Battle rifles (223 need not apply)

[warhawke]

The SVD is a purpose-built 'Sniper-Rifle' which bears a superficial resemblance to the AK, it's action is entirely different. The PSL is an RPK (heavier Squad Automatic Rifle version of the AK-47) which has been enlarged to fit the 7.62x54r and yes it is built in Romania. The Yugo M-76 is a better rifle with it's heavy milled receiver (it too is an RPK modification) but it is heavier and they are running $2000+ and it's in 7.92mm (8mm Mauser) which has gotten expensive too.

The SVD is somewhat more accurate but the PSL is a bit more reliable and a whole lot cheaper.

[bulletboy]

If its got to be 30 up I am still going with the AR platform in .308 Winchester.  An AR10 for me please!

[DesertMarine]

This old Marine grunt takes the M1 Garand.  I've carried it in the desert, snow, beach landings, and jungles of Phillipines and Thailand.  The Garand always works and you can touch the bad guy easily to 500 yds.  Next will be the M1A.  Hmm, maybe also the Springfield 1903A3, Marines of the 5th & 6th Marine Regiments used it very well in WWI up to 800 yds with iron sights.

[Rob10ring]

I'd take the AK. It's not great for anything long, but ammo and parts are everywhere all over the world. Also, this rifle can go through the poop with out a hiccup.

[tombogan03884]

This old Marine grunt takes the M1 Garand.  I've carried it in the desert, snow, beach landings, and jungles of Phillipines and Thailand.  The Garand always works and you can touch the bad guy easily to 500 yds.  Next will be the M1A.  Hmm, maybe also the Springfield 1903A3, Marines of the 5th & 6th Marine Regiments used it very well in WWI up to 800 yds with iron sights.

You would know about wouldn't you    Still got your "Poagee rope " ? 
Semper Fi , and Merry Christmas !

[Sponsor]

[DesertMarine]

I had to turn in my "pogee rope" but since I served with both 1/5 and 3/5 I might be entitled to get one.  For the unlearned, the "pogee rope" which is the French Fourege (problably mispelled) which the French award the 5th 6th Marine Regiments afte the battles at Chateau Thierry and Bellau Wood during WWI.  It is green with red tracers.  The only addition a Marine can wear on his uniform other than rank, marksmanship, hash marks, scuba, flight or jump wings. 

[dj454]

I would have to pick the M1A if I could afford one. My dad used the M14 in Viet Nam and he has nothing bad to say about it. I wish I could buy my dad and myself an M1A. He has always wanted one but they are too pricey.

[tommy tornado]

I am going to try to order an M1a in the next month or so.  Currently I own a Federal Arms H&K 91 copy in .308.  It is not a bad rifle but I am going to enjoy the M1a more.  Growing up all I ever heard about from a Vietnam Vet neighbor was how the Army made a mistake switching from the M14 to the M16. I have shot a few and have been very impressed by them.

[PoorSoulInJersey]

My favorite gun shop has some M1As on order. They have the match version, but it's a little pricey for my tastes.

I already have a Vepr chambered in .308, so I technically do have some decent semi-auto firepower, but I really like the M1A.

I'm debating something of the AK variety just because the ammo is cheaper.

[m25operator]

Poor soul, I am a rifleman, and do own and operate M1A's, M40's, and other precision rifles, but because I expect good results, I shoot the less expensive stuff too, I own some as well, the AK is effective to 500 meters as well as the SKS, but the sighting system makes a spotter a good thing to have, you cannot make precise sight adjustments, with either, only elevation, changes with a crude ladder, but with a spotter, can make 5 gallon bucket hits to 400 meters. Human dimensions to 500.

I had an HK91, and it was dependable and accurate, but the M1A's sighting system and trigger, made me trade it and I have never looked back.