what M1A1 to buy

i have both the full size M1A (M21 tactical) and the Socom 16 (16inch barrel)

The Socom 16 is my little warthog of a gun, it's tough, it's ugly and it's mean. Definitely one of my favorite shooters, not a problem to hit man size plates out to 400+ yards. I actually use this more over my M21 hahaha

The tritium front sight post is a really nice addition and the muzzle brake does WONDERS to kill the recoil for fast fast fast follow up shots. Use 110gr Hornady TAP and you have one hell of a defense weapon.

Have a loaded, shoots real good.

Love my Loaded, but it sounds like what you might want would be a Scout. 18" bbl with a muzzle brake attached. Little more velocity than a SOCOM, yet still handy.

I've owned M1A's of all three barrel lengths. I'd say stay with what you know and you'll be fine.

The shorter barrels really offer nothing, are just as heavy, and while somewhat handier, you loose both power, range, and in some cases, reliability and use of accessories (in case youre a fan of giving them the bayonet. )

Unless youre a target shooter, you probably really wont need or benefit from the match or or higher grades, and they too, can cause you to miss out on some more practical accessories. I'd use the money saved buying a standard grade rifle for buying ammo to shoot with.

I would go with the full size. Hits with irons are much easier with a generous sight radius, which the standard modle has in spades.

TexasPatriot.308 said:

I know I will have a few months wait but got enuff arms to hold me til it comes in. anyone got one of those variants...pros and cons...

Click to expand...

If you have the money saved up why the wait? The standard, Scout and SOCOM variants are available online right now. You could have one in your hands inside of a week.

I bought a Scout Squad with the 18" barrel and have zero regrets and would definitely buy the same model again. A nice bonus is that the factory two-stage trigger is one of the best I've ever encountered. My neighbor gave me a complete set of National Match sights for it and a scope mount (so I can work up a load for it). Eventually I'd like to buy a Super Match for service rifle competition but it'll have to wait.

My Scout ...



Super Match ...

Another vote here for the M1A Standard version. It's Springfield Inc's version of what you carried back in the day and if you liked it then, you'll like it now. I really enjoy mine.

In case youre not already aware of this, the Bush/Scout/SOCOM use different height sights than the standard model.

The sight settings are also different between the different rifles. My standard uses around 10 clicks for a "100 yard zero", my Bush was 14, and my SOCOM 22.

i have both standard and 18'' bush M1A... an my opinion is that the 18" bush rifle is a better SHTF rifle.. more accurate then the socom... light and handier then a full size... good luck.. cant go wrong with any kind of M1A or M14 clone..

I would take your pick of the standard, loaded, and scout squad models. I personally wouldn't do the SOCOM, I don't like the 16" barrel or the slightly different gas block setup. The standard model would let you use a Ultimak scope mount if you're interested, the loaded model barrel is larger outside diameter and won't. (The Ultimak also fits on the scout barrel, but you would have already paid extra for the scout's mount.)

The loaded model is intended for competition. It's a bit front heavy, though nothing awful, and the match rear sight is very small and limits your view of the target somewhat.

I went with the socom.I have a M1 for long range and use the socom for close in.it is IMHO just about a perfect brush gun for pigs.I like the way it shoulders fast and easy to get on target with the stock sights.
I bought it NIB came home took it down cleaned it then reassembled it.went to the range and not one problem with it with the factory mags.as above it is easy to do quick follow up shots as the muzzel break really works..
pete

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF932wj8-nw

Scout

I have an unfired M1A Standard with a walnut stock for sale.

http://texasguntrader.com/index.php?a=2&b=59308

If you plan to use irons, get the full size. They are not bull barrels so the extra few inches do not add much weight.

http://www.fulton-armory.com/

If I were doing it again I would start here

The SA loaded model is a good starting point, easy to upgrade as you progress in your skills. Unitize the GS, ream the FS, trigger job, NM sights.

Which ever model you go with do some research and get the best price. This place has good deals:

http://www.onlinegundeals.com/Category/657/Guns/Rifles/Springfield-Armory-Rifles.htm

I would also check Gunbroker and Buds Gun Shop (Bud's prices include shipping)

Also you can get a great deal if you go used. I have the Loaded model in a USGI birch stock. I don't feel a 22 inch barrel is too long although a scout size may be handy.

Springfield armory makes an over sized walnut stock that is nice. You will need plenty of odds and ends to go with your rifle like a bolt disassembly tool, ratcheting chamber brush etc.

I wanted a SOCOM 16 but ran across the SOCOM II at a gun shop and couldn't say no. It's all I need, if I lived in a desert I might want the full length rifle but in Mississippi it's just not needed. The SOCOM does have a different gas system but it works fine for me, no malfunctions since I got it. And it’s plenty accurate, not meant to be a sniper rifle.

J.B.