M14/M1A class rifles

[mshootnit]

Is the FN SCAR 17S really that good. I.E. the new ZO6 dusting the old vette...

 

[Whiskey11]

I'd say no and the military apparently agrees or we'd see more of them in service. Having held one and gotten the privilege to mess around with it a bit, I'm not overly impressed. It's nice, but I'd rather have my M14. Keep in mind that the SCAR 17S' primary advantage is the fact that it is lighter and shorter than an M14. Accuracy probably isn't that far off from each other dollar for dollar.

Much like it's little brother, the Scar 16S, it isn't enough of an improvement over the AR pattern rifle it was intended to replace (M16 for the 16S and AR10 for the 17S) to justify the cost of changing to it.

 

[axeman_g]

Having owned the following from your list (FN-49, MAS 49, and a SVT-40) and a Garand, M1a, DPMS FAL I can say that the M1a was the best of that group for accuracy, usability, function and relaibility. The garand was a close second , the FAL, the FN49, the SVT then the MAS49.

The first three are in a group by themselves I think. Far superior.

My favorite is the FAL, but it is easily beat on accuracy... but I really like them.
The M1a and the Garand just make 500yard shots seem easy...

 

[valnar]

There are newer rifles from smaller outfits that may fit the bill too. I love my 5.56 PWS MK116. You may want to check out their MK216.

 

[ClemY]

I qualified with the M-14 in OCS, but after completing flight school, I didn’t have much to do with small arms. I did later qualify with the M-16, but I was unimpressed.

Fast forward 40 yrs, I got the chance to build an AR-10 clone. I used a DPMS upper with 18” heavy barrel. I have since had the barrel fluted to take out a bit of weight. It is pretty standard, but much more accurate than any M-14/M1A I ever fired. I would take it over the M-14 or FAL.