flakbait
Member
Why do semiautomatic .308 based rifles (M1A, FAL, AR-10) cost 1.5-2 times that of AR-15 style rifles? I can find bare bones AR-15 rifles for less than $1000 but I don't see any semi .308 for less than $1500-2000.
Probably most AR-15 style rifles are chambered for .223/5.56 which is marginal for big game hunting (deer, hogs, antelope). The 6.8 mm SPC round is nice but the ammo is pricey. I'm sure big game hunters far outnumber varmit hunters.
The .308 is much more useful for big game hunting and can take any animal in North America. Why is the demand for .308 rifles not the reducing the cost. I don't think there is much difference between the AR-10 and AR-15 other than the amount of metal used and slightly different bolt carrier parts.
I guess the simple answer is probably supply and demand. Most AR-15 style rifles are purchased for plinking/target shooting rather than hunting/long range shooting. .223 ammo is still relatively cheap compared to other centerfire ammo. What are your thoughts?
Probably most AR-15 style rifles are chambered for .223/5.56 which is marginal for big game hunting (deer, hogs, antelope). The 6.8 mm SPC round is nice but the ammo is pricey. I'm sure big game hunters far outnumber varmit hunters.
The .308 is much more useful for big game hunting and can take any animal in North America. Why is the demand for .308 rifles not the reducing the cost. I don't think there is much difference between the AR-10 and AR-15 other than the amount of metal used and slightly different bolt carrier parts.
I guess the simple answer is probably supply and demand. Most AR-15 style rifles are purchased for plinking/target shooting rather than hunting/long range shooting. .223 ammo is still relatively cheap compared to other centerfire ammo. What are your thoughts?