Some great replies. Thanks guys. I naturally don't agree with all that was said, but meh... it's helped me understand better.
While... my reasons for disliking the rifle are not at issue... and... would like to avoid any kind of argument (since I was looking for why people love the rifles as opposed to trying to start a discussion if they rock/suck or not) ... I guess I can throw my two cents out there.
As far as aesthetics, the designs for the rifle that semi-hide the gas chamber/piston are more pleasing to me... particularly those that don't have the over-the-action handle for carrying. If this handle is handy in the bush, I dunno. The variety of support hand guards are typically all... hideous in my book and probably not overly important in semi auto mode as they might be in full auto. I don't doubt that some are more comfy to hold, though. Other than just saying in general I despise the look... meh.... to each their own.
The modularity and lego analogy I can quite understand. I still have a kitchen garbage can full of lego :angel1:. However, with a weapon, particularly a rifle, I'm unsure if I would be comfortable with such a vast difference in modularity to key operating components. This is a bit of a mix of questioning my own skill and how 'tight' a modular system can be. Granted, I don't subscribe to a high rate of fire using a rifle and prefer slower longer range / heavier hitting stuffs.
They myriad of small parts is discouraging, and while I know the dependability of the rifle has improved much over the last 50 years, there's just entirely too much that seems like goes wrong with the things. Granted, there are ALOT of them on the market, so there will be more reports... but... blech
. Myriad of small parts also means a lot more cleaning for someone who insists on cleaning after every trip to the range....
I hadn't done much research on the rifles due to general distaste, and all that I had been exposed to in FL and here have been 223 chambered. I knew there were other chamberings for the rifle, but thought they were an outright expensive mod.... not knowing that 308/338 could just as easily be had. Soooo... this completely decouples what I had perceived as the weapon being inexplicably tied to the 223 round, making the ammo moot. I won't argue that 223 has taken a lot of lives, much like the 9mm has. Doesn't mean I like either round
.
Speaking of ammo -- I honestly don't see much of ammo cost as being overly relevant. If you only head out once or twice a year, the cost shouldn't matter much... and if you shoot frequently, hand/re-loading your own makes a lot of sense both economically and for getting the best ammo for your particular gun. There's a bit of time involved in learning, a possibly moderate initial outlay, but if you shoot frequently .... why not expand your hobby ?
If you refuse to hand/re-load your own, then yes, 223 is relatively cheap to buy factory.
As far as other rifles, I'm not a huge fan of semi auto's, but there are plenty out there for under $700. Most don't offer anywhere near the modularity nor accessories of the military rifles, but for me, the only accessory I might want / miss would be a flashlight if it's for home defense. If to continue with the cost line, all of those extra accessories or 'high performance internals' stuff start to drastically raise the cost of your black rifles.... much like a decent scope can easily cost the same or more than a hunting rifle.
And just to make myself sound hypocritical, I don't think I wouldn't mind owning an m1a hehehe.
Once again, I do appreciate the informative replies. I, now, do understand better the fascination with the rifle. I still don't share it, but I appreciate them more.
