Building My Collection

[Naaman]

I've been reading around the forums to get a feel for some weapons to add to my collection.

I am already familiar with the AR pattern, so that one is next on my list. My plan is to have a few different rifles, each for a different purpose. Also, I want all of my weapons of a given type to fire the same caliber ammo. My choice for the rifle is .308 since it is commonly available and heavier than the 5.56. Also, the next gun on my list (Rem700) is one that I'd much rather have in .308.

Up till recently, I was looking at getting three rifles: an AR-10, an M-14 (still not sure which make), and the Remington 700. After looking over some specs and options, I might just cut the M-14 from the list. Does anyone here think it is worthwhile, or does it overlap too much with an AR-10?

The purpose of the guns is primarily to train with, but also to survive with if necessary. I use an AR at work, and I like the ergonomics of the platform better than any other I have tried (far better than the AK, for that matter).

I reason that having everything shoot the same ammo provides me with more flexibility in general (if one gun is down, I can still use all my ammo by picking up another one). What wisdom am I overlooking here? Any reason why it's better to have a variety of calibers?

I appreciate the feedback!

[Barbarian]

Any reason why it's better to have a variety of calibers?

I see no reason to limit your options, if you don't have to. Survival-wise, if you're in a static position, 7.62/.308 is ok (in my low speed/high drag opinion.) If you were to need to cover ground on foot, you'd get a lot more bangs per pound, carrying 5.56mm. Just a consideration.

[Peregrino]

I think your question has been discussed ad nauseum in a number of threads on this forum. Perhaps you should consider applying some introspection WRT the question you posed to us in your other thread.

[Streck-Fu]

I get having more than one gun in a caliber in case one goes down, but if you are planning for a hunker in place plan, same or similar platforms may serve you better.
If one gun goes down, parts interchangeability makes repair easier. Unless you plan to have a complement of spare parts for each weapon.

It seems that each rifle you mentioned performs the same basic functions; defense and hunting. Except for the 700 which is more hunting and less defense compared to the other two.

I would probably go with 2 like rifles with spare parts. Most likely the AR-10. It can do 90% of the things you need from perimeter defense to long range hunting.

I do support having more than one caliber and would highly recommend a small game or varmint rifle and caliber (or even an air rifle). Especially if you can suppress it. You can take a lot of small game like squirrels, rabbits, racoons, etc and not rely on hunting only big game.

Additionally, if suppressed, you can hunt without advertising. A Gamo Whisper would be a cheap way to get small game quietly and cheaply. Hunting pellets are damned cheap. <$300 and no air bottles needed.

[Toaster]

Of those rifles, the AR-10 should be the winner for you hands down.

Magazines are less expensive, than the M-14 and 700.
The AR can have back up iron sights and an optic on it simultaneously.
You're familiar with the platform.

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by Toaster

Of those rifles, the AR-10 should be the winner for you hands down.

Magazines are less expensive, than the M-14 and 700.
The AR can have back up iron sights and an optic on it simultaneously.
You're familiar with the platform.

Not with the Armalite AR-10.

Mags for it are $35-50 each.

The DPMS and KAC variants can use the $18 Magpuls.

M-14 GI mags are $20-25 each.

By the way, you can have both an optic and see through sights on an M-1A.

I agree on the familiarity with the platform. Big plus.

The 7.62 NATO AR will do better than the average shooter can out to any reasonable range.

The LaRue OBR/PredatAR will do the job even better, if you have the coin.

This has been beaten to death before here.

The Search button is your friend, OP.

TR

[Toaster]

TR,

I was unaware that Armalite's Rifle couldn't take the PMAGs.

Don't know why I never think about the M1A ever having a rail system on it. Mainly just picture the classic with irons.

I have a lot more research to do... Thank you sir.