16" versus 18" barrel on M1A

[Balrog]

I am thinking about getting a short barrelled M1A. Mainly just for plinking and playing with.

What are the pros and cons of the 16" versus 18" barrel in an M1A?

 

[NoirFan]

I have the 18" scout model and I've handled the 16" socom. I think the 18" scout is the much better rifle, mostly because the socom comes with rough sights. The front sight post is too wide for good shooting, and 16" length requires a special gas system which I've read can be finicky.

The 18" barrel is the perfect length for the M1A in my opinion. Good balance, and solid without feeling front-heavy.

 

[dprice3844444]

http://www.smithenterprise.com/products03.01.html check gas lock front sight for the shorties

 

[greyling22]

while they will both be stupendously loud, the 16" will be louder. 308 factory loads are not made for a short barrel. The powder is too slow.

 

[dvdcrr]

My only knock is I havent heard good things accuracy wise out of the 18"

 

[henschman]

A SOCOM would be way too loud to hunt with without ear pro with 16" and a brake, whereas the 18" with a flash hider is manageable... so if you're thinking about using it for hogs or something that might be a consideration.

 

[ATLDave]

while they will both be stupendously loud, the 16" will be louder.

Amen. I was in an indoor range recently and someone was banging away with a SOCOM. Even with muffs and plugs, it was oppressive.

 

[taliv]

my experience was one was really really loud and the other was really really really loud. i couldn't hit much with either. could have been me though as it's hard to shoot with both hands over your ears

 

[Welding Rod]

My SOCOM was 100% reliable with every load and handload I tried. However accuracy was dismal.

 

[Jackal]

The 18" barreled scout is reportedly more accurate and it also hits harder, due to the increased velocity. If you want a 16" barrel, might as well just get a 7.62x39, with .308 cut down to 16", your nearing its territory....

 

[Arizona_Mike]

The SOCOM II is too heavy. The SOCOM 16 is not light enough for 2" to help that much. I think the 18" M1A Scout Squad (strange name, shouldn't it be Squad Scout) is the most handy M1A platform.

Mike

 

[dvdcrr]

The 18" barreled scout is reportedly more accurate and it also hits harder, due to the increased velocity. If you want a 16" barrel, might as well just get a 7.62x39, with .308 cut down to 16", your nearing its territory....

Or better yet: Saiga 308

 

[Jackal]

Or better yet: Saiga 308

Haha, I actually have a Vepr .308 on the way, 23" barrel. If going up to .308, might as well get enough barrel to get .308 power.

 

[highpower]

I would say that my Scout has the same practical accuracy as my M1A standard rifle. I say practical accuracy as I don't shoot off the bench and when shooting from the prone position I get about the same size groups.

 

[Welding Rod]

My favorite M1A by far is the Standard model. It is light and has enough barrel to make hitting easier. Mine happens to be quite accurate and it seems most I have seen folks post about have been too.

Being an iron sight platform, maximum sight radius is helpful for making hits.

 

[119er]

I have the Scout Squad in a USGI fiberglass stock, USGI trigger parts, and NM guide rod and sights. It is loud, especially when prone. It will do an honest 2 MOA with reloads, sometimes better. 3 MOA or slightly more in the prone unsupported until I get tired. For me that is plenty accurate enough for it's intended role. It does not hold the cherished 1 MOA accuracy that seems to define accuracy today. I can shoot a M1A more accurately from position than I can an AR pattern rifle so it wins hands down in that department. I have not shot 16" so I can't comment on that.

Have realistic expectations and you'll be happy. That is a lot of firepower in a handy, comfortable package. The irons can't be beat. If you want optics, move on IMO.

 

[ncmitch]

The 18" barreled scout is reportedly more accurate and it also hits harder, due to the increased velocity. If you want a 16" barrel, might as well just get a 7.62x39, with .308 cut down to 16", your nearing its territory....

This is misleading, a 16" 308 is not nearly in the same category as 7.62x39.

With .308 150gr ball you should still be getting around 2600fps, that's not making the most out of the 308 but its definitely not a 7.62x39.

OP as far as your question comparing the two, I would get the 18" based on looks alone, the 16" M1A's look wrong to me, its just too short for my taste. Either way it will be LOUD

 

[Jackal]

This is misleading, a 16" 308 is not nearly in the same category as 7.62x39.

With .308 150gr ball you should still be getting around 2600fps, that's not making the most out of the 308 but its definitely not a 7.62x39.

Well, it is sort of like comparing high velocity .22lr with .22wmr. The 308 will do 2600fps (often times more around 2400-2500 with surplus or factory ammo) from a 16" with a 150gr and the 7.62x39 will do 2100fps with a 154gr. As I said, nearing its territory.