18 Best 308 Semi-Auto Rifles – April 2023

The Best Semi-Auto 308 Win Rifles For Sale

These are battle rifles in the truest sense, and they are also seriously popular hunting rifles.

Chassis rifles and hybrid precision rifles are all leaning more towards the Modern Sporting Rifle design. And they’re appearing more and more in target shooting competitions.

With a hog hunt, range shooting or even home defense, it is worth its weight in gold with the best 308 ammo. That’s good, because there is often a serious weight penalty to pay. A lightweight AR-10 is a rare find, but we’ve got a few…

Now, which is the best semi-auto 308 rifle for sale in 2023?

1. Smith & Wesson M&P10

• Price: $1,099.99
• Barrel length: 16 inch
• Total Length: 34 inch
• Magazine capacity: 20+1
• Weight: 8lb

This is the classic Colt M4 clone 308 Winchester AR-10 from Smith & Wesson. It’s the matte black rifle you pictured in your head when you clicked the link.

It is also 8.1lb without any of the fancy technology you find on more expensive fare here. Just simple, pared down polymer and steel with a Black Armonite finish.

You get a collapsible stock, some of them have M-Lok handguards, others have the classic Vietnam era forend. All of them offer spectacular bang for the buck.

There’s nothing standout on this semi auto rifle, except the price. But this is a good, honest, 308 Winchester rifle that will do everything you want.

As an all-rounder, and even a big game hunting rifle up to 500 yards, though, this is the one multitool you need. With this price tag, that’s good enough for the overall win.

2. Patriot Ordnance Factory Revolution DI

• Price: $2,761.99
• Barrel Length: 16.5 inch
• Total Length: 35.3-39 inch
• Weight: 6.81lb

The Patriot Ordnance Factory Revolution DI is easily one of the lightest and highest quality rifles here.

POF make some of the best AR-15s on the market and this POF Revolution AR10 is simply a bigger version that weighs in at a super impressive 6.8lb. that’s a 5.56 NATO rifle weight honestly.

You can switch out the upper for a gas piston system that is slightly heavier, but the Direct impingement POF Revolution is the one you want if you’re going in to battle in the USA.

With the best optics, red dot sights, rifle scopes etc up top, it’s an absolute machine with sub-MOA accuracy guaranteed.

If it was slightly cheaper, the POF Revolution would be our overall winner in this best 308 semi -auto rifle contest.

3. Christensen Arms CA-10 DMR

• Price: $2,073.99
• Barrel: 18 inch
• Total Length: 39 inch
• Capacity: 20+1
• Weight: 7.1lb

The Christensen Arms CA-10 DMR could easily be the best custom AR-10 in 2023.

You even get a choice of colors: Burnt Bronze, Tungsten Grey and Matte Black Cerakote finish. They even have barrel options for your Designated Marksman Rifle, with 18, 20 and 24 inch barrels.

Also, It’s a Great 308 Rifle

The Christensen Arms CA-10 DMR is the complete AR-10. It’s light enough to shoulder all day and yet capable of delivering all that top rated 308 punch. It will probably match the range of most full on sniper rifles too, in a layman’s hands.

Lightweight materials, mainly carbon-fiber, contribute to a lightweight rifle. That barrel is CF-wrapped steel, the handguard is carbon fiber too and the end result is a sublime piece of balanced engineering that is good for long range shooting and big game hunting.

4. Rock River Arms LAR-8 X-1

• Price: $1,762.99
• Barrel length: 18 inch
• Total Length: 35.3-39 inch
• Weight: 9.5lb

This Designated Marksman Rifle promises sub-MOA performance out the box.

If you want a simple barrel patrol rifle, go for the M4. This is the long-range rifle that gives you options for home defense, target shooting and some hunting scenarios.

That weight is a bitch and you’d really have to be a committed hunter or professional sniper to shoulder 9.5lb on a hike.

But this Rock River Arms is a semi automatic rifle that United States law enforcement and military rely on each and every day. We like the Flat Dark Earth furniture, but you can spec yours how you want.

If you don’t see the added weight as a penalty and you like a thicc rifle, well this one works.

5. Sig Sauer 716i Tread Snakebite

• Price: $1.899.99
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total: 39.5 inch
• Weight: 8.5lb

The Sig Sauer 716i Tread is a grown up version of one of the best AR-15s on the market.

Now chambered in 308 Winchester Magnum, the Sig Sauer 716i Tread comes with a heavy barrel, a free float handguard with an M-LOK rail system, and three prong muzzle devices.

The Sig Sauer 716i Tread, just complete rifles for folks that just want to load and shoot. No fettling required. everything from the pistol grip to the trigger guard and ambidextrous magazine release is ‘good enough’ for targets and North American game.

