[jsbcody]

I am looking at getting a "big boy" rifle and as you can tell have narrowed choices down to three:

PTR 91 (Fullsize or carbine)
or
DS Arms FAL SA58 (Fullsize or carbine)
or
Springfield Armory M1A Scout

I really like HK products (my USPc .40 and my P7PSP) so I am kind of leaning toward the PTR 91 but have seen several posts on the heavy trigger. If anyone can recommend a good gunsmith for a trigger job on the 91, please post. I also like the SA58; I have heard nothing but great things about DS Arms, but the rifle with some options would be stretching my budget.

If anyone has any suggestions or recommendations, please post. Thanks in advance for responding.

 

[H&K 4 LIFE]

I like my PTR. I don't really see a need for a trigger job as mine feels just fine. However, if you intend to reload your .308, DO NOT get the PTR, it absolutely mangles the brass.

 

[JPB]

Dude, I've got all three (PTR91K, SA58 Para, M1A Scout). Get the SA58 first. I regards to quality, they are without peer. Beautifully made, and run like a top. I'm an HK fan also, but after using the HK, I can't say enough good things about the FAL. Second up, M1A Scout. Nice rifle with classic lines, and also works without issue. The PTR is cool, but it'd be alot cooler without the heavy barrel. It's also beautifully made and mine has worked great so far, but I have not shot it much yet.

 

[nuc_squid]

The Vector V51L is pretty much the same thing as the PTR91K and is much lighter. Built on the same receiver. Only downside is the proprietary recoil spring rod and some people don't like the naked barrel look. Did I mention it's MUCH lighter?

 

[fullmann]

the trigger is easily cleaned up with a trip to colorado springs and mr Bill Springfield's trigger work. easily the best money I've spent on any of my HK clones.

I've never owned an m1a, but I do have a dsarms sa58, I like it alot, but I shoot my ptr alot more. sometimes the ptr does feel a bit heavy, due to the heavy barrel. I believe the vector has a light barrel. I also have a couple vector built guns and they run like a top.

 

[hkinak]

The DS arms or other FN/FAL's are going to cost more than the PTR 91, but will be about the same price as a M1A. I use to own a DS Arms Fn/FAL para carbine. I am looking at buying or trading my G3K for a new or near-new DS Arms FN/FAL OSW with a 13-inch barrel. The adjustable gas piston of the FN/FAL assures reliable operation.

Good Luck. Another option is if you can get a G3K that was built by IGF and in SBR configuration, that is another option. The rifle is much shorter than a full size 91, and still has the punch of a 308. I have two IGF built G3K's (SBR) and they are really reliable.

 

[Bryan 45]

I also have all three rifles. My SA58 is a 18" barreled rifle, the PTR is the 18", and my M1A is a full size.

You didn't state the purpose of the rifle, but if it's a range toy or for serious long range or accuracy work, go with the M1A. Better sights, better trigger.

If it's more for 200 yards and under, run-and-gun, that type of thing, I'd go with the DSA. The ergonomics of the FAL are much better than the PTR. IMO, neither the FAL or PTR have good iron sights, but under 200 yards you probably won't notice.

 

[JPB]

I agree on the sights. The irons on the M1A are as nice as they come. However, DSAs para sights are a ten fold improvement over the originals.

 

[stubbicatt]

The single biggest drawback to the FAL system that I had, a Pre Dealer G1, was the total lack of any heat shielding on the forearm. After a couple of mags, you couldn't hold on to the rifle anymore.

The M1A I made Expert with. It is a good rifle. To keep it super accurate requires a lot of modifications and work, including glass bedding the action etc. It is much more expensive to keep running right.

The PTR91 is my present day favorite rifle. It has drawbacks, such as requiring a thumb like ET to manipulate the safety/selector. Trigger job by Bill Springfield is necessary. But the rest of the ergonomics are really favorable for *me*. I like to shoot from prone at milk jugs and such at distance, and once I used it for prairie doggin'. I don't have to carry it very far, and so the weight is not a factor for me.

It is low maintenance, high accuracy, highly ergonomic for *me* and I like it. For these reasons I'd go with the PTR.