Better accuracy: M1A or SCAR?

[UKWildcatFan]

In the future I'm going to be in the market for a semi .308, which I'd like to develop my long distance skills with. SCAR or M1A?

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

don't forget about M1 Garand in 308 from CMP!

Just to muddle the choices a bit.

 

[Redlg155]

In general the SCAR will be more accurate in a stock factory rifle when compared side by side with the exception of a M1a Super Match.

Food for thought...if we compare from a price standpoint, $2500 for a Scar. $2500 for a highly modded M1a. Both would be equal.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

In general the SCAR will be more accurate in a stock factory rifle when compared side by side with the exception of a M1a Super Match.

Food for thought...if we compare from a price standpoint, $2500 for a Scar. $2500 for a highly modded M1a. Both would be equal.

Most scar 17s seem closer to 2800-3000 than 2500 anyway. Plus tax if you buy from a store.

 

[barnbwt]

Save time and a lot of money, by just buying an FNAR. Same or better accuracy, for probably less than half of what you'll end up spending in either of those platforms. If you must get one of the two, I'd do a SCAR since the overall operation is more robust (I'll take that back the instant a blowing dust test kills a SCAR faster)

TCB

 

[briansmithwins]

Plus the SCAR is way easier to mount optics on.

Besides having a free floated barrel.

BSW

 

[Nature Boy]

It is not hard to mount optics on an M1A if you get the right mount.

 

[waffentomas]

I have both of these rifles, an M1A NM and stock SCAR 17S. There is a lot of nostalgia for me with the M1A, as I carried an M21 in the Marines. Fact is, my SCAR is more accurate, has less recoil due to the PWS brake FN puts on it, and just more fun to shoot. My M21 and I protected my country, and I love the platform, but my SCAR shoots better - even though it's not near as pretty.

 

[eldon519]

Are you wanting to hone your skills with iron sights or optics?

If you are developing your skills from scratch, I'd look at a sub-moa-capable AR-15 which can be had much cheaper than either a M1A or a SCAR and then spend the extra money on match grade ammo. For the price difference between a decent AR-15 and an M1A, you could probably pick up around 1000 rds of quality target ammo. For the price difference between a decent AR-15 and a SCAR, you could probably get in 3000 rds of match ammo, probably about 5000rds of blasting ammo. Do your groundwork and fundamentals for cheap and then if you wanna step up to .308 later, it'll cost you a whole lot less to get to the same level of proficiency. Another option would also be to get a .308 bolt gun which will be cheaper and likely more accurate if you look at options like the 700P or Savage LE model 10 options.

You can find a few makes of match .223/5.56 for around $0.50/rd with a lot of the premium stuff running closer to $0.70. I know of one bargain brand match .308 round at about $.70/rd but most is gonna be over $1/shot. With less recoil, you can also get in longer practice sessions.

That's my $0.02 anyway.

 

[Rudedog]

I used the M21 when I was with the Army back when it was the only sniper rifle the Army had, great weapon. We weren't allowed to take the action out of the stock because of the glass bedding. The best I could shoot with it was 1.5 MOA. I owned an M1A at one time as well, no optics on it but it was a fine rifle.

I worked on the SCAR program during its final operator testing and its fielding to the troops. I and others have shot it at long range with both irons and optics and will attest that it is accurate out of the box. For me it is way more comfortable to shoot than the M1A. Also felt recoil is less than any 7.62/.308 gas gun I ever shot. The monolithic top rail gives the shooter plenty of space to attach optics/sights.

FN is mighty proud of the SCAR/CAR17 hence their stupid prices. If they came down quite a bit I would buy one.

 

[masakari]

The M1A is NOT an accurate rifle. It can be accurized somewhat, and if you dump cash into it, maybe even very accurate. But out of the box any modern rifle like the AR10, SCAR, etc will be far more accurate.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Don't overlooks some of the target grade PTR-91 rifles either. The roller delayed blowback operation is inherently accurate, and PTR uses great barrels. You'll still get your .308 chambering as well.

 

[Nature Boy]

The M1A is NOT an accurate rifle. It can be accurized somewhat, and if you dump cash into it

I disagree and have a rack grade M1A that defies that statement. The SCAR out of the box may be more accurate, but you're dumping a bunch of cash into it with the up front purchase price.

My vote would be to get one of each How could you go wrong?

 

[Jackal]

I also suggest checking out the FN FNAR if accuracy is your goal. Great rifles.

 

[Trent]

The FN-AR will be the most accurate out of the box semi 308 you can buy new right now. It easily rivals (or exceeds) the accuracy of the venerable H&K PSG-1, which is no small feat.

The SCAR is a great rifle and has served me well in High Power as a match rifle. It shoots "as good as I can", in irons or optics.

I sold my M1A a long time ago.