6. Armalite AR10 .308 Tactical

• Price: $2.299.99
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total: 39.5 inch
• Weight: 8.4lb

Armalite will forever remain intertwined with the AR-15. And none of these Modern Sporting Rifles would have happened without it. So, in a way, Armalite started this whole thing.

That doesn’t really matter now. What does matter is that this is a high quality rifle and the customer service team has been working overtime to keep stock flowing in 2023.

Euro Optic even had an SBR and a few other options you might want to consider. But this is the mid-range tactical rifle that we think could be the pick of the bunch.

You can order a Flat Dark Earth rifle, too, of course.

7. Daniel Defense DD5 V4 308 Rifle

• Price: $2,891.99
• Barrel: 18 inch
• Total: 35.3-39 inch
• Weight: 8.6lb

The Daniel Defense DD5 is objectively as good as anything here, and on another day could be your overall winner.

This is slightly heavier than the lightest here, but so much more mainstream that we think it would win the popular vote.

Now the company makes great AR-15s that are consistently among the winners of our $2000 AR-15 and custom AR-15 categories. It also makes great sniper rifles and big battle rifles, as it turns out.

DMR That Beats the Military Standard

There are lots of semi-automatic rifles the average soldier would rather take into battle than the contract-supplied hardware in their hands.

This civilian version is accurate, reliable and good over a long distance.

8. FN SCAR 17S

• Price: $3,837.99
• Barrel: 17 inch
• Total Length: 28.5- inch
• Capacity: 20+1
• Weight: 8lb

If you’re looking for the ultimate 308 battle rifle, well the FN SCAR 17S could make a legitimate claim to that title. This is a US Military service weapon, minus full auto.

You have to admit, that’s kind of badass in itself.

This is a short-stroke, gas piston operated rifle and the Scar 17S comes in .308 Win.

FN Can Suck Your Money Like a Meth Addiction

Some people need to be careful with FN rifles. The FN SCar 17S can turn into an addiction that means your quality of life can actually suffer.

If you’re nodding along, you probably already know that today is about to get expensive. You know it’s something to do with that creamy short stroke gas piston system in this long distance precision rifle, but not much more.

The chrome-lined barrel and free-floating handguard is sexy. It’s fully ambidextrous, which is nice for left-handed shooters, and it is basically bulletproof.

It’s also one of the most famous and instantly recognizable rifles on the planet thanks to that unique synthetic stock. And you do kind of want to own a Scar 17S. Get yours now.

9. Wilson Combat AR-10 Tactical Recon Fluted

• Price: $3,285.00
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total: 32.5-37.75 inch
• Weight: 8lb

Only the price is holding the Wilson Combat AR-10 Recon Tactical off the top spot. It’s really that close between these custom gunsmiths.

If you can pay top dollar, this might be the perfect choice for an all rounder with a 16 inch barrel.

Are Wilson Combat Rifles Worth the Money?

Well isn’t this a can of worms of a question….

These custom rifles are expensive, and you could also argue that this is better value for money with the custom carbon fiber parts. And you’d have a point.

But you’re paying for the peace of mind that goes with owning one of the finest firearms. You’re paying for the obsessive R&D on 20 abandoned handguards and 30 stainless steel recipes.

You’re paying for the countless hours of quality control, experimentation with third party suppliers and the thousands of hours in the field.

10. HK MR762A1 LRP

• Price: $7,139.99
• Barrel: 16.5 inch
• Total: 36.5-40.5 inch
• Weight: 10.42lb
• Capacity: 20+1

You are either shaking your head at disgust at the price or mashing the buy it now button. There doesn’t seem to be a grey area here…

We are the first to concede that the HK MR762A1 LRP is a total Crackpipe of a retail price.

Also, we would encourage you to look at perfectly serviceable rifles on this list for about half the money. But then if you really want the HK then it doesn’t really matter what we say. And we know that too.

This is essentially Heckler & Koch’s military hardware. The HK is known as the US Army’s Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CASS) and Squad Designated Marksman Rifle.

Expensive Mods You Can Do at Home

You can also look at it as a modified battle rifle, with some basic parts you can buy online. And you would be right too.

It really is the HK MR762 with a Vortex PSTII scope, cheekrest on the HK G28 stock, heavy barrel, Harris bipod, M-Lok handguard and a pelican case.

It’s your money. You can buy a Ferrari. Buy a Dually. Buy a HK. It’s all cool…

11. Palmetto State Armory Gen3 PA10

• Price: $839.99
• Barrel: 18 inch
• Total Length: 36 inch
• Weight: 8lb
• Capacity: 20+1

Palmetto State Armory makes cheap AR style Modern Sporting Rifles, and now pistols, that have established a cult like following with those that like a bargain.

You get a PSA patrol rifle at a great weight with a stainless steel barrel and forged aircraft-grade aluminum receivers. The BCG is Nitride coated, it’s a flat top upper receiver and full-length rail. An ambi charging handle too. On paper it’s good.

