Whats the best semi auto rifle to hit a 1000m target?

Question

Whats the best semi auto rifle to hit a 1000m target?

Answer 1

The "best" or the "best for a reasonable $ amount"?  

The best is the Barret .50 (M82A, I think).  The best for a reasonable price is probably the good-ol', tried-n-true M1A in .308.  Almost forgot - check out DPMS website - I recently saw their add for an AR rifle chambered in .338 and starting at $1,499.00.  

But honestly, your best bet would be to go with a bolt action - higher velocity, better accuracy, wider large-caliber selection (like 7mm, .338, etc).  If interested, check out Remington, CZ, FNH, and Springfield Armory websites.  

Of course a lot depends on the ammo used.  Competition shooters use custom loaded rounds with high-end bullets.  Military snipers use dedicated sniper ammo.  So your regular Wal-Mart-bought rounds probably wouldn't fill the shoes.  

Hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 2

back in the day... (pre bifocal) that was a pretty easy shot with my MI.

I still am minute-of - oil drum with that rifle out to an estimated 600 meters. Minute of milk jug at 150M

Keep in mind that "standard" 1000 meter target in about 36" in diameter if I remember that right.

M14-style rifles should get similar performance in .308

I can think of just about any WWII era battle rifle ...English, German, Russian that shoots .30 cal or 7mm class ammo that will do the same. But you asked about semi-autos. There may be a few foreign makes that are equal.

A .50 Barrett with optic may outclass this old stuff... it's only useful in the hands of a trained sniper-spotter team. Old-time grunts did a lot of damage with that old iron.

Answer 3

M1A is the cats meow for that.  Also, the Garand does it with panache.  Friend of mine is a retired service person (classified) who worked as a (classified) for seven tours of Nam and was an advisor to (classifieds) for a number of allied countries in the middle east.  The Garand was loved as a snipers rifle as it could take out multiple targets, stood up to desert crud conditions, was reliable, proven, yada.  When the opponents clustered together for a smoke break a good shooter could nail up to five of them really quick; something that wasn't possible with a bolt rifle. I see where Springfield Armory is turning out a new manufacture Garand in both 308 and 06.  I don't know whether they have a D model available or not.  

Answer 4

I have an M1A (M14) that's the best one I have in my personal collection for that shot.

In before everyone says Barret M82A :)

Answer 5

Springfield Armory M1a in Ultra Match configuration.  Then send it off to an experienced armorer to tweak it.

The Barret is not economically feasible for most anyone.  Unless you are active duty military or live in Alaska (like I do) and have access to huge tracks of outdoor space........ you'll never fire up you Barret much beyond 200 yards.  Kinda like having a racing car and no track.

Hope this helps  

Answer 6

Check this link out..... There are a few semi-auto 1000 yard rifles there... 1000 Yard semi-autos aren't generally an "off the shelf" item. These rifles have had extensive trigger work, expensive barrels and custom stock work to have 1000 yard capabilities....

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweekarchive.html