M1A owners?

jmccracken1214

jmccracken1214

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Are the springfields the best bang for your buck?

Looking at a loaded walnut. I'd like to get the 6.5 but it only comes with a plastic stock.

Ive always wanted one and having a hard time not placing an order this morning. The accuracy, or lack there of somewhat turns me off, but it looks cool! lol
 
It is not a precision rifle.

It is one badass battle rifle with a lineage from none other than the finest implement of battle ever devised.

Mine is .308 topped with a Nikon 2.5-8 EER w/ BDC.

While wandering in my travels, I came across a flea market beside the highway in NC. There I found a load bearing vest with thirteen double mag pouches made for M-14 mags. That's a 340 round loadout including the mag in the rifle. It's at the front of the line when I open the safe. Vest is full right next to it.
 
YES! But there aren't many other options...… They aren't terribly inaccurate, but however they generally won't be as consistent as a good AR in 308. They can be modified to be...… but it gets expensive.
 
Also, plastic stock as in most Ar15 furniture that won't stand up to administering a full force persuasion (I did see a Houge that looks solid) via buttstroke or composite that will administer that and also won't warp after a spill in the creek? Two levels of plastic.
 
Ive had a couple. One was a Vietnam rifle that went through the sniper work for the military. Ser # 5,XXX. Ive had a Socom 16 too. I think if I was going to buy another one it would be a Springfield Scout. The loaded is a really nice rifle though. You just need to make sure you arent expecting more out of it than you should. But then, they are shooting 1,000 yd matches with it. so there is that. :) So, Springfield or Fulton Armory.
 
Sneakymedic said:
Ive had a couple. One was a Vietnam rifle that went through the sniper work for the military. Ser # 5,XXX. Ive had a Socom 16 too. I think if I was going to buy another one it would be a Springfield Scout. The loaded is a really nice rifle though. You just need to make sure you arent expecting more out of it than you should. But then, they are shooting 1,000 yd matches with it. so there is that. :) So, Springfield or Fulton Armory.
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The scout sqaud is tempting, but at basically the same price, I feel like the 22" loaded is the better rifle. 308 needs all the barrel it can have to lob those rocks out past 500
 
Might want to check out a James River Armory, particularly if you like the walnut stock. What they now call the "paratrooper" has a 19.25" barrel compared to the 18" for the Springfield Scout Squad (just noting, not making any ballistic/MOA claims here). The full rifle length variants for both JRA and Springfield are the 22". JRA does offer a "national match" version (as, of course, does Springfield).

Disclaimer: I have one of the last SN "Rockola's" that they made in the scout/paratrooper configuration.

PS this video shows both the 22" and the 19.25" in comparison (go to ~ 10 mins to get to the shooting):
 
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........one more thing......scopes, even the lowest mounted scopes will feel too high for some people. A cheek riser is a must if you want a good cheek weld...at least for me.
 
They are a load of fun. Ive got a Springfield standard that I put in a GI stock from Freds years ago. With some handloads and my crap vision its 2.5 to 2 MOA on good days.

Dont go into it thinking a sub moa gun...that it aint. What it is, is a kick butt battle rifle that everyone should have in their collection. If you want sub moa, get a bolt gun. If you want a glorious piece of wood and steel...m1a.

Bula, LRB, Fulton, Rockola are all great. Springfield has taken a hit online due to some q/a issues and some stances they had a whike back. Springfield does have a great warranty though. Iirc extractors seemed to break quickly..easy fix with a gi part.

That said, No issues with mine in over 3k rds. Been debating upgrading it to a National match vs buy another. Besides the stock, the only part Ive swapped has been a new recoil spring at 2.5k rds.

Check m14forum, tons of good info there on this classic rifle.

Buy one. Do it today.
 
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image.jpg I’ve got 3, 2 loaded and a SOCOM in an M14 stock. One of my long guns is topped by a Springfield 4x14x56 scope. She’s sweet!
 
Expect around 2MOA from a SA loaded model, using quality ammo (.308 version) but that can improved with some accurizing or using a chassis system. Either option will set you back some additional $$$ on top of the cost of the rifle.

While the M1A is a great rifle, accuracy costs so be ready to open your checkbook. I shot one competitively years ago and by the time I added up all the work on it, I had over $3k invested. On a great day it shot 3/4 MOA. It was usually a 1MOA shooter

EDIT - Mine started off as a loaded model and eventually ended up as a double-lugged receiver with Barnett 1-10 heavy barrel nestled into a McMillan stock, plus all the nominal accuracy mods

QAXd3DQ.jpg
 
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My M1As date from the 1970s. One is a 4 digit serial number. All were built as full National Match rifles and were all built by USAMU trained armorers. All but one likes Lake City M118 match ammo. I have one that loved Frankfod Arsenal match ammo, lot 12068. Traded around and got a small amount to shoot in that one. I think manufacture date was 1967, Frankford closed in 1977. The other is a stainless steel heavy barrel that demands 168 BTHP sierras to perform.

I went distinguished (US Army) shooting these. And I shot 1,000 yard iron sight matches with them.

Also own SP1 AR from 1976 or so. Discovered you cannot shoot the standard barrel with tight sling. Group stays fairly tight but will move around depending on sling pressure. The new match platforms are much superior to the original light barrel.
 
As said above, they are fun to shoot. Don't expect more from it that it can deliver. If you look at the price breaks between the stripped, the national match and the super match it will tell you what accuracy costs. You may luck out and get an accurate stripped down model.
 
