Which MBR? PTR91 (g3 clone, sub moa) or DSA FAL (L1A1)

[ajax]

I want to get an MBR and I've narrowed it down to these two.  I've handled the g3 but havent found a fal to handle yet.  I like the feel of the g3, the weight, the drum sight (different size apertures) and pretty much everything about it.  the PTR91 could be had for about 850 and is supposed to be even better than the HK version, and they claim sub MOA accuracy with match grade ammo, whatever.

the DSA fal would run me 1200+ , lots of people are saying that these are the ultimate MBRs but I need you to sell me on the extra cost.  they are supposed to be as reliable as the AK when you adjust the gas system.  

help me decide, I am leaning heavy towards the PTR91

[Messiah Jones]

I was trying to choose between these two types and I went with the FAL. I wasn't looking in the price ranges you're talking about though. The Century FAL ran me about $500.00 - $600.00, while the G3 at the time would have cost me around $350.00.

 I decided on the FAL for a number of reasons.

 First... the magazines are WAY cheaper, as low as $1.99 each in some catalogs.

 Second... the FAL is used by NATO allies, and as far as I could tell when I was researching the subject, parts are more common for them from companies like Tapco.

 Third... The G3 has a fluted chamber. The only drawbacks I can see with a fluted chamber are that they are probably harder to clean, and I've heard that commercial .308WIN ammo may be too hot and the brass shell can shred apart inside the fluted chamber because it isn't reinforced all the way around the shell.
 Surplus NATO .308 ammo is ok for the G3 but the commercial hunting loads are more powerful. I was afraid that eventually the surplus .308 may run out and I'd be forced to buy the commercial stuff. This isn't an issue for those who reload, and many say that they've used the commercial stuff with no problems. But I have seen pictures of shells blown apart inside the fluted chamber of a G3 and it scared me.

 After saying all of this you should know that I've never handled a G3 type rifle. My limited knowledge comes only from reading about them.
 I really like the way the FAL breaks down. It is a very simple design and there seems to be a much larger fan base for the FAL among those who can afford them.

 The DSA FAL is supposed to be one of the most accurate and well-made semi-auto rifles around. But I'm happy with my Century. I had to turn the gas knob to the most closed position for Argentina surplus ammo and it was shooting sweet. I like the idea of the adjustable gas chamber for various loads. It's easily adjustable with one hand. I'm not sure wether the G3 type rifles have that feature. Good luck in your decision.

[cd45]

I bought the L1A1 and then later went to the FAL. They are easier to maintain, disassemble, clean, and shoot. They are very accurate, this weekend, I let a friend shoot my FAL this weekend, he hit everything that he aimed at, and it was his first time shooting this rifle. I have another friend who has an original HK 91, he likes the way it shoots, and says that it is accurate he just hates cleaning it. He says that it is too hard to take apart and put back together.

[Gunny71]

+1 on the FAL..they done said it all.

[Jagman]

There is nothing hard about taking down/field stripping a G3/H&K91.
pull 2 pins and the buttstock slides off, the trigger group can be pulled  down and out and the bolt assembly will slide out, could not be simpler.
Commercial .308 brass is thinner and with a hotter load it could be dangerous - load up on milsurp 7.62x51 and have no worries.
Jagman.

[Dirigo]

the PTR was made to use commercial/match ammo

[Rommel_1891]

Ditto on the HK91 and PTR clones. Breaking it down is about as easy as any rifle can get. Pull the two rear pins and everything basically falls out. I've never had a problem with accuracy either.

I don't mean to talk down the FAL. From what I've seen it's a great platform, but I have no actual experience on that one so I can't really say any more.

[sksmike]

The PTR 91 can be had from Sarco for 695. Mags from cheaper than dirt for about 2 bucks a piece.

[Propellerhead]

I have a PTR91 and couldnt be happier. It shoots circles around My buddies DSA STG58. I regularly shoot Winchester white box .308 in mine, and Fed 150gr Match, as well as NATO surplus ammo of all flavours. The single FTF was due to a dented mag (I dropped it). The flutes on PTRs are cut slightly different than HK's or other G3's, You shouldnt fire commercial ammo in them, but a PTR will eat anything. Field stripping is a snap, and cleaning even simpler, as theres no gas system to foul. Just wipe out the inside of the reciever with an oily rag, use a .45 cal nylon brush to clean the flutes, and swab out the bore as needed. Simple. Mags are dirt cheap, as are parts. Both are readily available.
  Dont get Me wrong, im probably going to buy a FAL next, probably the DSA STG like My buds. Im leaning toward a century with the new barrel and bayo too, but My PTR is hands down the best rifle in My safe, and Ive got some good ones.

[RedRyder21]

the PTR was made to use commercial/match ammo

So... If I wanted a semi-auto .308 that could shoot mil-surp .308 which rifle of the ones listed would I want? I want to shoot the .308 that comes linke that you have to de-link and most milsurp .308 ammo....

[Propellerhead]

I shoot both Brit Radway Green and Portugese that I have to de-link in My PTR. Ive never had a problem with either, though I think the RG is a little more accurate, the Port. is a bit cleaner.