Having hard time deciding between AR15 and PTR91

[Skullbussa]

I'm well aware of the pros/cons of the 5.56 vs 7.62 debate so I don't want to launch into that conversation.

But I am having a heck of a time deciding between these two, the AR-15 (probably going with Colt, not sure) and the PTR-91.

I figure it would be better if I just told y'all what I want:

-target shooting out to 300-400yds, possibly longer
-*no hunting*
-want something very easy to break down and clean
-want something that is easy to scope
-accuracy
-resale - i am known to flip my guns
-I want a gun that is RUGGED
-want a gun that can eat a variety of cheap surplus

I'm going to be honest, my initial reaction is to go with the PTR91 due to the fact I can get one for about $1100 vs $1350 for a Colt 6721.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

On those criteria, probably the AR15.

Break it down:

-target shooting out to 300-400yds, possibly longer

Advantage: PTR91. If you had said 300 or less, it would be a wash.

-want something very easy to break down and clean

Wash/ No advantage, I don't think

-want something that is easy to scope

Advantage: AR15

-accuracy

Advantage: AR15

-resale -

Wash / No advantage, if you get the Colt.

-I want a gun that is RUGGED

Wash / No advantage. IMO, they are both very rugged. Arguably, the PTR is a bit more rugged, but the AR15 is *extremely* rugged.

-want a gun that can eat a variety of cheap surplus

Advantage: AR15

 

[Z-Michigan]

Considering ammo cost and resale, go with an AR-15. Also PTRs vary from highly accurate to really bad and you don't know what you're going to get if you buy one.

Skip the Colt 6721. There are better rifles for less money. I would look at options with a 20" barrel and either 1:7 or 1:8 twist from companies like CMMG, Sabre Defense, Bravo Company, and others.

Wash / No advantage. IMO, they are both very rugged. Arguably, the PTR is a bit more rugged, but the AR15 is *extremely* rugged.

PTR rugged, except if you dent the receiver. Then you need a full workshop, a vise, and a hammer to even get started on fixing it. You've got a 9lb paperweight until then.

 

[natescout]

can go wrong with an AR-15, ez to scope, rugged, and a lot cheaper to feed.. then a .308

 

[1KPerDay]

Cheap surplus, huh...

you don't want a 7.62.

 

[stubbicatt]

Based on your criteria, I would also recommend the AR15. I am a real fanboy of the PTR91, and the 308, and I really DON'T like the AR15 for any number of reasons. But based on your stated needs and desires, the AR would suit you better.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[ol' scratch]

Take it from some one who made the mistake. Get the AR-15. I too wondered if I wanted a PTR and got one instead of an AR. I wish I hadn't.

Get the AR. You can swap parts, change uppers and lowers, put cool crap on them (if you so choose), find parts, and find ANYONE to work on them. If you get into reloading, the AR's are easier on brass too.

 

[DMK]

What about a PSL?

Maybe you already considered and dismissed it, but:

-target shooting out to 300-400yds, possibly longer - Check
-want something very easy to break down and clean - Check
-want something that is easy to scope - Check
-accuracy At least as good as a PTR
-I want a gun that is RUGGED - Check
-want a gun that can eat a variety of cheap surplus - Check

 

[Birddog1911]

If you really want a .308 battle rifle, I'd suggest the M1A or the FAL. The trigger pull on the G3 platforms are attrocious. That said, I haven't shot the PTR specifically, so maybe they fixed that. You also won't be able to reload for the PTR because of the damage done to the brass.
The M1A is my love, but even it can be rough on brass. I throw my brass away after 4 reloads because it is so tough. But, it is the most accurate of the battle rifles.
The FAL isn't the most accurate, but built like a tank, will run forever, eat anything, and easily reloaded for.

All of those are expensive to feed. Trust me, I know. But I'm too big of a fan of the .308 to let a little thing like money stop me!

The easiest platform to scope is the AR, plain and simple. It will also be the lightest, but that is something that has never bothered me either.

Hope that I have given you some more to consider.

 

[stubbicatt]

Hm. I reload the brass fired in my PTR. Works just fine. As far as attrocities of trigger pull go, watch out for the select fire FAL, as the one I owned felt like it was disjointing my trigger finger!~

These minor issues are issues which can be readily addressed by gunsmiths. Heck, I had my M1 and M1a triggers worked, and they weren't so bad right out of the gate!

So while I agree with your conclusion concerning the choice of rifle, I have to disagree empirically with that data you rely upon in arriving at that decision, as my experience is very different from yours.

 

[leadcounsel]

I own both.

Well for pure plinking at that distance the AR15 wins. The AR15 is cheaper and the ammo is cheaper. The AR15 is more accurate, in my experience, than the PTR91. The AR15 is less punishing to shoot for an afternoon session. The PTR91 is not a very ergonimical weapon platform. It's a good platform for a reliable weapon however. The PTR91 shines in the firepower and reliability area, just not distance plinking.

BTW for $30 you can buy a very comfortable rugged AR15 grip replacement and replace it in under 30 minutes - it's just a screw in the bottom of the lower receiver.

 

[Balog]

I dislike AR's, but for your goals it is definitely the superior choice. Ease of scoping, cheap ammo are solely AR things. AR's are easy to break down, although I find them a pain to clean. Of course, that experience is getting them Marine Corps clean so I don't know how that'd apply to your life. Since hunting is not in the picture no reason to go PTR, in my book.

 

[1KPerDay]

BTW for $30 you can buy a very comfortable rugged AR15 grip replacement and replace it in under 30 minutes

 

[NMGonzo]

Stop timing my work.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I guess it takes 1kperday longer than 30 minutes to swap out an AR grip, huh?

Takes me about 2 or 3 minutes.

 

[1KPerDay]

I guess it takes 1kperday longer than 30 minutes to swap out an AR grip, huh?

lol