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308 is a fighting cartridge

telohftelohf Member Posts: 912 ✭✭
edited April 2015 in General Discussion
I have had numerous 308 and 30-06 rifles and loved most all of them. I currently have 3 30-06's but 2 are for sale. I prefer the 30-06 for hunting although the 308 will do just about anything the 30-06 will. But to me I have several rifles that can do anything the 308 can do and probably better. So the next 308 that I buy will be a fighting rifle since that is what its made to be.

Im not sure if I want a bolt action(always reliable)or a semi auto. I just don't feel like spending around $1000 for a semi auto 308. So I guess that if I buy a 308 I will set it up as a fighting rifle and not a hunting rifle. I like the Mossberg MVP but haven't read too many reviews on its quality yet. I love the scout rifle concept. Anyone have one and have feedback..good or bad?
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Comments

  • DocDoc Member Posts: 13,898 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Planning on doing some fighting? Publicly declaring your need for a fighting rifle may draw unwanted attention.

    Just sayin'.

    PS: $1K isn't all that much today when it comes to gun shopping. You may not feel like dropping that much on a "fighting rifle" but you may have to spend that much or more for something of quality.
    ....................................................................................................
    Too old to live...too young to die...
  • hotshoothotshoot Member Posts: 4,227
    edited November -1
    I must be a gun snob I don't start drooling until I see the K price tag but it depends on what it is
  • kidthatsirishkidthatsirish Member Posts: 6,984 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Doc
    Planning on doing some fighting? Publicly declaring your need for a fighting rifle may draw unwanted attention.

    Just sayin'.

    PS: $1K isn't all that much today when it comes to gun shopping. You may not feel like dropping that much on a "fighting rifle" but you may have to spend that much or more for something of quality.


    all us male citizens should have a quality fighting rifle that is a center fire repeater or semi auto....if they don't have o E they should be actively looking. ..even if it's just a mosin.

    Look for a used and older m1a...or maybe one of the 308 garand out there. ...a bolt gun is not a bad action.
  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Flying Clay Disk
    Is this a "Battle Rifle" cartridge / rifle thread?????

    <THUD!!>

    Where's DWS when you really need him?????

    edit...Gawd, I used to love his rejoinders on this subject! No one, and I mean no one, could do it better than he could!! He'd reduce most of the masses to sniveling little girls, and then MC would come in for the casual rhetorical kill. It was epic!!




    Many a man attempted verbal fencing with Rob, and all were defeated, if not humiliated in the process. His level of success is judged by the numbers of members who are happy he is gone...All of them among those who suffered at his hand.

    To address the OP:

    The .30-06 will do anything that the .308 can do, and more.
  • Mk 19Mk 19 Member Posts: 8,170
    edited November -1
    The Mossberg is a decent rifle, but personally I prefer the Ruger Scout:

    http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=475383628
  • shilowarshilowar Member Posts: 38,811 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Honestly, unless you are only planning on using it from a long distance if you are looking for a "fighting" rifle, being semi-auto is a necessity not a luxury. Considering that AR-10s have excellent accuracy these days it would be a worth while investment to go with a SA over a bolt gun.
  • shilowarshilowar Member Posts: 38,811 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Doc
    Planning on doing some fighting? Publicly declaring your need for a fighting rifle may draw unwanted attention.



    As apposed to you posting many pictures of your vast collection of firearms?? I fail to see a difference as I am confident anyone posting on this forum has already been determined to be an extremist by those that would deem it.
  • bigoutsidebigoutside Member Posts: 19,443
    edited November -1
    I checked the list.


    You're both in the top half.
  • shilowarshilowar Member Posts: 38,811 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by bigoutside
    I checked the list.


    You're both in the top half.




    Hell I was shooting for top five, that is a bit of a disappointment. [:p] Which list did you check I could be on several? It would be cool to be on a list and get paid to carry a gun at the same time!! I imagine there are quite a few cops on their lists.
  • MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 14,163 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've used/shot the M-14, a long range .308 bolt rifle, and the AR platform. My thoughts are: a .308 semi-auto is simply too much of a good thing. Too heavy, too much recoil, and too slow in recovery for the next shot in close range combat type use. It's just so hard to beat the AR 15 for close to medium range even though it lacks the stopping effect of the.308(we"civilians" can use more effective ammo than the uniforms which evens that out some).
    A short barreled .308 bolt rifle is an oxymoron in my book and adds the ferocious muzzle blast to it's disadvantages. It gives up much of it's longer ranging advantages due to it's short barrel while still damning itself with weight of rifle and ammo and slow rate of fire.
  • pwilliepwillie Member Posts: 20,253 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    For long range(300+) I prefer a bolt action. 30 06 over a 308....close quarters, a semi like a Bullpup in 308 would be adequate.
  • MaxOHMSMaxOHMS Member Posts: 14,715
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by shilowar
    quote:Originally posted by bigoutside
    I checked the list.


