Perfect Northeast Hunting Rifle (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 10/14/2025 11:37:37 AM EDT
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Gents! Im looming for loopholes in my future endeavor. I run a small bear outfitter and supply two very large local outfitters with rifles and gear for thier Black Bear stands, Northstar whitetail, night coyote and varmint removal. For medium game and up we only use big boy cartridges, so if anyone guy was so inclined to want/require a semi-auto full 7.62x51 power rifle, how the hell is the 16" folding stock DSA FAL models not the absolute perfect weapon? Hear me out... You have the most tunable gas system available with the DSA suppressor plugs, so you can fine tune these for colder climates to a T. You have a folding stock which is important for those climbing tree stands and getting setup in a blind in the dark. You can have a folding charging handle so the rifle is flush against your back when you have to throw it over your shoulder and climb/hike. You have a solid rail system that will hold zero and accommodate practically any optic. You have a full length polymer handguard, which believe it or not is heaven sent on freezing/frozen mornings compared to metal or cheap wood which freeze your hands. You have factory supplied 5 round magazines, which is a big deal for states like maine that restrict magazine capacity for hunting. You have a silent/very quiet safety that is easy to select. Alot of folks doing this style hunting are still using slugs, so the accuracy of these FALs (mine have been 2-3" rifles consistantly is far beyond required for successful hunts. You have a 1:10 twist rate to accommodate practically any hunting ammo available for 308 Win. Hell you can easily turn the gas off and use sub-sonic expanders for silent nighttime raccoon/skunk/coyote removal. What am I missing here? Is there an issue I'm not accounting for? Because this to me seems like it would be the absolute most ideal and practical cats-ass hunting rig to hit the sticks. |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Unless people practice with a semi, especially 308, it’ll be hard to hit anything past 50-75 yds. Add to that the doubles they will get because they don’t know how to manage recoils and triggers. As a former guide, I wouldn’t give any client a semi for anything larger that a ground squirrel. Waterfowl excluded. |
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Originally Posted By Postal0311: Heavy. You don't need a folding stock. The FN FAiL is not the pinnacle of accuracy and precision. A cheap 308 AR will likely be lighter and more consistent. Etc. Yes, the weight is worth thinking about, but once stationary it doesn't matter. Nobody is hiking Mt.Katahdin with these rifles. I do need a folding stock. YOU dont need a folding stock. For 200 yard and in Black Bear & Whitetail hunting NOBODY except the worst weekend hunting shit shot needs the "pinnacle of accuracy". 2-3 MOA is far more than acceptable. Guys have been doing this for a century with slugs. To them a FAL is a laser beam. For suppressed use and 80 degrees of temp swing a year, there is absolutely nothing about an AR10 that's appealing. Ive owned most of them, and still own a few. They are the most fickle designs in the semi-auto world right now save a few .22 pistols. |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Originally Posted By SpeyRod: Unless people practice with a semi, especially 308, it’ll be hard to hit anything past 50-75 yds. Add to that the doubles they will get because they don’t know how to manage recoils and triggers. As a former guide, I wouldn’t give any client a semi for anything larger that a ground squirrel. Waterfowl excluded. We are off track here... but where the hell were you guiding that people were constantly double-tapping and cant shoot semi-autos past 50-75 yards? Hollywood? Im an very sorry for your experiences, friend. Either I have the luxury of being much much much more selective than you regarding clientele, or the general populace of your guiding turf were complete retards, but I have never ever had any issue like this. Alot of clients recoil sensitive WANT the softer impulse of a semi auto. And you bring up another awesome perk of the FAL... If everyone around is too dumb to shoot it in semi-auto shut the gas off for the scary clients and poof. Don't have to worry about random double taps I guess. |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Originally Posted By campower: Yes, the weight is worth thinking about, but once stationary it doesn't matter. Nobody is hiking Mt.Katahdin with these rifles. I do need a folding stock. YOU dont need a folding stock. For 200 yard and in Black Bear & Whitetail hunting NOBODY except the worst weekend hunting shit shot needs the "pinnacle of accuracy". 2-3 MOA is far more than acceptable. Guys have been doing this for a century with slugs. To them a FAL is a laser beam. For suppressed use and 80 degrees of temp swing a year, there is absolutely nothing about an AR10 that's appealing. Ive owned most of them, and still own a few. They are the most fickle designs in the semi-auto world right now save a few .22 pistols. Weight is incredible important in a hunting rifle. Sure young men at the peak of the personal physical performance have carried the fal everywhere in the world, but your average hunter isn't a young man at the peak of physical shape. Now, if you are going to argue that "NOBODY" needs accuracy and precision, then it is even easier to argue that "NOBODY" needs a folding stock. Plenty of people thoughout history have transported and carried fixed stock guns out hunting, up treestands, etc. Hell, people do it with bows, black powder rifles, etc. Bird hunting shotguns can be rather long and tend not to have folding stocks. Listen, you like that rifle, and that is great. But it argue it is perfect is ridiculous. For example, a direct impingement AR just works. I don't have to fuck with any gas settings to make it work. I can throw a can on it and it still just works. Sure, plenty of people buy crappy rifles that don't work, but I'm not going to stoop so low as to claim all fals are as reliable as a HESSE brand fal. That would be a really crappy strawman argument. But it would be easy to reference all the crappy, worn out, out of spec fal kit guns out there on out of spec receivers and claim that those represent the best the fal has to offer. |
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Originally Posted By Postal0311: Weight is incredible important in a hunting rifle. Sure young men at the peak of the personal physical performance have carried the fal everywhere in the world, but your average hunter isn't a young man at the peak of physical shape. Now, if you are going to argue that "NOBODY" needs accuracy and precision, then it is even easier to argue that "NOBODY" needs a folding stock. Plenty of people thoughout history have transported and carried fixed stock guns out hunting, up treestands, etc. Hell, people do it with bows, black powder rifles, etc. Bird hunting shotguns can be rather long and tend not to have folding stocks. Listen, you like that rifle, and that is great. But it argue it is perfect is ridiculous. For example, a direct impingement AR just works. I don't have to fuck with any gas settings to make it work. I can throw a can on it and it still just works. Sure, plenty of people buy crappy rifles that don't work, but I'm not going to stoop so low as to claim all fals are as reliable as a HESSE brand fal. That would be a really crappy strawman argument. But it would be easy to reference all the crappy, worn out, out of spec fal kit guns out there on out of spec receivers and claim that those represent the best the fal has to offer. This is so wildly off track. Accuracy for the FAL is perfectly adequate for any tasks required in the OP. |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