And for the money you spend, the Palmetto State Armory rifle gives outstanding bang for the buck. The PSA 308 rifle is still a great starter rifle that shouldn’t let you down and might be the best budget rifle among these semi autos.

PSA do a good line in DIY build kit, gun parts & accessories too, like lower receivers and complete upper receivers.

12. Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad

• Price: $1,885.99
• Barrel: 18 inch
• Total: 44.3 inch
• Weight: 8.8lb

The Springfield Armory M1A Scout is an oddity in this company, if not a complete wildcard.

I mean it’s not an AR-10, but it basically matches the numbers of anything else here and comes with a detachable box magazine. So yeah.

Yes this is an old-school scout rifle, based on the M1 Garand that helped to win World War II.

But it’s also a simple rifle chambered in 308 Win Mag and it is designed for all-round use and shouldering all day on long marches. So this was always a kind of lightweight 308 rifle and hunting rifle in the strictest sense.

Pretty useful thing huh?

The M1A comes with a composite stock with a forward-mounted optical sight base. That’s a rail up front, and folding iron sights. Just in case you’re a time traveler from the last century and like a very old school precision rifle.

Springfield M1A SOCOM is Nuts

Now you can get a wide variety of different Springfield M1A finishes, including the ever so slightly batshit nuts Springfield M1A SOCOM semi automatic rifles.

That’s like a steampunk AR-15 and, aesthetically at least, the Springfield M1A SOCOM is one of our favorite rifles on sale in 2023. It’s the best kind of military surplus.

It’s not technically the best battle rifle, by any stretch of the imagination. But the Springfield M1A SOCOM is guaranteed to make you smile every time you flip up the iron sights.

Is this a valid comparison? Yeah, actually it is.

There are a range of national match steel barrel and new editions all the time, as well as California legal rifles. So check here for a general M1A search that should show you everything you can actually buy right now.

• Buy a Springfield M1A rifle here.

13. IWI Tavor 7

• Price: $2,065.99
• Barrel: 16.1 inch
• Total Length: 26.75 inch
• Weight: 9lb
• Capacity: 20+1

The Tavor is a bullpup rifle that sees action every day in the hands of the Israeli military and more. It isn’t light, but it is an effective and compact weapon that swings easily round the house.

A short overall length is a major selling point and the weight doesn’t hurt too much, as these rifles often double as clubs in close urban environments like, well, Israel. It also offers a number of advantages in places like your basement or dimly lit garage.

There is a partial Picatinny rail to mount a red dot sights or simple front sight and the barrel really does not protrude much past the handguard. In the right circumstances, that can be a game changer for house sweeping etc.

The side charging handle is nice and the ambidextrous controls switch over for left handed shooters with ease.

14. Savage Arms MSR 10 Hunter

• Price: $1,355.99
• Barrel: 16.1 inch
• Total Length: 36 inch
• Weight: 7.8lb
• Capacity: 20+1

The Savage Arms MSR 10 Hunter could easily feature higher on this list, but it’s going against some real stars at the moment and this is how the cookie crumbled on this particular day.

But the Savage Arms semi automatic rifle is still a great AR10 and one of the better gun deals you’ll find. The company is really known for its barrels, but Savage Arms has steadily built a reputation for great gun deals and good value, with firearms that punch well beyond their price bracket.

This top rated Savage MSR is no different, and you won’t be disappointed. It is light, accurate and contains the recoil pretty well, while there’s a full length Picatinny rail. We like the Savage Arms Savage MSR, and we think you will too.

15. IWI Galil Ace Gen 2

• Price: $2,300.99
• Caliber: 308 Winchester
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Weight: 8.75lb
• Capacity: 20+1

The Russian influence is clear to see in this hybrid rifle that looks something like the lovechild of an AK pistol and an AR-15. It’s awkward, but we like the IWI Galil Ace Gen 2.

Is this Galil Ace Gen 2 different enough? Definitely for a place on this board and we do kind of like this rifle in other calibers. You can order a Galil Ace Gen 2 in 7.62×39 and that really feels like its natural habitat.

Of course you can get a Galil Ace Gen 2 in 5.56 NATO, too. But it’s much more of a left-field choice in that caliber.

There’s just a real spartan military vibe here with the Galil Ace, from the chunky black synthetic stock to the flash hider. It’s a tactical rifle, rather than a long range points shooter.

If you see one available then buy that gun online, immediately. You won’t regret it and your Galil Ace will give you many hours of joy.

16. Windham Weaponry SRC

• Price: $1,471.99
• Barrel: 16 inch
• Total Length: 38 inch
• Weight: 7.85lb
• Capacity: 10+1

The Windham Weaponry SRC is a high quality alternative to the big names and we do like the short barrel. It wouldn’t be our first port of call, but we do like the rifle.

