the BAR fired a 30-06 cartridge, the same one the Grarand takes so it had some gumption to it. The 7.62 by 39 is a little more powerful than the 30 carbine cartridge. I have shot both, and can say without reservation, in a bad spot I want the BAR, but walking to that bad spot I want the carbine.
The Garand isnt all that light, but it sure is a sweet rifle..
I have sold and fired quite a few AK's SKS's and AR's as well as variants. I cant say I ever handled one of those..
My Experience with the AK's was that they were not very accurate when compared to an AR, and were on par with the SKS.. Now, ifyou had a tokerov or something similar... you could boast about small groups.
Admittedly, I handled a lot of surpus AK's and SKS's, not NEW guns.. If you could keep 5 shots on a paper plate at 100 yards it was an EXCELLENT AK or SKS... Most of the AR's I dealt with were new, and would maintain a 2" group at 100 yards out of the box.. At least the colts and bushmasters, the Olympic arms rifles and a couple of the other off brands had some issues to start out with.
Looking forward to you putting some holes in a couple targets to see what that one can do!!
Been looking about for a Mini 14.. Had my fill of the AR's, I want something with a wooden stock that feels real.. I'd actually prefer an M14, but they are not common, and the price reflects that.. so My Garand and a Mini 14 will have to do.. Of course, of I could afford one, an M60 would be a very nice deer gun....
Carried one when I was in the Bees.. still have the belts/links...
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=m60+video&FORM=VIRE1#view=detail&mid=F939EB76FD7BE18E2C0DF939EB76FD7BE18E2C0D