Advice on a .308 general purpose semi-auto

[Devildog_Jim]

I'm rebuilding my gun collection from nothing, and the first rifle I pick up is going to be a semi auto .308. While I'll primarily be shooting paper at 200-600 yards, I'd like for this to be a do-anything gun (except dangerous/large game).

My instinct is to go with a DPMS AR-10, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with some of the available alternatives. Specifically:

FNAR Heavy
Benelli R1
Springfield Armory M1A1
Browning BAR
Any other AR 10 manufacturers

I'm aware that the benelli and the Browning are more hunting designs than target, but they also seem to be a good value for the money. Money isn't a huge factor here, but the less I need to spend on this gun the more I can spend on the next, so I don't want to go more expensive than I have to. I do have some gunsmithing experience, with the AR being the weapon that is most familiar to me, so I can do my own maintenance and light repairs on any of the listed rifles. Any feedback on these rifles, or other similar ones I may have missed, is greatly appreciated.

[bullsi1911]

(except dangerous/large game).

You don't trust the .308 for large game? Like Elk?

Personally, I went with the DPMS AR-10:



I went with the AR-10 platform because of the ease of mounting a scope, the easy availability of parts and mags, and the adaptability of being able to throw a different upper on it with the push of 2 pins.

[Devildog_Jim]

I figure .308 is at the bottom of the acceptable range for something like elk, and I'm not likely to use it for that anyhow. If something larger than whitetail is on the menu I'll probably be getting a larger caliber bolt gun for it later on.

[bisley]

Give me a couple weeks and I'll tell you what I think of the Remington R-15 I bought.

[Ernie Bishop]

Jim,
Welcome to G&A!
The 308 and some of the other cartridges based off of it are very capable of elk, but there is sure nothing wrong with stepping up. The 308 Win is not my first choice for elk either.

Bullsi,
Is that 168 TAP ammo?

[Cheetoh734]

Hasn't 30-06 been used for like 100yrs on Elk? And isn't the .308 designed to emulate a 30-06 in a short action? I am pretty conservative with wanting to bring enough gun but I don't think I would have qualms about taking an Elk with .308 and anything less than say 250-300yds...Am I wrong in thinking this?

[Ernie Bishop]

It is capable at those distances.
My preference is for something different though.
Also, my set-up will be capable of distances further than that

[snake284-1]

I'm rebuilding my gun collection from nothing, and the first rifle I pick up is going to be a semi auto .308. While I'll primarily be shooting paper at 200-600 yards, I'd like for this to be a do-anything gun (except dangerous/large game).

My instinct is to go with a DPMS AR-10, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with some of the available alternatives. Specifically:

FNAR Heavy
Benelli R1
Springfield Armory M1A1
Browning BAR
Any other AR 10 manufacturers

I'm aware that the benelli and the Browning are more hunting designs than target, but they also seem to be a good value for the money. Money isn't a huge factor here, but the less I need to spend on this gun the more I can spend on the next, so I don't want to go more expensive than I have to. I do have some gunsmithing experience, with the AR being the weapon that is most familiar to me, so I can do my own maintenance and light repairs on any of the listed rifles. Any feedback on these rifles, or other similar ones I may have missed, is greatly appreciated.

If it's me, I'd go with the AR-10 because it's tried and true. If I was going to buy a .308 right now, I'd think hard about an AR-10.

[Devildog_Jim]

Bisley - I'd appreciate knowing what you think of that Remington when you've had a chance to shoot it.

Cheetoh - I don't think it's impossible to take elk with a .308, but I don't live near any elk so it would be a special trip for me. If I'm planning a trip around it, I'm going to bring more gun to give myself a larger envelope to work with, so this gun doesn't need to be able to do it.

I'll feed it whatever it shoots best, but I'm setting up for the 175 gr SMK from federal/black hills unless there's some compelling reason to do otherwise. I can fine tune a hand load later once it's broken in.

[bullsi1911]

Bullsi,
Is that 168 TAP ammo?

It's the Hornady 155Gr A-Max Match. I know it's not supposed to be for Semi-Auto use, but it shoots so well out of this rifle.....

[Fat Billy]

M1A1! Later,

[Cheetoh734]

Ernie,
That makes sense in Wyoming. For the record when Elk hunting I use my Savage 110 in 7mm Rem Mag, I was just curious.

