If You Had to Pick One

FISMA

Alright lads, I'm here in the States where the last of us are getting either tax refunds or paying up.

Last year I was good and invested the refund, did well. This year, again, took the cash and invested. (This is me trying to convince myself to splurge:-)

It looks as if I have a second job lined up for the summer months which will when coupled with the gun fund, yes, the gun fund , will allow me to splurge on a new rifle.

Here are my decisions, what do you think? Anyone leading towards either or, please advise, and why.

To be honest, I think I'm going with the M21. There's just something about the 308 in semi auto...

Prices are for the rifles only, not the glass.



Springfield M21 Tactical Rifle, Krieger SS Barrel, Adjustable Stock - $3499.99


Sako TRG 22 308, 26", Black - $3198

While we're on the subject, here is another contender

Armalite AR50 A1B Rifle .50BMG $2999.99

Spunk84

FISMA wrote: »

Alright lads, I'm here in the States where the last of us are getting either tax refunds or paying up.

Last year I was good and invested the refund, did well. This year, again, took the cash and invested. (This is me trying to convince myself to splurge:-)

It looks as if I have a second job lined up for the summer months which will when coupled with the gun fund, yes, the gun fund , will allow me to splurge on a new rifle.

Here are my decisions, what do you think? Anyone leading towards either or, please advise, and why.

To be honest, I think I'm going with the M21. There's just something about the 308 in semi auto...

Prices are for the rifles only, not the glass.



Springfield M21 Tactical Rifle, Krieger SS Barrel, Adjustable Stock - $3499.99


Sako TRG 22 308, 26", Black - $3198

While we're on the subject, here is another contender

Armalite AR50 A1B Rifle .50BMG $2999.99

are ya mad :eek: get the

long range shooter

I would have gone for the Sako trg,but not trg 22 in 308,but the trg 42 in 338 lapua magnum.
Much better round than the 50 cal.

tommyboy26

I would get the armalite .50 simply because its a .50:D

juice1304

m21:cool:

clivej

For no other reason than its a semi-auto 308 (and it looks cool (and I know its on the top of your 'want' list)) it has to be


THE M21

dev110

I'm with Long range shooter. I would go for the TRG 42 in .338 :cool:

Grizzly 45

M21,hands down.;)

Constab2

+1 On the M21 fantastic rifle,my dream rifle.

johngalway

M21, no contest.

extremetaz

Another vote for the Sako in .338 here.

gunhappy_ie

M21,

Id love to trade up my G3 but the prices of standard Springfield M1As are at the €2000-€2500 mark in Germany. I can only imagine what they would ask for the M21. It is also the most versatile of the 3 rifles.

While the .50 has the cool factor about them you have to think in the long run its a job in itself just to feed the thing.

The way id be looking it is ... Which am I going to get the most use out of and which isnt gonna break the bank to run while I save to get the other 2 :P

GH

harmoniums

I say you should continue investing your money!

Of the three rifles mentioned, all 3 will decrease in value over time, they are new production rifles, thats what happens.

I'd go the C&R route an buy a Argentine FN49!



Semi auto, 308 caliber, 20 round detachable magazines, probably for under 1K.
theres only a few thousand in the entire world, and they go up in price every year.

Also, seeing as your looking to use up 3K and hookers an blow weren't mentioned, get a Rasheed and a Lungman (6.5x55 swedish semi)





you could probably get them all for ~3K, and be secure in the knowledge that they are appreciating assets.

I know used milsurp stuff isn't the sexiest, but you'd not believe how the rarer stuff apreciates

kildarejoe

How about this
http://www.gunsinternational.com/Fabrique-Nationale-Herstal-FAL-308-WIN-Match.cfm?gun_id=100249314

cookimonster

The M21 all the way, all the day, handled a M1 recently nearly wet my self with joy.

w.impactguns.com/data/default/images/catalog/535/spr_sa9131.jpg[/QUOTE]

It wasn't me!

You'll definitely have the most fun with the semi-auto .308. The others are going to be just too much to feed. For me though, I'd plough the money into some project stuff on existing guns or find a really nice investment, as suggested by harmoniums.

It wasn't me!

Actually, since we've had the TRG42 and the .50 BMG mentioned, how about a different thumper for a fun gun, one you'll get more practical value out of?

Link to auction.



That's a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 in .375 H&H. Would make a nice companion to that .338 Sako I convinced you about before! It's not a mint gun, and certainly not a collector's piece, but it oozes class, and you could make a real beauty out of it. It'll be stunning to use, anyway, and with that .375, there's nothing you couldn't hunt on this planet.

gunhappy_ie

As an investment none of those guns originally mentioned harmoniums is right about that. If you wanted to invest, how long are you investing for ? Do you want to shoot the gun or have a safe queen ?

How about a HK SR9T or SR9TC ... There were few imported before Bushes "assault rifle" ban in 1989.

