I really like the Australian No1Mk3 as well.

I haven't been in a battle in 40 years, but I think my AR-15 would suffice. I have no need in a longer range weapon in this terrain.

Great timing with this post!
I love my desert camo scout scope mounted AR, but it's reliability has left me doubting.
The tanker garand has always been a favorite of mine; as you all know. Mine is set up with a scout mount. however, the ammo feed system is a bit old-fashioned.
i went out to pick up a new rifle/carbine on thorsday. I looked at the mini-14; I am not sure if I like the new-style ghost ring sites. I considered getting another 45/70 guide rifle in stainess steel.
I ended up with a socom-16. it is an honest-to-God .308 battle rifle, same length as the .223 mini-14 and my tanker garand. removeable 10 round box steel magazine, with 20 round USGI available. Functionable muzzle brake, very similar to the one I installed on my tanker. Other than the price, what's not to like?
Best part? Now, I have 2 battle rifles in the same caliber, for the wife and I.

Must agree with SSCamaro. A battle rifle needs to be .308. the AR, M-1 carbine, and AKs are assault rifles, with their smaller cartridges.

There have been many battles fought with the M-16, but maybe the combat is fierce in NJ. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Not that I have any real need of one, but I wouldn't mind owning an M1A, FN FAL, or other 7.62 rifle. That SOCCOM is really nice.

Just clearing up the definitions. An assault rifle, by definition, has the intermediate power cartridge, like the AK, AR, etc. A full-blown battle rifle must have a full blown cartridge.
By the way, you guys catch that we are moving back towards m14's and the .308, over in the sand?

It's all about range and penetration.

Exactly.

I plan on getting a min-14 next. It is really light-weight, I think even lighter than my AR. For civilian use in the continental US, it should be fine. Plus, in wood, it is citizen friendly. Especially in stainess. Stainless is cool. I know that some anti-poaching units in Africa use the mini-14.
My friends have them, no jams. Cannot say that about my AR. Friends of mine who have come back from over there, bought AKs and minis. That says a bunch to me.

I remember well the controversy over Defense Secretary MacNamara's decision to overrule the Army Ordnance dept and go to the 5.56mm. The 7.62 never was totally replaced. M-14s kept showing up here and there for special operations and sniper duty. The 5.56 was fine for close range use by airborne or ranger units. It beat the old M1 carbine. It was fine for Air Force Security and rescue personnel, too. Now our forces find themselves in the desert and in need of more power and range. I think the decision to replace the .45 with the 9mm was a poor decision as well. Now things have come full circle. If I lived in more open country, I'd have a 7.62. I may get one anyway, just for the heck of it. BTW, I never heard the M-16 referred to as an "assault rifle" by the Army, NRA definitions notwithstanding.

The Northern Irish Police used (civi style) Ruger Mini 14's during 'The Troubles'.. The Israeli army's commando units tend to use captured AK's over M16's as their preferred rifle. I guess that says all you need to know to make a buying decision!

Nice to have the choice over here.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />