Thanx for the input. I've fired one once... it was about 6 years ago. It was modified for hunting by my father with a heavier barrrel and of course good optics. It fired great, the few mags I used.
I've read and heard some negative things from some. One thing was that the only reliable mags are Ruger mags... that the other brands have feeding issues. True?
I can get the Ranch model here @ Walmart for about $620, but it only comes with a 5rd mag. Or have the gunshop on base order one with a 20rd mag for around $670-680.
I've always been a fan of the gun, I think it's beautiful... like the Garand, Carbine, and M1A. I like the gas system as well, short stoke I believe like my M1 Carbine.
I know in the past, the thin barrel was an issue... but I have to think that under normal and most abnormal situations overheating isn't likely. Like the barrel on my AK74, it's not very thick... it gets hot but not to the point of affecting the weapon.
Anyway, keep the input coming.