[Clyde]

I'm thinking about purchasing another rifle, and it has come down to four choices:

1. SIG 556 DMR - I can obtain one for $2000 [plus tax] then get the $300 rebate which puts me in around $1850 OTD

2. Springfield Armory SOCOM 16 - around $1450 plus tax (~$1550 OTD)

3. Black FN SCAR 16S - $2500 plus tax (~$2700 OTD)

4. Buy the SOCOM 16 ($1550) and a fishgill SIG 556 ER (~$1000 OTD with rebate included) or $2650 OTD for the two

So, I thought I would poll the forum members on this delightful dilemma.

Your vote, and any thoughts/input, would be appreciated and considered.

 

[ptco911]

If it were me the Black FN SCAR 16s handsdown.

 

[cruddup10]

I hear Springfield messed up the gas system when they developed the socom. I would go with the longer scout version, which is probably what my next rifle will be.

 

[Zeus]

With only those choices I would get the SCAR. Then I would copy the receipt and mail it to Bushmaster and tell them to get fked.

 

[Sarge1998]

With only your choices it would be a DMR so I could maintain fewer replacement parts. On the other hand I really would like a SA58 FAL PARA Congo Rifle, .308 Cal. - SA58PCONGO, less expensive than the SCAR and the same caliber.

 

[ullie]

I'm thinking about purchasing another rifle, and it has come down to four choices:

1. SIG 556 DMR - I can obtain one for $2000 [plus tax] then get the $300 rebate which puts me in around $1850 OTD.

...i would pass on the DMR for two main reasons...it should have a rifle length gas system like the Sig 550...and the rifling twist...still not sure if it's a 1/10 or 1/9...but i would not buy one until Sig comes to their senses and produces one with a 1/8 twist rate...

2. Springfield Armory SOCOM 16 - around $1450 plus tax (~$1550 OTD)

...anything in 7.62-51 / 308 should have at least an 18 inch barrel...preferably longer.. to take advantage of the cartrage's potential...going with the shorter barrel kinda gives you a heavy 7.62-39...

3. Black FN SCAR 16S - $2500 plus tax (~$2700 OTD).

...i want one myself !!!


...i vote for a DSA FAL with a fixed stock and a full length barrel in 7.62-51...or at least 18 inches worth...standard or medium contour...with carry handle and a light aluminum lower reciever...

...everyone ought to own a FAL !

 

[Clyde]

Sarge 1998 and Ullie:

You guys must be mind readers. I was actually considering the DSArms FAL Para with 21" barrel and aluminum lower. I found a gun dealer who can get these in stock from a distributor without the usual DSA wait....

So, following your advice, I checked on the website and that seems like a real good option. Then, I looked at the DuraCoat finishes, and they have one in Vietnam Tiger Stripe Camo. 8) That is my favorite pattern in all the world. I definitely may have to modify my plans!

I have to admit, having a line on a black SCAR is tempting too, but I already own two of the FDE ones, and I really was leaning towards .308.

Ullie, I really appreciate (and highly value) your input. I was hoping to hear from you on this. The FAL is a missing piece in the gun collection.

I will go back to the drawing board now...also have a line on the SCAR 17S but that will be a very expensive option. :shock: Decisions, decisions. I'll leave the poll open for a week for further input from the members - this may be the best opportunity for "intelligence collection" this year for me! Thanks again for the benefits of your thinking on this!!

 

[Flea]

I think it depends on what your purpose for the rifle is.

Are you wantin' a long range rifle, or short range?

I'm partial to the Sig and M1A. So of the choices you have listed, I'm havin' a hard time decidin' which would be best.

Have you considered a custom AK? You can get a really nice AK in the price range you're lookin' at. And it's very hard to beat the reliability of the AK.

But, with the choices you listed, I'm gonna say the SOCOM and the Sig ER.

 

[ullie]

You guys must be mind readers. I was actually considering the DSArms FAL Para with 21" barrel and aluminum lower. I found a gun dealer who can get these in stock from a distributor without the usual DSA wait..

...if you decide to go with the para...i would recomend the 18 inch barrel with the short flash hider...on the para...the recoil springs are above the carrier under the reciever cover...not in the buttstock...not as good a setup as the rifle...the para will run more abruptly...will have slightly more percieved recoil and be slightly less reliable...

...i don't believe DSA makes a 21 inch barreled para...unless you special order it...i could be wrong though...you may want to check this out...

 

[PGT]

You can get the DMR MUCH cheaper through OMBExpress. About $1700/delivered minus $300 rebate + FFL

 

[nycstripes]

Edit: sorry for the threadjack...


I would love another Springfield M1a, the SOCOM/SOCOM2's are nice!

I am also in the market in another month or two, undecided. I was toying with the idea of picking up another AR, maybe the S&W M&P15 with the magpul furniture or my first AK. They're cheap as hell right now.

Good news is my Sig556 will be delivered this week.

 

[PGT]

a 308 Saiga is $500 or less. The .223 version is $399. About the nicest AK variant you'll find....Russian made at Izmash. They're imported in 'sporting' configuration so a few mods will get them in proper assault weapon format (forward pistol grip, etc). Figure about $100 in conversion parts.

The one I got has really, really nice furniture on it. Not the typical crap out there on a WASR or other budget AK. Check out Mississippi Auto Arms if you want one....best deal around and I checked for a good long while before committing to buy.

 

[nycstripes]

I just took a look at Mississippi Arms, thanks for the link. I was never crazy about the appearance of the "modernized or sporterized" AK's like this one. Can you convert them back to the standardized appearance with parts kits?

