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03-14-2009, 05:33 AM
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I am seriously contemplating selling off several unused guns and buying a SUR (Sport Utility Rifle) in .308. I would appreciate any and all advice and why you would recommend one over another. At this point what I have seen available are the following:
Cetme: very affordable, getting hard to find
FN/FAL: not too pricey, but very heavy, and getting hard to find
Springfield M1A: very pricey, but easily found
Garand tanker: very rare, medium pricey
What am I missing?
Thanks folks!
Steve
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Steve
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03-14-2009, 05:33 AM
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I am seriously contemplating selling off several unused guns and buying a SUR (Sport Utility Rifle) in .308. I would appreciate any and all advice and why you would recommend one over another. At this point what I have seen available are the following:
Cetme: very affordable, getting hard to find
FN/FAL: not too pricey, but very heavy, and getting hard to find
Springfield M1A: very pricey, but easily found
Garand tanker: very rare, medium pricey
What am I missing?
Thanks folks!
Steve
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Steve
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03-14-2009, 05:48 AM
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Have a look at Armalite AR10s.
I have experience with the Armalites, there's other makes of the same thing but less expensive.
Jim
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Cast bullets are the true and rightious path to shooting bliss
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03-14-2009, 05:49 AM
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My favorite 308 is my DPMS LR308T, Lightweight, accurate, easy to clean, high capacity, hunting legal with the right magazine, easy to fit with any optics but will work well with iron sights if you choose, and hotrodable. I have an M1A Supermatch also, and I like it when I'm in the mood, but it's heavy, doesn't adapt to optics easily, and I find it hard to clean. Make sure you purchase magazines while they are still available.
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03-14-2009, 08:17 AM
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Steve,
I can echo sar4937 on the DPMS. I have the Panther LR308.
My model is no lightweight, coming in at around 15 pounds with a full 19 round mag and scope.
Besides the scope the only tweak I applied was a Harris Ultralight bipod, since most of my shooting with this thing is from the bench or prone position.
It is remarkably accurate out of the box. Several friends at the club range tried it...and every one of them tried to make me an offer on it.
Picked it up over a year ago for right around 900, and at the time they were actually cheaper than a lot of AR 15's being sold.
Two issues. Even back when I bought mine, it had to be special ordered. I would have no idea how long it would take to get one built these days.
Second issue: I just saw a CTD flyer which was selling DPMS factory 19 round magazines for 100 bucks!!!! Just a year ago, they were around 40.
Len.
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Qui me amat, amet et canem meum
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03-14-2009, 08:52 AM
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SA M1A is my choice. I bought the SOCOM 16 2 years ago and really love it. No problems to speak of.
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03-14-2009, 09:02 AM
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Saiga makes a 308 based on the Kalishnikov design.
There was a version of the Galil in 308 too.
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03-14-2009, 09:13 AM
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HK91 or a cheaper and just as good(if not better) a Springfield SAR3/8 not one with the rails but the good ones from Greece of my 4 HK 91's the SAR is my favorite
bottom one in this pic, it been modified to 16" and other stuff
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03-14-2009, 09:37 AM
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DPMS in .308 is a tack driver. I have great success with surplus Port. or SA ammo in addition to Privi or Winchester. HK is really nice but it eats up the brass if you plan on relaoding anything.
.308 in an AR platform with a good scope is +1...
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03-14-2009, 11:41 AM
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My LR308T started out 8.5lbs. w/o ammo, my Supermatch 12.2lbs w/o ammo.
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03-14-2009, 11:48 AM
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Absent Comrade
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You guys have some serious stuff!
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03-14-2009, 12:01 PM
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Reloading.....
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03-14-2009, 12:17 PM
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My experience is limited to M14/M1A and a little with the FAL. As far as I can tell, there is no such thing as a light 7.62 full sized rifle.
I like my M1A (med. hvy bbl., wood stock, bedded, NM mods) a lot. With irons it was pretty manageable at about 11.5 pounds loaded with sling.
Finally put an optic on it--3X ACOG and a Smith mount, which porked it up to 13.5 pounds. But it's still one fine rifle.
