Which one? Arsenal Ak or Springfield M1A?

[BigStiCK]

Ok,
I'm in the market for a high-quality battle rifle before the end of the year. The new laws due to take effect in 2014 are a motivator.

-Love the M14/ M1A platform. Never owned one but have done extensive research. I have visions of a very nice walnut stock Scout Squad.

-New to Ak's. Done some research. Arsenal seems to put out a quality product & I like their models with milled receivers. Their new SAM7-SF is calling me.

It seems like I could save some $$$ going with the Arsenal, both in initial cost & the price of ammo.

The rifle will be maintained as an occasional Run'N'Gun / plinker, but mostly kept in reserve as a goto SHTF option.

I should add I have extensive experience with the AR platform and am already set there. I really have no interest in lower quality AK's, and would like to keep the discussion on these two rifles/ brands only.

Thoughts?

[INFAMOUS762X39]

Good call on the Scout Squad, I am on the hunt for one. Just to have/go with my M1A Loaded. They are superb rifles, you won't regret it.

As for Arsenals, they can go suck a wet fart. As much as I love my featureless Saiga AK, I am in the market for another AK platform. I am looking at O-PAP yugo m70 and Molot VEPRs at the moment, or another Saiga and convert it.

[ElvenSoul]

The STATE hates and fears the AK....it is usually the first banned.

[CSACANNONEER]

An M1A or a Saiga conversion? Hmmm. I'd get the M1A and a cheap, unconverted Saiga which will be just as reliable as the Arsenal crap without having to support a company with a log history of being anti 2A/anti California gun owner. Why anyone in CA would support Arsenal is beyond me.

[Gutz]

M1A...

You could always build an AK later.

[CrippledPidgeon]

Since 7.62x39 is not a battle rifle caliber, get the M1A

[f308gt4]

Saiga .308.

I happen to have one listed in the marketplace...

[BigPimping]

AK all day every day.

[The Paper Pimp]

the side folder won't do you any good here unless you can make the OAL at least 30"

[BigStiCK]

the side folder won't do you any good here unless you can make the OAL at least 30"

Aww, Crap.

[Divernhunter]

M1A would, and is, my choice. I like mine.

[anti]

Get an AK. No need to spend a ton of money on a commercial Arsenal. The older Waffen Werks ones are built on actual Arsenal Bulgaria kits that saw prior military service. It's much cheaper than a newer commercial Arsenal and they function just as well.

I personally preferred building mine because I wanted to learn the AK platform better, and it creates a special bond . Not only that, but they have much more character!

Spend the leftover money you save getting the AK on ammo and mags/accessories. There are plenty of great deals going on right now for these guns!

[Vaktathi]

I have to say I've been really impressed with my Arsenal SAM7R, and no, the Milled ones are not Saiga converts, but that said, Arsenal's guns aren't cheap, and the folding stock on the SAM7-SF may present issues for CA.

an AK and an M1A are very different rifles that fulfill very different roles. If you want a rifle you can reach out and touch something with reliably at 400-800 yards, the M1A is your deal. If you want something you can be absolutely sure will fire even if you mash a twinkie into the receiver and will likely be engaging with a higher rate of fire at closer ranges, then go for the AK.

[E92335i]

M1A pleaseee

[Mr357magnum]

Spend the extra money and go with the M1A. I have a Standard M1A (wood stock) and it is without a doubt the most satisfying rifle to shoot. very accurate, and very controllable recoil.