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Should I give up on the M1A?

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Eventually the CMP's supply of cheap M1 Garands will run dry. If you havent gotten one by then, you will be out of luck. I say go with the Garand now. You will always be able to get a M1A later.
 
Keep in mind that any gun, properly treated, can last 50 years or more. So while $1700 seem like a lot of money, they are only going to get more expensive and even amortized over 20 years it's only $85 per year.
 
goon said:
I tend to lean to the other side of the equation. Before going back to college I had disposable income and used it to get a couple guns I really like and get a lot of use out of, but since then it's been harder. I wish I'd had the foresight to buy a semi-auto .22 handgun when I had the money. I really kick myself for overlooking that. From that point of view, if you want the M1A and can sort of afford it now, you may kick yourself for not getting it too.

Of the list you mentioned -
I've seen SKS prices coming down. I do like them a lot and may want another myself eventually (I've had two, don't have any now), but with an M1A and reloading you wouldn't lose that much trigger time. Especially not once you add the obligatory .22LR rifle that every shooter should have.
I'd get a good .22LR first as a plinking/training rifle. My wishlist right now includes another 10/22 - utterly plain with tech-sights - specifically for use as a trainer. You can get a decent .22 for about $140-$200 new, sometimes less than a hundred used.
I'd get the M1A second. You want one. You will kick yourself if you settle for less. Put as much as you can afford away every pay day until you have enough (make sure you factor in the cost of ammo and magazines) and just buy the damn thing if you decide that's what you want. And no offense, but don't ask us what you should buy. You're the one who has to be happy with it and there's no way we can possibly know you better than you know yourself. Just think on it yourself and either choose the Garand (which is a great rifle in its own right) or the M1A, then let us know which one you chose.
I also think everyone should have a good defensive handgun. Get it when you can afford it. You may want to get it sooner if you live in a more dangerous area - only you can decide which priority needs addressed first.
On the shotgun, I respect their potential for defense and they're great hunting tools for small game and a lot of fun if you plan to shoot clay pigeons, but they're not the mythical superweapon some seem to think they are. A handgun works just fine for up-close defense and a rifle also is utterly effective from ten feet to several hundred yards. Mossberg and Remington pumps turn up at virtually every gun store, in the local classifieds, and even at yard sales and auctions. You'll be able to get one later - they are in no danger of going away or being discontinued. I'd put this purchase off for a bit yet.
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Thanks for taking the time to write the detailed answer. And by the way, I take no offense; I appreciate honesty and straightforward opinions.
 
I bought my National Match M1a for $700 in 1981 all USGI parts except barrel and reciever, in 1986 I believe Smith Enterprises "went thru it" for $400 . I since mounted an ANPVS2 "Starlight Scope" on USGI mounts for another $500 in middle 90s to complete my VN 1967-68 deja vu. With Federal Gold Match it still shoots 2 MOA with the iron sights, I have never scoped it!
I have $400 into my early 1990s bought Winchester "old Red" matching M1. It shoots 3moa with the old Lake City Match ammo. I don't shoot it much anymore, but it is READY!
 
Think the Chinese ban will be lifted some day

and we'll be able to buy a $500-$600 M1A or M14?
 
Eb1 said:
I'd save money, and get a Maverick 88 12 gauge. I did over the Mossberg 500, and it shoots great. Doesn't have the tang safety, but has double rails, and uses Mossberg 500 barrels.
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I have looked at Maverick 88's and am considering getting one over the 500. Also, the .22lr suggestion is one I left out. I am strongly leaning towards the Marlin 981T. I want the SKS because the 7.62x39 is so widely available, so I thought it was a smart buy. Plus the SKS's longer sight radius and short-stroke piston is better than the AK for accuracy. I believe I will just choose a Service Grade M1 for the time being, then get the M1A later in life. I don't see much difference in $$$ between milsurp .30-06 and .308 WIN, but what I do see is an $800 difference in the weapon itself. Maybe I'm wrong about the ammo price, but it's just what I've seen.
 
I could see how the price would be prohibitive to some, but I spent $1300 on a new Loaded model about three years ago and I'm glad I did. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, if I ever had the cash again. Only this time I'd go with a Scout model.
 
I've had M1 Garands and currently own an M1A. The M1A is an improved M1 Garand, this is why I now only own the M1A. I am not a collector, more of a pragmatist when it comes to firearms. I had wanted an M1A since I first fired one way back when, but as time goes on you start to realize what is practical for you and what is not.
I have since discovered other rifles and other calibers that do almost as much, but are lighter and hold more ammo.
I don't consider the M1A as the one-and-only rifle for me anymore, even though it could be that if it came down to it.
My new "alternate" do-it-all rifle is a Rock River Arms LAR-6 A4 Mid-length in 6.8spc, the trajectory of the round is close to that of the .308 and .223, has at least 40% more energy at range than the .223, yet doesn't have the recoil of the .308, not that it's terribly bad either, especially from a semi-auto.
A semi-auto .308 is nice to have, but not a must-have for me anymore, I would rather relegate the .308 to a dedicated scoped bolt-action for those longer shots requiring more precision than could be delivered with open sights.
For engaging targets with open sights I just feel that the 6.8spc is sufficient enough without the extra size and weight required of a .308 rifle.
 
Start with an M1 garand if that hits the spot the save for an M1A. I have an M1 Garand that has a new douglas barrel in 308WIN and Wenig Laminated Stock...the hardware was all reparked. It's the most beautiful thing!
 