The AR-10 or similar does seem a good choice to me. Plus being able to swap the upper for any number of alternatives is a plus. The M1A would be my 2nd choice, or (i know its not an auto) the Ruger Scout Rifle...

[snake284-1]

You don't trust the .308 for large game? Like Elk?

Personally, I went with the DPMS AR-10:



I went with the AR-10 platform because of the ease of mounting a scope, the easy availability of parts and mags, and the adaptability of being able to throw a different upper on it with the push of 2 pins.

I probably wouldn't use a .308 for Elk, but I would say, if you have an AR-10 you have a fast back-up shot, which would be nice in case the first shot didn't knock it down.

[Razorbacker]

Bisley - I'd appreciate knowing what you think of that Remington when you've had a chance to shoot it.

Cheetoh - I don't think it's impossible to take elk with a .308, but I don't live near any elk so it would be a special trip for me. If I'm planning a trip around it, I'm going to bring more gun to give myself a larger envelope to work with, so this gun doesn't need to be able to do it.

I'll feed it whatever it shoots best, but I'm setting up for the 175 gr SMK from federal/black hills unless there's some compelling reason to do otherwise. I can fine tune a hand load later once it's broken in.

That's a great way to put it Jim. It's a special trip for most of us. I use a magnum but that's just my preference. But I've seen them knocked over with all kinds of things. Even a .270 once. It was a Taurus IIRC beautiful rifle. lot's of white line spacers.
Welcome to the forum.

[bruchi]

With the accuracy you get from some AR-10 rifles this days I would not bother getting a high end 308 bolt action anymore.

[Buford]

I am a fan of Armalite.

[Ranch13]

The Brownings are very fine rifles, as are the Remington 742 (or whatever number they got stuck to them now)
The 308 is a very capable cartridge and has been used on every game species on the North American continent.It is accurate,and offers mild recoil, and ammunition availability almost everywhere.

[Antonio]

FAL; 60 years in service and thousands of users that more than once put them in use against foes sometimes armed with the same guns.

2nd. choice: M1A

[timc]

I have a DPMS LR 308 AP4 that is pretty sweet even though you hear a lot of good and bad about them. I can saw mine has no issues and shoots great!


I also have one of these on order if you want something really nice.... Bring your big wallet!
http://fd-defense.com/index.php/fd308/fd308-gallery

[NN]

Welcome aboard.

[mkk41]

With a name like Devil-Dog Jim , one would assUme ya were a Marine. That means you NEED to get the M-1A , the semi-auto version of the magnificent M-14 and child of the almighty M1 Garand! They ain't cheap. Just be sure to get an older one made with all USGI parts.



But the .308 AR-based rifles are excellent also. No natural soul of iron and wood , but an accurate and reliable shooting mechanism. My DPMS is MOA with most factory 168gr match loads. Probably cost as much as a basic M-1A

[Devildog_Jim]

I am indeed one of Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, although I no longer have to put on the uniform.

I'm partial to the AR platform, having worked on thousands of them. And my bolt gun will likely be similar to the M40 (upgraded to the McMillan A5 stock and .325 wsm). I like the M1a, just not the upkeep needed to keep it in top shape. I'll likely pick one up later on, but not as my primary rifle.

[stepmac]

If I wanted a quick and dirty go to 308 semi auto I'd visit a few pawn shops and pick up one of the Remington Semi's. They are light, well made and accurate enough. Not a target rifle, but great hunters. I am not a fan of the black guns and one would cost at least three times what a Remington will. You can find some with very nice wood. I like their feel and to me, they come to shoulder better than an M1A. Browning semi's are good too, of course, but then again no better than the Remington and I think they are heavier and pricey too. I'd take a nice Remington over the Browning anyday. I've got a Winchester Model 100. It's okay, but I'd rather have the Remington. Also you can find all kinds of after market magazines for the Remington rifles.

[5280 shooter II]

T Even a .270 once. It was a Taurus IIRC beautiful rifle. lot's of white line spacers.

That's just......wrong in so many way......time-out and no more soup for YOU!

DD Jim......go with the AR10......a .308 with kill an elk just as fast as any magnum caliber......all a magnum does is add an extra couple hundred FPS......maybe get you an extra 100 yrds. You're familiar and comfortable with the basic platform....go with it.

[JKP]

Armalite put the AR in AR and is on my short list for my next rifle purchase. Currently considering the AR-10T in .260 but might go with .308 for a more traditional AR-10.