17. Century Arms C308

• Price: $699.99
• Caliber: 308 Winchester
• Barrel: 18 inch
• Total: 38 inch
• Weight: 8.1lb
• Capacity: 10+1

If you want a cheap 308 AR-style rifle and you can compromise a little, then the Century Arms C308 has a lot going for it. It’s basically a HK91 clone, which isn’t a bad start for a tactical rifle as it turns out.

The Mauser STG-45, a variety of Spanish CETME rifles and the HK are all kind of related. But this is really a clone of the HK and comes with that iconic and famously reliable roller-delayed blowback system.

The simple folding stock and minimal window dressing gives a gun that tips the scales at just over 8lb too.

So the Century Arms C308 is portable, reasonably accurate up to 400 yards and it comes from the same company that makes all the modern AK-47s and Draco guns.

There are other guns that don’t cost much more and will give you a better ownership experience. But if money is the number one priority, you could do a lot worse than the Century Arms C308.

18. Knights Armament SR-25 Advanced Precision

• Price: $2,499.99
• Caliber: 308 Winchester
• Barrel: 18 inch
• Total Length: 38 inch
• Weight: 8.1lb
• Capacity: 20+1

The SR-25 is a military favorite and is perennially sold out in the usual haunts.

Contact them direct if you want to buy a rifle these days, or complete upper receivers etc

Honorable Mentions

Both Anderson Manufacturing, star of our cheap AR-15 post, and Adams Arms could claim to have a legitimate reason for complaint. We’re not excluding them, we just think both Anderson Manufacturing and Adams Arms have better rifles in other lists and, well, we can’t include everybody…

The DRD Tactical Takedown, meanwhile, is a unique approach, something different. Maybe next time.

If you want to get really weird then the Zastava M77 offers an AK-47 layout for your 308 heavy barrel. Because reasons. We do like the Zastava M77 in this rifle caliber.

And we’re properly on the fence with the American Defense Mfg UIC10. Again, maybe that will come soon… As for the US Marine Corps, they use a custom rifle developed from the Knights Armament SR-25, that we just haven’t seen on sale for a while.

Best Place for AR-10 Parts and Accessories

You can upgrade more or less every part of your 308 with the likes of an Aero Precision cold hammer forged barrel or bolt carrier groups and adjustable gas blocks.

The steel barrel is one of the easiest upgrades. It will yield the best results if you opt for the likes of Aero Precision and fit it well to a good basic upper receiver. Maybe a new gas block, it depends.

A National Match grade steel barrel will turn most 308 rifles into a sniper. All of the upper receiver options here are a good start.

Although some are obviously better than others, and some are so good that an Aero Precision steel barrel would be a downgrade. Just treat them to National Match grade ammo instead.

A gas block, new front sight and chromed bolt carrier groups could all find their way into your shipping cart before long. But if that happens, then you have some kind of love affair going with your 308. So it’s all good, right? Then you can get started on optics, sights, hearing protection and all that jazz.

Gun parts and accessories are everywhere, from the likes of Grey Ghost Precision, and more for long guns and short barrel rifles. Where do you get yours? It’s a free world, but we have some suggestions. We also helped you with searches and direct links to save you time.

• Brownells – Drop in trigger through to a walnut stock and adjustable gas blocks. Optics, sights and mags too.
• Primary Arms – Wide selection of spares and accessories.

Bolt Action Rifles

Look at the Sig Sauer Cross, Ruger American and Ruger Precision 308 Win, too. Although that is much heavier and really isn’t meant to be shouldered all day. But with the right ammo the Ruger Precision 308 Win does come with a 1000 yard effective range. So there’s that…

The Ruger American is much cheaper. And it comes with a threaded barrel for a muzzle brake and a slightly adjustable trigger.

There are plenty of bolt action rifles on the market with offers and gun deals. Pump action shotguns are getting cheaper too.

You can have a Savage Axis for just a few hundred dollars and head out hunting with a simple rifle. That Savage Axis in 308 form is a total legend and one of the top rifles in our best 308 rifles list. So yeah, we’re down with the Savage Axis.

What About a Concealed Carry While You’re Here?

If you’re the kind of person to want one of these hardcore rifles, you know you need a proper handgun to go with them at the best gun store online.

Now that might be a 1911 on your hip, or a concealed carry 9mm subcompact in an IWB holster. It could be Sig Sauer P320 Compact Tactical 9mm pistols. So if you want a concealed carry pistol, or handgun parts, try here:

• The best subcompact 9mm for concealed carry.
• Subcompact 1911 pistols for Concealed Carry in 45 ACP.
• Pump Action shotguns in 2023.
• Rifles, shotguns, pistols, revolvers, on sale now.

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