Again semi auto .308 but all HK goodness !

GH

Deise Musashi

I'd go semi-auto and .308, but go for an original "black rifle"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmJhFIPKmcc

Shorty paratrooper model with rails for ACOG/Holosight or scope

Last shot hold open and all the controls where humans can reach them.

ssl

M21, semi auto .308 would be the ticket.

But, if I could choose it be bull pup

Grizzly 45

For either the HK or FAL to be of great collectors value,they will have to be original configuration,every last bit has to be orginal FN or HK parts,and either factory certified refinished or investment grade refinish or original finish.
Its like dealing with classic cars,just abit cheaper.;):p

You either have a 100% original classic or you dont.You could hardly modify a Jag E type by turbocharging it,hanging spoilers and air dams on it,and putting in a digital dashboard and then honestly say it is a original classic and demand the same price for it.:eek:

Only military guns IMHO that make the money and diametrically increase in value are full auto..somthing we cant do here in Ireland.:(

If you consider a ww2 STEN Mk2 was selling in the US pre the 1986 Mc Clure /Volkmer machine gun ban for about even then $500 in FA for an aul beater of a gun.That same gun is now worth close onto $4,000 .And STENs are considerd "entry level" into full auto shooting in the US!!!
Not bad considering it cost around an English Pound to make in the 1940s.:D

Ironically one of the bigger investments to make money in the shooting world in Europe are DEACTS at the minute!!
Less hassle,[in more enlightned countries IE most of the EU] to own,are expensive enough to buy,but if somone is looking for a particular model for their collection you can bump up the price,and of course anything with a Swastika on its proof stamps bumps up the price straightaway,no matter how tatty it is!!!:rolleyes:

Bit cheeky too of DS arms to claim that the FAL is the first black rifle...that honour still falls on either the MP44 Sturmgewehr or AK47!! They really fill the criteria of an "assault rifle"

Hibrion

Springfield national match all the way. If it wasn't such a hassle to get one in this country, I'd buy one in a heart beat!

That's a lovely Winchester IWM has linked to. The build quality of a pre 64 is top class and much sought after.

FISMA

Thanks lads for all of the ideas, I still don't know which one to go with. Fortunately, I won't have the cash for a while, so there's time to decide.

That Sako is a thing of beauty. I considered the 308 as my next purchase is going to be spending a lot of time at the range and will be used a lot.

I have a Sako AV hunting rifle in 338 Win Mag - thanks again IWM. How much better is the Lapua over the WM?

I had a look at the AR50 - it's just not as finished as the others. At first glance I thought it kind of looked like a cannon. Then I realized, it kind of is. I like the 50 cal because as TommyBoy said, it's a 50 cal!

The M21 has the wildcard of being auto and not really having the funds for a M24, it may just be the one.

Harmoniums - nice rifles, however, I do have quite a few milsurps - no more "safe queens." The investing is going well and I think your other idea just may need to reconsidered.;) Maybe I'll hop a flight to Vegas with the 3K and see if the Pawn Stars have one of the three. If not, we'll see what's behind door #2!

As for depreciation, the way Obama is printing $'s and running deficits, any of the guns in the link would be a welcome investment.

The FN's and HK's (thanks for the video) were also pretty. However, I have had my heart set on the M21 and AR50 for some time. Just two years ago the AR50 was $500 cheaper. Shoulda, coulda, woulda.

I'll have to find someone that has the Sako and M21 in stock. Sometimes you just know the one you want when you pick it up and shoulder it.

Slan

It wasn't me!

The Lapua Mag is definitely *bigger* than the Winnie. Better? Meh, I wouldn't use one for anything I wouldn't use the win mag for. The .375 is a different class of animal. By all accounts though, should be a lot more pleasant to actually shoot than the .338. Definitely on the to-get list!

long range shooter

I am sure you will make the right decision on whatever you choose.
When it comes to the difference between 338 win mag and 338 Lapua mag,is the muzzle velocity.
In terms of ballistic they are equal,since they are using the same choice of bullets.
The .338LM is a round designed for long-range and extreme long-range military sniper applications. Its even better than the 50 cal on longer ranges.
The .338 Win Mag is essentially a big-bore hunting cartridge for short to medium range.

Good luck with your choice of excellent firearms.

FISMA

long range shooter wrote: »

I am sure you will make the right decision on whatever you choose.
When it comes to the difference between 338 win mag and 338 Lapua mag,is the muzzle velocity.
In terms of ballistic they are equal,since they are using the same choice of bullets.
The .338LM is a round designed for long-range and extreme long-range military sniper applications. Its even better than the 50 cal on longer ranges.
The .338 Win Mag is essentially a big-bore hunting cartridge for short to medium range.

Good luck with your choice of excellent firearms.

