Semi-Automatic Center Fire rifle

HOUSTON RICK · Mar 12, 2021

I have been hoarding gift certificates to get a semi-Automatic Center fire rifle.
I am committed to US Design either the Springfield M1A (Full size or Socom), M14, ranch model Ruger Mini14 (current favorite) or a distant fourth M1 carbine. I have a number of 22's for plinking and good bolt actions and lever actions for hunting and reaching out at distance. Yes, what you pick would depend on what you use it for and I would say "General Purposes" at the range and self defense in extreme situations. No seal team missions for me, no long range marksmanship competitions. Any of these - if the stars align right - will take six months to get after payment and order, but are available at pre-insanity prices. I am old, six months goes in a wink. With only that information, which would you choose and why? Thank you for your thoughts.

Peak53 · Mar 12, 2021

Since you mentioned the Ruger Mini 14, you might want to consider the Mini 30. The old stories about inaccuracy are ... old. Fixed now for about 20 years. A little more thump than a .223, say if you wanted to shoot through something to get at something.

Fishinfool · Mar 12, 2021

Well Rick, I have owned all three, and for just plain old shooting fun, I would go with the M1a. It is one of my favorite rifles to hit the range with. Weight keeps recoil down, they hit hard, are more accurate than the Mini or Carbine, and just a satisfying rifle to own.

I think they are offered in several calibers like the 6.5cm, but I would stick to the standard .308 chambering for availability and originality. Mine shown below with an AR for comparison.

Larry

brucev · Mar 12, 2021

Take a look at a service grade M-1 Garand from the CMP. I have several of these rifles ... all service grade. Without exception they have all been exceptional rifles. I have one that was rebarreled to .308 Winchester using a Criterion barrel by Deans Gun Works. That rifle is outstanding in every respect. Wish I'd had them restock it. Currently it sits in a Boyd stock/handguards. Looks great. Will shortly install it in a USGI Match prepared stock w/ proper hand guards. I have used these rifles on everything that walks or crawls in Georgia. Never had a problem of any kind. HTH. Sincerely. bruce.

Glashaus · Mar 12, 2021

I have all of those, if you want to try them out come on over to the Pearland Shooting Club. They are all a bit different , not sure what model you mean by the "M14" unless it is perhaps a Bula M14 clone. The M1 carbines are fun and bring a lot of history. The M1A's and other M14 clones are fine shooting 7.62 NATO rifles. For versatility and general purpose here in the Houston area a Mini 14 in 5.56/.223 would be a fine choice

Buick · Mar 12, 2021

Mini 14s are fun

But the m1 carbine would be at the top of my list

Kanewpadle · Mar 12, 2021

What I had stashed away in ammo would dictate what gun I buy next.

BigBill · Mar 12, 2021

I was never interested in the american made semi auto military rifles. But the few semi auto rifles I was interested in was the browning bar hunting rifle. The Russian Izmash Saiga in 223 or 308. It’s a sporterized version of the ak/akm. They shoot 1.5” groups at 100 yds. The Chinese Norinco m14 clone isn’t bad either. Reconsider and shop around. If I had to choose today for a semi auto in 223 I’d chose the Saiga. The action is known around the world for reliability and dependability. These semi autos just don’t quit firing.

If you want a m14/M1a I’d go with one who builds them and has a good rep. Like Fulton Armory. Ect. If I’m going to pay a lot I’m going to get a custom built one to my specs.

I Have a norinco m14s to do my build. It’s almost done. They say the 5100 forged steel is the best to use. I picked up USGI orginal m14 from Fred’s. The norc has a chrome lined bore and chamber.

Muley Gil · Mar 12, 2021

Springfield SOCOM.

SJC3081 · Mar 12, 2021

A quality AR15 style rifle should be your first choice.

Rubone · Mar 12, 2021

Some have been around a long time...Model 8/81 Remington

jdlii · Mar 12, 2021

1. M1 Grand in .308 caliber. Standard sights.

2. M1A Socom or full size. NM sights or LER scope.

3. FN FAL, Imbel receiver, metric pattern.

4. DPMS Oracle LR, .308.

5. Remington Mod. 700, 5R, .308 or .223 with replacement bottom metal to allow use of HC magazines.

6. AK platform, U.S. made, 7.62 x 39.

7. M1 Carbine, U.S. G.I. .30 caliber.

BigBill · Mar 12, 2021

Peak53 said:
Since you mentioned the Ruger Mini 14, you might want to consider the Mini 30. The old stories about inaccuracy are ... old. Fixed now for about 20 years. A little more thump than a .223, say if you wanted to shoot through something to get at something.