| I will add my .02 cents. I once owned a full size FAL built by Arizona Response Systems (a quality builder) and can attest that it was at best a 2-3 MOA rifle with good ammo at 100 yards. While this may be acceptable accuracy for minute of deer or bear I personally prefer something with better accuracy and less heft. Additionally, I consider an optic of some sort to be absolutely necessary on a hunting rifle and putting an optic on a FAL is not as easy as with most other platforms. Yes, in the bad old days iron sights were the gold standard on hunting rifles but hunters were more proficient in their use. I fail to see the necessity or usefulness of a folding stock on a hunting gun unless you are packing it in miles from civilization attached to your backpack. There are much better options than what the OP is proposing as the ultimate Northeast hunting rifle. The old Remington 760 carbine in 30/06 or .308 for instance would check all the necessary boxes. |
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If I was anyone of the related hunting outfitter companies’ insurer and I learned that you’re using and loaning a FAL to customers that by ATF decree lack the safety sear I would immediately cancel your insurance. I like the FaL and own one but recognize that one of the major safeties of its operating systems was tossed aside due to the ATF requirements to make it not full auto convertible. Pick something else if this is something other than a clickbait pipedreamer’s fantasy. M1a and M14 is also out due to the likelihood of an unfamiliar user easily double firing the rifle by not getting the trigger far enough back on the first (intended) shot. Frankly a loaner gun for who knows what client with unknown experience…….they get something manually operated…..a bolt action or big caliber lever gun. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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I like FALs. Used to own one. I would not choose it for this. I'm not even a huge AR10 fan, but they work. AR is going to be half the weight and half the price if you go with something name brand above PSA without jumping into the niche manufacturers. An example. AR is going to be less finicky. If you're handing rifles out, it shouldn't need to be "tuned". AR is going to have more accessories readily available and affordable. You don't need to have a gun down waiting on DSA or keep a ton of spare parts on hand. One sided AR charging handles are available. 1:10 twist is common in AR10s Polymer handguards are common in ARs. Hard to find an AR10 that is not railed so as to accept optics. 5 round AR10 mags are available. *You should work to get that law changed as it creates an unnecessary expense for hunters. Ours changed recently and now reads that capacity doesn't matter-just the amount of rounds. |
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Originally Posted By Postal0311: Weight is incredible important in a hunting rifle. Sure young men at the peak of the personal physical performance have carried the fal everywhere in the world, but your average hunter isn't a young man at the peak of physical shape. Now, if you are going to argue that "NOBODY" needs accuracy and precision, then it is even easier to argue that "NOBODY" needs a folding stock. Plenty of people thoughout history have transported and carried fixed stock guns out hunting, up treestands, etc. Hell, people do it with bows, black powder rifles, etc. Bird hunting shotguns can be rather long and tend not to have folding stocks. Listen, you like that rifle, and that is great. But it argue it is perfect is ridiculous. For example, a direct impingement AR just works. I don't have to fuck with any gas settings to make it work. I can throw a can on it and it still just works. Sure, plenty of people buy crappy rifles that don't work, but I'm not going to stoop so low as to claim all fals are as reliable as a HESSE brand fal. That would be a really crappy strawman argument. But it would be easy to reference all the crappy, worn out, out of spec fal kit guns out there on out of spec receivers and claim that those represent the best the fal has to offer. Originally Posted By Postal0311: Originally Posted By campower: Yes, the weight is worth thinking about, but once stationary it doesn't matter. Nobody is hiking Mt.Katahdin with these rifles. I do need a folding stock. YOU dont need a folding stock. For 200 yard and in Black Bear & Whitetail hunting NOBODY except the worst weekend hunting shit shot needs the "pinnacle of accuracy". 2-3 MOA is far more than acceptable. Guys have been doing this for a century with slugs. To them a FAL is a laser beam. For suppressed use and 80 degrees of temp swing a year, there is absolutely nothing about an AR10 that's appealing. Ive owned most of them, and still own a few. They are the most fickle designs in the semi-auto world right now save a few .22 pistols. Weight is incredible important in a hunting rifle. Sure young men at the peak of the personal physical performance have carried the fal everywhere in the world, but your average hunter isn't a young man at the peak of physical shape. Now, if you are going to argue that "NOBODY" needs accuracy and precision, then it is even easier to argue that "NOBODY" needs a folding stock. Plenty of people thoughout history have transported and carried fixed stock guns out hunting, up treestands, etc. Hell, people do it with bows, black powder rifles, etc. Bird hunting shotguns can be rather long and tend not to have folding stocks. Listen, you like that rifle, and that is great. But it argue it is perfect is ridiculous. For example, a direct impingement AR just works. I don't have to fuck with any gas settings to make it work. I can throw a can on it and it still just works. Sure, plenty of people buy crappy rifles that don't work, but I'm not going to stoop so low as to claim all fals are as reliable as a HESSE brand fal. That would be a really crappy strawman argument. But it would be easy to reference all the crappy, worn out, out of spec fal kit guns out there on out of spec receivers and claim that those represent the best the fal has to offer. Agreed. If dead set on a semi for a loaner gun I could see an AR based with a good comb and adjustible stock that can be fitted to the client in seconds. Folding stocks suck for actual shooting. FAL with 5 round mags that work? Hens teeth. FAL Spare parts? Already used and new made parts are of dubious quality. This isn’t 1993 with Steyr parts kits from unused rifles sitting around for $140. