Is there an affordable M-14? or similar?

I am interested in buying a good affordable 308. I prefer one with a good availability of 30 round magazine.. or atleast available. At first I thought a M-14 was the way to go... but from what I see the prices are even higher than the Ar-15. Is it worth more than an AR?? I definitely like the traditional rifle look. ...and I have not heard good things about Rugers M series. Iknow they have a 308. I like the Fal and the history there too.. but the one I handled seemed heavy especially in the front. Are there lighter versions? Mags seem plentiful for the FAL but I am looking for something maneuverable. Better to be an american rifle but I'm open to anything.... Any suggestions?? Thanks

Don't think such a thing exists. IMHO The closest you can come is the Cetme. They are on the auction sites at $600 - $1,000. Fn Fal's were reasonable but the profiteers bought them up and now they are $1500+. You might get lucky and find a Poly Tech M-1A for $1,000 - $1,500 Doesn't matter much because the same bunch bought up all the ammo and it now costs $1+ per round.

And any M14 you buy is going to be just as heavy or heavier than the FAL. I have a Norinco and it is a bit on the hefty side, especially with a scope and a cleaning kit in the butt. I got lucky and picked it up before the election for 700.00. Now the same brand of gun is selling for well over 1000.00. The Mini 14's and Mini 30's are not really that accurate for long range. And if I am correct they only come in .223 and 7.62X39. I dont think they make a .308 in the Mini. I may be wrong. :thup:

Well... if I buy a M-14 I want it to be made in america... But, I have seen some cetme out there that lookied reasonable. I know everyone says the Ruger is not that accurate... or 308. However, is the ruger in 7.62x39reasonable at 100-150yards... more accuarate than an aK??

Yep, IF you buy an M14 semi clone - more commonly called an M1A - you sure want an American made one cause you get a warrenty with it - IF it's new. The only one out there is a sprungfeld and you most likely will need the warrenty! There have been a wide variety of problems with them over the years and they haven't gotten any better.
On the other hand if you were to buy one of the chicom clones - more commonly called an M14/S - you wouldn't get a warrenty even if it was new.
The biggest difference between the US & chicom rifles it that you will probably Never need the warrenty you didn't get with the chicom and since it is between 1/3 and 1/2 less $$$ you can use the extra money to buy ammo and shoot it more!
I have both an M14/S and an FN/FAL - I would much rather have an FN/FAL if I could only have one! I rarely ever shoot the chicom.
Sarge

American made M-14 type rifles: www.lrbarms.com

They aren't cheap, but they do have a forged receiver.

Right now there's two areas that stand out where Canadians have it better than Americans in the firearm arena:

- US$180/1120 Czech surplus 7.62x39

- new Norinco M14S's available for US$360 - $450, depending on the source.