SOCOM 16

[USCGME2]

Anyone here own or shoot a Springfield SOCOM 16? They look like one bad a$$ battle rifle that could handle some serious business. I just wonder if its worth it to save up my pennies for one? Ammo and mags are pricey too. Thoughts?

[kutkota]

Handled a few never shot one though. Seemed heavy.

[Cwi555]

I am inclined to go with a PTR91/HK91 or FN FAL for a 308/7.62x51.

[USCGME2]

May 20, 2014 12:45:06 GMT -7 Cwi555 said:

I am inclined to go with a PTR91/HK91 or FN FAL for a 308/7.62x51.

I'll look into them but, what do you like about those?

[Cwi555]

May 20, 2014 14:27:24 GMT -7 USCGME2 said:

May 20, 2014 12:45:06 GMT -7 Cwi555 said:

I am inclined to go with a PTR91/HK91 or FN FAL for a 308/7.62x51.

I'll look into them but, what do you like about those?

In reverse order;

The FN FAL is a gas-operated, tilting breech block action. Gas enters the port, actuates the piston, which in turn pushes back the bolt carrier which in turn tilts the bolt back ejecting the round. The gas block has the ability to shut off the gas in incremental stages. This allows single shot ability, up to crappy ammo ability. The latter is important. The gas can be effectively tuned to shoot nearly any 308 ammo you find. Dial the gas in until it drops the brass three feet from you, or kicks it 10 feet to clear your location. They are very resilient to dirt, harsh environments, and are generally hard to kill. Accuracy is good, magazines are sturdy, and parts are generally in good supply. Cost for a good one is ~1000.
The downside is the same for most others like it. AR-15, AK 47, or any other rifle people 'build'. The design is near bullet proof, but it's not totally stupid proof. It's also on the heavy side, with a comparable weight to the M1A.


The HK/PTR design. HK-91's are roller-delayed blow back actions. They are accurate, reliable, and all around solid. The blow back comes from micro grooves in the chamber itself. By virtue of that, trash gets blown out of it with every round. While it won't shoot 'all' ammo in the same manner as the FN FAL, it is a more accurate round. Their largest detriment is the brass ends up with pressure marks limiting the number of reloads for each piece. It's weight is very light by comparison to others in it's class, while it's heat control and accuracy doesn't suffer as much as some others.
They fell under the 1986/1989 import ban. True HK 91's are very expensive for that reason.
However, PTR began manufacturing of duplicate clones in 2002. They are manufactured on HK licensed machines, specs, and with like for like materials. They are an HK 91 in all but name. The PTR version runs ~1000-1500 depending on what model. One word of caution, do not buy into the people advertising CETME south american variants as HK design. They are not.

[Number5]

I've fired a Socom and found it to be accurate but the shorter barrel might be a trade off for accuracy or power at longer ranges.


Century L1A1 "Sporter" which means it has a compensator instead of a flash hider.
From the first range trip of this season, 20 rounds offhand 100 yards slow fire.



The optic is a Primary Arms 2.5X fixed power.

Mag changes take some getting used to but it's called "The right arm of the free world" for a reason.

Mine eats everything from 7.62 X51 147 gr ball to .308 168 gr "Deer thugs" bonded soft points.

I choose the FAL because it can handle heavier gr ammo, like AR or incendiary which might be necessary WROL.

[USCGME2]

Thanks guys, I did a little digging and the PTR gets a lot of thumbs up. So I ask, is the SOCOM's $400+ extra price over the PTR justified somehow? That is to say, does it have some advantage?

[Cwi555]

May 20, 2014 17:53:14 GMT -7 USCGME2 said:

Thanks guys, I did a little digging and the PTR gets a lot of thumbs up. So I ask, is the SOCOM's $400+ extra price over the PTR justified somehow? That is to say, does it have some advantage?

It has no inherent advantage in my opinion. None that would justify the cost of 500 plus rounds for it anyway.

www.the-armory.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product6.html

[Redneckidokie]

From experience, Fords and Chevys. I like them all.
Just stock up on ammo while you can again. They eat a lot!
The M1A mags were crazy a short time ago. If you get it, get mags, they are cheap again until next time. ''Note to self''.