M1A Scout vs. mini 14

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J&J

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I am the relatively new owner of a M1A Scout. I have put a few hundred founds through it so far. I performs flawlessly, seemingly regardless of ammo selection. I don't mind the weight of the weapon. However, I am having just a little troube gaining a level of comfort with this rifle... it doesn't seem to "fit".

I have a lot of experience with a few other platforms, M16A2 in the USMC, Mini 14 and lever action 357. Out of those I was considering a mini 14 to "replace" my M1A. I have spoken with Accuracy Systems Int. and they said they can put iron sights on a mini 14 target with the hogue rubber stock and that is my thought at the moment.

Do any of you have thoughts or suggestions to help convince me one way or another?

Thanks,

John
 
those target Ars are HEAVY! My buddy bought one. the first one in our area. He sold it shortly after. Said the best it would do is 1.5 inch at a 100 yards with alot of load developement. Minis are a good reliable gun but there sure not in a league with a m1a. If it were me id just shoot it till it did fit me.
 
I wish I could put my finger on it when I say to does not "fit". My son and I went to the range today and we both were hitting OK at first 50, then 100 yards. It was his first time shooting any rifle other than 22's and 357 (winchester 94 lever) and he did fine with the 308.

When I say hitting fine, I mean I was holding about 3" groups from the seated position (cross legged on the ground) with iron sights. I think that is about as good as I am going to get without optics, regardless of the rifle.

A stock change on the M1A is an expensive proposition...

Anyway, this still leaves me undecided. So in this instance I will continue to shoot the M1A and see f I can improve the "feel" and "fit".

John
 
I love my M1A......errrr.............Mini M1A........ errr......Mini-14 !!! Shoots cheap ammo and is a lot of fun. Lighter and handier than its big cousin.
Mini14A.gif
 
I wonder if the issue is weight and balance. I like my standard configuration M1A a lot because to me it "handles". Never have cared for the shorter variants, particularly the SOCOM types. For that matter the old M1 works for me.

Have owned and used the Minis, have never been impressed by them. OTOH I have had good luck with CAR-type ARs.
 
I don't see how anyone can see the Mini-14 as a replacement for the M14. Don't get me wrong I like the Mini for what it is but it is hard to compare it to an M14. The M14 is a full sized US military rifle, the Mini well I guess the name says it all. The M1A is easily a more accurate rifle than the mini-14 with far superior sites. But that said if you want a far less expensive, smaller, lighter, less accurate rifle with less range in a smaller cheaper caliber then the mini may be for you.
 
The Mini works best as a hunting rifle, IMO. The first two or three shots are right on as to POA/POI, but as the barrel heats up the groups open up. In hunting, since only the first shot or two are important, that's fine. And, it's a rugged little truck gun.

I've liked the Minis since they first came out, but I don't think I'd pick it as a replacement for an M1A.
 
An adjustable stock, while an option, is probably going to be expensive. The modern chassis systems on the market have a lot of advantages, but cost isn't one of them.

A military synthetic stock could be cut down to the proper length of pull by a competent gunsmith a lot cheaper, and would probably meet the OPs needs. If the rifle came with a wooden stock, it could be cut down as well, or the synthetic could be purchased for relatively cheap from Freds, among other places. A synthetic stock would also reduce weight by a few ounces compared to the wooden stock.
 
That is true an adjustable stock for an M14 will run you $600-$800. I guess the numbers of M14's out there are not enough for Tapco or someone to come out with an affordable modern M14 stock. I guess I can't complain though because if I put my M1A in a pistol grip or adjustable/folding stock then I have an assault rifle and NY does not like that.
 
I was considering a mini 14 to "replace" my M1A.
It's your gun and your money, but to me this is like saying you're going to replace your Porsche with a Jetta. Nothing wrong with the Porsche, nothing wrong with the Jetta, but they're just not in the same league.

Mike
 
I own one of each and like both of them a great deal. Wouldn't want to get rid of either. Your thread got me curious, so I dug 'em out of the safe and lined 'em up side by side, and was a little surprised to find that they have a nearly identical length-of-pull. The Mini's is shorter by a hair-- maybe 1/16th of an inch. The Scout's longer and heavier overall, of course, and has its op rod handle maybe .5" farther out. The Mini's balance is different-- much less front-heavy-- and the stock is thinner in the grip, so maybe that would make a difference to you...

But still, I can't recommend getting rid of an M1A for a Mini 14. Maybe you should try something different with the Scout and get a Mini at the same time? Have you thought of putting a Harris bipod on your Scout? It might make it more fun to shoot prone. Since it sounds like you're already comfortable shooting from field positions (instead of a bench) then you might really like the Scout for that. I do. And the irons are great-- best irons I've ever used. So good I have no desire for a scope on my Scout. If you ever give it a shot at 200+ yards you'll probably be surprised how well you do with just the stock irons.
 
I see the rifle calibers you mentioned are relatively speaking, small compared to the .308.

Not in any way doubting your abilities, but could the louder boom, flash, and heavier recoil be causing some sort of flinch or jerk/anticipation of the shot?

One way to tell is have your son load your mag for you, have him slip one dummy round or snap cap into the mix with you not knowing where. Have him watch you. When you get a click instead of a bang did you flinch?
 
Wow thanks for all the replies. after a day of considering I am going to stick with the scout for the same reasons I got it in the first place. I wanted a battle rifle in 308, as one of the very best all around rifle calibers, one that would be adequately accurate for the field, not a range tack driver. My trip to the range with my son, showed me that this rifle does indeed fit that bill. I just need some more rounds down range to gain some comfort.

MOT45acp, you might have a point. While I also shott a 12 ga shotgun, there is really no comparison to that and what I am tryiing to do with the M1a. All other rifles I have been familiar with over the last 20+ years of shooting have been 5.56 or smaller (weaker). The 308/7.62, plus the adjustment to the heavier weapon that does not have the balance/handling of my lever actions or my previous weapons like the mini 14 or M16.

My son and I discussed today, however, that if we keep the M1a, it might be fun to get a seriously accurate bolt action in 308 to hit golf balls around the range.

Thanks again to all for your thought provoking comments.:)

John
 
I would not trade a M1a for a Mini,on the other hand I might trade my mini for a M1a,then I'd sell the M1a and buy a mini and another gun.
 
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