Difficulty choosing M4 v FAL

[jc000]

Sorry for another "this or that" thread--I've done a search and not found much by way of info on this particular subject either here or on other sites.

The next firearm I purchase will be a combat-capable rifle. To me this means reasonable (but not precision) accuracy, 0-400m range, reliable, handy, and robust. I will use this rifle for training, primarily. I am pretty happy with my current handgun and shotgun, and am looking for a carbine-ish rifle to complete my arsenal.

Right now I am pretty torn between a Noveske 16" light basic and a DSA 16"/18" FAL (possibly a para model).

I am pretty convinced that I'd rather have the ballistic performance of the .308. From searching around, I think the DSA FAL will offer me the best .308 performance for the money (not so interested in .308 ARs) That being said, I know it is more expensive and harder to shoot well than .223. I can't hunt with a .223 in my state, but I would consider a .300BLK upper down the road. Besides, I could always hunt with slugs in my shotgun.

I would just go ahead with the Noveske (understanding I'd be well-served by some other AR manufacturers as well) but the FAL seems very well regarded here and seems like a good way to get into shooting .308.

I don't care about accessories/rails/optics--I want a handy, deadly, K.I.S.S, reliable, proven weapon.

For those of you who own both platforms, what are your thoughts?

[Littlelebowski]

Training is one of your prerequisites. 5.56 trumps 7.62 every time on this. No brainer.

[ryan]

.....

[mkmckinley]

Easy one: AR and training. I wish someone had told me that years ago when I started shooting.

[TOrrock]

Own multiples of both, get an M4 Carbine type and ammo, mags, and at least a decent white light.

I'd sell me FAL's before I sold my last AR carbine, it's far more practical.

[jc000]

My version of civil unrest/SHTF/whatever (however implausible) involves vehicles and barriers inside 200, I think the 308 has the edge there.

I agree. However, being realistic, the idea of me shooting into vehicles in some sort of SHTF scenario is probably a little far-fetched.

Thanks for all the helpful thoughts. M4 sounds like the more practical choice.

[mattj]

Easy one: AR and training. I wish someone had told me that years ago when I started shooting.

+1... a class worth of 7.62 gets expensive fast. If money is no object, then go with whatever tickles you (no denying that running heavy metal hard is fun as hell).

The FAL also has another training consideration -- while there are any number of instructors that know AR-style guns in and out, finding instructors with real in-depth FAL-specific experience is a bit trickier.

[BCmJUnKie]

If you must have .308,

What about going with an M1A?

[HK51Fan]

It's funny you posted this because I actually have a DSA FAL and an M4 type carbine as my two SHTF rifles. if I had to just grab one, I'd probably grab to M4. It's a great weapon, it's easy to handle you can hump about twice the amount of ammo and parts and mags are everywhere!
On the other hand, if you have just one weapon and a pistol, then I would look at a .308. It's heavy caliber rifle and will defeat most all body armor and barriers you're likely to come across in a normal situation. It is very distict and loud sounding and it will make you pause when you hear it in rapid fire. also it's good at taking down game as well. It's a universal cartridge.
i'm curious as to why you're not interested in a .308 AR? Any particular reason?

I don't know what your background or traiing is either. The 5.56 rd is a high velocity round, but it's not worth a damn against hardened targets. If you need to shoot through a door, wall, dense cover then you're pissing in the wind with it. FYI.

On the other hand if you don't have a lot of training it's mild recoil is easily handled by males and females. It has a pretty straight trajectory and even an M4 can be effective out over 400yds.

you're probably more likely to hit what you're aiming at with the AR unless you plan to practice with the .308

[SteyrAUG]

I own a few dozen ARs and about half a dozen FALs.

I can't imagine going with the FAL first.