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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Originally Posted By Bushman_269: I will add my .02 cents. I once owned a full size FAL built by Arizona Response Systems (a quality builder) and can attest that it was at best a 2-3 MOA rifle with good ammo at 100 yards. While this may be acceptable accuracy for minute of deer or bear I personally prefer something with better accuracy and less heft. Additionally, I consider an optic of some sort to be absolutely necessary on a hunting rifle and putting an optic on a FAL is not as easy as with most other platforms. Yes, in the bad old days iron sights were the gold standard on hunting rifles but hunters were more proficient in their use. I fail to see the necessity or usefulness of a folding stock on a hunting gun unless you are packing it in miles from civilization attached to your backpack. There are much better options than what the OP is proposing as the ultimate Northeast hunting rifle. The old Remington 760 carbine in 30/06 or .308 for instance would check all the necessary boxes. Then I rebuke with the fact that you didnt read the OP, friend. If you had any experience in the North Maine Bush, the last thing you would ever recommend is a Rem 760/7700 jammaster. I have two old ones in my shop right now been sitting for sale for 2 years. They are junk. They dont hold zero, optics strength pales to that of the DSA railed upper. Under no circumstances would a client be using iron sights in the Bear woods or Deer stand... For the second time, the folding stock is REQUIRED. I have to keep this thing on my back, oftentimes under a day pack without grtting tangled or snagged on the dogwood/burdochs/shit that's everywhere. You come up here with me for a day, try to follow my footsteps and then educate me afterwards. But after 20 years of doing this and hound retrieval, it isn't up for debate. Attached File Attached File If anyone doesnt need a folding stock, that's super awesome. I do. Again regarding the weight, I'm the one carrying it unless its a hunter walking 50 yards to his blind. It is a non-factor. I carry my 15lbs varmint rifle on my back everyday with a biathalon sling during our rounds. If your used to it its just not as big a deal for my application as the commandos are told to think. Attached File Attached File |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: If I was anyone of the related hunting outfitter companies’ insurer and I learned that you’re using and loaning a FAL to customers that by ATF decree lack the safety sear I would immediately cancel your insurance. I like the FaL and own one but recognize that one of the major safeties of its operating systems was tossed aside due to the ATF requirements to make it not full auto convertible. Pick something else if this is something other than a clickbait pipedreamer’s fantasy. M1a and M14 is also out due to the likelihood of an unfamiliar user easily double firing the rifle by not getting the trigger far enough back on the first (intended) shot. Frankly a loaner gun for who knows what client with unknown experience…….they get something manually operated…..a bolt action or big caliber lever gun. Whoah... two big issues here. One, is this is the first I've heared of the FAL being "unsafe?" Is this real, because as am FFL and guide, the whole rant about the ATFs cousins friend finding out from a CIA client that the rifles made in the US doesnt have an auto-sear? What? Clarify please. Secondly, click bait pipedream? Rather small, petty and rude, especially for a guy looking for honest feedback and anecdotes. You provide neither. What you do provide is a bias, armchair wisdom that has no merit in my field of expertise, and only further confuses and "muddies" the water of folks trying have a conversation. Have you ever hunted for 7 hours in the bush with M1A? A 16" model? Guess what, chum, I have. Doesn't suppress well, doesnt fold (remember that requirement from the OP?) And take optics even worse. Not applicable. But hey at least the ATF won't be after me??? |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Originally Posted By FDC: I like FALs. Used to own one. I would not choose it for this. I'm not even a huge AR10 fan, but they work. AR is going to be half the weight and half the price if you go with something name brand above PSA without jumping into the niche manufacturers. An example. AR is going to be less finicky. If you're handing rifles out, it shouldn't need to be "tuned". AR is going to have more accessories readily available and affordable. You don't need to have a gun down waiting on DSA or keep a ton of spare parts on hand. One sided AR charging handles are available. 1:10 twist is common in AR10s Polymer handguards are common in ARs. Hard to find an AR10 that is not railed so as to accept optics. 5 round AR10 mags are available. *You should work to get that law changed as it creates an unnecessary expense for hunters. Ours changed recently and now reads that capacity doesn't matter-just the amount of rounds. From my examples of half dozen or so, included the LR308 and Armalite SASS in 260 Rem in still own, these are the worst bush guns in the world. Supress terrible, loud to chamber anywhere near the woods, often times very unreliable. Here is the last hunt an AR10 was used, and it was a Ruger SFAR. Notice the size of the bull-moose shot at 20 yards away. When the gentleman with thr SFAR pulled up to take the insurance shot all he got was a click.. a twig had snagged on the charging handle and the rifle was OOB. Nope. First had experience keeps AR10s out of the pool of options. Attached File |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Originally Posted By campower: Whoah... two big issues here. One, is this is the first I've heared of the FAL being "unsafe?" Is this real, because as am FFL and guide, the whole rant about the ATFs cousins friend finding out from a CIA client that the rifles made in the US doesnt have an auto-sear? What? Clarify please. Secondly, click bait pipedream? Rather small, petty and rude, especially for a guy looking for honest feedback and anecdotes. You provide neither. What you do provide is a bias, armchair wisdom that has no merit in my field of expertise, and only further confuses and "muddies" the water of folks trying have a conversation. Have you ever hunted for 7 hours in the bush with M1A? A 16" model? Guess what, chum, I have. Doesn't suppress well, doesnt fold (remember that requirement from the OP?) And take optics even worse. Not applicable. But hey at least the ATF won't be after me??? Originally Posted By campower: Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: If I was anyone of the related hunting outfitter companies’ insurer and I learned that you’re using and loaning a FAL to customers that by ATF decree lack the safety sear I would immediately cancel your insurance. I like the FaL and own one but recognize that one of the major safeties of its operating systems was tossed aside due to the ATF requirements to make it not full auto convertible. Pick something else if this is something other than a clickbait pipedreamer’s fantasy. M1a and M14 is also out due to the likelihood of an unfamiliar user easily double firing the rifle by not getting the trigger far enough back on the first (intended) shot. Frankly a loaner gun for who knows what client with unknown experience…….they get something manually operated…..a bolt action or big caliber lever gun. Whoah... two big issues here. One, is this is the first I've heared of the FAL being "unsafe?" Is this real, because as am FFL and guide, the whole rant about the ATFs cousins friend finding out from a CIA client that the rifles made in the US doesnt have an auto-sear? What? Clarify please. Secondly, click bait pipedream? Rather small, petty and rude, especially for a guy looking for honest feedback and anecdotes. You provide neither. What you do provide is a bias, armchair wisdom that has no merit in my field of expertise, and only further confuses and "muddies" the water of folks trying have a conversation. Have you ever hunted for 7 hours in the bush with M1A? A 16" model? Guess what, chum, I have. Doesn't suppress well, doesnt fold (remember that requirement from the OP?) And take optics even worse. Not applicable. But hey at least the ATF won't be after me??? No, M14 with 18” barrel in USGI fiberglas stock, GI irons. I grab that when shitty weather will fog, or freeze rain on an optic, or fill with snow. No suppressors here much to my dismay. I am lost now. Is this for just you or actually a loaner to clients? All the difference in the world in my choice. I have on L1a1 that I would hunt with for giggles in the winter when I am wearing the thickest, warmest clothes. It has the so called Marnyl arctic stock that is shorter than the standard marnyl stocks but still uses the same pick your thickness issue butt pads. My arctic has the short pad. So it’s as short as you get without a cold and crappy folder.   