Are you on the market for the best .308 semi-automatic rifle? If so, you’ll be glad to hear that there are several high-quality 308 choices available. Each offers excellent performance, accuracy, durability, and reliability.
Unpack This Article's Arsenal
- What are the Best 308 Semi-Automatic Rifles?
- The Benefits of Owning a .308 Semi-Automatic
- 3 Best .308 Semi-Auto Rifles Reviewed
- 1. 308 Semi Auto Budget Option: Century Arms C308
- Century Arms C308 Pros and Cons
- 2. The .308 Pragmatic Option: Ruger SR-762
- 3. The Classic Option: Springfield M1A
- 4. Lead Star Arms Grunt AR-10 Rifle w/ Grunt Handguard & 20″ Barrel California Compliant, Burnt Bronze
- 5. FN America Scar 17s
- Best .308 Semi-Automatic Rifles – Conclusion
- Recommended Reading
Get Great Guns And Ammo Deals!
SAFEST NEWSLETTER - WE WILL NEVER SELL YOUR EMAIL
No Spam - No Selling Your Email
What are the Best 308 Semi-Automatic Rifles?
There are three models that stand out in particular: the Century Arms C308, Ruger SR-762, and the Springfield M1A. These may be hard to find, but there are lots of quality 308 semi-automatic options to be found.
| Product | Rating | Price | Where To Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Century Arms C308 | 9.8 | $ |  |
 | Ruger SR-762 | 9.6 | $$$ | |
 | Springfield M1A | 9.5 | $$ | |
 | Lead Star Arms Grunt AR-10 Rifle | 9.4 | $$ | |
 | FN America Scar 17s | 9.3 | $$$ | |
Each of these choices certainly has its pros and cons, but they also each offer unique advantages that we will dive into in-depth with this article. We’ll also talk about the best benefits of owning a .308 semi-automatic rifle to begin with.
The Benefits of Owning a .308 Semi-Automatic
A solid case can be made that the .308 semi-automatic rifle is the most versatile centerfire rifle that you can own today.
The reason why is because it can be used for almost any purpose you need a rifle for. The .308 Winchester is an excellent round for hunting and can bring down almost any North American big game, including deer, elk, and black bear.
And as a semi-automatic with a 20 or so round magazine capacity, a .308 semi-auto will also be a good choice for tactical training and for defending your home and property against multiple attackers.
Granted, the .308 is not the best round for defense inside of your home because it can easily pass through each of the walls of your home and the walls of your neighbors. A handgun, shotgun, or a rifle in an intermediate caliber such as the 7.62x39mm or 5.56x45mm NATO would be a superior choice for that.
308 Semi Automatic Accuracy
Finally, the .308 Winchester round itself has also gained a reputation for being an accurate long range caliber. It is now the most popular centerfire rifle caliber for hunting both in the United States and across the world, surpassing the venerable .30-06 Springfield round that previously held that title.
Overall, no rifle is absolutely perfect and there is no one rifle that can do absolutely everything. Guns are like tools in a toolbox, in that each tool and each gun fulfills a different purpose.
However, some tools can fill more purposes than others and are more versatile in that way, and guns are no exception. The .308 Winchester is an excellent and highly practical round that fulfills a wide variety of different purposes, and in the form of a semi-automatic with a large magazine capacity it becomes even more versatile.
With a .308 semi-automatic rifle, you can do long-distance target shooting, go big game hunting, and defend your home and property against several attackers in an emergency or in a grid down disaster situation. For these reasons, a .308 semi-automatic rifle definitely belongs in your arsenal.
So which specific makes and models should you consider? Let’s find out.
3 Best .308 Semi-Auto Rifles Reviewed
Since there are so many .308 semi-autos available already, it’s hard to narrow them down to the top three. But after careful testing and research, the following makes and models stand out the most:
1. 308 Semi Auto Budget Option: Century Arms C308
The best Semi-automatic rifles in the .308 caliber tend to be very expensive (as in over a thousand dollars) for a high quality model. That’s a fact you may be disappointed to hear if you’re someone on a serious budget.
Fortunately, there is one .308 semi-auto that’s made just for people who don’t have a lot of money to spend, and that is the Century Arms C308. This rifle is routinely available for between $650 to $850. If you can find one i stock. There are used Century Arms C308s that come available frequently.
The C308 is essentially a copy of the HK G3, which is one of the most popular battle rifles in the world and utilizes a delayed blowback system. In fact, the C308 even uses some surplus parts from the G3!