    You're both in the top half.




    Hell I was shooting for top five, that is a bit of a disappointment. [:p] Which list did you check I could be on several? It would be cool to be on a list and get paid to carry a gun at the same time!! I imagine there are quite a few cops on their lists.


    BO must have looked at an older list.
  • chiefrchiefr Member Posts: 14,115 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    There were many FGOs and GOs who thought the .223 was adequate for all small arms until Operation Enduring Freedom.
  • DocDoc Member Posts: 13,898 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    MC- The only advantage to the 308 is that it is a shorter. Means a smaller platform can be used. Military found that full auto weapons work better with shorter cartridges and that's why the 308 replaced the '06.

    shilowar- You see no difference between "Here's a photo of my gun" and "I need a fighting rifle so I'm getting a fighting rifle?" Really? No difference in intent between the two statements? OK.

    PS: Don't misunderstand my intent. I said announcing one's desire to have a "fighting rifle" may draw unwanted attention. I didn't mean from me. I couldn't possibly care less. But there are some people who do monitor such things. Recall a few months ago when someone put some "trigger words" in forum posts and the number of views went off the chart? My only explanation is that somewhere in the basement of a government building a computer was scanning the forums for such words. Maybe I'm overly paranoid...and maybe not.
    ....................................................................................................
    Too old to live...too young to die...
  • TooBigTooBig Member Posts: 28,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The guns are cheap in the long run it the ammo that is expensive[:D]
  • RobOzRobOz Member Posts: 9,523 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ruger is doing some nice stuff with the scout series of rifles, but they may be over your budget. You should also check out the Ruger American and Savage line of BA 308 Wins. I kind of have my eye on the Hog Hunter, it's suppressor ready and has fiber optic iron sights.
  • chris8X57chris8X57 Member Posts: 1,270 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I like the 'SHTF rifle' moniker a little better.

    If you have access to gobs of surplus 7.62 ammo, then I can see the reasoning.

    If not, then it's a toss up, IMO, between 308 and '06
  • MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 14,163 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    "a semi like a Bullpup in 308 would be adequate"

    How much would that ring your ears in a "don't have time to install earplugs" multiple rounds fired situation?
    About an hour ago, I bumped into a pair of predators making a high speed getaway. The result was 7 shots fired (AR in 5.45x39) one varmint DRT and one escaped injured and bleeding varmint and ringing ears for me. The 5.45 is easier on the ears than even a .223 so I'm very sure such an encounter with whatever sort of vermin would be extremely hard on the ears with a short barrel or bullpup .308.
  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I guess my M1-A and Remington PSS-Ltr will qualify as "fighting rifles" [;)]
    As well as my Garand and UZI [:0]
  • Dads3040Dads3040 Member Posts: 13,552 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    When anyone with more that two guns and a half a box of ammo is said by the media and others assorted asshats to possess an 'Arsenal', I think the repeated posting of multiple firearms would engender a like of amount of scrutiny from the folks who might key in on the term 'fighting rifle'.

    The difference appears to be that people are often able to categorize what they do in different terms that what they see others do.

    Not all that remarkable, just fun to watch.
  • wiz1997wiz1997 Member Posts: 1,051 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Have both the M1A Scout and the Ruger Gunsite.

    For me the Ruger was the easier of the two to get shooting accurately.

    Still learning the M1A.

    If I had to pick one for a "situation" it would probably be the Ruger.

    Lighter, fewer moving parts, eats anything I feed it, including what the M1A rejects.

    M1A is picky about what it eats. Crappy ammo equals multiple problems.

    I bought the Ruger Gunsite for about half of what the M1A Scout cost.

    Love em both but for different reasons.
  • DocDoc Member Posts: 13,898 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You watch news media reports on insurgencies and civil wars and you see all manner of fighting rifles. I recall about a year ago a photo in the paper showed some Syrians in combat with one another and in addition to the usual AKs one guy had a K98 Mauser and another had a SMLE 303.

    I guess in some cases a fighting rifle is the one you happen to have in your hands when the fighting starts.
    ....................................................................................................
    Too old to live...too young to die...
  • bearman49709bearman49709 Member Posts: 503
    edited November -1
    So the next 308 that I buy will be a fighting rifle since that is what its made to be.

    So the 30.06 was made for what darning socks?
  • pwilliepwillie Member Posts: 20,253 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    ....I still like a 30 carbine , but ammo is not easy to get anymore...[xx(]
  • SperrySperry Member Posts: 5,006 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    200 rounds of .308 through my SA Scout with walnut stock made me a believer.
    A real thumper. When a window shot isn't practical, you want gun that'll go through walls.
  • Don McManusDon McManus Member Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'll stick with the 30-06 fighting cartridge.

