Info overload , New 308 ?

[Turk]

The knowledge on here is second to none , and I kind of have info overload right now. I'm looking into getting a new 308 , this is going to be a SHTF rifle. I have the short range gear ready to go no problem there. I want the 308 for a reach out and touch someone I have shot the M1A standard and scout ,I like the scout , I also shot an M1A with McMillan stock and to say sweet is an understatement but out of my price range. By the looks of it I can have a decent AR for the price of the M1's , I also Have my eye on the PTR's but I haven't shot one and here the ergonomics suck ? Could I build a solid AR cheaper than buying one complete and scoping the AR would be a lot easier than the M1's. Is there any books you guys recommend for building the AR. I'm in the auto-shop/parts business and building an AR looks like building a hot rod ,How much do you want to spend ? and go. I do want semi auto and would like to keep the price down as much as possible.
I know this topic has been beat to death , just trying to get more input before-I-pull-the-trigger...........

[Noobert]

What AR, 556 or 308, do you want to build?

[tomd1584]

[Turk]

What AR, 556 or 308, do you want to build?

308-7.62

[Rekrab]

You can get into a .308 AR for about 1200. For really long distance you're probably looking at closer to 1500 before optics and other range accessories.

Tactical Machining Lower is about $200, then add a DPMS 24" bull barrel upper for about $800 and you're pretty good to go. For a higher quality upper from POF you're looking at about $1600 I think.

[Turk]

Is there any good books reguarding the AR ? What about those PTR's?

[eric2063]

http://m14tfl.com/upload/showthread.php?t=62977

[Turk]

Thanks for the link.....I need to find someone close with a PTR ????

[Turk]

P.O.F. has some nice sh%t..

[Omega13device]

In an SHTF scenario the last thing I'd want to do is engage someone from a long distance. Someone 500 yards away probably isn't a threat. If they are a threat they're probably not alone and now all you've done is alert a group of bad guys that you're there and you've got guns, ammo and probably food.

There are other reasons to go .308, for example if you want one rifle for self-defense and hunting. Or if you just want something in .308 because it's cool or for the sake of variety (nothing wrong with that).

The other thing is that rifles are like potato chips, you can't stop at just one. So don't worry to much about picking the "right" SHTF gun. You'll have several to choose from.

[pyro3k2]

[daemonite]

SHTF...

I have a small 5.56mm carbine (standard caliber of military/police, easy to find, lightweight, good for close quarters). The Kel-Tec SU-16 is very good for this purpose, very light weight, uses M4/M16 mags and has acceptable accuracy while being durable.

I also have a Saiga 5.45mm for the same purpose...but mainly due to the cheapness of ammo (160bux for 1080 rounds) which allows me to stockpile.

.308 is expensive, and harder to find now a days since the military switched to 5.56mm and no police (minus snipers) use it. Much harder to find if you have to scavenge for ammo, also the prices don't allow you to stockpile and it's VERY heavy to carry in large amounts.

My M21 (a accurized, sniper version of the M1a) weighs in at around 11-12lbs unloaded...screw carrying that in a SHTF situation. My carbines weigh in at less then 10lb LOADED. Even my SOCOM 16 (short 16inch barrel M1A) is a porker when loaded, plus it's deafening to shoot indoors.

SHTF, go with what you can get the most ammo of and is the lightest most durable small package you can find.

P.S. You can build a handy dandy AR but the bullet button isn't handy in a SHTF situation...average cost is 900, if you can fix a car then you can def build an AR.

Look into MIni-14's, Saiga's or Kel-Tec SU-16's all can be had under $500 and will be excellent in a pinch (I really rec the SU-16)