Using a 5 round or 20 round detachable box magazine (which are widely available and extremely economical at less than ten dollars a mag), the C308 features a forward charging handle and a safety switch that’s right by your thumb while holding the weapon. Some have found the forward charging handle to be a rather awkward and unergonomic position, but it’s something that you can definitely get used to with lots of practice.
While the G3 design overall isn’t exactly the best choice for precision target shooting, it’s still accurate enough for the average shooter and will easily deliver 2 MOA groups at a hundred yards. And what the G3/C308 makes up for its slight loss in accuracy is excellent durability and reliability.
Century Arms 308 Advantage
An improvement the C308 has over the G3 is a Picatinny rail mounted on the top of the receiver, which makes attaching optics and scopes very easy.
One of the biggest downsides to the C308 is that it comes installed with a plastic lower assembly and trigger guard. In contrast to the metal one that came on the original G3s. Fortunately, it’s not anything that you can’t swap out with aftermarket or surplus parts.
All in all, the Century Arms C308 is easily the best .308 semi-automatic for those on a budget. It may not be a top-of-the-line rifle, but for an affordable .308 battle rifle it can’t be beat.
Century Arms C308 Pros and Cons
| C308 Pros | C308 cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value for the price | Not the most accurate .308 rifle on the market |
| Durable and reliable | Comes installed with a plastic lower assembly and trigger guard |
| Picatinny rail makes it easy to install optics | |
| Magazines are dirt cheap and easy to find |
2. The .308 Pragmatic Option: Ruger SR-762
Update – We are still big fans of the Ruger 308, but they don’t make anymore. You can still find Ruger SR762 on www.guns.com every once in a while.
The AR-10 market has exploded in the last few years, as many people who love the AR platform but desire a larger caliber have turned to it. Ex-military service members who were issued AR’s and are now looking for a hunting rifle are particularly drawn to the AR-10.
One of the best AR-10s available is the Ruger SR-762. This gun isn’t cheap at around $1,500 to $2,000, but it certainly delivers on quality.
The AR market is huge, and this means that spare magazines, aftermarket parts, and customization options are virtually endless. It is for this reason that the SR-762, or any other comparable AR-10 for that matter, is perhaps the most practical choice you can make for a .308 caliber (7.62 NATO) semi-auto rifle.
Excellent features that the SR-762 ships with include folding iron sights, a picatinny rail for adding scopes, and a two stage piston system that Ruger claims is the best currently available.
The biggest downside to the SR-762 is the trigger, which is far grittier in comparison to other AR-10 rifles. Ruger as a whole isn’t exactly known for producing guns with the best triggers either. Fortunately, it’s not anything that you won’t be able to replace on your own.
As a whole though, the SR-762 is a dependable and accurate rifles that does everything an AR-10 should.
| SR-762 Pros | SR-762 cons |
|---|---|
| Customization options are endless | Poor trigger |
| Two stage piston system | |
| Easy to add optics | |
| Folding iron sights | |
| Ergonomic rubber grip |
3. The Classic Option: Springfield M1A
This list would simply not be complete without the Springfield M1A, a civilian version of the military M14 rifle that has been in use by the military since the 1950s and is still in service as a DMR (designated marksman’s rifle) today.
The M1A today is available in a wide variety of different options and sizes: the 16.5 inch SOCOM model, 18 inch Scout Squad model, and the 22 inch Standard model. The 22 inch delivers the best velocity and range, while the shorter models are more nimble and better suited for tight conditions.
When outfitted with a wood stock, the M1A simply looks classy and can’t be beat by another .308 semi-auto in the looks department. The design, based off of the original M1 Garand, is accurate, reliable, and extremely solid. This is a rifle you could throw off a cliff and it will still shoot.
The biggest downsides to the M1A are the fact that it’s heavy and long, especially if you go with the 22-inch version. Another downside is the safety is located inside the trigger guard (so you have to put your finger inside the trigger guard to flick it off), which many people don’t like.
Nonetheless, the M1A is a design that has served the United States for many decades and by the looks of it will continue to do so in the future. This rifle is equally at home on the shooting range as it is out in inclement field conditions.
| Springfield M1A Pros | Springfield M1A cons |
|---|---|
| Wide variety of customization options | Long and Heavy |
| Very accurate | Safety is located in the trigger guard |
| Reliable and durable | |
| Classic looks |
4. Lead Star Arms Grunt AR-10 Rifle w/ Grunt Handguard & 20″ Barrel California Compliant, Burnt Bronze
The Lead Star Grunt series of AR rifles is quite incredible. They have multiple models, however, this is a California Compliant featureless AR-10 rifle, chambered in .308 Winchester. It has a 20” barrel made from 416R stainless steel.