I call my rifle rack in season the golf bag. I can pick anything depending on where I plan to hunt (field, woods, swamp) or the weather…... .300 winmag, .260 custom bolt gun much like your picture, a 7-08 model 7 carbine. 6.8 AR, M14 18” .308, dad’s .30-30, my .44-40 or .357 lever guns or any of a number of magnum pistols or slug guns. I tend to skip optics when the snow is heavy and falling off the branches on me and the gun. The Adirondacks are not altogether different than the Maine woods, plenty of Hemlock and Tamarack swamps in between rock ridges and mountains. Expect snow later in the season. Younger when I hunted the mountains I’d leave camp before sunrise and stumble back to the tent after dark. I am getting older now so I travel less in shit terrain as my knee self inflates after several hours of blow downs or deep snow. Also the light rifle is grabbed much more often unless I am hunting open farms. I don’t need the extended range in the woods. And yes. No US manufactured FAL receiver or allowed for import civilian purchase receiver is cut to take the design’s safety sear. I guess I liken that to an AR disconnector. The full auto design of the FAL activates with the safety sear. BATF said it’s too easy to mod one to full auto so banned from import. There were a few ones that came in and grandfathered before they made that decree. There are a few more that came in after the decree for LE sales and were exempted. By all means do some googling on the FAL safety sear. I am sure someone on Falfiles has explained it way better than I could. For me it makes the US fals more of a range gun. The safety sear does two things 1. It prevents an out of battery firing until the bolt is closed. 2. In conjunction with a full auto selector I believe it’s the trip for full auto firing. Even the only ever semiautomatic only Commonwealth Fal/L1a1 rifles had a safety seat. The selectors were the only thing preventing full auto mode. It’s just the way FN designed it. Most of the other users of the FAL stuck with the full auto design. Most of the parts kits guns in the US were made with parts from full auto guns…..Turkish, Belgian, German, Argentine, South African, Rhodesian, Brazilian. The argentines and Brazilians both made civi import receivers that were not cut for the safety sear to pass BATF rules. Then there are a host of other civi receivers also not cut for them,….Century, DSA, Entreprise, Coonan, etc. So you’re missing half of the design’s out of battery firing prevention. Do people commonly blow their foot off with FAL clones? Not from what I have ever heard. A worn trigger, sear or crappy grade after market parts with poor fit, amateur.y chosen too light springs and your odds of a problem are adding up. Like I said, I’d hunt with mine on occasion if I felt like it but would not loan it out except maybe to some other FAL guy who understands it. Use in a business venture, defintely a no. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
| This seems less like an invitation for discussion and more like “please validate my opinion, otherwise you’re wrong”. Personally I like my Sig Cross in .308 a lot. Suppresses well, folding stock, lightweight, and easy for optics. While I’ve hunted with ARs and taken multiple deer and a coyote with them, I’ve never felt a need for a semi for hunting (maybe coyotes or hogs). |
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Originally Posted By bluedog82: This seems less like an invitation for discussion and more like “please validate my opinion, otherwise you’re wrong”. Personally I like my Sig Cross in .308 a lot. Suppresses well, folding stock, lightweight, and easy for optics. While I’ve hunted with ARs and taken multiple deer and a coyote with them, I’ve never felt a need for a semi for hunting (maybe coyotes or hogs). Sorry it "seems that way", because i assure you, it isn't. More than one good alternative and good issues have been brought up, especially the mention of the safety issue. This is all new info to me and I'm genuinely happy this gent brought it up. Sig Cross is 308 is actually an excellent suggestion, and I'm humored the idea of using one of these short, folding bolt rifles in the future. My Gen1 AICS chassis folds and I liked the ability to fold it up and take the can off, so I can place it in a 40" range bag and wear like a backpack. The rifles in question are for both myself year round, and the buisness from September to December. Ive always loved the insurance of a Semi-auto, and as being the guy who has to track these animals once wounded or running for a log to hide under and die, I actually encourage a follow up shot if one is so inclined. This is rarely an option with anything other than either a semi-auto, or an experienced shooter. |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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I cannot recall the last deer that I shot that needed a second shot. Granted it’s how I am wired, I am patient and take my shot and don’t rush. I don’t do drives like the old days short of a short push to a friend on my way out or in or something like that. 90% of my shots are on feeding deer in the fields or deer calmly walking woods trails. +1 OP has made his mind up. I made my comment that you thought was rude because it looks exactly like that to most of the guys reading it, and many more that chose not to waste a post here. The rifle choice is not optimum, you just like it for your list of reasons. That’s ok. No different than a guy that wants to hunt with a bow. I am totally fine with grabbing a milsurp out of the safe to go pop a doe using something completely different. For me one of those choices is a No4Mk1 that I bought that was badly bubba’d but restorable. It’s back in military trim and sighted in with Sierra Pro Hunter loads. The short range flip sight is wide and generous for lower light woods walking and perfectly fine in shitty weather. I would shoot out to 200 yards in a field with it without a minute of hesitation. Is it a classic deer gun? No. and Yes. No different than the .30-06 Springfields. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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I am just thinking about my buddy’s AR he built that he had me shoot on the range. The stock was catching and ripping my whiskers out with each shot. A man could develop a flinch that way! I don’t recall the brand. Sadly he had to pin the adjustment here. Just part of the NYS BS. I know right off that the folding airborne FAL stocks I’d hate because of the tube built frames. Look cool but not that ergonomically friendly. Now a bolt gun with a high end stock that feels like a normal stock when open. I am fine with those. I don’t own one but I appreciate them. Folding just isn’t a high priority for me. I have shot other people’s folders but never owned one, just collapsible or otherwise adjustible. All my McMillans iirc have an adjustible comb. The stocks I just order to my custom length. I have looked at the AR stock doodads that turn your stock and spring tube in to a folder. I kind of like them. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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I took an M1a with scope hunting in the UP one year and thought it would be awesome. When I got to deer camp everyone looked at me and said "WTF". As I struggled to move through dense underbrush and some snow , I said to myself "WTF were you thinking"! We also would conduct drives as the season got going and holy shit balls I hated that M1a. Anyway , I don't think the 16" FAL para/congo would be a horrible decision , but there are better options. |
