What do I replace my AR's with?

Simiva

Simiva

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So to be completely honest the AR ban got me turned off black and green rifles. I haven't been to the range in probably two years so this is like starting over again.

I used to enjoy going to the range and shooting them probably every other week and participate in club level shoots with a few 3 gun events every year. Nothing serious but before this all happened I was interested in getting more involved at comp shooting.

So, I need your help in getting back up to speed. I'll put the time and practice in again but, what I can't shoot is several AR-15's and two AR-10's so, I really want to know what you guys have been filling in the blanks in your three gun (or other competition) rigs with. I have been deep into reading this sub forum so I have a few ideas but if you will indulge me I would appreciate it.

AR-10

My AR-10's were 18 and 20 inch and really played that DMR role for me. Something that was capable beyond my AR-15s up to 600M (realistically 500M as that's the longest range I have available).
I plan on purchasing a Browning BAR in 308 as my next rifle but this isn't really to replace them. It's just to have something NR that can shoot all the 308 I have and it's also a rifle I was interested in getting anyway.

What I really want to know is, what are the 308 AR Magazine fed and dare I say "tactical" rifles that will come closest to an AR-10? I don't care if the controls are different, or the layout is different but it has to be comparable, I guess.

Also, same question for the rifles that best replace an AR-15. Lets say for the same reasons and also if I were looking for a 3 gun rifle. I do own an SL8-4 which is a little on the heavy side but I can manage if I had to. I just figure there is something faster as the SL-8 has a fair bit of swing to it. I'm not interested in G36 or cutting it down, thinning the barrel etc. because it's a very accurate rifle for me.

Sorry for the "do my work for me" but if not you guys then who? I'm getting back into shooting again and plan on making a few purchases in the near future as I got a contract job that will keep me busy until mid Dec so this isn't just daydreaming.

It's more like someone who was sleeping and just woke up again.
 
For your AR15 needs, ideally find a set of Modern Sporter upper/lower receivers and strip your AR15 for parts. Aside from that, my recommendations would be buying a G36, but you already mentioned you're not interested in that, or a Bren2 (excellent rifle) or (on the used market) an ACR. X95 would be distantly behind those.

For an AR10 replacement, I have no real suggestions. I've used the Famae 542 and Tavor7, but neither are as accurate as an AR10 for your desired pseudo-DMR role.

Good luck!
 
The feds are taking the fun out of our sport. Whatever you pick should be benign and not likely to scare someone you've never met. Wood stocks, shiny polishing and white-lines on the buttpads. If it looks military, expect someone to badger the feds into making it illegal. If it looks hunting, you'll be less likely to lose.
 
I dunno that there is much to replace an AR-10 with. No experience with the Tavor 7 or Famae but I don't believe they get close to the accuracy you can wring out of an AR-10. Your best bet for a gas gun that's good for 600 and in would be an accurate .223 using 75/77gr ammo. I dunno if the more reliable of those that are still available to us (Bren 2, ACR, B&T APC) can do the kind of accuracy you'd want for that use (sub-1.5moa). You can get that accuracy with some of the Canadian AR-180s but they aren't as refined or bombproof as an AR-10 or 15. Maybe something like a Sterling Arms R18 could do it, or get one re-barrelled with a match barrel. Or rebarrel a Bren or something similar with a match barrel (if that's possible?). If you want to stick to .308/6.5 etc, then just get a shorty bolt gun with a 18/20" barrel.

For 3-gun and general carbine use, I'd imagine the Bren 2 is probably at the top of the pile right now. Run it as a restricted if you want or get it rebarrelled to NR.
 
There is really only one 'tactical" option for a reasonably accurate (<1.5 MOA) .308 and that rifle is the B+T APC 308. Unfortunately, you are looking at a $6K price tag for the rifle without glass or upgraded Elftman Match Trigger. For that price you get flawless Swiss craftsmanship, decent accuracy and superb reliability. Neither the Tavor 7 nor the FAMAE SG 542 will deliver the .308 acccuracy that you seek, so don't waste your time and $$.

