Best all-around SA Rifle with ammo & price restrictions

[boogalou]

OK, if you had to pick from the following choices for a semi-auto battle rifle that you would use just for fun plus give you decent accuracy and reliability, which one would you choose. The restrictions are using cheap ammo like 7.62x29, .223, or 8mm, and keeping costs around $500. I know the FN-Fal is pushing the limits on that, but figure deals can sometimes be found.

Did not add the Garand because of ammo and cost of current rifles.

I'm not looking at SHTF scenarios, just a good rifle that gives you good all-round flexibility, aftermarket options, ease of service, parts availability, trigger control, etc.

As you can see, I'm not asking for much......

 

[Sachse]

only the last four on the list should be considered for a battle rifle. The others are too small a caliber or unproven in battle. Why not a M1 Garand? You could get one cheap from the CMP. Then rebarrel it for the cheaper 308.

 

[TallPine]

why did you leave out the Saiga in 7.62*39 ?

 

[albanian]

I chose the SKS only because there was no AR-15 option. I think the AR is the best all around SA rifle you can get. It is accurate enough to really get some hits on things and it is in an inexpensive cal. You can get one from $500 up and up and up but even a stock AR will be accurate enough for most people.

The SKS can be quite accurate also. I think people believe they are not accurate because the sights are not the best and scopes are either poorly mounted or not of good quality. A SKS with a good scope and mount will often give very good accuracy.

 

[varoadking]

Garands can be had as cheap as some of the other choices, and in .308 as well. Likely the best shooter of the bunch you have listed...

 

[Doug S]

Even though I'd choose my SAR 1 for SHTF scenarios, I voted for the SKS. My SKS is a bit large, but otherwise just as reliable & probably more fun to shoot (less recoil) than the SAR. Also makes a better target shooting rifle in my opinion.