The inaccuracy was from the different diameter bullets. The 7.62x39 was different diameters.

CB3 · Mar 12, 2021

If history, nostalgia and old are requirements, you have good advice. You could add an AK or FAL to the list.

If you want a modern, truly ergonomic and ambidextrous, versatile (change calibers), reliable, robust, easy to maintain semi: Robinson Armament XCR-L (short cartridges like 5.56) or XCR-M (.308 length cartridges). Folding (can still fire) adjustable stock, different barrel lengths, monolithic PIC rail, M-Loc or Key Mod various length fore ends, adjustable gas system, long stroke piston, low felt recoil, etc. Little known, under appreciated, but when reviewed and/or competing against some of the guns you mentioned, it comes out on top.

I have had my XCR-M 7.56x51 for about five years.

Here's a link to a YouTube channel competition that comes to the surprising conclusion: get an XCR-M.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pClJVKfFyY[/ame]

BigBill · Mar 12, 2021

jdlii said:
1. M1 Grand in .308 caliber. Standard sights.

2. M1A Socom or full size. NM sights or LER scope.

3. FN FAL, Imbel receiver, metric pattern.

4. DPMS Oracle LR, .308.

5. Remington Mod. 700, 5R, .308 or .223 with replacement bottom metal to allow use of HC magazines.

6. AK platform, U.S. made, 7.62 x 39.

7. M1 Carbine, U.S. G.I. .30 caliber.

Rumors has the us made ak is having problems. The russian engineers at Izmash Saiga say the saiga spotter is more accurate in 223 and 308 than their Russian calibers. They believe it’s the design of our brass case. Trust me I’m new to ak/akm rifles I never seen a semi auto cycle like an ak/akm. Now if you want a rifle in 7.63x39 the sks is what you want.

LVSteve · Mar 12, 2021

AR-10 with a proper length (20" or more) barrel.

Peak53 · Mar 12, 2021

CB3;141092410 If you want a modern said:
Umm ... nope, don't want that. Just give me a rifle that shoots where I point it.

LVSteve · Mar 12, 2021

BigBill said:
Rumors has the us made ak is having problems. The russian engineers at Izmash Saiga say the saiga spotter is more accurate in 223 and 308 than their Russian calibers. They believe it’s the design of our brass case. Trust me I’m new to ak/akm rifles I never seen a semi auto cycle like an ak/akm. Now if you want a rifle in 7.63x39 the sks is what you want.

I've had two, a Saiga and a WASR. The Saiga was drastically over gassed and the cycle was almost violent. The WASR was entirely different. Long stroke gas systems like the AK and Beretta AR70/90 have a LOT of gas powered mass compared to a M-14 or an AR-10.

Gene L · Mar 12, 2021

My M1A weighs 10 pounds (!). With a wooden stock. I'm glad I got it but wouldn't want to replace it with another.

It's not especially accurate (standard grade.) But it's accurate enough.

Ivan the Butcher · Mar 13, 2021

Another consideration would be if you plan on spouse or children/grandkids shooting your rifle also. The forward mass in the AR-10 and M-14 clones makes them hard to shoot without a rest for slight built women and kids! The Mini-14/30 and M-1 Carbine do not have this condition. (true M1 Carbines are difficult to scope) My wife's SD rifle is an IBM M-1 Carbine with Win. 110 grain soft hollow points in 15 round mags.

If the rifle is just for your entertainment, I have a 19" 308 AR-10 by Windham Arms that is quite the rifle (once I installed a good trigger!). In the 80's and 90's I had a HK 91 in 308, that shot 200 yard 1/2" groups using military ball ammo from Israel or Germany. They are kind of pricy now days!

What ever you decide on is of course your business. I would recommend any 308 have a good scope mounting system available (to scope an M1A can be expensive!) AR platforms are probably the least expensive. (Note: while the Scout Rifle is great for human size targets in combat, [and very sexy!] don't plan on getting varmints in the garden past 100 yards)

Ivan

Semi-Automatic Center Fire rifle

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