Start with an M1 garand if that hits the spot the save for an M1A.
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jp has a good idea here.

i think anyone that gets the garand and loves it, will also love its offspring.

(the m1a should actually be called "the John C Garand Jr.")
 
Hawksnest said:
I have looked at Maverick 88's and am considering getting one over the 500. Also, the .22lr suggestion is one I left out. I am strongly leaning towards the Marlin 981T. I want the SKS because the 7.62x39 is so widely available, so I thought it was a smart buy. Plus the SKS's longer sight radius and short-stroke piston is better than the AK for accuracy. I believe I will just choose a Service Grade M1 for the time being, then get the M1A later in life. I don't see much difference in $$$ between milsurp .30-06 and .308 WIN, but what I do see is an $800 difference in the weapon itself. Maybe I'm wrong about the ammo price, but it's just what I've seen.
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Good thinking.
Realistically, there isn't much you can do with an M1A that you can't do with a Garand. And for that matter, although both are more powerful, an SKS is a good rifle. I also shoot them better than AK's and would feel pretty confident with one. I'm not sure that they're more accurate than a decent AK per se, but I do know that I've always been better with an SKS. Truth be told, if the budget is limited right now and you really want a centerfire rifle, I think you'd be hard pressed to do better. I know if I had an SKS it would get definitely get shot.
I'd avoid the Yugo's for now because prices have gone up on them to the point that they're not cheaper than the others but they still have that gas cut-off valve that can get screwed up and they don't have chrome-lined bores. They were great buys at $100 a few years ago, but I'd look for a different variant now.
 
I have to agree that the M1's will soon dry up and go out of sight in prices. IMHO get a Garand and later in life maybe an M1A. I saved for years for mine and never regret the money I paid for it. Saving for one makes owning one all that much sweeter. If you get a Garand ammo can be had at the cmp and if you get an M1A magazines can be had at 44mag.com. SKS's can be fine rifles also, IMHO a better value than an AK for a civilian. Good luck and get what is best for you.
 
Last Garand I bought was a near perfect Winchester that I paid 375.00 for. Last M1A was a Springfield NM that I paid 700 for.
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And I used to pay twenty six cents a gallon for gas. What's your point? You will buy nothing if the cost has risen over what it was twenty years ago?
 
Gordon said:
I bought my National Match M1a for $700 in 1981
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Thought this was interesting...

"Current data is only available till 2009. In 2009, the relative worth of $700.00 from 1971 is:

$3,710.00 using the Consumer Price Index
$3,010.00 using the GDP deflator
$3,840.00 using the value of consumer bundle "
 
goon said:
Good thinking.
Realistically, there isn't much you can do with an M1A that you can't do with a Garand. And for that matter, although both are more powerful, an SKS is a good rifle. I also shoot them better than AK's and would feel pretty confident with one. I'm not sure that they're more accurate than a decent AK per se, but I do know that I've always been better with an SKS. Truth be told, if the budget is limited right now and you really want a centerfire rifle, I think you'd be hard pressed to do better. I know if I had an SKS it would get definitely get shot.
I'd avoid the Yugo's for now because prices have gone up on them to the point that they're not cheaper than the others but they still have that gas cut-off valve that can get screwed up and they don't have chrome-lined bores. They were great buys at $100 a few years ago, but I'd look for a different variant now.
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As for the SKS, I'm only looking to buy a Russian or Norinco, preferrably a Ruskie. My future brother-in-law has a gorgeous unissued Yugo and swears by it. Although he did get it in 2005 for $200-250, so it was a good deal back then. Not for almost twice as much now.
 
I have a Garand too, but these are addictive. Get what you can but never part with any of them. Just get a bigger place and another safe.
 

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Yes it was THE major purchase that year for sure. BTW I bought a CAR-15 for $399 in 1980 (and I still have the little thing) Which was about the same price as a Colt SAA and just short of $450 for the Python Hunter .I had a Brown Precision 5 pound scoped .308 Ultra light made in 1978 that cost me $1500 plus the gun (600 Mohawk) and M3x Leupold. So the consumer index is NOT spot on as far as I know. Now if they devalue the dollar and my silver hoard goes to $2000 an once then I think we'd have 4 digit inflation .
BTW I said 1981 NOT 71 when I was killing before killing was kewl and the dollar DID have value!
 
I am a firm believer in the old adage that you get what you pay for. With firearms, it holds true for the weapon, sights, ammunition etc.
You've gotten some good replies from some knowledgable folks. I especially like 'goon's" reply.
My two cents is that you should get what "YOU" like. Opinions are like ..... you know, everyone has one, me too. If you have to wait a few months more to save the coin for something you really want, then do it. My grandpap told me that if you buy the best, you'll never regret your decision. It may cost more than you expected and take longer to get than you want, but in the end, if you are happy, then "It's all good."
For my weapon, she is a Springfield M1A Loaded with a nice scope, Springfield mount, five - 20 round mags, Harris bipods, shoots anything but has a taste for Federal Match ammo. Got well over 2K in her and don't regret a dime of it. I'm no collector and not a wealthy man, but I know what I like. Some day I'll save up and buy Sadi (That's her name) a Zeiss or Swarovski scope and then I might have to kick the wife out of bed and start sleeping with her.
________________________________________
"Leave the gun. Take the Canolli."
 
Got my socom 16, when they firstcame out, what a great gun to have some fun with, pure and simple a very reliable manageable, fairly light weight weapon.. 2"groups at 100 yards, I reload but with small base dies.
 
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