Author Topic: Second PTR-91... (Read 9268 times)

Nightcrawler · « **on:** August 04, 2016, 12:45:57 pm »

You heard me. I'm contemplating getting a second PTR-91.

Why? Two reasons. One, I've had enough guns go down on me that I always believe in having a spare. Two, they now come from the factory with a flapper magazine release, which is a big improvement. (My current PTR is down with our own JesseL to get converted.)

I briefly contemplated getting a Ruger SR-762. I like the way the gun looks, I like the way it feels, and despite the fat barrel it handles nicely. But...it's almost seven hundred dollars more than the PTR-91. I'd have to buy all new magazines, too. Also? Something about the PTR that I like. To paraphrase General Kalashnikov, "my rifle is also a club". It has a certain ruggedness, in that you feel like you could bash a Communist with it and not worry about breaking anything (except his Marxist skull).

The only thing I'm going back and fourth on now, is do I get the PTR-91 FR or the A3R?

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/component/virtuemart/shipping-rifles/ptr-91-a3r-308-rifle-detail.html?Itemid=0

The A3R has a barrel the same profile as the G3 infantry rifle and the commercial HK91. It's the barrel profile I have on my current PTR.

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/component/virtuemart/shipping-rifles/ptr-91fr-308-rifle-w-paddle-mag-release-detail.html?Itemid=0

The FR has the heavy-profile barrel and the modular handguard, which allows for attachment of rail sections (which would be handy for attaching a sling swivel to the right side of the weapon).

From Atlantic, the two rifles are within a hundred dollars of each other. $999 for the A3R and $1035 for the FR. Both have the paddle magazine release. Atlantic frequently sells out of these, but they're always back in stock. One gets the impression that PTR sells every one of these that they can produce.

The handguard and the barrel thickness are the only differences between the two.

The two compared.

So yeah, that's my dilemma. Heavy barrels are all the rage with AR-type rifles of every sort. Even the M16A2 barrel is considered skinny; a lot of .308 ARs have bull barrels (including the SR-762). There are advantages, of course, but I'm wondering if, in this particular rifle, it's worth the trade-off. The regular G3 has good balance, and I wonder if a somewhat heavier tube might screw it up.

I've not been able to handle a heavy-barrel PTR-91, so it's just speculation right now.

Thoughts?

WeTheArmed.com

booksmart · « **Reply #1 on:** August 04, 2016, 01:06:05 pm »

I'd say go for the FR.

JesseL · « **Reply #2 on:** August 04, 2016, 01:11:30 pm »

IMHO; unless you're shooting full auto or varmint hunting (or full auto varmint hunting) heavy barrels just aren't worth the extra weight.

Comes down to whether it's more important to shot tiny groups from a hot barrel, or to have something that's less fatiguing to carry around.

Grant · « **Reply #3 on:** August 04, 2016, 01:18:11 pm »

I'd say lighter weight is more important. If you were shooting target groups or P-dogs, then the HB might make sense.

Geeze Mike.....every time I think I'm over them you post a picture of them and I want one all over again.....

Raptor · « **Reply #4 on:** August 04, 2016, 02:19:13 pm »

I say get the A3R and then maybe get a modular handguard later on if you decide you really need it.

FMJ · « **Reply #5 on:** August 04, 2016, 03:44:18 pm »

There's some je-ne-se-quois to this HK slap thing...

GeorgeHill · « **Reply #6 on:** August 04, 2016, 03:54:37 pm »

That wood furniture...
Oh baby.

Nightcrawler · « **Reply #7 on:** August 04, 2016, 05:12:22 pm »

Wood furniture is all dried up, save the occasional rifle that already has it.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

FMJ · « **Reply #8 on:** August 04, 2016, 06:05:10 pm »

Quote from: Nightcrawler on August 04, 2016, 05:12:22 pm

Wood furniture is all dried up, save the occasional rifle that already has it.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

You mean like this one on the left?

ksuguy · « **Reply #9 on:** August 04, 2016, 06:53:22 pm »

I've got a CETME already, but I wouldn't mind adding a PTR. Need to finish a couple of AR-10 and AR-15 projects first though.

