M1A v. AR10 v. FAL

[Balrog]

I am considering the addition of a semi auto rifle in 7.62 NATO. I am interest in three platforms, the M1A, AR 10, and FAL. I would like to get input on the relative advantages and disadvantages of each, and other users experiences with them.

I like the classic look of the M1A. I especially like the 18" Springfield Scout model. It seems to be a little heavier than an AR10. Even with the rail on the scout model, attaching optics may be more of a challenge than on an AR10. I have heard that putting a red dot on the rail on the Scout model still positions the optic too high, and a cheek riser needs to be added to the stock for proper sight alignment. I am curious if that has been a problem for anyone.

The AR 10 seems to be a little lighter than and M1A, and I think would be easier to mount optics and other accessories on if desired. Magazines I think are cheaper since Magpul makes mags for the AR10. It operates like an AR 15, which is the rifle I have the most experience with. This is good and bad. Its good because I will already be very familiar with it, but bad because it will offer the same shooting experience as an AR 15 just in a bigger caliber.

The FAL (I am looking at DSA) looks great and has a lot of unique history during the Cold War. Looks like magazines are a little less expensive than for M1A.

What are thoughts on these three options?

 

[earplug]

The AR10 has the advantage of sharing the design with the AR15 and some parts interchange. Getting something repaired or upgraded will cost less then the other two rifles. Scoping a AR10 is easier and the rail is fool proof. Triggers, bolts and uppers are readily available. The AR10 responds to the same accuracy upgrades as the AR15 design. You can have multiple uppers for what ever purpose you wish.
Unless the M1A is mounted in a chassis, accuracy will degrade the more you shoot it and take it apart. The FAL is a historic firearm.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I am going through this debate in my head just about every week LOL

AR10 is the technologically superior design. Lots of good parts out there, too.
FAL is a great battle rifle design with a really interesting history. I like how easy it is to maintain.

M1A is the nostalgia pic. The history, the military service... but it's harder to scope, glass bedding can be required for really good accuracy (or an expensive chassis).

I have it down between the FAL and AR10, personally. I hope someday to have all three, though.

 

[Charlie98]

The AR10 responds to the same accuracy upgrades as the AR15 design.

For pure versatility, it's hard to beat an AR of any flavor.

I have an M1a... a Socom16 to be precise. When I first bought it, I mounted an old pistol red dot on it, it was a little high, but nothing super duper. If you are going to mount any sort of optic or sight on it in the long term, you will need a cheek riser.



The M1a requires a bit more from the operator. There are some simple accuracy mods you can do, and maintenance is critical.

 

[shoobe01]

M14 (M1A) for nostalgia or familiarity if that's what you were issued, like that stock shape.
FAL for battle rifle. Reliable shooting in all conditions and not super worried about accuracy? FAL. Not bad, just not easy to get tuned up really well.

Now, I wouldn't call the last category "AR10" but what many do: Large Frame AR. There are several patterns to these, and some that are broadly the same internally but whose big components (receivers mostly) do not interchange at all.

The large frame AR is a great choice for versatility, light weight, and/or precision, especially in the US for the reasons the AR15 is. Popularity, domestic production (protectionism). And many, many, many guns to choose from. From LR308 pattern build-your-own, to things like the LMT MWS or LWRC REPR. Price is also widely variable, depending on maker, and features.

Oh, and if it will ever be a suppressor host, of the three 100% the large frame AR, but look for one that comes with adjustable gas.

 

[DMW1116]

It depends on what I wanted. I would get an M1A if I wanted a dedicated iron sighted rifle. I wouldn't even want to scope it. For a rifle I plan to scope, AR10.

ETA: I didn't comment on the other option as I know nothing about them other than caliber.

 

[briansmithwins]

AR10 for price and accuracy. With the SCAR FN basically looked at the AR design and got rid of the weak points.

Carbon fouling on the bolt and receiver interior? Short stroke piston up from keeps the garbage out.
Difficulty in running suppression? Hand adjustable gas regulator.
Accessory mounting problems? Receiver is cover with rails on all 4 sides.
Broken CH from clearing malfunctions? CH is one piece of steel that’s directly attached to the BC.
Rifle overlong for urban and vehicle use? Rifle stock folds.
Manual of arms biased towards the right handed? Rifle controls are completely ambi out of the box.

BSW

 

[AK103K]

Everyone should own at least one of each, that way you know what to pick.

