[Boris]

Originally Posted by Righteous

mine list would be in this order
AK47
M1 Garand
AR15

Mine: AK47/AKM
M16A4
FAL

Pistol: GP35

............

[Scud]

How about if I throw something different into the mix here? This still maintains the original question, but what weapons platform, and in what caliber do you consider to be the best all around weapons system? What would be your pick if you could only have one centerfire rifle?

I would be inclined to select a FAL carbine, (18" bbl.) with an ACOG.

[Recon 173]

Good question, Scud. If I had to choose just one rifle I would probably go with a scoped M-1A shooting 7.62 NATO National Match ammo. That M-14, M-21 or M-1A rifle is just too good to beat for general combat or shooting wild game like deer or feral hogs. If the was not available or if I were in a Katrina type disaster, I would probably want a scoped AK type rifle. Either one would work for me.

[RL357Mag]

What would Carlos Hathcock pick? Do you think he owned an AK?

[heirmossy]

Very nice weapons.

[Ermac]

well the issue of stopping power will be cleared up when the army decides to adopt the 6.8 SPC.

[matt g]

Originally Posted by Ermac

well the issue of stopping power will be cleared up when the army decides to adopt the 6.8 SPC.

Why's that? The terminal ballistics on the 6.8 Rem go to hell around 300m. If you're shooting bad guys at 300m, you're within the range of their AKs. I'd prefer to stick with an M16/M4 or M14, both of which have an effective range of greater than 300m.

[Ermac]

Alot of special forces are using 6.8 SPC,7.62x51, and 7.62x39 because the 5.56 won't drop the dead guy cold. As for 6.8 SPC being limited to 300m I don't know.

[matt g]

Originally Posted by Ermac

Alot of special forces are using 6.8 SPC,7.62x51, and 7.62x39 because the 5.56 won't drop the dead guy cold. As for 6.8 SPC being limited to 300m I don't know.

6.8 Rem isn't being used by American forces. It was designed as a go between for 5.56x45 and 7.62x51, but it has yet to be adopted by any military units. It would just require too much work and wouldn't be cost effective.

[Duck]

Originally Posted by RL357Mag

What would Carlos Hathcock pick? Do you think he owned an AK?

I'm sure there were situations where Mr. Hathcock would have picked something other than a sniper rifle. I realize that there are situations where a tack driver is absolutely what you want. However, you have to admit that there are situations where speed is more important than accuracy. Hell, there are times when a derringer is the perfect weapon.

That is the basis for my decision to buy an AK. All around, it's the perfect weapon for what I would want for the situation where I would need something like that. I'm borderline obsessive-compulsive when it comes to keeping my weapons clean, so the whole "shoot while it's full of dirt" thing isn't important. I never had any problems with any the M-16's or SAW that I was issued in the Army, so I know I can make an AR work. I know the AR platform has the potential to be very accurate. I do not miss with open sites at 300 meters with an M-16. On the other hand, I've never had to make more than a 150 yard shot for deer in this area. I can't see a SHTF situation being much different.

Ammo was another factor. I just bought another 700 rounds of 7.62x39 today for $160. Try that for 5.56. I can buy a ton of ammo without breaking the bank. Yeah, it's not match grade, but it works.