Semi-Auto Rifles (Not AR, AK platforms)

[Zbowman1]

Just kicking tires right now but I just started looking for a new rifle. Looking for a light Deer/Varmint gun. (possibly .243) I am not interested in a .223. I have a 22-250 and a rem .222 already. I have quite a few bolt guns and a few single shot rifles and thought I would mix it up this time and look for a semi. I did a quick search and found probably the most common ones, Rem. 7400, Browning BAR, and also the Rem R25. I am not interested in the R25. Don't get me wrong I would love to own one but I doubt my wife would carry it and I kind of want my daughter to learn to shoot on a traditional rifle platform first. With that said I will be the primary user of the rifle. What are you semi-auto non AR guys using and how do you like them? Am I missing the boat on caliber selection? I have some pretty strong opinions on what I like in bolt guns but I have never used a semi before. I am all ears.

 

[RMLamp]

Ruger has the Mini-30 in 7.62x39 and occasionally you can find a used one in 6.8 SPC. FN has the FNAR in 308 with a street price going for about $1K. The Browning BAR is a good option and probably has the widest selection of calibers, accuracy is about 1-1.5 MOA.

I have a R-25 in .243 and it's one of my favorite rifles, but since that's off your list I'll leave it at that.

The Remington semi-autos are considered second tier to the BAR's, they're more ammunition sensitive than the BAR and accuracy is so-so. Newer Remington's are being more critically reviewed than the older ones. Personally, I'd pass on the Remington 7400.

 

[mtswampfox]

with all the options available you can transform an ar15 from a combat weapon into a varmint rifle in looks and performance. tons of caliber options including 243. know you are set against it but they are going to be your best option for accuracy and dependability.the m14 format is another option if you want 243. lots of options here to from stocks to barrels , and they are a proven accurate rifle at extremely long ranges, and fun to shoot.my $.02........

 

[SDHNTR]

BAR in .243. Wonderful rifle.

 

[KMD]

with all the options available you can transform an ar15 from a combat weapon into a varmint rifle in looks and performance. tons of caliber options including 243. know you are set against it but they are going to be your best option for accuracy and dependability.the m14 format is another option if you want 243. lots of options here to from stocks to barrels , and they are a proven accurate rifle at extremely long ranges, and fun to shoot.my $.02........

If you want a .243Win on an AR platform, its gonna need to be based on an AR-10, not the AR-15.

If you could find an old 7400 in .243, that would be a cool rifle to own. Not particularly accurate, or reliable, but cool from a collectible standpoint.
I'd 2nd looking into a BAR, but don't forget about the Winchester Model 100. They were made in .243 and .308. Got one in .308 and its a nice, handy little sucker. A Model 100 in .243 would be kinda neat. File photo...

Good luck!

 

[RMLamp]

One other rifle to consider is the Benelli R1 but you won't get it in anything smaller than .308.

View attachment 19852

Picture is from Cabela's Gun Library...$900

 

[Stid2677]

I used a Benelli R-1 for awhile after I had back surgery. I had some gas piston issues, they addressed that on newer ones, so make sure to get one made after 2013.

http://forums.benelliusa.com/showthread.php/11936-What-have-U-shot-with-your-R-1

 

[Zbowman1]

Thanks for the info everyone that commented. I ended up ordering one of the new BAR's in .243.

 

[StrutNut]

BAR's are good. The older ones seem to be better. Either way they are a great gun but are not light. I was going to also through out the H&K's if you can find one. I had owned several but sold them as hey, I got a LOT more for them then I paid for them. I had a .308, .223 and a .22 mag. I owned several BAR's. The last one I just gave to my son. I was my grandfathers rifle. Its the 4th generation now using it so that might give you some indication as to how good BAR's are. I plan on getting my wife one as well as she was using it before I gave it to my 13 yr old. Its a 7mm mag and has very little recoil. Its a Belgium! Man I loved that rifle. I hope it serves my son well!

 

[RMLamp]

The 243 in a relatively heavy rifle like the BAR is going to be one sweet shooting rifle. Hope you enjoy it!