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Semi-Automatic .308: A Battle Rifle Review
The semi-automatic .308 has become increasingly popular in the shooting community as more people look to push past the limits of the AR-15 and the 5.56 round.
The .308/7.62 NATO round offers a number of advantages and is a great addition to any collection.
In this guide, we will take a look at the most common semi-automatic .308 platforms and their features.
Why Semi-Automatic .308?
The .308 round offers a number of advantages over other rounds. Its longer range and higher power make it ideal for medium/long-distance ranges, and its larger size allows for more stopping power at these ranges.
Additionally, the semi-automatic platform allows for faster follow-up shots than a bolt-action platform chambered in the same or similar rounds.
Common Semi-Automatic .308 Platforms/Types
There are several common platforms and types of semi-auto .308 Battle Rifles available on the market.
Some of the most popular include:
AR-10
This is by far the most popular semi-automatic .308 platform and is based on the AR-15 platform. It is essentially a larger clone of the AR-15 that has been modified to accommodate the larger caliber round.
The magazine well and BCG (bolt carrier group) are both larger, and it has a 1:10 barrel twist. It is generally heavier and stouter than an AR-15 but offers increased range and power.
M1A (M14)
This American rifle was replaced by the AR15/M16 as the standard issue rifle for GIs/Marines during the 1960s. Springfield is the only manufacturer we would recommend for this rifle and they are very tough to come by, which makes the rifle and upgrades more expensive than the AR10 platform.
This rifle features synthetic/fiberglass stocks/bodies, modern rails for optics, lights, bipods, etc. We do recommend the Fulton Armory M14 EBR variant as well, but the price of this particular model and manufacturer makes it unrealistic for the majority of buyers.
Galil
This Israeli standard-issue Battle Rifle is designed to be a hybrid between the FAL and the AK47. It comes in both .308/&.62 NATO and 5.56, much like AR platforms.
It is manufactured originally by Israeli Weapons Industries (IWI), and this is the manufacturer we recommend. Due to a lack of manufacturing competition, their prices remain elevated but not unrealistic.
FAL
The FAL is considered to be the premier Battle Rifle of the 20th century and has been used in dozens of conflicts across various militaries and governments.
Originally manufactured by FN, this original manufacturer is still considered the premier manufacturer/version of this rifle. DS Arms is our recommended manufacturer of this rifle and produces a high-quality modern variant of this classic Battle Rifle.
Conclusion
The .308/&.62 NATO round offers a number of advantages over other rounds and is a great addition to any collection. The semi-automatic platform allows for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy/power-down range than the common smaller caliber semi-automatic rifles.
The most common semi-automatic .308 Battle Rifle platforms include the AR-10, M1A (M14), Galil, and FAL, each with its unique features and characteristics. It is important to consider the specific usage and requirements before making a purchase.
Be sure to read our other guides here!