    From the 1903 through the BAR, 1919A4, and Garand, to the Cobb MCR-300 (a 30-06 AR manufactured for the 100th anniversary, I feel well protected with this venerable cartridge.

    I guess I do not see the advantage in the slightly shorter action made possible by the .308.
    Freedom and a submissive populace cannot co-exist.

    Brad Steele
  • savage170savage170 Member Posts: 37,569 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by pwillie
    ....I still like a 30 carbine , but ammo is not easy to get anymore...[xx(]
    +1
  • kidthatsirishkidthatsirish Member Posts: 6,984 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
    I'll stick with the 30-06 fighting cartridge.

    From the 1903 through the BAR, 1919A4, and Garand, to the Cobb MCR-300 (a 30-06 AR manufactured for the 100th anniversary, I feel well protected with this venerable cartridge.

    I guess I do not see the advantage in the slightly shorter action made possible by the .308.


    Don I'm right there with you...my MBR is my M1 rifle. ....however the 308 is a fine cartridge and ounces do add up if you are on foot.
  • catgunguycatgunguy Member Posts: 6,089
    edited November -1
    Since you are talking fighting rifle, one should look at what would work for short and long range. Since you mentioned 308 Win. I would suggest a semiautomatic like DPMS or almost any of the other companies that you could buy used in your price range. I have a DPMS LR-308 with the 24" heavy barrel that I have targets to prove I have shot 1/2" groups at 100 Yrds. So even with the semi one is not giving up accuracy. My gun is about the same weight as my Garand but has a lot less recoil, and is a lot easier to mount a scope on ( for my older eyes).
  • OakieOakie Member Posts: 40,565 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would buy the M1 Garand in a 308. I have a Winchester model 88 in 308 and that thing kicks like a mule[V][V][:(]
  • RobOzRobOz Member Posts: 9,523 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    PSA has AR10 type finished uppers, lowers and rifle kits on sale now. You can put a rifle together for 7-8 hundred bucks.
  • MG1890MG1890 Member Posts: 4,460 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Since .308's don't need to be deployed until the range extends, the bolt gun will be just fine. It will also promote shot discipline. Up close is where the semi 5.56 shines.

    If you need to disable equipment get a M1 and a bandolier of AP.

    It is all about application.
  • Don McManusDon McManus Member Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mk 19
    The Mossberg is a decent rifle, but personally I prefer the Ruger Scout:

    http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=475383628


    I guess I would still stick with the old tried and true.

    25 rounds of 30-06 in a 1903.

    airservice1_zps890256f8.jpg
    Freedom and a submissive populace cannot co-exist.

    Brad Steele
  • MG1890MG1890 Member Posts: 4,460 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Not many people are lucky enough to have an '03 with the aerial combat magazine...
  • JnRockwallJnRockwall Member Posts: 16,352 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    What would be involved in converting a Garand to 762x51?

    Would a simple barrel change worK?
  • Horse Plains DrifterHorse Plains Drifter Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 40,239 ***** Forums Admin
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by JnRockwall
    What would be involved in converting a Garand to 762x51?

    Would a simple barrel change worK?
    Maybe Mark or one of the other M1 experts will chime in, but at one point I think the AF(?) played around with 7.62 X 51 Garands. I don't think they actually issued them though.

    Somebody made and marketed a shortened Garand chambered in 7.62 X 51. It was called a "Tanker". I used to see them at gun shows.

    One more thing, since people always like to interject their opinions into stuff, is really why? I would just buy an M1A since an M14/M1A is a Garand with all it's deficiencies, real or alleged, corrected.
  • kidthatsirishkidthatsirish Member Posts: 6,984 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by JnRockwall
    What would be involved in converting a Garand to 762x51?

    Would a simple barrel change worK?


    Government already did it years ago....different barrel and some kind of mod to the action....can't recall the specifics..use the same clips of course.
  • dotcom_guy30dotcom_guy30 Member Posts: 2,572 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My guess is an h k 91 clone
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Doc
    Planning on doing some fighting? Publicly declaring your need for a fighting rifle may draw unwanted attention.

    Just sayin'.

    PS: $1K isn't all that much today when it comes to gun shopping. You may not feel like dropping that much on a "fighting rifle" but you may have to spend that much or more for something of quality.
    Wow. Just WOW!![:0]
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
    I'll stick with the 30-06 fighting cartridge.

    From the 1903 through the BAR, 1919A4, and Garand, to the Cobb MCR-300 (a 30-06 AR manufactured for the 100th anniversary, I feel well protected with this venerable cartridge.

    I guess I do not see the advantage in the slightly shorter action made possible by the .308.
    Yep, and you can still find some nice AP rounds for it if you know where to look.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
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