Always wanted to build up a Garand in 7.62 but never got around to it. I'm going to put a scout scope on one in an AmegaRanges mount one of these days, though. I think that could be a pretty darned good piece in either 7.62 or '06.
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03-14-2009, 12:51 PM
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take a look at www.lrbarms.com
Their tanker with m25 receiver and chrome lined barrel would be the bomb...
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03-14-2009, 01:06 PM
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308 is just under the 30-06 an will take any game in the usa , if hand loaded rignt now days its some what hard to find are hard to find lots of good loads for it in the books but it can be loaded to to topel nothing wrong witch it
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03-14-2009, 01:09 PM
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Well, I'll vote for what I use. I have an FN FAL, Stg 58. Built it my self and it is a tack driver. It's not really too heavy. Off the bench with Lake City National Match I could get 1/2" groups at 100 yards with open sights. It has a built in bipod which is handy, but those 1/2" groups open considerably when used.
The FAL is just a classy rifle. I think I'd like the M14/M1A also....I just don't have one.
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G.P. Charlie
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03-14-2009, 01:36 PM
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I had a Springfield SAR8 and sold it. Too heavy and a little finnickey at times. I had to send it back to Springfield to fix a FTF/FTE problem. Springfields are guaranteed for life - a very nice feature.
Currently, I have:
A Ruger M77 MK I in .308- bolt action; one of the originals with a Douglas barrel and adjustable trigger. There's an older Leupold M8 4X scope on it, which makes the gun more accurate than me. The magazine is enclosed/ not detachable.
An Ishapore 2A in 7.62x51 - This is not the same as .308. NATO rounds have a lower pressure than .308 rounds. Could be dangerous in some guns. The action is as smooth as butter and has a detachable magazine. I have several extras. I took off the wood and replaced it with a fiberglass stock. It's my beat around gun.
A Savage Model 99 DL (Deluxe) - the receiver is roll marked, "Model M" but that only means it has a Monte Carlo stock. Lever action with internal rotary magazine. Haven't shot it yet, but am looking forward to doing so.
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03-14-2009, 01:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Gutpile Charlie:
Off the bench with Lake City National Match I could get 1/2" groups with open sights.
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A friend of mine gave me 100 rounds of it..when I found out how good it was I stopped plinking with it..still have 3 20 round boxes left...
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03-14-2009, 03:02 PM
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I own or have owned all the guns listed here. Most were good, some rquired some tinkering. I shot most in competition of one sort or another. All said No1 pick is Armalite AR10, No2 FAL (I prefer the Brit version).
Bob Ray
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03-14-2009, 03:04 PM
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Depends on what you want to do. For offending liberals, anything you mentioned will do fine. I'd lean toward something with lots of milsurp parts available, like an M-1A or FN/FAL. I'd also get 20-30 NEW magazines and several each of the parts that break the most often. None of that stuff is going to get any more available than it is right now, so stock up.
For pretty much everything else, I'd get a stainless/synthetic bolt gun like a Kimber Montana or a Ruger Hawkeye. The 308 is plenty for most North American game, but you'll want it to weigh around 7-8 lbs. A 10- to 15-lb. battle rifle is heavier, more awkward and more complex than necessary. I'd set up this rifle with a pair of 4x Leupolds in QD rings that return to zero, and zero them both so I'd have a spare.
Whatever you get, stock up on ammo. A gas gun will probably run better on mil-spec ammo, but there is some real trash on the market and it's easy to end up with a case of something that only shoots 4 MOA in your rifle on a good day. Try USGI (if you can find it), South African milsurp, Hirtenberger, Israeli and whatever else you think wise. Shoot 5-10 groups with each type so you know what you really have on your hands. Also, be aware that some people still sell 308 ammo loaded with corrosive primers. Life is too short for that headache.
