Seeking advice on starting semi-auto collection

[tog]

That's a solid mostly pre-89 collectible semiauto list. You're missing a SIG 550, 551, and 552 or 553 on that list though.

I thought about adding the other Sigs, but wanted to stay with the 308, 3006, and the 7.5 x 55 of the 510. I was once prejudice against the 5.56. I justified the FNC because it is just too nice a rifle to leave out. Thanks for adding the other Sigs. They do have a place in any collection.

[tog]

I would say it wouldn't be complete without an HK roller locked gun of some flavor on it as well.

Sigs AMT 308 and 510 are roller lock .

[JoshNC]

I thought about adding the other Sigs, but wanted to stay with the 308, 3006, and the 7.5 x 55 of the 510. I was once prejudice against the 5.56. I justified the FNC because it is just too nice a rifle to leave out. Thanks for adding the other Sigs. They do have a place in any collection.

I like my FNC. It's a very cool design, albeit pretty crude in comparison to the Swiss 55x series. My FNC is select fire with a S&H sear and the 3rb kit. I'm not sure I would be all that interested if it were semiauto-only. The Swiss 551 on the other hand is just an elegant smooth shooting 5.56.

[call_me_ski]

Sigs AMT 308 and 510 are roller lock .

I am well aware but I doubt you will ever find an HK made one.

[Warg]

Updated with a few new additions:

CZ Scorpion Evo
SCAR 17
Molot VEPR FM AK
Steyr AUG M1 with 3X optic
IWI Galil ACE 7.62x39


I've been shooting these a fair amount lately with a few observations and modifications.

Evo- A blast to shoot, but I don't like the knuckle buster (i.e., tiny) charging handle and trigger. Larger HBI handle and trigger spring/disconnector on the way as well as Yetiwurks grip. I'm using an inexpensive Vortex Venom reflex sight to toy around with, but will probably replace with an Aimpoint Micro. I removed the silly brake that it came with as it did nothing but make more noise. I'm using a Glock FH and may just add a thread protector instead.

SCAR- The trigger was so horrible that I quickly replaced it with a Geissele. This rifle is now a pleasure to shoot and the recoil is minimal with the PWS. It's also fairly accurate at about 1 MOA with 168gr FGMM. The blast from the PWS brake is a bit annoying for those nearby so I may consider alternatives like the EFAB.

VEPR- Couldn't stand the buttstock, so I went with an AR RE adaptor and collapsible buttstock. Trying out the Battlelink stock as it's lightweight, but I don't think it will last as the tail seems to get caught on my belt every time I charge the weapon. Added a brake and cheese grater upper HG to ditch the polymer. The trigger is surprisingly decent and will leave as is for now (though it's not nearly as good as the Galil now- see below).

AUG- All stock for now. I really like the 3X optic and it's quite enjoyable to shoot as well as surprisingly accurate.

Galil- The trigger wasn't too bad, but I installed a Geissele anyway to see if there would be any improvement. This was the case, but much smaller compared to the SCAR. Added a Meprolight as I thought it appropriate given the pedigree.

[SteyrAUG]

Nice start.

That VEPR needs some kind of AK stock. And now you just need some legacy rifles.

[JoshNC]

Nice! Next - SIG 551 pistol turned sbr from jdi and......you still need a HK sear with multiple roller delay hosts.

[Warg]

Thanks guys.

Roger on the AK stock. It's a bandaid fix for now, but the OEM polymer piece seems to have been made for very small people.

Still have HK sear on my list and noodling the 551. Is the latter worth $3250? I realize its only a tad more than, say, a SCAR...just curious.

[hotrodder636]

I would take a look at a B&T KH9 for adding to a collection. Limited numbers made and imported to the US (<500 IIRC). "Double action" style operating system with a decock feature. Swiss made with fine craftsmanship.

[call_me_ski]

Thanks guys.

Roger on the AK stock. It's a bandaid fix for now, but the OEM polymer piece seems to have been made for very small people.

Still have HK sear on my list and noodling the 551. Is the latter worth $3250? I realize its only a tad more than, say, a SCAR...just curious.

I would say yes for the history and craftsmanship involved. It won't necessarily bring more performance to the table but it is something that can truly be appreciated at the range and as a part of a collection. Factor in that it is cheaper to buy into a Swiss 550 series gun now than it has been in decades and I would call it a no brainer. SAN won't be around forever and the time for making rifles the way they do has passed. Doesn't mean that they can't be appreciated.