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Jeff,
My son likes to build low riding hot rod pick-up trucks as a side job so you don't get much sympathy from me on the taste's of the off-spring.
The reason I suggested the test is that similar tests were done between commonwealth militaries and USA or USMC in the 60's. I'll see if I can dig up the actual reports but the gist was basically everyone thought the FAL would win as it “felt” better, etc. while the results showed just the opposite from mad minute/FPF, etc. tests. The M-14 had more round on target as compared to the L1As, even when the unit switched rifles and fired with the other's weapon. I surmise is similar to people shooting a nice Browning Hi-Power that feels great the shoot a HK USP that feels like a 2x4 mated with a brick.
I have found that people are attracted to the FALs and they are a great way to get people converted from non-gun to gun folks. I still have nine variants on Imbels, three of which younger folks are trying to claim.
I suggest your son look at AR-10s from GAP, JP, and LMT. The GAP is generally the heaviest, but shoots a wider variety of ammunition very well. The JP derives from three gun events, is accurate, has an aluminum finned sleeve around the barrel, is a side charger, and is easier/better if a suppressor is being used. The LMT has top notch machining, easier to switch barrels, and built for field use.
I have not seen let alone used one of the Noreen AR-10s in 30-06 but Nemo makes a nice one in .300 Win Mag.
As an alternative someone makes (made?) a modernized, lightened (13-14 lbs.) closed bolt BAR in 30-06. I forget who the manufacturer is but a friend uses one for hog eradication on his family ranch in central Texas. More accurate than FAL or M-14 but behind the AR-10s in accuracy, trigger is closer to a FAL than M-14 or AR-10, and pricey.
Red-Beard,
I'll give you my quick comparison. The FAL generally feels. Neither is very hard to scope. The AR-10 has far better options for good triggers. Being able to shoot extended strings without a welding mitt on your hand if a little easier with the AR-10 with lots of variables. The FAL is harder on scopes (though not nearly as hard as the SCAR 17). The AR-10s are absolutely more accurate and hold their zero better. The FAL is far easier for someone unfamiliar with them (or shooting in general) to shoot better.
To clarify my last sentence above I have multiples of each to include a couple .5-.6 MOA capable GAPs and a couple of FALs that are legitimate 1.5-2.0 MOA rifles. Without fail unless the shooter is experienced he/she shoots better with the FAL in the 100-300 yard range.
My best advice in rifle shooting is buy a RWS spring powered airgun that shoots .22 pellets in the 800-900 FPS range. Do not buy some other cheaper airgun, no gas rams or PCPs. The spring pistons will shoot very well (better than the majority of .22LR at 50 yards) but it requires lots of practice and consistent technique (i.e. how you hold it) to get the performance out of them. The ability to hold consistently and the follow through required of the spring pistons will transfer to other platforms.
S/F, FOG
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