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Posted: 12/7/2005 7:59:16 PM EDT
| what is the best HK91 copy available for around $1000... |
Don't bother. They'll just tell you to get a JLD PRT91. I'd get this one:  At $1179, it's a just a hair more than you wanted to spend, but you can get them for less if you give up the uber-cool $300 collapsable stock. ETA: I'd also recommend Atlantic Firearms. I've bought a couple AKs from them and have been very happy with everything they've sent. |
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How reliable are the JLD? I've always wanted to get my old HK91 back, one of my very first rifles, I bought it when it was only $1200 bucks. I sold it for $1700 years ago, but now I can't find a good one for under $3,000. Are there any notorious problems with the JLD's? How are the receivers? Stamped/milled? Hell if these are good to go, I will probably pick one up. I want to set up a fancy looking uber-tactical .308 sniper rifle. IM me if you don't want to continue this thread on here, I am really interested in this gun. - rem
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JLDs quality is very good. They initially had problems with tight chambers that wouldn't work reliably with surplus military ammunition. That problem has now been resolved, and, as I understand it, they were very good about making it right. After that initial hiccup, I've heard only good things about them. I think they're generally regarded as the next best thing to a real HK. The receivers, like the original HK, are stamped, and JLD welding is top notch. There's a lot of information on these in the HK forum. You should be able to find out everything you want to know over there. |
| The recievers are made off of FMP machinery that was imported by JLD. These rifles themselves are pretty much the same as a real HK. The only main thing besides the markings that is different is they come with an 18 inch heavy barrel instead of the original 17.xx inch military profile barrel. |
Are you kidding? You can find them all day long for $1800 to $2000. Much nicer than a clone. Plus, you will have a firearm that will appreciate in value. www.hkpro.com is a good place to look. |
Seriously? What's so much nicer about a real HK besides the logo and associated resale value? As far as I understand it the JLD stuff is made from the VERY SAME tooling that HK's were. And I have read more than one post over in the HK section where owners of BOTH the HK and the JLD said they liked their PTR BETTER than the "real" HK. Are these guys (who have nothing to gain by going either way) full of crap? All I know is that the PTR stuff that I've fondled seems top notch to me. The only thing that stopped me from buying it is that I was set on an M1A with 22" barrel. In the future I WILL be getting a PTR91 or two... |
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The answer to your question is the Greek (EBO) SAR3/SAR8 formerly imported by Springfield Armory, or the Portugese (FMP) G3/XG3, formerly imported by PARS (I believe). They are not plentiful, but they can be found, and often sell for around a $1000. Both of these rifles were produced on HK tooling by HK-trained workers using HK-specified materials and procedures in HK-licensed factories. No clone maker, including JLD, can make that claim. My Greek SAR8 is every bit the equal in fit, finish, and quality to the several German HK91s I've owned. Check out HKPRO.com. This question comes up there almost as often as the "which is better -- Colt, Bushy, ..." threads do here.  George |
George, not sure if your aware, but it is well documented that JLD's are made with HK tooling...............JLD bought FMP out of Portugal................Which they bought HK tooling.........JLD also has a (german) former HK 91 (G3) armor that was employed in HK factory in Germany working for them for quality control. Some say, that the current PTR91 (G3) model that JLD produces actually surpasses the quality of the last produced HK G3's. I think it's true.........The 5th posting (picture) from the top is my JLD and produces 1.5 inch groups at 100 meters with Federal ball with 6x scope without much effort. A little fyi. 
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Thanks guys for the info, I'm going to go the JLD PTR route. I have probably looked in the wrong places for an actual HK91, gunsamerica.com and gunbroker mainly. I don't like to do all my purchases via forums because the chances of getting ripped off are greater than at auction, or with an ad on a regulated board (well gunsamerica is not really that, but used to use them just to check prices). - rem |
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CK, I don't deny the JLD does everything an HK does. Truth is, I have no first-hand experience with the JLD rifles, and it was not my intent to put them down. I do, however, have some experience with real HKs and the Greek-made SARs. I can attest to the similarity in quality. I can tell you I purchased a set of JLD furniture in order to increase the US parts count for my SAR, and was, shall we say, less than impressed. It's one thing to purchase tooling (which I don't believe was the complete tooling package for the rifle, although I can't say for certain) and hire former employees; and quite another to have HK set up and license the plant, provide the complete TDP, and oversee every step of production. My humble opinion; please take it for what it's worth. Edited to add: One of my German 91s shot 1" groups from a bipod, and that was before I put the PSG1 trigger in it. 
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