Ive owned a number of M1A's and FAL's. I havent picked up an AR10 "yet", but if I were in the market for a 308/7.62, it would be my choice for a "shooter/user".

Personally, unless I could get an early M1A that was built with GI parts, Id avoid Springfield and go with one of the other makers. Early Springfields were good guns. Newer guns, not so much. Id also go with the standard rifle, as opposed to the shorter guns.

The FAL's are good guns as long as you can live with their accuracy issues. Ive owned three, and all of them would start to "string" the rounds as the guns warmed up. They really didnt shoot groups. Roundish groups anyway. People Ive known over the years who were issued them, said that was a common problem. Function wise, they work fine. Id go for an FN, or one built by a known builder with a good rep. Just watch out for the kit guns.

The reason Id go with the AR's over the others, is they are going to offer better versatility, and with past experience with the platform in the 5.56 calibers, better accuracy.

The commonality of accessories is another big plus, and youre not having to deal/live with things like cheek risers, and overly high optics, etc. The AR's were designed to work with the add ons, not work around things to get them.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Thumbnail sketch:

M1A - Rock-solid, inexpensive high quality mags and almost NO crappy ones. Lots of parts........ And; WALNUTable!

AR based - ridiculous number of *platforms* causing potential interchangeability concerns even within single manufacturer's lines. Generally outstanding accuracy engineered in. No end of ability to re-configure and accessorize. LOTS of magazine problems for some platforms.

FAL - Hands Down finest full-sized battle rifle ever fielded. Very accommodating gas system. Lots of perfect mags for both *Inch* and *Metric* patterns. Usually problematic in securely mounting optics and accessories. Generally, reliability and life span to shame the previous two - though that is only noteworthy in a multi-generational gun as civilian shooters will seldom "wear out" the other two.

I've had the unusual opportunity to carry and use each of these platforms as a Service Rifle and the FAL always comes out on top including HKs.

Todd.

 

[AK103K]

I didnt think you could ever write M14 mags and "inexpensive/high quality" in the same sentence.

When I had mine, USGI were about the only ones you could trust to work, and they were not cheap.

 

[BreechFace]

Is moa or better type accuracy a requirement? If so, then AR10 all the way.

If not, then I wouldn't go with an AR10, but I like things that are different. I have enough AR15's adding an AR10 would be milquetoast.

Then that would leave M1A and FAL, and to me not even a choice; FAL all the way. But this is coming from a person who already has a Garand so that satisfies the M1A itch.

 

[MachIVshooter]

If accuracy and/or running a suppressor matter to you, .308 AR no question.

If ease of swapping components to customize matters to you, also the AR is favored.

The other two are great rifles, though. But it takes a lot more time & money to make an M1A or FAL even close to as accurate as a relatively inexpensive .308 AR, and neither the M1A or FAL are very good suppressor hosts due to piston pop. .308 ARs will still be fairly loud, mid-high 130 dB range due to port noise even with gas adjusted, but the other two will be well into the 140s at shooter's ear no matter what you do (and yes, they also require modification to run properly with a can, and it's more involved than swapping on an adjustable gas block)

I have a DSA Para carbine and really like it, but if I could have only one .308 autoloader, it would be the .308 AR. I don't presently have an M1A, and just sold my G3 clone last month. Only other .308 autoloader I have is a Kel Tec RFB, which is also not a great suppressor host or especially accurate, but a neat rifle nonetheless.

 

[Nature Boy]

But it takes a lot more time & money to make an M1A or FAL even close to as accurate as a relatively inexpensive .308 AR

Frankly, that's part of the attraction. They are a hobby unto themselves

 

[Robert]

It's no secret, I love my FAL. But it is what it is, a 50s design that is field accurate with no easy way to mount optics and maintain a decent cheek weld. It can be done, but it's not what I'd call plug and play.

The AR308 is more accurate, easier to customize, and much easier to mount optics than either of the other two.

 

[Bwana John]

M14 vs AR 10 vs FAL

You left out the G3

 

[greyling22]

M14 vs AR 10 vs FAL

You left out the G3

The forgotten weapons YouTube guy recently did a bit on modernized g3's. They looked pretty cool. I'm really partial to the old wood stocked g3/cetme's

But for me, ar10 all the way. The m1a and fal look cool, but if I'm going to do any sort of shooting, I want an AR. Or a scar. Or something else modern-ish

 

[Uffdaphil]

Though the M14 is a sweet shooter, it’s not for the recoil sensitive. After punishing my shoulder in the Army with the M14 I swore off 7.62 forever. And did until I discovered the AR10 (DPMS pattern) a few years ago. Now it’s my favorite caliber. Recoil not much more than an AR15 and just as easy to maintain and customize.