$4K for the Sako in 338 LM! Ouch!:eek:

long range shooter

FISMA wrote: »

$4K for the Sako in 338 LM! Ouch!:eek:

Yes i know:eek::eek:
But i think Remington have one in 338 LM,probably much cheaper.:D

And the new xm2010 doesnt look to bad at all.

http://youtu.be/guc9otJ-hC4

kildare.17hmr

a 50 would be class but even over there how much would it cost to feed:eek:

that FN harmonious mentioned looks the job

bazza888

ithink id take harmoniums advice!

EWQuinn

Of course you can never go wrong with the AR platform, in this case the Rock River Arms 24" 1:8 bull barrel upper is a match made in heaven with my Bushmaster lower, and the Nikon scope ain't bad either. (The groups are 200-yd w/ Sierra 69s and are typical of what this will do. Its really difficult to shoot poorly with an AR.)





Then again, the Springfield Armory M1A NM is an all time classic, and easy on the eyes too. It keeps the 168s and 175s in the 10s if I do my part.



And for a really fun shooter, the AK platform, in this case the Bulgy AK-74 with Tapco trigger running the 5.45x39 7N6 is surprisingly accurate w/ a good red dot, pure joy to shoot.

tomcat220t

long range shooter wrote: »

I am sure you will make the right decision on whatever you choose.
When it comes to the difference between 338 win mag and 338 Lapua mag,is the muzzle velocity.
In terms of ballistic they are equal,since they are using the same choice of bullets.
The .338LM is a round designed for long-range and extreme long-range military sniper applications. Its even better than the 50 cal on longer ranges.
The .338 Win Mag is essentially a big-bore hunting cartridge for short to medium range.

Good luck with your choice of excellent firearms.

.338 NORMA MAG with the 300gr berger

It wasn't me!

Jaysus, but spending someone else's money for them never gets old!

FISMA

long range shooter wrote: »

Yes i know:eek::eek:
But i think Remington have one in 338 LM,probably much cheaper.:D
And the new xm2010 doesnt look to bad at all.
http://youtu.be/guc9otJ-hC4

Just wondering if the 338LP warrants spending almost $1000 more over the 308W along with the $6.00 per round.:eek: The 50 cal is cheaper to feed than the Lapua!

Can anyone recommend a link comparing the 338LP to the 50BMG in terms of ballistic performance? I am wondering what their speeds, kinetic energies, et al from 500 to 1500 yards.

The 700 is tempting. For the price of the 338LP Sako, I could have a vtr with nightforce glass.

Still leaning towards the M21, but that Sako looks suh-weet! I'll really have to hold one and cycle her.

long range shooter

FISMA wrote: »

Just wondering if the 338LP warrants spending almost $1000 more over the 308W along with the $6.00 per round.:eek: The 50 cal is cheaper to feed than the Lapua!

Can anyone recommend a link comparing the 338LP to the 50BMG in terms of ballistic performance? I am wondering what their speeds, kinetic energies, et al from 500 to 1500 yards.

The 700 is tempting. For the price of the 338LP Sako, I could have a vtr with nightforce glass.

Still leaning towards the M21, but that Sako looks suh-weet! I'll really have to hold one and cycle her.

Here is a link

http://www.snipercentral.com/338.htm



And the 338LM is expensive because it designed and produced in Finland,and imported.
I dont know what its like to reload the 338,but probably more expensive than 50cal,which is produced in the US.
There is always 408 cheytac as well,dont know what the 408 is compared to 50 cal and 338 LM when it comes to price,but the 408 is the ultimate long range round in terms of ballistics at the moment.:cool::D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.408_Chey_Tac

And yes the sako trg is one nice one indeed;):D

FISMA

long range shooter wrote: »

There is always 408 cheytac as well,dont know what the 408 is compared to 50 cal and 338 LM when it comes to price,but the 408 is the ultimate long range round in terms of ballistics at the moment.:cool::D

LRS,
I never even heard of the 408, but thanks for the heads up.

I think this guy is trying to say that this rifle comes in either 408 or 338LP - in semi auto!

Looks like it will cost about the same as the 50BMG to feed.

Dare I throw in another? At $1800 I could afford some glass! Armalite AR 30 in 338Lp.

http://www.impactguns.com/armalite-ar30-338-lapua-30m338-651984059340.aspx

long range shooter

FISMA wrote: »

LRS,
I never even heard of the 408, but thanks for the heads up.

I think this guy is trying to say that this rifle comes in either 408 or 338LP - in semi auto!

Looks like it will cost about the same as the 50BMG to feed.

Dare I throw in another? At $1800 I could afford some glass! Armalite AR 30 in 338Lp.

http://www.impactguns.com/armalite-ar30-338-lapua-30m338-651984059340.aspx

Looks to be an excellent choice FISMA and a fair price i have to say.:D
You can get some good glass on that one and you should be ready for some looooong range shootin.
Good luck:D