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by The Annoyed Man
Fri Nov 15, 2019 6:37 pm
Forum: Rifles & Shotguns
Topic: 308 Semi Auto FAL Vs. AR
Replies: 8
Views: 33900

Re: 308 Semi Auto FAL Vs. AR

FWIW, AndyC had a FAL for sale not too long ago. Might be worth searching to see if it’s still available. Now, between the two, I’d probably pick the FAL over the AR10, but I am influenced by other things than whether one is superior to the other. I’ve owned an AR10 before, and it was a very nice example of the genre with a lot of extra features, but it just didn’t float my boat that much. I sold that rifle to another forum member after I acquired a SCAR 17S. If I had the money, I’d buy .Andy's FAL because I’ve always wanted one. Sigh.... some day....

A new FAL will likely cost you more than a new base-model AR10. The AR will probably be slightly more accurate, and it will more easily accommodate magnified optics. OTH, the FAL has an easily field-adjustable gas system, which helps keep it running when it’s dirty, and which also allows you to optimize it for running a suppressor. Both are good, rugged rifles.

Be advised that both platforms come with some peculiarities. FAL rifles come in metric and inch patterns, and the magazines are not interchangeable. Metric rifles require metric magazines, and inch rifles require inch magazines. I forget which pattern is more common (and therefore has cheaper magazines), but Andy can tell you. AR10s are sort of the same way, and weren’t really standardized the way AR15s are. For instance, I believe that some of the AR10s made by Rock River Arms used FAL magazines. But most models sold by most manufacturers will accept SR25 or PMAG magazines. So must do your research before you buy.

FYI, if you can afford one (they are very pricey), a SCAR 17 will give you the best of both worlds.... AR ergonomics with some furniture adjustability neither of the other rifles has (at least as standard equipment), what I view as superior iron sights to the FAL's, a folding buttstock, an operating system similar to the FAL's with a short stroke adjustable gas piston, and a cold hammer forged barrel of stunning accuracy for a semiautomatic rifle. The first time I shot mine, after a few rounds to zero the scope, I put 10 rounds into 3/4" at 100 yards, shooting Freedom Munitions remanufactured 168 grain match. It’s a fairly soft shooting rifle for a .308, and it only weighs 8 lbs unloaded. That’s significantly lighter than either my old M1A, or my old AR10. Just a thought....

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