M1A Advice Needed

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jon'76

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Hello everyone. I'm in the market for a MBR and I've basically decided to buy an M1A.

However I don't know whether to get the standard or loaded. The rifles purpose would be target shooting at no more than 600 yards, and SHTF.

I know the loaded should be more accurate, but does it sacrifice reliability to achieve this?

I'm basically looking for the best accuracy, while sacrificing the least reliability. The Loaded would only cost me ~130 more than the standard.

Please explain to me the main differences between the standard and loaded, because all I can tell is that the loaded is .5lbs heavier, and has more precise sights.
 
If you must have a full-length M1A, you may as well go for the Loaded. The benefits, (NM front post, barrel and trigger) outweigh the price increase over the Standard.
 
MassMark If you must have a full-length M1A,...
Click to expand...

Good point!

The 18.0" Bush, Scout MK14 will handle target shooting
at no more than 600 yards, and SHTF duty with ease.


M14-RRM-1.jpg
 
As a starving college student :( I can't afford the national match.

The way I see it after I buy this rifle I still have to buy magazines (type 57s @$90per6), reloading equipment, and ammo elements. So after all that I'm looking at ~$2200.

Since I'd like to, and I'm buying this rifle to, attend an appleseed bootcamp I need to save up money for the trip to ramseur (~300) and a 10/22 LTR (~350).

Don't get me wrong I understand you get what you pay for, but anything over a loaded M1A is completely out of my means at this time. My primary concern after getting the rifle is stacking up the ammo.
 
Nother vote for the Loaded. I am completely satisfied with mine. It is accurate and reliable, and just feels good at the shoulder. The sights, trigger, ergonomics, and overall balance are outstanding. I only have about 500 rounds through mine as I haven't been able to afford to shoot it much lately (who can, right?) but it has already established itself as a "keeper."

I have the full rifle version with the stainless barrel and synthetic stock.

M1Aleavesquartering.jpg
 
I am sure what ever you end up getting you will be happy with it, they are all good guns which ever version you get. The loaded version is the best value for the money. I went stupid whith mine and bought the M-21 version and I'll admit it is a way better rifle than I am a shooter but I am very happy with it.
M1Aafterrangetrip.gif
 
My understanding is that the Type-57 mags are made with the same machines that the US used to produce the USGI mags, and that the only difference is that they're blued not parkerized. I definately can't afford more than 2-4 mags at USGI prices.
 
I had a std that was more accurate than I was...now I have a loaded that makes me look cool when I take it out of the safe. IMO -- unless you can devote your time & effort to mastering the platform, you won't notice the difference. Get the one you can afford and shoot today and upgrade when your wallet allows or your skill requires ;)
 
10 Ring I agree. It would take a really good rest to tell the difference. I like the loaded models but the standard is pretty accurate. You can hit objects at "long" distances with the standard, you can hit them more often with the loaded.:)

Jim
 
loaded!

I have the loaded because I figured that if I was going to actually spend 1300-1500 bucks on a gun then I might as well have the one that costs $150 bucks more but comes with NM trigger sights and barrel. I doubt you will regret spending the extra money because I am almost positive that the loaded will hold its value as well or better than the standard.
 
I think I'm going to go with the loaded.

Can anyone suggest some decent equipment for reloading? I was looking at some kits, but I don't know what I need at all. I was hoping to start reloading with a quality press in the $300-400 range. My intention is to get started with something affordable and then resell it and upgrade to a progressive so that I can reload faster.
 
Rockchucker

If you have 300-400 to spend then I would go with the RCBS rockchucker kit. It comes with powder measure, loading manual, press, and a couple other things that I cant remember. That leaves you with a little bit left over for dies, tumbler, media, trimmer, and components. Make sure you buy the small base die for .308 because it is made specifically for semi-autos. Enjoy reloading! I didn't know how fun shooting guns really was until I found out that I could actually make my own bullets and have them be SUPER accurate. You will love it.
 
A good single-stage press should work well for you. It will slow you down, which is a good thing (in order of important)

Here's what I recommend:
- Loading manual
- A good single-stage press
- A good powder scale (I prefer non-electric)
- caliper
- RCBS/LEE full-length re-size die
- Lee/RCBS hand primer tools
- Lee powder dippers (set)
- neck reamer tools, primer pocket cleaner/reamer


Rockchucker set which longdayjake is very good. I started out with that kit.
 
powder trickler
eye protectors--unless you were polycarb type glasses
goose neck type light
 
How many rounds can you do an hour with that rockchucker kit?

I'm kind of disappointed I just bought a G19 and now with this kit I could have gotten that G20 I've been drooling over, but it's probably for the best as concealing a G20 would be a bit much.
 
I'm kind of disappointed I just bought a G19 and now with this kit I could have gotten that G20 I've been drooling over, but it's probably for the best as concealing a G20 would be a bit much.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but that G20 is pretty sweet. You know you still want one.

As for reloading, I have personally opted against it because IMI and LC brass has become nearly impossible to find. The M1A has a pretty violent action that is reportedly pretty rough on brass. I did some reading and even milsurp brass is recommended not to be loaded more than three or four times. I am an amateur reloader and don't feel it is worth it to risk a fine rifle on crappy brass. Maybe when milsurp brass becomes available again, I'll pick up a couple thousand and start reloading. Until then, not me.
 
Please don't go cheap on those "Taiwanese" magazines. There is no consensus on their authenticity.:uhoh::uhoh:

And I like the Standard.:evil:
 
IMO, the cheap aftermarket and foreign M14 mags are substandard and not of the same quality as USGI. The finish is worse and the metal is not the same. They have not been dependable. If you just want something to feed it at the range, they might be okay for practice, but I wouldn't depend on them. The Promags are the worst I have come across. I won't buy anything but USGI anymore.

I don't have any of the CMI mags, but I have several USGI surplus mags that are good and dependable. I have heard several others mention the CMI mags are top quality. I plan to buy some soon.

http://www.44mag.com/products.asp?dept=1334
 
Jon'96 said:
How many rounds can you do an hour with that rockchucker kit?
Click to expand...

I think I can do about 20/hour, if I want to do everything in 1 day. If I do more than that, I usually get lazy and sloppy. Since I go to range at most once a month, I have plenty of time to load for the next range trip.

In practice, I usually, I'll prep case one day (60 cases at a time.) Since I don't have a tumbler, I wash it by hand and dry them. I prime them 2 days later, and load the day after.

-Pat
 
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