The barrel is threaded with a 5/8×24 thread and comes equipped with an SJC Compensator. This triple ported compensator does an excellent job of mitigating the recoil of the .308 round and giving you a smooth shooting experience.
The gas system on this rifle is also optimized for minimal recoil. It has a rifle-length gas tube, which complements the 20-inch barrel perfectly for a smooth recoil impulse, and minimal wear on the bolt. The gas tube has a black nitride QPQ finish, which can improve heat resistance, and decrease the overall signature of the rifle. The gas system is also adjustable and has a micro profile.
This California-Compliant Lead Star Arms Grunt AR-10 Rifle comes with a 17″ Lead Star DMR handguard. The M-LOK handguard is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, and it eliminates harmonics from attached accessories, allowing them to maintain zero. The handguard has M-LOK slots on both sides and the bottom, whereas the top has two small sections of Picatinny rail in the front and back of the handguard for mounting backup iron sights.
Lead Star Arms Grunt AR-10 Receivers
Moving on to the receivers, this rifle uses the Lead Star DMR-style receivers. Both the upper and lower receiver are made from Aluminium. The upper receiver features a forward assist and port cover, and it has a top Picatinny rail for mounting optics as well.
As far as the internals are concerned, the Lead Star Arms Grunt AR-10 Rifle uses the Toolcraft BCG. The Bolt Carrier Group features a properly staked gas key, and an extra powerful extractor spring. The lower receiver features the Hiperfire EDT® Heavy Gunner fire control group.
Finally, this California-compliant AR-10 rifle has an aluminum buffer tube, and it uses the Lead Star lightweight carbine stock, which is adjustable at 6 different positions. To comply With California laws, this rifle has a featureless grip, instead of a normal pistol grip.
The aesthetics of this rifle are really cool. The receivers and handguards have a Burnt Bronze finish, which gives them a distinct appearance.
| Lead Star Arms Grunt AR-10 Pros | Lead Star Arms Grunt AR-10 Cons |
|---|---|
| California Compliant featureless design | Long and heavy |
| Unique Aesthetics | |
| Reliable and Durable |
5. FN America Scar 17s
If you are looking for a .308 platform that has been proven in combat all around the world, the FN Scar 17 is an excellent option. It is super reliable, durable, and effective, which is why militaries all over the world use the Scar 17.
The Scar 17 is a Short Stroke Piston-operated rifle with a rotating bolt. It is very accurate and is designed very ergonomically. This Scar 17 comes with a 16.25” rifled barrel, which is made from cold hammer forged MIL-SPEC steel and has a free-floating design. It also has a chrome-lined bore, which improves accuracy and increases the longevity of your rifle. The rifle also features a threaded barrel and is equipped with a compensator.
One of the best things about the FN Scar platform is that it has completely ambidextrous controls. The safety selector, magazine release, and even the reciprocating charging handle are accessible from both sides, making this rifle ideal for both right and left-handed shooters.
This rifle has a hard-anodized monolithic aluminum receiver, with a continuous Top Picatinny rail. The handguard also has Picatinny rail sections on the sides and the bottom. It has a rotating drum aperture rear sight, with a hooded front post sight, which can also be flipped down if you want to install an optic.
This rifle also has a telescopic stock, which is adjustable for both length and cheek rise. Overall, the Scar 17 is a very comfortable, reliable, and accurate rifle that can fit a wide range of roles.
| FN America Scar 17s Pros | FN America Scar 17s Cons |
|---|---|
| Proven by Military service | Can be expensive |
| Durable, reliable, and accurate | Reciprocating charging handle |
| Ambidextrous |
Best .308 Semi-Automatic Rifles – Conclusion
There are so many other great .308 semi-auto rifles out there that you should definitely continue your research. Other examples of makes and models for you to consider include the DS Arms SA58 FAL, the FN Scar 17, or literally any other make and model of AR-10.
But the three specific models that we have discussed in this article will serve you well. The C308, SR-762, and M1A are each reliable, accurate, and proven designs. You literally can’t go wrong with any of them whether it be for hunting, target shooting, or defense of your homestead.
4 Responses
I looking for Sr 25 E2PR M-Lock but hard to find and expensive and all ways on wait list. What commercial weapons for long rang shooting is comparable to the Sr 25 that I can purchase over the counter.
Floyd
As a former Canadian licensed gunsmith, I have owned and worked on hundreds of M14/M1A/Norinco M305 rifles. I have also worked on dozens of AR 10 rifles, GENUINE AR10 DUTCH military surplus, and the more modern AR10/AR15 clones. AS A CANADIAN, I must consider the weird legalities involved with the M14/ M1A/M305 type rifles. And the even weirder legalities involved with the genuine AR 10 pattern rifles and the AR10/AR15 clones. These legal considerations are COMPLICATED, and of interest mainly to us Canucks, so I will not dwell on them here.
