Best.308 7.62X51 CIVILIAN battle rifle for personal defense and survival/hunting?

[Pterodon]

My pick is the M1A scout. It’s old school wood and steel which is more durable than plastic and alloys, has a true war winning pedigree, the best open sights ever put on a rifle which are more durable and reliable than any optic, by far the easiest to clean and maintain. Make your choice

M1A/M14 variants and clones

AR10 variants and clones

FN-FAL variants and clones

H&K G3 variants and clones

[MysticDevice]

Except the M1A/M14 never won a war. It was replaced way before Vietnam ended. Anyway, I'm not sure I'd pick a.308 for personal defense. Yes, it'll drop any scumbag who comes at me no problem. But it'll probably drop the person behind them across the street as well. .308s are also pretty big. In my house at least I'd have trouble maneuvering it around the halls and doorways.

Hunting and survival? Well that's a whole other ballgame sonny.

Now if I had to pick, it'd be an AR-10. Good ergonomics, adjustable to the individuals' needs, and are very light. And the MSR's of today are way more durable than people give them credit for. I'm talking AK levels of reliability.

[Pterodon]

My M1A is the scout with the shorter 18 inch barrel. The M14 is pretty much the same M1 Garrand but with an external magazine. Most reliable weapon ever built. Federal has a 130 gr varmit and predator load that in my tests only penetrates two one gallon jugs of water but with explosive results. in my opinion gas piston reliability trumps the AR systems

[MysticDevice]

Having never fired an M1 I can't say. Most of my experience is on the AR platform. Thats just whats available and still relatively cheap. I will say my trusty Ruger has yet to malfunction. But time will tell.

[SaoirseS]

I think M1A Scout is probably a good choice. I have an old M1 Garand (inherited for some dead relative), but nothing else 7.62 or.30 caliber. I stick with my quarter bore bolt actions since I shoot them well.

[Pterodon]

Your Garand is the M1A father. Killer rifle just don’t shoot full power hunting 30-06 rounds in it and be careful you don’t get M1 thumb

[Sixgunsound]

FN is too big and heavy. M1/mini-14

[Pterodon]

The M1A isn’t light either and the Mini 14 is not an actual battle rifle nor is it available in.308

[Sixgunsound]

Gruntpa could do shit with an M-14 that would terrify people who have only known AR's. Mini-14 and Mini-30 are absolutely battle rifles in a built up environment. Not the best choice but if it's what you've got...

[Pterodon]

I would take a Mini 14 over an AR

[Sixgunsound]

In NY you pretty much have to

[Pterodon]

They’re good rifles. Ruger doesn’t make junk

[Sixgunsound]

Mostly on board, but not with the compact or micro autos.

[Sixgunsound]

Handguns. They make great revolvers, but they lose out to Sig and Kimber and Smith and Wesson

[Sixgunsound]

On autos

[Pterodon]

That rifle was designed by Bill Ruger himself

[Pterodon]

I’m a 1911 fan and Kimber 1911’s get polarized reviews on 1911 forums. About 50% think they’re junk. in my opinion the Springfield 1911’s are the best mass produced guns. Even better than Colt because Colt uses its series 80 firing system. To get better than Springfield you have to jump up to customs with a huge price increase. The best import 1911 is the Rock Island. They constantly get great reviews

[Sixgunsound]

I just picked up a Springfield Mil Spec defender from the store I work at. I handle a lot of guns for work, and I have to give Kimber the W for 1911 triggers. We have an Ed Brown that costs 3x as much and I still give the trigger to Kimber.

[Sixgunsound]

I've been looking at a Baby Rock in.380 for a few months now.

[Pete671]

FN-FAL, L1A1 was an awesome rifle,,,

[strateguy632]

h n k