifle.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

A battle rifle is something you are willing to be caught dead with. Like you don't want to be caught dead with a nice rifle with the wrong Cold War woodland cammie scheme with desert tan rings. "Hey, look as this dead fuck. What about him he's missing his head. No, you dumb fuck. His rifle. LOL, yeah, SH member no doubt."

 

[Diablo]

IMO, Valmet M76 (preferably M76F). Otherwise the Valmet Rk 62 or the Israeli Galil ARM 7.62.

Gonna punch a hole in the bank account, tho...........

But, do you really wanna be caught dead with it ???

 

[W54/XM-388]

I'd take a grendel to battle.
Took a m16A2 and FN m4 to afghanistan. Would have much rather had a 6.5G to return fire with.

What about if someone had offered you a scoped, accurate AR10 in .308 instead to return fire with?

 

[Deleted member 10043]

Custer went into the Little Bighorn with single shot battle rifles and 100 round per troop. The Indians greeted him with battle Henry Repeaters. A lot of Henrys. Plus, they had battle bows and arrows. A lot of them. Battle knives. Battle clubs. Battle whistles. They captured some battle flags. Just sayin'

 

[RTH1800]

Is this for concealed carry? ?

 

[DaleGribble82]

Custer went into the Little Bighorn with single shot battle rifles and 100 round per troop. The Indians greeted him with battle Henry Repeaters. A lot of Henrys. Plus, they had battle bows and arrows. A lot of them. Battle knives. Battle clubs. Battle whistles. They captured some battle flags. Just sayin'

Hehehehe @Culpeper I like this. We should be friends.

 

[DaleGribble82]

Is this for concealed carry? ?

Yes.

 

[W54/XM-388]

For sure, but carrying around all day would suck. I hauled a 249 around some, that thing isnt fun to carry for 14-18 hours lol.
I like my grendel now, its the only rifle I have that my wife can hold and shoot standing un supported lol, its a 20". My bergara and RPR are 16lbs

For everything except cheap practice ammo, your 6.5G is probably excellent for you.
A light built AR10 in .308 would probably be cheaper to shoot with bulk ammo, but it would have a lot more recoil and still be slightly heavier than a light built 6.5G

 

[BravoSector1]

Buy my Galil! Oh, wait....

You want a "battle rifle" which means a certain caliber. Have you looked at the DPMS Oracle in 762 NATO? They can be had in the low $600s, great optics platform, and you can improve the trigger, furniture or replace the barrel when/as needed. Spend the other cash on optics, ammo and range time!

 

[TonyTheTiger]

For everything except cheap practice ammo, your 6.5G is probably excellent for you.

There is some cheap steel case 6.5G on the market now.

 

[DaleGribble82]

There is some cheap steel case 6.5G on the market now.

Fact.

 

[RTH1800]

Mk 262 5.56 is your friend.

 

[brianf]

Ammo is a little more $, but as said before a FAL feels like a battle rifle.
Ar is more accurate and accessories galore, M1A can be is a little more accurate if you spend the $ but a FAL feels like you doing something.

 

[DaleGribble82]

Ammo is a little more $, but as said before a FAL feels like a battle rifle.
Ar is more accurate and accessories galore, M1A can be is a little more accurate if you spend the $ but a FAL feels like you doing something.

@brianf I concur with the above statement. When you lay the hammer down with an FAL/L1A1 you and anything on the other end knows that work is getting put in bigtime!

 

[acudaowner]

22's are cheap and useful , still love my ar its not let me down yet. Maybe save the 223/ 556 for once in a while or sell it if you want. you could always reload your own ammo dropping the price even more. While it is an expensive hobby , but what hobby is cheap .

 

[DaleGribble82]

22's are cheap and useful , still love my ar its not let me down yet. Maybe save the 223/ 556 for once in a while or sell it if you want. you could always reload your own ammo dropping the price even more. While it is an expensive hobby , but what hobby is cheap .

I have yet to meet a reloader that actually saved money by reloading ?. I know for a fact my dad and my buddy told me when they started out how much money they were gonna save. Ask them today and.......they’ll be talking about this or that or that load or this press or these dies or a new micrometer lol reloading junkies are just like gun junkies and when you combine the two hobbies you get degenerates like all of us here ??.

 

[cornhusker86]

As stated before, a DPMS Oracle 7.62 is a solid choice. It's affordable, imminently upgradeable, and ammo choices from here to Christmas.

 

[padronanniversary]

how about a sks. low cost, been around, ammo is cheap

 

[Deleted member 10043]

My battle rifles are a Yugo SKS and a Ruger Mini-30. Both have been altered to fire any ammo I give them. And get this. They have no pistol grips or optics. Hell, the SKS can fire a grenade. That is no fucking brake.

 

[Deleted member 113831]

how about a sks. low cost, been around, ammo is cheap

You obviously haven't bought one in a long time.

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[W54/XM-388]

Original Soviet SKS rifles used to be available by the crate load for under $80 each not that long ago, these days you can buy an AR15 for what they go for.

I will say however don't try to do the stupid "magazine upgrade" for the original SKS rifles, that's how to turn something hugely reliable into a Jam factory.

 

[DaleGribble82]

You obviously haven't bought one in a long time.

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Was thinking the exact same thing. I saw one recently at a gun shop down in Georgia that was looking pretty damn rough, and they were still trying to fetch $450.

 

[BravoSector1]

how about a sks. low cost, been around, ammo is cheap

If he's after the "intermediate round" there is so much to offer. Battle proven platforms to include the modern IWI Galil Ace. He said main battle rifle....that, by definition, starts with 762NATO.

Behind cover for inbound fire

 

[W54/XM-388]

He said main battle rifle....that, by definition, starts with 762NATO.
Behind cover for inbound fire

Annnnnnd we are off to the races......
Let the fun begin....

 

[Deleted member 10043]

The 44-40 is second to the 30-30 for taking deer. Something to think about. Lever actions are pretty darn popular. Make a good battle rifle and you can pick a caliber that matches your battle pistol. Just sayin'

 

[padronanniversary]

wow I didn’t realize they are going for so much. I bought a crate way back when they were dirt cheap.

 

[DaleGribble82]

wow I didn’t realize they are going for so much. I bought a crate way back when they were dirt cheap.

Lucky I must have been about 3 years old when you bought it.