The following opinions are given considering the real world performance of the two designs, disregarding the legal issues.
XXXXXXXX
My favorite .308 semi auto rifle, is a DPMS pattern AR10/AR15 clone. I have owned four of these, all of them incredibly accurate. Also, the ergonomics of the AR10/AR15 platform are simply outstanding. They are the “Gold Standard” by which most other practical rifle designs are judged.
All of the DPMS built rifles I owned had HORRIBLE triggers out of the box, but were easily tuned or modified using AR15 replacement parts. All of them, wirh a decent trigger, would shoot SUB-MOA five shot 100 yd groups, with the ammo they liked best. One in particular shot SUB-MOA with five loads tested, including groups measuring 5/8″. The accuracy potentisl with an AR 10 is incredible for a semi auto rifle, approaching many bolt action designs.
In my personal experience, reliability with the original AR10 has been exceptional. I have fired several thousand rounds through the old original Dutch military surplus genuine AR10 rifles, which were chambered in 7.62 NATO. This was mostly with 7.62 NATO ammo, but I also experimented with many .308 Winchester loads, both factory and reloads. For practical rifle competition, I shot low power reloads ( 123 gr .311″ bullets at 2400 fps). For long range, I used several different brands of factory 168 gr HPBT match ammo. I also experimented with various other types of .308 Win factory ammo, ranging from the ultralight Remington Accelerators, which use a SABOT carrying a .223 bullet, up to 200 gr SOFT Point hunting ammo. All functioned reliably, and some also shot MOA or better.
With the modern DPMS built AR10/AR15 clones, reliability was not as great out of the box. These reliability problems centered around three issues;
1.) The steel magazines provided by DPMS are garbage. Switching to plastic Pmags eliminated most of the feeding issues.
2.) The chambers on the MODERN DPMS built rifles are .308 Win spec. They are tight, and in some cases very tight. STEEL cased ammo, and possibly some 7.62 NATO ammo, should not be used.
3.) If the rifle has a gas port located too close to the chamber, aka “carbine length gas system”, instead if “rifle length”, the pressures will be higher during cycling. This makes for more abrupt extraction. In severe cases, the bolt will start to open before all the gas has left the barrel, while the brass case is still expanded. The extractor will deform the rim of the case severely. This was most apparent with super high velocity .308 ammo, which was also the most accurate tested. One solution to this issue is an adjustable gas port.
XXXXXXXXXXX
My second favorite .308 semi auto rifle is the M14/M1A/M305 type. I have extensive experience with these rifles, building match rifles capable of MOA accuracy, and building compact 18.6″ barreled practical rifles, often equipped with a side folding stock.
Achieving consistent MOA accuracy with these rifles is NOT a trivial task. Tuning an M14 type system for maximum accuracy is more art than science. However, with the introduction of modern ALUMINUM alloy chassis to the M14 platform, great accuracy results can be obtained.
The best known M14 alloy chassis is the one selected by the US govt, the SAGE EBR. It has added battle proven accuracy to the old M14 design, and extended the useful service life. Unfortunately, the EBR also adds significant additional weight to the platform, and balance, ergonomics, and quick handling all suffer.
Not as well known is the Canadian made BLACKFEATHER alloy chassis system, from M14.CA. This is an integrated system of upgrades for the M14, not simply a replacement stock. Accuracy can be outstanding, and the light weight, improved ergonomics, better balance and handling, make a Blackfeather equipped M1A competitive with an AR10.
I personally no longer have either an AR10 type or an M14 type rifle. For my purposes, for various personal reasons, I decided to down size to the AR15 platform. But for general purpose use, possibly qualifying as the elusive “one gun that does it all”, I can highly recommend either DPMS pattern AR10, or a BLACKFEATHER upgraded M1A.
NOTE: FULL DISCLOSURE
I was involved as a consultant on the design of the BLACKFEATHER chassis system. I have no financial interest in M14.CA, although I may do future consulting work with them.
Larry Z
Thank you for the excellent comments on the 308 caliber rifles.
I own a DPMS AR10 platform with a 24″ bull barrel and Timney match trigger. It is a tack driver sub MOA as I have shot to 500 yds. I enjoyed shooting it so much I built a 6.5 CM upper with 22 in Proof barrel that shoots just as well. I handload my ammo so I use a few recipes depending on the shooting I will be doing. I enjoy shooting both of these combinations and highly recommend them.