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Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: I am just thinking about my buddy’s AR he built that he had me shoot on the range. The stock was catching and ripping my whiskers out with each shot. A man could develop a flinch that way! I don’t recall the brand. Sadly he had to pin the adjustment here. Just part of the NYS BS. I know right off that the folding airborne FAL stocks I’d hate because of the tube built frames. Look cool but not that ergonomically friendly. Now a bolt gun with a high end stock that feels like a normal stock when open. I am fine with those. I don’t own one but I appreciate them. Folding just isn’t a high priority for me. I have shot other people’s folders but never owned one, just collapsible or otherwise adjustible. All my McMillans iirc have an adjustible comb. The stocks I just order to my custom length. I have looked at the AR stock doodads that turn your stock and spring tube in to a folder. I kind of like them. Im still 2 posts ago from you learning about the auto sear safety and such. So witj current FAL offerings in the US inherant design, is there/has there been issues with FALs being drop safe? Im climbing treestands here regularly, friend. I dont want an unpleasant surprise due to my ignorance. Has this been an issue for anyone else here? Its just the first one heared of it. I google foo this issue and all I get is a very old YouTube video with the owner or manager of DSA throwing one off a building.. now Im sure they wouldn't share a video of one failing, but that seems like one hell of a testimonial.. I see lots of articles about the legalities and ATF requirements, but nothing saying that it makes them less drop safe. This is not a rebuttal to you whatsoever. Im just always down to learn more. |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Hmmm. I have only had one FAL over the years (Springfield SAR48) made IIRC in Brazil and it functioned fine. It had a meh trigger on it. It was not particularly well adapted to optics. The AR-10 rifle family has a good bit of chonk to it but I would consider a lighter weight version of one of those over a FAL for the two reasons listed above- quality of trigger and ease of mounting optics. An AR stock system is not as small AOL as a folding stock on other platforms but it has the advantage of being more adjustable for LOP for more sizes of clients. I have no experience with them but the Ruger SFAR might well fit the bill with a 16” barrel. They are listed as 7.2 lbs and that means about 8lbs loaded and scoped. I hunt in timber in the NE and value brightness in my optics, weight in my rifles, and a trigger pull that least effects my POI. It also helps that the ergos are great on ARs and you can very quietly and quickly take off the safety. They also (I have a Frankenstein AR10) that balances well when I carry it through brush. Finally I have confidence in my cut down Magpul mags that hold 5 rounds that the rifle will function. How well will a FAL run with a cut down or modified mag? I dunno. ETA just read above the bad experience with a SFAR. I am still dubious about function of a FAL with neutered mags. At the minimum I would be ready to experiment with blocking larger mags down to 5 round capacity if required. |
Scratch And Sniff
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Originally Posted By campower: Im still 2 posts ago from you learning about the auto sear safety and such. So witj current FAL offerings in the US inherant design, is there/has there been issues with FALs being drop safe? Im climbing treestands here regularly, friend. I dont want an unpleasant surprise due to my ignorance. Has this been an issue for anyone else here? Its just the first one heared of it. I google foo this issue and all I get is a very old YouTube video with the owner or manager of DSA throwing one off a building.. now Im sure they wouldn't share a video of one failing, but that seems like one hell of a testimonial.. I see lots of articles about the legalities and ATF requirements, but nothing saying that it makes them less drop safe. This is not a rebuttal to you whatsoever. Im just always down to learn more. Originally Posted By campower: Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: I am just thinking about my buddy’s AR he built that he had me shoot on the range. The stock was catching and ripping my whiskers out with each shot. A man could develop a flinch that way! I don’t recall the brand. Sadly he had to pin the adjustment here. Just part of the NYS BS. I know right off that the folding airborne FAL stocks I’d hate because of the tube built frames. Look cool but not that ergonomically friendly. Now a bolt gun with a high end stock that feels like a normal stock when open. I am fine with those. I don’t own one but I appreciate them. Folding just isn’t a high priority for me. I have shot other people’s folders but never owned one, just collapsible or otherwise adjustible. All my McMillans iirc have an adjustible comb. The stocks I just order to my custom length. I have looked at the AR stock doodads that turn your stock and spring tube in to a folder. I kind of like them. Im still 2 posts ago from you learning about the auto sear safety and such. So witj current FAL offerings in the US inherant design, is there/has there been issues with FALs being drop safe? Im climbing treestands here regularly, friend. I dont want an unpleasant surprise due to my ignorance. Has this been an issue for anyone else here? Its just the first one heared of it. I google foo this issue and all I get is a very old YouTube video with the owner or manager of DSA throwing one off a building.. now Im sure they wouldn't share a video of one failing, but that seems like one hell of a testimonial.. I see lots of articles about the legalities and ATF requirements, but nothing saying that it makes them less drop safe. This is not a rebuttal to you whatsoever. Im just always down to learn more. I don’t think drop safe is the issue, it’s the ability to fire before the bolt is closed and locked. And then it’s still a long shot. It’s just the simple fact that the ATF took away a designed safety feature. If you want more help to get a better answer beyond what I understand about it, post in the Armory Fal section here, or maybe sign up on the falfiles board. There are people much more versed in them than I. not for nothing but in hunter ed courses here they teach getting in your stand then pulling your unloaded gun up in the treestand with a light rope. Then loading it. Pretty sure most states are using the same book. I am just thinking of your safety. Shit happens when you least expect it. I am not following all the guidelines they offer but that one I do. I don’t do the seatbelt in a treestand thing. 
