AR 15 or Socom 11

[Ghostrider_23]

I am thinking about getting a rifle to shot a t the range. I am looking at the AR 15 and the Springfiels Socom 11. Can anyone tell me which is the better rifle in the long run? I have heard that the AR's like to jam if they get the least bit dirty that is something I don't care to have. Then again 308 is very expensive compared to 223. Need some expert help with this one.

[LEO]

If my only use for the rifle was shooting at the range, I would get the one, I liked the best.  Yes the  308 round costs more to shoot but how much are you planning on shooting? If a lot that is a factor, if only a few rounds now and then, I wouldn't worry about it.  Also the intial cost of the rifle may be more depending upon which model AR you are considering.  The cheapest I have seen the SOCOM II is about 1500 dollars where as a good AR can be had for less than 800 if you shop around but that is a one time cost anyway.   As far as the AR jamming when dirty that is all relative, I have found the AR to be an extremely reliable rifle. Can you shoot it for ever and not clean it no, but can you put a couple of thousand rounds of quality ammo through it without it getting so dirty that it starts having stoppages yes.  I don't know about the reliablity of the SOCOM II but I have put thousands of rounds through the M1A/M14 full size rifles and have no relability problems either so long as basic maintenance is preformed.  But ulitmately, once again based on the intended use, I would buy which ever one had the highest fun factor for me.  Either way you choose, I think you will enjoy shooting them a lot.

[teddy12b]

Hey Leo,
       Where have you found Ar-15 for around $800.  I have been thinking about getting an Ar-15, AR-10, or M1A for a while now.  I have found ar-15's for around 1000 but not less than that.  The m1a I held the other day was right on target with 1500.  I used to have an AR-15 in 223 and always wanted to do more with it than punch paper at the range.  I like the power of the 308 but those rifles are salty!

     Ghostrider, I don't think you'd be disapopinted with either choice.  Both are fine rifles proven in combat.  You should clean them after every trip to the range though, just as a good habit if nothing else.  I never had a jamming problems with my old AR is I was using good ammo.  Occasionally I would using the wolf ammo but even that was rare.

[LEO]

Teddy12b reference your question about the AR, Olympic Arms offers a basic model with a suggested retail of 695 dollars.  While this rifle lacks the features of some higher priced rifles, it would be perfectly fine for a range/plinking rifle.  But actually what I was refering to is either a used rifle or building your own from carefully selected parts (not a real big project if you have basic tools and skills most uppers come preassembled and headspaced).  You can order all the parts except the lower receiver from suppliers of your choice and then order a stripped lower receiver through an FFL holder or pick one up at a gunshow (do some research as all lowers are not the same).  The thing that I have found with AR 15s is a lot of dealers really jack the prices  up on these and other black rifles particularly in areas where they are hard to find.  In my area about every gun shop has 2 or 3 on the shelf all the time.  I think it would probably be hard to find a used SOCOM II yet but maybe.  Hope this helps.  But I agree for the intended purpose either rifle would be a lot of fun actually Ghostrider should probably get both 

[Ghostrider_23]

 :DWell guys I have bought me a Bushmaster, heavy barrel with a colaspable stock. The cost $800, Teddy if you are interested email me and I will give you the dealers name. Leo you are a funny guy, (get both) I wish. I did get an AK-47, just because I always wanted one. I decided not to get the Socom 16 because I have a bolt 308 that groups .4 MOA@100yds. I also have a M1 Carbine which is a lot of fun too, but leo if you want to buy me a Socom I 'll take one Please. Nice to talk to you gentlemen.