It's kind of interesting... there are very few AR's on this thread. I guess a lot of it is how you define the OP question. I 'favor' the AR for a lot of things, but I consider them and the 5.56mm cartridge more of a 'tool at hand' than my favorite; maybe sort of like your favorite 1/2" ratchet in the toolbox. I 'love' almost all of my rifles, some have sentimental value, some are just crazy, some are greater than the sum of their parts. My 'favorite' rifle probably changes based on which side of the bed I get up on, the phase of the moon, or what I had for dinner... but let's give it a go...
Runner Up #1... Savage 99F in .308
Bought this rifle on a fluke... I had always wanted a 99 for some dumb reason, friend of mine had one. I found it was the absolute ideal mix of balance, handling, function and form, and just a fun rifle to shoot, and easy on the eyes for sure.
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Runner Up #2... Browning 71 in .348WCF
Another fluke of a rifle and cartridge, and another lever-action. Like most Brownings, very simple aesthetically, but fantastic fit and finish, with an action like a bank vault door. The .348 cartridge is nothing to sneeze at, either; at once challenging to reload, and quite rewarding. I've had this rifle out past 1200yds, believe it or not, that with a 20" barrel.
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Winner, Winner! Chicken dinner... Springfield M1 Garand
My Garand is a piece of junk. It is, and I'll admit it. A FedOrd rebuild, reparked, puttied up stock, banged up furniture... but boy does it shoot. I've always defined the Garand as a very 'physical' rifle to shoot... everything is slam! bam! pow! ching! ...there is a lot going on. It's a man's man of a rifle to operate and shoot. I can't think of another rifle I have that is this much fun to shoot. Further, I love the .30-06 cartridge... it's big and physical too, all the while being svelte and carrying an understated capability. No belts, no rebated rim, no tricksy name, but good to go with bullets from 110grn to 220grn (and probably more...) using whatever powder you happen to have handy... and what is more sexy that a loaded en bloc clip of .30-06???
Me and the Garand out shooting in southern Nevada...
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Honorable Mention... Springfield M1a Socom16
What the M1 Garand lacks in sophistication, the M1a makes up for. Another 'physical' rifle, but somehow more refined... more *gasp!* AR-like. There... I said it. And that may be more my Socom16 version... short barrel, synthetic stock, muzzle brake, CQB sights. Another rewarding rifle to handle and shoot... but it does lack the personal character of the M1 Garand.
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