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The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: I don’t think drop safe is the issue, it’s the ability to fire before the bolt is closed and locked. And then it’s still a long shot. It’s just the simple fact that the ATF took away a designed safety feature. If you want more help to get a better answer beyond what I understand about it, post in the Armory Fal section here, or maybe sign up on the falfiles board. There are people much more versed in them than I. not for nothing but in hunter ed courses here they teach getting in your stand then pulling your unloaded gun up in the treestand with a light rope. Then loading it. Pretty sure most states are using the same book. I am just thinking of your safety. Shit happens when you least expect it. I am not following all the guidelines they offer but that one I do. I don’t do the seatbelt in a treestand thing. Okay, drop safety was the only thing I was concerned about, and sounds like that's a non-issue. Thank you for sharing safety tips. Its extremely important we look out for our fellow hunters. |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Originally Posted By Cheesebeast: Hmmm. I have only had one FAL over the years (Springfield SAR48) made IIRC in Brazil and it functioned fine. It had a meh trigger on it. It was not particularly well adapted to optics. The AR-10 rifle family has a good bit of chonk to it but I would consider a lighter weight version of one of those over a FAL for the two reasons listed above- quality of trigger and ease of mounting optics. An AR stock system is not as small AOL as a folding stock on other platforms but it has the advantage of being more adjustable for LOP for more sizes of clients. I have no experience with them but the Ruger SFAR might well fit the bill with a 16” barrel. They are listed as 7.2 lbs and that means about 8lbs loaded and scoped. I hunt in timber in the NE and value brightness in my optics, weight in my rifles, and a trigger pull that least effects my POI. It also helps that the ergos are great on ARs and you can very quietly and quickly take off the safety. They also (I have a Frankenstein AR10) that balances well when I carry it through brush. Finally I have confidence in my cut down Magpul mags that hold 5 rounds that the rifle will function. How well will a FAL run with a cut down or modified mag? I dunno. ETA just read above the bad experience with a SFAR. I am still dubious about function of a FAL with neutered mags. At the minimum I would be ready to experiment with blocking larger mags down to 5 round capacity if required. Okay so you bring up another great point, and sounds like you have more experience than I do. Mags. My sample size of two DSA 5 round mags have been great loaded with 4 rounds. With 5 they are too tight and first round requires a good "send home" for a smooth initial charge. Maine state law requires the magazine hold a maximum of 5 rounds in a semi-auto. It can be a 20rd or 10rd as long as its somehow limited to 5 rounds. I have a 3d printer and an ample stock of dowel rods. I can also look at making my own limiters if these 5 rd magazine are known to be problematic. What say you? |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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You’re in the NE…. Remington 760 or 7600 in .35 Whelen. Anything else is a disservice to NE hunting. |
What is a democrat? Someone who wants everything you have, except for your job.
Politicians should wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers so we could see their corporate sponsors.
Politicians should wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers so we could see their corporate sponsors.
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Originally Posted By ZW17: You’re in the NE…. Remington 760 or 7600 in .35 Whelen. Anything else is a disservice to NE hunting. Come show me. Some of the toughest whitetail hunting in the lower 48. No hunting on Sundays, so alot of working men only have 4, maybe 5 days of whitetail hunting a year. If you want to chance those 4 days on one of those 7400/7600 hunks of shit go right ahead. Neither myself or mine/those in the know ever will. |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Originally Posted By campower: Come show me. Some of the toughest whitetail hunting in the lower 48. No hunting on Sundays, so alot of working men only have 4, maybe 5 days of whitetail hunting a year. If you want to chance those 4 days on one of those 7400/7600 hunks of shit go right ahead. Neither myself or mine/those in the know ever will. What did your blue collar granddaddy hunt with? |
What is a democrat? Someone who wants everything you have, except for your job.
Politicians should wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers so we could see their corporate sponsors.
Politicians should wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers so we could see their corporate sponsors.