The Gunsamerica dealer I used for the Sig556 has a few AK's. I am on the fence about these though.
Any input? $445 plus FFL and shipping.

My other option is this S&W M&P15 in dark earth. $999

 

[Clyde]

PGT:

I started off looking at the AKs (they had two Bulgarian WASRs, one para model with folding stock, one fixed) but I just couldn't bring myself to buy it -- I had handled a Russian AK-74 with gas booster awhile back, and it was vastly superior in construction. I think it may have spoiled me some.

Once the owner saw me pondering, he came over and handed me a really nice Saiga .308 [Russian Izmash as you point out]. That one had me really thinking hard - it was clearly better built than the Bulgarian WASRs, not really a surprise since these have been reworked, but you can tell the difference in quality. The owner offered to upgrade it, pistol grip, folding stock, scope mount, all of which was quite tempting.

Then I asked about the DSArms FALs and it was even more tempting. I really like the way they look and people swear by them, so I started leaning in that direction. Then they said "black SCAR is coming" and it was on....

Stopped by another favorite haunt, and they had the SIG 556s, and three M1As - standard walnut 22"; SOCOM II; and the SOCOM 16. The quality of these rifles are just so evident when you handle them.

I know what Ullie is saying about a .308 round coming out of a 16" barrel being a "heavy 7.62 x 39" but walking up a hallway with one when potentially facing a bad guy starts to make that sound like a really good thing to have in your hands (since regular 7.62 x 39 has sent a lot of bad people into an eternal dirt nap - I sure wouldn't want to be on the business end of one of those rounds within self-defense ranges). Some people amaze me by saying a 9mm round is underpowered - sure are a lot of dead people because of 9mm Lugers over the years...not to mention SIG P226s....

As Ullie said, it all depends on what you intend to use it for.

And then there is that overarching issue of the SCAR 17S on its way...!

That is why I decided to run the poll and keep it open - getting a lot of good insights and feedback this way - it has been enlightening and thought provoking, to say the least.

 

[Clyde]

NYCStripes:

An AK is a very good choice and that price is among the best I have seen. Country of origin/manufacture is key from what I have read/learned. I really like the fact that it does not require a lot of care and upkeep to keep it running, in case it becomes necessary to defend loved ones on the move with a real long time between resupply and safety...ammo availability is also a bit more limited (unless we are facing guys who shoot those for a living...).

On the S&W M&P15, I am not a fan of ARs and direct gas impingement systems (cleaning is a PITA, rounds cooking off not a good thing, etc.), but millions of Americans are fine with them. I have seen these as low as $799 though (admittedly, on sale, and not in FDE). For that kind of money I'd buy the SIG 556 and get the $300 rebate. Right now, that is the best deal out there for the money, in my view (that's how this whole thing got started for me). That FDE M&P is a real looker, and it is not "just another AR-15" - I just prefer gas piston guns; always have....

 

[nycstripes]

Clyde
I have no plans on making the AK I am looking at as a main defensive weapon. Just something to play with.
Being that they're mostly assembled rifles and unproven aftermarket parts, I would rather depend upon something that's got factory backing for service isssues.

My SHTF rifle is my Colt AR15 LE/ACOG and then my M1a. I will reserve my judgement of the Sig556 until I get to shoot it a bit after it arrives this week.

I would rather depend upon a rifle that has a domestic supply of ammunition.

As for planning on a new rifle, it is most of the fun. That SCAR17 is something else, the price tag would prevent me from wanting it that badly. I can't part with $3k for something that isn't custom built. Just a mental block for me. I have plenty of rifles in the 2-3K range in the safe, just the thought of paying 2500+ for a rifle without optics is a killer thought to me.

 

[PGT]

I started out looking at a DSA FAL. Decided I didn't want to spend $1300 for an inaccurate 308 10rd rifle when I could spend $600 for an inaccurate 308 10rd rifle :lol:

The sporter versions of Saiga's can be upgraded easily. I chose the v.21 which has the forward trigger group already:

I'd still like a FAL someday....the Congo model I think. Sweet for sure.

 

[hattaresguy]

Personaly I would go with a Fal, because they are amazing. I'm only half kidding buy one! Or a I'd get the M14 just not the 16in version. Get the 18, its a rifle not a carbine, don't get a short barrel.

I'd also put a Sage stock on the 14.

 

[Clyde]

NYCStripes:

Yeah, I was just admiring some of your rifles in the photo section - you have some trick guns.

I have to thank you for your service as a LEO first of all (both my parents were Federal law enforcement) so many thanks for your service to your community.

That MP5 is really sharp, but your bolt action with the purple lighting-looking paint job is beyond cool. Nice M1A too, BTW.

Once you shoot that SIG, your weapon of choice may be about to change, at least in the .223/5.56 caliber class. World class assault rifle, it definitely is. I waited ten years for these to return before buying my first.

The SCAR 17S will be expensive, no denying. But the manufacturing quality is second to none, and once you shoot one, you are hooked for freakin' ever (please be warned).

I work hard, for long hours, so I reward myself once in awhile, to make it all worth it. When I was a teenager, my next door neighbor's older brother bought a Porsche 911 (he got in on the ground floor of liquid protein milkshakes out in California and made a killing) and one day he let me take it for a ride. It was an experience I'll never forget. The rush of the engine as I floored it, the "snick, snick" of the gearbox, the handling and steering, made it clear to me early on - some things are worth paying extra for...even if you have to wait years to get there one day.

 

[PGT]

:lol: My buddy just bought a 911 GT3 RS and tossed me the keys. Damn him. Now I yearn for one. Need to justify it to the wife. I'm going to use the 'aim high, score low' tactic and settle for a (used) base Carrera 2S or 4S