Which M1A should I buy.......

[GarandOwner]

Im looking into getting an M1A for my next rifle, and plan on target shooting using a scope with it. I see that as far as springfield goes, they make: "Standard" "loaded" "national match" and "super match" rifles.. my question is how big of a difference is there between them, and is it worth paying the extra price. I want a rifle that can group around 1" at 100 yards, can the "standard" rifle do this or do I have to get one of the national or super matches to achieve this accuracy. Any thoughts would help thanks. My main questions:

1. does stainless steel give any different accuracy than one with a carbon steel barrel?
2. How much does glass bedding affect accuracy?

keep in mind I will rarely ever take it out past 100 yards because there are no ranges around here past that distance
Thanks for your response. My main concern is paying more for a rifle that is overkill for what I want to do: Target shoot at 100 yards with 1" accuracy

 

[g5reality]

M1A

I purchased the M1A Loaded Standard. I set it up with a Bushnell 4200 6-24x40 scope and it is very accurate 100 yards and beyond. As the barrel heats up the moa slightly increases. with a rest between shots and a cool barrel you can easily shoot sub 1" moa @ 100 yards. The Loaded does come with th NM barrel, trigger assembly and front sight and non hooded rear sight. A great value and teriffic customer service. If you will be adding a Harris bipod as I did, request a stock with the factory installed QD stud. The only other addition might be the glass bedding. No difference in the stainless or Carbon barrel I chose the carbon because it dispenses heat better

Happy Shooting

 

[possum]

i say go with the "loaded model" and that is exactly what i am gonna do when i buy one. and this is why, the loaded models aren't as picky about ammo as say the national match and super match models have been known to be sometimes. i like shooting and shooting alot so i don't shoot very much match ammo in any gun, but the loaded with some good blackhills match or m118 will do the trick for you, and meet the accuracy requirements you wish for or there abouts, and then when you want to go out and do some shooting, like when you aren't trying to impress anyone! you can use cheaper more bang for your buck ammo. like south african for example. hope this helps.

 

[Gator]

If you want MOA you will have to get a match model. SS is no more accurate than carbon steel, and YES bedding improves accuracy (if done properly). It is hard to say how much, that depends on the rifle, but it can make a tremendous difference.

 

[Quintin Likely]

A standard or "Loaded" M1A out of the box is probably a two or three minute rifle depending on what ammunition you're using and how tight the nut behind the butt plate is.

And yes, bedding and parts fit is very important on an accurate M1A.

 

[10-Ring]

I bought a used std M1a from a friend a few years ago. We went to the range & he showed me how to shoot it...he loaded it & proceeded to shoot 5 shots & put all 5 shots into a 3/4" orange dot on the target we had placed at the 75 yard line...I'm not there yet, but I do have something to strive for

 

[Patriot-Brewer]

Just in case you don't know of them...look into Fulton Armory and LRB Arms as they have a reputation for making better M-14s than SA inc. They cost more but it might be worth it to you.

Hope that helps your research.

P-B

 

[GarandOwner]

Thanks, I have ordered stuff for my M1 Garand from fulton before, and I heard some people say they are better, but they are also out of my price range. Im on a budget, and 2799 for a rifle is more than I can afford. Im trying to at least keep it under 2000, but closer to 1000