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Originally Posted By ZW17: What did your blue collar granddaddy hunt with? I'll be your Huckleberry. Attached File Moose with a R700 chambered in 8mm Rem Mag. Same one my brother uses on his Moose. Attached File He didnt have time for whitetail and blackbear. He was too busy working his ass off to create the most beautiful 500 Acres of seed stock Potato land for his future generations to thrive on. |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Originally Posted By campower: We are off track here... but where the hell were you guiding that people were constantly double-tapping and cant shoot semi-autos past 50-75 yards? Hollywood? Im an very sorry for your experiences, friend. Either I have the luxury of being much much much more selective than you regarding clientele, or the general populace of your guiding turf were complete retards, but I have never ever had any issue like this. Alot of clients recoil sensitive WANT the softer impulse of a semi auto. And you bring up another awesome perk of the FAL... If everyone around is too dumb to shoot it in semi-auto shut the gas off for the scary clients and poof. Don't have to worry about random double taps I guess. All clients are idiots until proven otherwise. Thats why you have insurance. Yes I have seen them shoot semi autos poorly. Glad you are gtg with your clients shooting an FAL.. |
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No flames intended... I cannot think of a worse choice. Too heavy. Short barrelled 308's are LOUD. Triggers suck. And often there is difficulty mounting an optic. And the last thing you want to do is give a less-than- knowledgeable hunter a semi... I've personally witnessed "semi- syndrome". Instead of one careful well placed shot that gets the job done, the shooter rushes the shit, trying to fire 3,4,5 times.. and none are good hits. Arguably, you'd be farther ahead with a single shot. "Make it count" . Many hunters aren't all that firearm savy. I know that doesn't seem to make sense, but go to the range the weekend before deer season opener, and observe. It's actually kind of frightening. There is value is small, light, and simple. Keep it simple. I'd opt for a basic Ruger American in .308. Want a "nicer" rifle? A Tikka T3X. Done. |
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Originally Posted By frozenny: No flames intended... I cannot think of a worse choice. Too heavy. Short barrelled 308's are LOUD. Triggers suck. And often there is difficulty mounting an optic. And the last thing you want to do is give a less-than- knowledgeable hunter a semi... I've personally witnessed "semi- syndrome". Instead of one careful well placed shot that gets the job done, the shooter rushes the shit, trying to fire 3,4,5 times.. and none are good hits. Arguably, you'd be farther ahead with a single shot. "Make it count" . Many hunters aren't all that firearm savy. I know that doesn't seem to make sense, but go to the range the weekend before deer season opener, and observe. It's actually kind of frightening. There is value is small, light, and simple. Keep it simple. I'd opt for a basic Ruger American in .308. Want a "nicer" rifle? A Tikka T3X. Done.  |
What is a democrat? Someone who wants everything you have, except for your job.
Politicians should wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers so we could see their corporate sponsors.
Politicians should wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers so we could see their corporate sponsors.
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Originally Posted By frozenny: No flames intended... I cannot think of a worse choice. Too heavy. Short barrelled 308's are LOUD. Triggers suck. And often there is difficulty mounting an optic. And the last thing you want to do is give a less-than- knowledgeable hunter a semi... I've personally witnessed "semi- syndrome". Instead of one careful well placed shot that gets the job done, the shooter rushes the shit, trying to fire 3,4,5 times.. and none are good hits. Arguably, you'd be farther ahead with a single shot. "Make it count" . Many hunters aren't all that firearm savy. I know that doesn't seem to make sense, but go to the range the weekend before deer season opener, and observe. It's actually kind of frightening. There is value is small, light, and simple. Keep it simple. I'd opt for a basic Ruger American in .308. Want a "nicer" rifle? A Tikka T3X. Done. If this were just a rifle being handed out to other hunters, id see more merit in your points. There are a plethora or rifles for hunters to choose from, and maybe it should I specified this initially? But under no circumstances would this go to a shooter who wasn't proficient and handled/shot it at the range first. Regarding myself and other enthusiasts, besides the weight discussion I disagree on your other points. 16" 308 suppresed well is perfectly fine for a round or two with no ear pro. At least for me and my shot ears anyway, and part of my attraction here is the suppressor compatability with a highly tunable system. I still debate the trigger issue as well, unless my handful of examples were anomalies, they all broke clean and predictable. Might be a heavier break, maybe blame it on learning to shoot pistols with a Glock, but I think we put far too much emphasis on trigger weight. But hey I think I'm feeding into my own bias here. I love the input regardless. |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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SA58 Strikes again! This thing is a hammer, and such a slick sweet rifle to carry and shoulder. This buck only dressed out at 142, so almost half the size of last year's buck.. but it was a fun hunt and was a snap shot at 130 yards. I am anxious to try out a shorter model, as you can see from the pics its very dense in the Maine brush. Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Im still on the hunt for it. This year I carried a 14.5" AR. Worked fine on a doe at 25 yards. Not that I would hesitate to shoot any sub 200lbs deer with a 556 but I do walk around with a bear tag. I think a 6.8 or 6.5 grendal is a good choice. I love walking with iron sights only but having some magnification is nearly mandatory after the first few days of either sex here in NH. Attached File I kinda wish ruger still made the mini 14 in 6.8. I also might go back to my ruger m77mk2 in 7mm mauser with a 19" barrel and leupold 4x next year. |
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And you know what? I hunted 2 seasons with an M1 in VT and actually really enjoyed it. Just didnt see any bucks. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By 03RN: Im still on the hunt for it. This year I carried a 14.5" AR. Worked fine on a doe at 25 yards. Not that I would hesitate to shoot any sub 200lbs deer with a 556 but I do walk around with a bear tag. I think a 6.8 or 6.5 grendal is a good choice. I love walking with iron sights only but having some magnification is nearly mandatory after the first few days of either sex here in NH. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/433221/1000003794_jpg-3659266.JPG I kinda wish ruger still made the mini 14 in 6.8. I also might go back to my ruger m77mk2 in 7mm mauser with a 19" barrel and leupold 4x next year. Is that 6.5 ot 6.8? |
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Originally Posted By UrbancommandoX: Is that 6.5 ot 6.8? Originally Posted By UrbancommandoX: Originally Posted By 03RN: Im still on the hunt for it. This year I carried a 14.5" AR. Worked fine on a doe at 25 yards. Not that I would hesitate to shoot any sub 200lbs deer with a 556 but I do walk around with a bear tag. I think a 6.8 or 6.5 grendal is a good choice. I love walking with iron sights only but having some magnification is nearly mandatory after the first few days of either sex here in NH. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/433221/1000003794_jpg-3659266.JPG I kinda wish ruger still made the mini 14 in 6.8. I also might go back to my ruger m77mk2 in 7mm mauser with a 19" barrel and leupold 4x next year. Is that 6.5 ot 6.8? 556. Sorry, I wasn't clear |
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Originally Posted By 03RN: Im still on the hunt for it. This year I carried a 14.5" AR. Worked fine on a doe at 25 yards. Not that I would hesitate to shoot any sub 200lbs deer with a 556 but I do walk around with a bear tag. I think a 6.8 or 6.5 grendal is a good choice. I love walking with iron sights only but having some magnification is nearly mandatory after the first few days of either sex here in NH. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/433221/1000003794_jpg-3659266.JPG I kinda wish ruger still made the mini 14 in 6.8. I also might go back to my ruger m77mk2 in 7mm mauser with a 19" barrel and leupold 4x next year. Congrats on the doe! What ammo did you use? Ive seen some real nasty photos on Rokslide with 77TMKs. |
Robert Muldoon Survived.