GeorgeHill · « **Reply #10 on:** August 04, 2016, 07:00:13 pm »

I would love a wood stocked PTR-91.

cpaspr · « **Reply #11 on:** August 04, 2016, 07:50:08 pm »

Is it just my eyes, or is the wooden stocked one longer?

Oh, welcome back FMJ.

FMJ · « **Reply #12 on:** August 04, 2016, 07:57:58 pm »

Quote from: cpaspr on August 04, 2016, 07:50:08 pm

Is it just my eyes, or is the wooden stocked one longer?

Oh, welcome back FMJ.

I'm around, I just post on Facebook more.

The FAL isn't sitting at the same angle so it looks off. The FAL is the longer rifle.

Nightcrawler · « **Reply #13 on:** August 04, 2016, 09:30:34 pm »

I'm not sure what to make of the weight. On PTR's website they list the weight of the FR at 9.75 pounds, and the A3R at 10 pounds. I'm thinking that's not right. The "Classic Black" model, with the slim handguard (weighing less than the wide polymer one) is listed at 9.5 pounds.

So, empty weight, the difference seems to be a matter of four ounces or so. Hm.

Nightcrawler · « **Reply #14 on:** August 05, 2016, 06:17:30 am »

heavy

normal

Nightcrawler · « **Reply #15 on:** August 10, 2016, 08:11:25 am »

Along with getting a second PTR, I want to set up my existing one like this monsterly, upgraded Norwegian G3. It's Kraut designed, Viking approved.

I already have the sliding stock and Aimpoint, too.

GeorgeHill · « **Reply #16 on:** August 10, 2016, 09:44:19 am »

Now THAT is a Battle Rifle.

Kaso · « **Reply #17 on:** August 10, 2016, 10:33:38 am »

Quote from: Nightcrawler on August 10, 2016, 08:11:25 am

Along with getting a second PTR, I want to set up my existing one like this monsterly, upgraded Norwegian G3. It's Kraut designed, Viking approved.

I already have the sliding stock and Aimpoint, too.

I am an open critic of the HK platform, and generally dislike them for a number of reasons, but that... I may just want one too.

Nightcrawler · « **Reply #18 on:** August 10, 2016, 11:23:55 am »

More tactical Norwegians.

GeorgeHill · « **Reply #19 on:** August 10, 2016, 01:19:59 pm »

That's shockingly badass. I like that.

I do not need New Gun Lust right now. I don't need it!

booksmart · « **Reply #20 on:** August 10, 2016, 01:55:11 pm »

Quote from: GeorgeHill on August 10, 2016, 01:19:59 pm

That's shockingly badass. I like that.

I do not need New Gun Lust right now. I don't need it!

1) Who are you, and what have you done with George ?

2) You're really in the wrong place....

GeorgeHill · « **Reply #21 on:** August 10, 2016, 09:57:17 pm »

I'm between jobs right now - that's the problem. I've got two boys in Brazil on church missions for the next 2 years.
My meager income streams are not enough to support my shooting hobby at the moment.
*sigh*
It's like I'm home - but I can only look out the windows.

Mikee5star · « **Reply #22 on:** August 11, 2016, 12:08:49 am »

Quote from: GeorgeHill on August 10, 2016, 09:57:17 pm

I'm between jobs right now - that's the problem. I've got two boys in Brazil on church missions for the next 2 years.
My meager income streams are not enough to support my shooting hobby at the moment.
*sigh*
It's like I'm home - but I can only look out the windows.

Not in-between jobs, and no kids on mission's, but I agree with the rest and commiserate.

I have lusted after the PTR-91 line since I first saw them in Shot Gun News a decade ago...But the closest I could find in a LGSonl was $4-500 over list price. This when they were advertised under $900. Still kicking myself for not just ordering one and making it happen.

Some day I will have some sort of a .308 semi-auto rifle.

MTK20 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 11, 2016, 01:00:10 am »

So, full disclosure here, I struggle with telling these guns apart. FAL's, PTR-91's, C1A1, L1A1, SA58 etc just....

.

That being said I want a L1A1 SLR, so bad. I think the only game in town regarding FAL's is the DSA line up. At least, that's what I believe was discussed here back when we had an FAL thread.

http://www.dsarms.com/c-828-rifles.aspx

In short, I too wish for a semiauto .308 amongst my collection.