Looking at getting back into the battle rifle world and considering the two piston offerings from Ruger and Sig.


I'm looking for a 16-18" general purpose rifle that can be used out to 500 yards that I'll be putting either a 1-4/6x scope or an ACOG on. Not a precision build, particularly.




It seems the AR platform is the winner here: wider aftermarket support, better accuracy, more gunsmiths who know the rifles, but I still have a soft spot for the ole FN FAL (I like the ergonomics of the left hand charger and the theoretical ruggedness of the gun, even though I could never get mine to run right when I built one years ago). However, the accuracy potential you give up wit the FAL (bad trigger, skinny flip-floppy barrel, tilting bolt, and loose tolerances) may offset the potential reliability gains, not to mention the fact that steel case ammo in FALs are a no-go, while ARs will typically eat that crap all day.




So, looking at these two or three options, which is going to be the obviously better choice, if any?








Or should I say "eff it," and go with the proven FAL?


 

Either should do fine. I have a couple of Sig pistols that I really like and given the right price and the right specs would buy a Sig AR. That being said, I did the same thing in comparing the Sig 716 to the Ruger SR762. I ended up with the Ruger based on four criteria, the lighter weight of the Ruger, a nice factory carry bag, three Pmags, and I liked the factory front hand guard. The dislike was the sorry trigger, which was helped by polishing and eventually replaced by one of the new Ruger trigger/LPK kits that are now out. The accuracy is outstanding and is probably better than I can shoot. Reliability has not been an issue especially with the later serial numbers (56104500 and up s/n). As far as parts, I believe both will give you the same options as far as after market parts including a milspec buffer tube, standard LPK, SR25/DPMS mags, and 5/8x24 threaded barrel. The 7.62 BCM Gunfighter charging handle will fit the Ruger. Most of the other parts (upper/lower receiver, bolt assembly. forward handguard, etc) are proprietary. My advice would be to go and handle each, check the price, and buy the one that trips your trigger.

I have a Ruger SR762, Sig 716 DMR, and Sig 716 3-Gun in the safe right now that belong to my dad.  All 3 have Geissele triggers and Surefire brakes.  They all shoot very well.  Personally I prefer the Ruger due to the lighter weight and lower cost.