Milsurp may not be the best choice for a high-quality bolt gun. A few years ago, I bought a nice 308 thinking I'd practice with milsurp, but the best of five or six varieties I tried (including what's listed above) shot about 4 MOA and some of it wouldn't even chamber. I ended up buying 1,000 rounds of PMC FMJ ammo. It shot about 1.5 MOA, which was fine for practice and plinking. I use handloads or commercial soft-points for hunting. Sometimes the big-box stores stock too much of it, then have to sell it cheaply after hunting season ends.
Their loss, my gain.
Okie John
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03-14-2009, 04:37 PM
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Merkel makes a nice stalking rifle in .308, the KR1(and others).
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03-14-2009, 05:10 PM
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FAL, probably DSA unless you want to spring for a "real" FN from 20 odd years back. Century Gun or Bob the Builder special if you can't swing - or find a DSA. Mags are cheap, and FALs aren't picky about what they'll eat to the same extent as an M1A. Springfield ran out of some GI parts a while back, so M1As may have declined in quality a bit over recent years.
AR styled .308s tend to be a bit too proprietary and unproven for my tastes, FALs have been in every pesthole war of the past half century or so with few complaints.
M1A mags aren't what they used to be either. CMI has the GI contract and they're the same people that sold the Army all those defective Beretta mags.
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03-14-2009, 05:16 PM
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Very pleased with my Armalite AR-10 Carbine.
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03-14-2009, 05:32 PM
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think I will just keep the winchester model 88
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03-14-2009, 05:58 PM
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All good choices, but instead of an M1 "Tanker" stick with a full sized M1 in .308. The shorties can be very finicky and if you damage your op rod it will be difficult to replace.
My personal favorite on your list is the M1A, closely followed by the FAL.
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03-14-2009, 06:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by J. Galt:
... instead of an M1 "Tanker" stick with a full sized M1 in .308. The shorties can be very finicky and if you damage your op rod it will be difficult to replace.
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+1.
Of the rifles on the list, the only ones I have personal experience with are M14 types and M1s (full size) rebarreled in .308. Of the two, I tend to prefer M1s--GI receivers are available, parts are cheaper, and there's no big expensive box magazine getting in my way.
JMHO, FWIW.
Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.
Ron H.
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Wishin' don't make it so.
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03-14-2009, 06:56 PM
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Hard to beat a FAL
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03-15-2009, 09:43 AM
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I agree with MickeyD. The SOCOM is one Hell of a gun; reasonably accyrate, availability of parts and magazines, etc. I owned an FAL. It was a really sweet rifle, as well, but magazines (at least in Kalifornia) were not really easy to come by. I've used the M1A1 platform a lot, and find it meets my needs quite well.
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Dave Frost
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03-15-2009, 10:01 AM
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Just my 2 cents. I had an H&K 91. Bolt carrier (i think that's what "THEY" call it) Broke right in corner where one of two of the roller brgs are. I sent it back. They sent me back a terse letter stating," this gun has obviously been fired with reloaded ammunition". It WAS NOT. They left me hanging and they didn't even use any people skills to stick it to me. The design was flawed and had a 90degree square corner where the roller bearing was caged. I would rather die with a 14" Bowie knife in my hands then ever let H&K take another nickle of my money. Sorry for those who take offense, But, as Joe Friday said,"Juts The facts ma'am just the facts".
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Bernard R. Hertzog
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03-15-2009, 02:17 PM
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I've had a Springfield Armory M1A for about 20 years now and have no complaints. I have shot it in in High-Power competition to a limited extent, played with it from the bench rest, and enjoyed plinking with it. I probably haven't fired more than 2500 rounds through it.
With prepared hand loads it's good for 1 1/2-inch 5-shot groups from the bench at 100 yards. Have obtained a few better but have not cracked the 1-inch 5-shot group yet. It feeds and functions well and the magazines used with it are durable. It has the ability to cycle very mild .308 hand loads. Just what value this has I'm not certain but am just passing along the information.
I actually still prefer the M1 rifle over any other semi-automatic military rifle design.
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03-17-2009, 09:58 AM
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I appreciate all the imput. Apparently no one likes the CETME, and the M1A Springfield votes are about 50/50 for and against. The FN/FAL gets 100% for. The Garand as well. In checking prices it appears I should have made my purchase a couple of years ago. Maybe my good karma will hold out for the next gun show.
