What is the best long range semi-auto rifle? I have an M1A1 is there better?

Answer 1

Practically? Something in 7.62x51 NATO (.308 Winchester). I like the FN FAL and AR-10 as well as the older M-14. You have stipulated "semi-auto rifle;" there are plenty of excellent bolt-action rifles which is proprietary to the sniper rifle. So the best semi-automatic long-range rifle is probably the Armalite AR-30 in 8.6 x 70 mm (.338 Lapua). It shoots further and hits harder than any .223, .308 or even .30-06. There are also .50 caliber anti-personnel rifles, but they are bulky and hard to carry.

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Answer 2

Bound's hubby here:

First, the M1A1 in "rifle" form, is the M1 Carbine with the folding paratrooper stock ... most definitely not a long range proposition. The other M1A1 I am aware of, is the latest generation of the Abrahms tank, also, not what I think you mean!

It is really a toss-up if you are talking a semi-auto for NRA sanctioned long range rifle competition. For long range (1,000 yard) Service Rifle competition, you are to limited to either a National Match version of the M1 Garand or the M1A (civilian version of the M14). Under NRA rules, service rifles must use issue sights as adopted by the US Army. Under Match Rifle rules, a semi auto in the Any Sight matches would be permitted to use a scope, but none of the currently produced semi-autos have "iron sights" adequate for 1,000 yard shooting. Compared to the bolt action rifles, all of the "exotic" European semi-autos the good folks above have identified will not hold a match to a typical 1,000 yard bolt gun!

Given a choice between a match accurized M1 Garand and an M1A, I would take the Garand, since the .30-06 allows more versatility for heavier long range match bullet selection, and the extra 100 fps it has can be beneficial when shooting in the wind!

Good luck!

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the best long range semi-auto rifle? I have an M1A1 is there better?

Answer 4

The M4A1 is a basically a shortened M16A2 for SOCOM and SOPMOD use. Due to the shortened barrel, the maximum effective range for the rifle is dropped to 150m from the M16A2's 300m.

If you're looking for a long-range semi-auto rifle for personal use, I would recommend an AR-15 in either the 20" or 24" Varmit configuration. It's a free-floating barrel system, and there are plenty of after-market modifications (trigger, match fluted barrels, etc) which can push the rifle into the .5 MOA group, all at reasonable cost (less than $700 for a basic package)

If you're talking in hypothetical terms, I would direct you towards researching the following firearms (I also included approximate prices should you decide to sell your liver for one):

Heckler and Koch PSG-1 (German made semi-automatic sniper rifle in 7.62x51mm)
$15-25k USD

Walther WA2000 (German made semi-automatic sniper rifle in 7.62x51mm, .300 WSM, 7.5 Swiss)
$70-100k USD

Barrett M82 Light Fifty (American made semi-automatic sniper rifle designed for anti-material deployment in .50 BMG)
$6-12k USD

Answer 5

Tactically speaking the new Kel-Tec bull-pup rifle chambered in .308 is the best for the money. It takes FAL mags and is small enough to be used for room clearing, the addition of a quad rail system on the forend enables the mounting of all kinds of goodies. Plus it is the ONLY rifle that ejects spent brass right under neither the barrel instead of spitting it a couple meters off to your side. You can easily add an ACOG,or Eotech Holosight,and has amazing accuracy, out to 800 meters. Plus because of the gas vectoring system recoil is kept to a minimum, as well as muzzle climb making for extremely fast target acquisition.

Answer 6

Ronny Barret produces a semi-auto .50 BMG rifle that can reach out a couple of thousand meters

Answer 7

The best long range rifle for affordability and quality would be the Remington 308. Its a great deer hunting rifle.

Answer 8

a rifle is "best" according to its target. gophers and rabbits, .22
Yak, .50 different rounds have different flight paths. even a bullet that has a large drop can still be used in extreem long range, as long as drop is accounted for and the sights are adjusted. a .22 will travel at least 4 miles before hitting the earth again. (read the side of a box of .22)

Answer 9

M1a1 Sniper Rifle

Answer 10

PGM rifle