My first is a Midwest Industries 16” that has run flawlessly with and w/o can since I installed an adjustable gas block. Prices have gone up though. The second I built with an Aero upper/lower and 18” barrel. Each weighs 8.5 lbs. if you don’t want to build I’d suggest an LMT MWS. They cost a little more, but the quick change barrel length and calibers are woth it IMO. They and Knights have the military record that proves their reliability.

The FAL is a sexy beast. Go for it if fun is higher priority than precision. The Galil Ace 7.62 NATO would probably be my second choice now that there os a good looking rail to replace the ugly, short stock one.

 

[Ignition Override]

Balrog: Frankly, I have very little exposure to any of these rifles. Mr. Vickers reviews the German FAL here.
This video is included mostly because I enjoy seeing non-commercial reviews by any former member of the top-notch Delta Force (reportedly Vickers was a member).

He reviews several FALs, including an authentic Rhodesian. Talk about character (gun's basic image) ! , but to also have that authentic 'scraped-up' "baby .p." camo from the insurgency Border Wars in southern Afrika - so unique.

 

[BreechFace]

Balrog: Frankly, I have very little exposure to any of these rifles. Mr. Vickers reviews the German FAL here.
This video is included mostly because I enjoy seeing non-commercial reviews by former members of the top-notch Delta Team (reportedly Vickers was a member).

Mmmmmmm...FAL

 

[MachIVshooter]

Frankly, that's part of the attraction. They are a hobby unto themselves

To some. Others want "bolt-on" customization so they can have it the way they want it without having to either pay a professional or make a time & money investment in knowledge and tools to do something they may still not be comfortable with.

Have you ever modded an FAL gas plug for suppressed use? It's super easy for me, but I'm a professional machinist with a half million dollars worth of lathes, mills & associated tooling. For your average shooter who maybe has a drill press and a dremel with little experience in metal working, not so much.

 

[BigBore44]

If nostalgia is a big factor, M1A all the way.

If customability is a big factor, AR308

If you want to get on a particular Mod’s good side, FAL. I have 2 of the 3. I’ll have to get on @Robert good side another, less expensive way.

 

[Nature Boy]

Have you ever modded an FAL gas plug for suppressed use?

No, I was referring to my personal experience with the M1A. It was learning about its idiosyncrasies and how to accur-ize it that I found compelling and rewarding about the platform. That, and it’s a damn sexy rifle

 

[Robert]

If nostalgia is a big factor, M1A all the way.

If customability is a big factor, AR308

If you want to get on a particular Mod’s good side, FAL. I have 2 of the 3. I’ll have to get on @Robert good side another, less expensive way.

No doubt they ain't cheap. But I allow that other shooters have different opinions as to what they like. Nothing wrong with that. There is plenty of fun to go around.

 

[Tommygunn]

Having an M1A and two AR-10s I agree that the AR is more modern, a better design, and more adaptable. If you care about that it's the best. The M1A is more a ....BATTLERIFLE. They can be scoped, just not as easily. The magazines are unique TO the M1A and require a little more of an artsy wrist-twist to insert and seat, though it's not at all difficult.
I will say one thing about the M1A; I really truly like the sights on this rifle!
But the AR-10 can often be equipped with whatever sights and/or scopes or holographic sights you desire.

 

[FL-NC]

The M1A is an excellent rifle if you were issued the M14 way back when and you feel nostalgic. Otherwise, it isn't the best of the 3, unless you intend to use it for CMP type service rifle matches, or something along those lines. They tend to be overpriced for what you get, and don't do well with most accessories (with the exception of a sling and bayonet- the only 2 things really designed to work well with the M14). I was issued various versions of the M14 in the sniper role, where it only performed marginally. The FAL IMO is more "handy" with its slimmer and more streamlined profile, and has better mounting options for optics and the like than the M14, but the FAL still falls short to the AR10. The AR10 is my personal preference for rifles in this class. This is due to the familiarity as compared to the M16 family, the large amount of aftermarket customization options, the ease of mounting optics, and how comparatively simple they are to work on compared to the M14 and to a lesser degree the FAL. I was also issued various versions of the AR10 for use in the sniper role, and it performed extremely well. Even more so than the SCAR heavy, IMO.