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Originally Posted By frozenny: No flames intended... I cannot think of a worse choice. Too heavy. Short barrelled 308's are LOUD. Triggers suck. And often there is difficulty mounting an optic. And the last thing you want to do is give a less-than- knowledgeable hunter a semi... I've personally witnessed "semi- syndrome". Instead of one careful well placed shot that gets the job done, the shooter rushes the shit, trying to fire 3,4,5 times.. and none are good hits. Arguably, you'd be farther ahead with a single shot. "Make it count" . Many hunters aren't all that firearm savy. I know that doesn't seem to make sense, but go to the range the weekend before deer season opener, and observe. It's actually kind of frightening. There is value is small, light, and simple. Keep it simple. I'd opt for a basic Ruger American in .308. Want a "nicer" rifle? A Tikka T3X. Done. Yup. |
Dont call it a comeback, Been here for years.
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Originally Posted By campower: Then I rebuke with the fact that you didnt read the OP, friend. If you had any experience in the North Maine Bush, the last thing you would ever recommend is a Rem 760/7700 jammaster. I have two old ones in my shop right now been sitting for sale for 2 years. They are junk. They dont hold zero, optics strength pales to that of the DSA railed upper. Under no circumstances would a client be using iron sights in the Bear woods or Deer stand... For the second time, the folding stock is REQUIRED. I have to keep this thing on my back, oftentimes under a day pack without grtting tangled or snagged on the dogwood/burdochs/shit that's everywhere. You come up here with me for a day, try to follow my footsteps and then educate me afterwards. But after 20 years of doing this and hound retrieval, it isn't up for debate. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/472175/20240501_122419_jpg-3642105.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/472175/20241002_130026_jpg-3642111.JPG If anyone doesnt need a folding stock, that's super awesome. I do. Again regarding the weight, I'm the one carrying it unless its a hunter walking 50 yards to his blind. It is a non-factor. I carry my 15lbs varmint rifle on my back everyday with a biathalon sling during our rounds. If your used to it its just not as big a deal for my application as the commandos are told to think. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/472175/20221031_124417_jpg-3642104.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/472175/20240507_090925_jpg-3642112.JPG Are you twelve? That looks like a kid in the last photo, is it you? |
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Originally Posted By campower: Congrats on the doe! What ammo did you use? Ive seen some real nasty photos on Rokslide with 77TMKs. Originally Posted By campower: Originally Posted By 03RN: Im still on the hunt for it. This year I carried a 14.5" AR. Worked fine on a doe at 25 yards. Not that I would hesitate to shoot any sub 200lbs deer with a 556 but I do walk around with a bear tag. I think a 6.8 or 6.5 grendal is a good choice. I love walking with iron sights only but having some magnification is nearly mandatory after the first few days of either sex here in NH. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/433221/1000003794_jpg-3659266.JPG I kinda wish ruger still made the mini 14 in 6.8. I also might go back to my ruger m77mk2 in 7mm mauser with a 19" barrel and leupold 4x next year. Congrats on the doe! What ammo did you use? Ive seen some real nasty photos on Rokslide with 77TMKs. 75 gr fusion reloads going 2650 from that gun |
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Originally Posted By gojoe: Are you twelve? That looks like a kid in the last photo, is it you? Originally Posted By gojoe: Originally Posted By campower: Then I rebuke with the fact that you didnt read the OP, friend. If you had any experience in the North Maine Bush, the last thing you would ever recommend is a Rem 760/7700 jammaster. I have two old ones in my shop right now been sitting for sale for 2 years. They are junk. They dont hold zero, optics strength pales to that of the DSA railed upper. Under no circumstances would a client be using iron sights in the Bear woods or Deer stand... For the second time, the folding stock is REQUIRED. I have to keep this thing on my back, oftentimes under a day pack without grtting tangled or snagged on the dogwood/burdochs/shit that's everywhere. You come up here with me for a day, try to follow my footsteps and then educate me afterwards. But after 20 years of doing this and hound retrieval, it isn't up for debate. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/472175/20240501_122419_jpg-3642105.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/472175/20241002_130026_jpg-3642111.JPG If anyone doesnt need a folding stock, that's super awesome. I do. Again regarding the weight, I'm the one carrying it unless its a hunter walking 50 yards to his blind. It is a non-factor. I carry my 15lbs varmint rifle on my back everyday with a biathalon sling during our rounds. If your used to it its just not as big a deal for my application as the commandos are told to think. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/472175/20221031_124417_jpg-3642104.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/472175/20240507_090925_jpg-3642112.JPG Are you twelve? That looks like a kid in the last photo, is it you? You had that much facial hair at 12? Wow |
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