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Doug Brown

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I always thought I wanted a Browning bar in 243. Now I'm wondering if I should opt for an AR style instead. It's going to be a do all rifle. (truck/deer/antelope/coyote) I need your thoughts. Thanks
 
BAR's are heavy. They are nice rifles but heavy. I've seen some beautiful hunting BAR's. Did I mention they are heavy? If I were gonna be lugging it around, I'd get an AR platform. That's me though. I'd love a military look BAR.
 
I believe you are talking about the 7 pound modern semi auto Browning hunting rifle. I have shot a couple of them, and saw no issues with the platform, and they are a lot lighter than the 18.8 lb WWII Browning automatic rifle. The AR chassis definately has it's place, but for all around hunting, the .243 is a better caliber. I know that there are variants of caliber conversions for the AR, but the bigger the bore, the more velocity you give up, because it still has to fit in a 2.260 magazine. You just loose too much powder space.

My hunting rifle is a .308, and I reload light bullets for times when a 150 gr or 160 gr bullet is not appropriate, since I sold my .243 bolt rifle
 
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The only disadvantage of BAR vs AR10 is quick magazine change in tactical situation.
Other than that, I think BAR is a better choice in this particular caliber.

For some reason, most my friend's AR in 308/7.62x51 NATO size caliber configuration always have reliable issues.
 
An ar10 chambered in .308 would suit all of your needs. Plus they are nice and light to carry in the woods. A friend of mine put one together with a Burris eliminator rangefinder scope on top. Sweet combination. Any reason you want semi auto vs a nice (more accurate) bolt action?
 
Unless you have a ton of .243, you might want to look in to getting an AR15 in either 6.5 Grendel or 6.8 SPC.

Either of those would do what you want. The AR10 platform is a tiny bit "flaky."

There is no industry standard for the AR10 like there is for the AR15, so parts interchangeability (like with uppers and lowers) is hit or miss.
 
I know the AR platform rifles are very popular and can be very accurate rifles but the good old bolt action is still a serious contender. The detachable magazine is a good feature but you really don't need high capacity for a hunting rifle. (I know that comment will get me flamed.) Take a look at a tactical model Tikka in .243. I don't think you will be able to do much better as far as a dependable rifle that can put a lot of rounds on target with a minimal amount of hassle.
 
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