What is the best semiautomatic .308?

Question

I want to get a semiautomatic .308 rifle. I would prefer a sporting style to an AR style, because I don't want a pistol grip. However, I like the thicker barrels that come with most AR style rifles. I would like a longer barrel (at least 22 inches). This will be primarily for deer hunting.

Answer 1

Go with the Remington, as it is more accurate right out of the box than the Browning, Tikka, Winchester, or anyone else's. Gun Tests magazine recently did an article on the semi-auto hunting rifles. It is worth you time to read their article.

Answer 2

The Browning BAR is an excellent rifle for hunting. It's very similar to the Benelli, which is a good choice as well. As another person said, a Springfield M1A would work very well also, as the Springfield M14 is not for civilian sales, but other companies make clones. If you're looking for an AR type rifle, an AR-10 might be a good bet, but there are also new uppers available for AR-15 rifles chambered in the hot new .300WSM cartridge. Also, if you can find one, an FN FAL would qualify as a good .308 rifle, as well as any of it's clones, especially the HK-91. Accurized versions of this rifle are used as specialized police sniper rifles. Also, recently, I talked to Earl J. Sheehan Jr. about getting one of the remaining 14 Walther WA2000 rifles, and he had one in .308 that had been used that was a steal at only $45,000. Very good for hunting use if you can get over the fact that it's more than most cars, and bringing it outside in itself is pretty much a sin.

Answer 3

The Remington 7400 is an excellent semi-auto sporter and can be had for less than half the price of most military-style rifles. But if you don't mind the old-school military look, the Springfield M-1A will serve for deer hunting and much more besides.

Answer 4

Springfield Armory M1A Heavy Barrel 308 caliber Semi-Auto
Rifle...(Even if it is more rifle than you need for Deer Hunting)

Answer 5

Springfield M1A

Answer 6

I agree with NN, a bolt-action would be better than a semi-automatic for hunting.

If you want a fast repeat shot, get a Browning BLR in .308 Win, or even better .358 Win.

Very accurate, and fast on repeat shots.

If it has to be a semi-automatic, go with a Browning BAR.

Doc

Answer 7

Springfield M1A

Answer 8

Browning BAR

Answer 9

The best choice for your purpose is the M-14.*

Answer 10

Check out the Benelli R1. Quite innovative.