From: bobd@marune.acs.ohio-state.edu (Bob DeBula)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Need advice on semi-auto rifles
Date: 6 Oct 92 19:39:17 GMT
Article-I.D.: magnus.1992Oct6.123715.28324
Organization: The Ohio State University

In article <9210021745.AA00228@spsgate.sps.mot.com> wloka@ssdt-tempe.sps.mot.com (Markus G. Wloka) writes:
#
#
#I am considering the purchase of a semiautomatic rifle, of the "evil" assault
#rifle variety, and would like to get some net advice on what to get.
#
#
#HK-91 308:  Roller system.  I have some concern on the HK's ability to feed
#when slightly dirty.  Is that concern unfounded?  
#

I found the HK-91 to be *very* muzzle heavy and hard to shoot
offhand for any length of time. It also munges (and tosses a long way)
brass if you handload.

#Valmet: Finnish AK-47.  Is that an accurate gun?
#

Reputedly the most accurate and well made of the AK clones.
AKs are not as a class noted for accuracy.

#FN 308: Is it as accurate as the HK-91?
#

Known as the FN/FAL. A domestic clone is the SAR series from 
Springfield Armory. These are a lot less expensive than
original Belgian FALs. SAR 48 (original FAL furniture -- buttstock,
flash suppressor, pistol grip) usually go for between $900 to $1200.
The FAL has an interesting adjustable gas system to allow for a
wide variety of ammunition. The FAL is well balanced. It also
has magazine feedlips milled into the receiver. Belgian FALs
generally go for $1600 - $1700. Two types of scope mounts of
which I'm aware: a dust cover replacement with built in Weaver
style mount and an assembly which slides over the upper receiver and
tightens to the bottom of the upper receiver via hex screws (this may 
well mar the finish). Oh, the Belgian FALs come in two major
variations, your basic full stocked rifle and a folding stocked
paratrooper model. The paratrooper has some changes to the design
of the action to account for the lack of a buttstock recoil spring/
buffer asembly. The SARs come in two major variations, the full
rifle and the "bush model" which has a shorter (18"?) barrel.

If you want an FAL and can find an SAR-48, I'd go for that as
it is substantially less expensive than the Belgian FAL and
I have yet to hear anything bad about them. My understanding is that
the SAR is/was basically a Brazilian FAL imported by Springfield Armory,
assembled here with a new receiver by Springfield. Brazil makes FALs
under license from FN. The SAR is a metric FAL as I understand it.

#FN 223: 
#

Known as the FN/FNC. These come in two different configurations.
One version has a folding metal tubular buttstock. The other has
essentially the same buttstock as an FAL. Some FAL accessories
(such as the bayonet) fit the FNC. The FNC is pretty heavy for
a .223 at ~9 lbs., but balances quite nicely and seems a lot more
compact than the FAL. The FNC comes with a 30 round steel magazine,
but by design takes M16/AR15 magazines, so magazines are not
a problem. The scope mounting system is known as the STANAG mount
and will run about $150 when you can find it. I have yet to determine
if a weaver style base can be attached to it. The STANAG is meant
to mount the Henscholt 4x scope. Beware, the Henscholt scope costs
more than the rifle at ~$1,500. The FNC generally runs between
$825 and $950 dependent on condition & accessories.

The FNC seems to be quite well made. The FNC is assembled on an
all but fully automated assembly line & the finished product
reflects that to some degree (some spot welding, etc.). If you
need disassembly instructions, I can provide you with some.

The FNC is all steel rather than aluminum in construction.
I have yet to ascertain *why* the FNC is as heavy as the
FAL. The design of the gas system more closely resembles
that of the AK-47 than the FAL, incidently. The FNC is
a relatively modern design which first went production
in 1980 and a big part of the theory behind it was to 
facilitate rapid (low cost) manufacture.

The FNC seems to be underpriced in todays market when you can find
them. They were going for $900 - $1,000 when they were imported
last five or six years ago. I don't think all that many were imported.
In the long run, they will probably prove to be quite rare. Of course,
this has some bad implications for spare parts (although the
design doesn't seem particularly prone to breakage).

#Others?
#

Sure, the HK-93 .223 which is also heavy for a .223.

The AR-180 which is a .223 (the magazines are different from anything
else & somewhat uncommon nowdays). One of my friends experience with
this rifle was less than ideal.

The Springfield Armory M1A which is a semi-auto .308 clone of the 
US military M-14.
-- 
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              Disclaimer: These are my views, not the U's

        "If it's in the paper it must be true!" --- D. Doright