For an AR replacement, the CZ Bren 2 is currently the rifle or carbine to have. I personally recommend the 14" Barrel length if you can find one, otherwise I'd imagine that the commercial 16" version would serve you well. Failing that, I'd recommend the Tavor X95 (if you can abide the bullpup layout), the APC 223, or the (used) Bushmaster ACR. All have their relative strengths and weaknesses, but those 3 are sufficiently well-rounded to serve as an AR replacement for "gun games".
 
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I just recently bought an SL8 and have to say, it is surprisingly accurate out of the box. Quality seems decent though recently the eyebolt on the left side handguard area fell out due to the corresponding circular nut on the other side coming loose. Other than that, it has been fed all manner of ammo and accuracy is great. I also noticed fairly light recoil (even though typically aren't known for any bothersome recoil). Only downside are the $100 5-round proprietary mags.

Tavor/X95 - reliable yes, accurate - I'd say no one buys this for competition. It does take AR type mags, but bullpups are either a like or hate it proposition.

It is nice to hear OP wanting to get back into the swing of things. I have met two people in the last two days, both of whom are getting out of shooting in general, one due to exhaustion of government mandates and regulations that got him stuck with a number of rifles/handguns (covid also closed his range and his interest was starting to wane) and the other one just thinking it is time as he needs the money and going through a divorce and told me he sees the writing on the way for the government to continue to ban stuff. I have to think this is repeating itself across Canada with some shooters just selling everything they own and getting out of target shooting, etc. Nice to see someone looking to get back in after a hiatus and despite the government continuing to malign the community.

The good news is there are a decent amount of options still available to suit various budgets for what you are looking for.
 
thegazelle said:
I just recently bought an SL8 and have to say, it is surprisingly accurate out of the box. Quality seems decent though recently the eyebolt on the left side handguard area fell out due to the corresponding circular nut on the other side coming loose. Other than that, it has been fed all manner of ammo and accuracy is great. I also noticed fairly light recoil (even though typically aren't known for any bothersome recoil). Only downside are the $100 5-round proprietary mags.

Tavor/X95 - reliable yes, accurate - I'd say no one buys this for competition. It does take AR type mags, but bullpups are either a like or hate it proposition.

It is nice to hear OP wanting to get back into the swing of things. I have met two people in the last two days, both of whom are getting out of shooting in general, one due to exhaustion of government mandates and regulations that got him stuck with a number of rifles/handguns (covid also closed his range and his interest was starting to wane) and the other one just thinking it is time as he needs the money and going through a divorce and told me he sees the writing on the way for the government to continue to ban stuff. I have to think this is repeating itself across Canada with some shooters just selling everything they own and getting out of target shooting, etc. Nice to see someone looking to get back in after a hiatus and despite the government continuing to malign the community.

The good news is there are a decent amount of options still available to suit various budgets for what you are looking for.
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Runningfool said:
Not sure where you shoot but for 3 gun around my area, lots of people buy the x95 for competition.
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tavor requires training to master it but it is working ... when they provided us the famas that was hilarious we cannot even hit the 200m target ... once the training was done it was easy to do ... again just a training time like everything else.
 
If you want somewhat matching platforms I think the X95/Tavor7 are your best bet. Although as many have mentioned accuracy is not their strength. If you don't care about getting different platforms I think the Bren2 is our best bet in 5.56.

As for .308, if the BAR tickles your fancy, I'd look into the MK3 DBM and an aftermarket AR stock adapter and free floating barrel.

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Overlander2018 said:
If you want somewhat matching platforms I think the X95/Tavor7 are your best bet. Although as many have mentioned accuracy is not their strength. If you don't care about getting different platforms I think the Bren2 is our best bet in 5.56.

As for .308, if the BAR tickles your fancy, I'd look into the MK3 DBM and an aftermarket AR stock adapter and free floating barrel.
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Huh, I had not even heard of this rifle, but it looks like it could be a good option.
 
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