Combat Diver said:
Had one I used to sign out TRW National Match M14 regularly. Took it to Africa in 98', Iraq in 04-05' and used it at the All Army Matches in 05' shooting 1000 yds with the iron sights.

CD
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CD, you ever shoot with Don Carroway in the all Army Matches. He has a room full of iron from Camp Perry to all Army. Been about 20 years since he shot, but still helps folks get started. He is a Master.
 
Mine are Springfield Armory and we’re build by the USAMTU back in the 70’s. They are heavy barrel and loveMexican Match (Issue NM with the 173 pulled and replaced with a 168 Sierra MKHP).
 
The M1A is my favorite rifle. Don't stress too much about accuracy. I can manage 2 to 2-1/2 MOA with mine which is probably above average for a 7.62 battle rifle with iron sights with me behind the trigger. The long sight radius and very fine peep sights really help. Reliability has been 100%.
 
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I’ve got a couple that you can shoot if you want to come over to Conover. Let me know
 
Magdump said:
The M1A is my favorite rifle. Don't stress too much about accuracy. I can manage 2 to 2-1/2 MOA with mine which is probably above average for a 7.62 battle rifle with iron sights with me behind the trigger. The long sight radius and very fine peep sights really help. Reliability has been 100%.
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Is that the standard or loaded?
 
jmccracken1214 said:
The scout sqaud is tempting, but at basically the same price, I feel like the 22" loaded is the better rifle. 308 needs all the barrel it can have to lob those rocks out past 500
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Thats not true.

I had a 12.5" .308 SR25 and 800yds with a ACOG is too simple.

The best M1A is the 18" Scout. Its the equivalent of dating Miss Homely, the best of the ok group.
 
A guy I know bought one in 6.5CM. He loves it and is shooting some pretty nice groups with it

130gr ELD, 38gr Varget and BR2

6IgLqNH.jpg



I like the 16” Socom in 308 but for a totally different purpose:

Grand Tetons/Yellowstone trip summer of 2017
frphx0k.jpg
 
11B CIB said:
It’s a USGI fiberglass stock for an M14 painted brown. Pretty solid upgrade; I’ve seen some of his shot groups at 300 and 500yds with iron sights
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I’m surprised it was an upgrade. I like the looks better but the factory stock looks very ergonomic in the 6.5, but I’m more of a fan of the traditional stock
 
If you want "NEAR AS YOU CAN GET TO" USGI, you have two options, an LRB or find yourself a Polytech or Norinco M14 as a base for your build.

Don't get me wrong, my first brand new, never owned by anyone but me rifle, was a Loaded Standard M1A, and I still own it.

But if you want a rifle that's as close to an issue M14 as possible, the three I mentioned are your best bet.

The Polytech and Norinco will need the attention of a real M14 gunsmith to get their true value reached, but you won't be disappointed.

My best advice is do your research and make your own decisions, then get what you want
 
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Don't forget Bula Defense; they offer forged receivers as well.

Another option is to contact James River Armory. They offered welded USGI heeled receivers to give that "real" M14 look.
 
Anyone send their m1a into Springfield to get it upgraded? Debating sending my standard in to get uograded to a Nationak Match..curious on experiences with the process and cost.
 
I'm sure that SA, Inc would do a decent job, but I'll throw out a recommendation for Isaac McCaskill of Cassat Gun Works. He's a retired USMC 2112 who built M14's for the USMC shooting team. A top notch '14 gun plumber who's well known on the competitive shooting circuit. He doesn't have an internet presence so you'll have to call him at 803-713-USMC

Plan on around $1k for the upgrade, assuming you're coming up from a standard model
 
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Combat Diver said:
Had one I used to sign out TRW National Match M14 regularly. Took it to Africa in 98', Iraq in 04-05' and used it at the All Army Matches in 05' shooting 1000 yds with the iron sights.
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If we were going to look for accuracy at 1000 yds, would you pick an accurized M14 or a properly built AR10? Of course we are not talking about a M!4 clone with unlimited budget and access to be best people and resources vs a Palmetto lunch special.

PS: I prefer the FAL for certain non-scientific personal reasons, but I respect the AR platform.
 
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dalek said:
If we were going to look for accuracy at 1000 yds, would you pick an accurized M14 or a properly built AR10? Of course we are not talking about a M!4 clone with unlimited budget and access to be best people and resources vs a Palmetto lunch special.

PS: I prefer the FAL for certain non-scientific personal reasons, but I respect the AR platform.
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Love the FAL, however have only seen two that were sub MOA capable. I would built or buy an AR10 over an accuracied M14 as the it is easier to spec out and work on. Parts are available.


CD
 
The loaded I mentioned earlier.

They tend to multiply and parts are not at all inexpensive anymore, but like any other addiction.......lol

20190929_120408.jpg 20190929_120514.jpg
 
jmccracken1214 said:
Anyone in the triad area have one that they wouldnt mind meeting up and letting me fondle?

Id like to handle one or possibly shoot it a few times before making the plunge
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Friend has an early National Match with a dozen magazines, steel scope mount, armorers maintenance kit with less than a couple of hundred rounds through it that could pass for new for $1800. Doubt he will let one burn more rounds through it but for the money you can't go wrong.
 
Even the Chinese Polytechs shoot straight and true. This was shot at 100yds with Portuguese 7.62mm Ball from 1982.

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Three rounds while being re-zero'd (replaced the SAI muzzle brake with a forged flash hider).
 
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