Thanks!
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Steve
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03-17-2009, 10:43 AM
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I would have been happy with an M1A, but this DSA FAL appeared in front of me about a month ago. I've only had it out one time so far, but once I set the gas system, it ran like a top.
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03-17-2009, 10:52 AM
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I have a couple of .308 rifles knocking around the house.
I have an early SOCOM that I really like. Good shooter and fairly light.
I have two SMLEs in .308; the fullsize and a jungle carbine. Both are good shooters.
My fourth is not as easy to find anymore. It is an FR8, a M98 Mauser from Spain. Another lightweight, short rifle that handles well and shoots good.
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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
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03-17-2009, 01:41 PM
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I went with an Armalite AR10 and have been very happy ever since. I've got about 400 - 450 rounds through her so far without any issues.
This is how she came stock from Armalite
I changed the handguard to a free float carbon fiber half quad rail, the grip to a nice beafy rubber Ergo grip, then topped her off with a Bushnell Trophy optic.
and this is how she looks today.
I changed the quad rail to one from SWS, added MI back up iron sights, a Harris swivel bi-pod, and an ACOG TA11.
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Rick
SWCA #2727 , SWHF #435
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03-17-2009, 02:27 PM
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1blindref
That is awsome!
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03-18-2009, 07:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by 84CJ:
1blindref
That is awsome!
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Thanks
She's a great shooter. The ACOG is simply amazing. I'm happy I decided to shell out the $$$ for it.
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Rick
SWCA #2727 , SWHF #435
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03-18-2009, 08:47 AM
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I have two .308s. They are a browning safari bolt action and a winchester 88 lever. I also own several 30-06s. A remington pump and a old browning auto. I probley could get some extra extended magazines for them but havent. Could you guys explain to me just why I am "handicapped" with my old first year belgum browning I am showing, rather then owning a heavey EBR? Just what am I giveing up?
My uncle bought this one back in about the late 50s I belive the 1st year they came out and I inherited it. Do I need a military rifle over this one? Why?
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03-18-2009, 09:05 AM
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The original poster was asking about black rifles. Either of your guns are fine. Railed guns will allow a bipod and light to be attached. But hunters have gotten by without them attached to the gun for years. I prefer wood stocks. The powers that be will be coming after hunting rifles last.
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03-18-2009, 02:31 PM
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Armalite AR-10T, a bit of a beast of a gun but more accurate with decent ammo than any FAL, 91, or M1A that I've ever encountered. I love the M1A but they don't maintain accuracy over the long haul without a fair bit of maintenance. The ARs, OTOH, just need a good floated barrel and they shoot great all day long.
Recent acquisition was a Remington 700 VTR in 308. Limited experience with it thusfar, but all I can say at this point is WOW! Light weight, compact, and superbly accurate, costs about half of what a basic AR does, and is much easier to carry in the field. The AR-10T is a hefty thing and there are more compact versions, but they probably won't shoot as well. If I were just starting off in the 308 shooting game right now, I think I'd personally forget the SUR concept and go with the modern bolt-gun......much as I love semi-autos. Unless you plan to use the gun for 3-gun or "heavy-metal" competition, a bolt will not only serve you well but will probably out-shoot 99% of semis out there from a pure accuracy standpoint. Plus they are one hell of a lot easier to clean and maintain.
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03-18-2009, 03:15 PM
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I could be wrong, but I think that if you ever pick up an FAL/LAR, you'll be sold on the spot. That is the lightest-feeling and most comfortable and maneuverable high-power rifle I ever laid my hands on, and that's with a long flash hider and weighing about 10.5 pounds. Just for the heck of it, I looked up that new-age word "ergonomic" in my dictionary, and there was a picture of an LAR 50.00. Makes sense to me.
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03-18-2009, 06:10 PM
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FAL's all the way.I got 4 of them,LOVE them all.
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Tags
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beretta, browning, carbine, commercial, galil, garand, handguard, kimber, m14, military, model 14, model 25, remington, ruger, savage, scope, springfield, winchester |
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