I don't have a semi-auto .308. Seems like I oughta.

Recommendations under say $1,500? Kinda thinking some kind of M1A would be sweet, but I'm open to suggestions. LOL

No experience with any of them, but an RFB can be had in 2/3 that budget, looking on one of the sale sites. Prices looked to be 999-1400 ish.

The M1 Garand runs great in .308. The USN used them in 7.62 NATO for years.

The M14 platform is nice too.

Ar-10

The M-14/M1A is a fine choice. You can definitely purchase a Springfield Armory M1A for under $1500. I'm not sure about a James River Armory M-14? Another to consider would be a James River BM-59. Think M1 Garand/M14 hybrid. They're under $1500 and unique.

Honestly though look at the CMP Garands. It's easy to qualify for purchase and they're just so dang fun.

Sportsmans Outdoor Superstore currently has M1A Loaded rifles on sale for ~$1400, which is ~$500 off normal retail price. Free shipping too.

Stainless Steel Barrel: https://www.sportsmansoutdoors...oducts2.cfm/ID/50246

Carbon Steel Barrel: https://www.sportsmansoutdoors...oducts2.cfm/ID/50245

I’ve always wanted an M1, but I’m quite fond of my M&P-10 .308. It’s a great rifle for a bit over $1300. That’s LE/MIL pricing

My vote goes to the ‘Scout-Squad’ M1A, 18” barrel. The price may be near your limit, easy to find, slightly broken in too.

Oh, two other caveats....

Should have a removable muzzle device (so I can put the Silencerco thingy on there for my can) and NOT have to have an optic. LOL The Scout-Squad is looking tempting.

I have an Armalite AR-10 and a Springfield Armory loaded stainless M1A in 7.62X51mm/.308. They are both great rifles. If I were to use a can, it would be on the AR-10 with the higher sights.

quote:

Originally posted by AllenInWV:
Oh, two other caveats....

Should have a removable muzzle device (so I can put the Silencerco thingy on there for my can) and NOT have to have an optic. LOL The Scout-Squad is looking tempting.

In that case, the Scout-Squad is a great option. The shorter barrel will help compensate for the suppresor length.

Note that while the muzzle device on a M14/M1A is removable, it requires a special tool to do so, is kind of a PITA, and also means removing your front sight.

So if you plan on attaching a suppressor without also having to use an optic exclusively, you'll want to replace the combo front sight/flash hider with a gas lock front sight from Smith Enterprises.

Also keep in mind that the muzzle of the M1A has a funky 5/8"-24 threading, so you may need a thread adapter for your suppressor "thingy". Or you could get a M14 compatible muzzle device with QD suppressor attachment. (Smith, Surefire, and AAC all offer M14 compatible muzzle devices with suppressor QD capability.)

You'll end up with something similar to my Scout-Squad, which has the Smith Enterprises gas lock front sight as well as an AAC Blackout 51T.

After all these years, I've finally found myself a M14. Been looking at them for years, but got distracted buying up Ruger No.1 rifles.

I happen to have found a James River, original pattern, M14. I love history, and this was the one I wanted more so than any of the newer variants, being original pattern. Fiberglass need not apply, we have walnut from top to bottom!

It's depressing to see the prices in this thread from just a few years ago. I am very happy to land this used copy from the Cabelas gun library for $1400. It doesn't hurt that I have about $800 in points accumulated. This is a screen grab from the ad. I should have the rifle in hand in a few weeks.



Allen never did report back. Did he end up with a 308 battle rifle?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sigcrazy7,

I really like my Austrian FAL but they are hard to find. DSA is always an option.

$1500 will get you close , but for a little more a lightweight POF Rogue will get 'er done !
Check her out , I'm in love with mine !!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by IndianaBoy:
I really like my Austrian FAL but they are hard to find. DSA is always an option.

I was going to mention the FAL, as well. Mine is a recent new-to-me acquisition that was just a shade over the OP’s dollar threshold.

This is my first .308 and it’s a hoot!

The M14 showed up yesterday. Other than missing the stripper clip base, it looks nice. I ordered a new base. The original owner probably removed it for a scope mount.

Thoughts on the HK G3 / PTR 91...I enjoy mine although it does a have a Springfield trigger and buffer upgrade. Mags used to be cheap but still can be had for less than $10 each if you shop around. With the trigger upgrade, Magpul PRS stock and lower, picatinny rail it came in just over $1600 or so. I had to shop around and picked up the lower and rail from Robert Johnson.

Some complain about its weight and that felt recoil is too much but you have to remember this is a battle rifle (originally designed in the 50's) and not a bench rifle or M4 clone.

FWIW I really enjoy mine but your YMMV.

HK91 / FAL

quote:

Originally posted by john crusher:
$1500 will get you close , but for a little more a lightweight POF Rogue will get 'er done !
Check her out , I'm in love with mine !!!!!

A Big plus 1 one the POF Rouge. I've had a number of M1A's and still have a Devine TX Match grade but even it doesn't shoot as well as the POF.

Lots of great suggestions in this thread.

For that budget, you can get a SIG 716 as just a basic battle rifle, or a handful of others (S&W, Windham, etc.) in the AR pattern. For just a bit more, you could get a Galil Ace Gen 2 in either 7.62x39 or 7.62x51/.308.