.30 Cal Military Match Rifle

[Mikee Loxxer]

I am considering selling one of my DSA SA58 rifles to finance the purchase of an M1A National Match rifle.

For the last few years the focus of my rifle shooting has been using my K31's in the local Swiss matches. Although I own a couple DSA SA58 rifles (18" carbine and T48 replica) they haven't been to the range in a long time. My thinking is that I might get more enjoyment shooting an M1A National Match rifle in the local competitions rather than owning an FAL that really isn't suited to such an activity.

I'm sort of torn. Should I sell one of my SA58s to finance the M1A match gun or should I just save my pennies and wait? There seems to be a common sentiment somewhere along the lines of " I used to own an FAL and I regret selling it."

What would my fellow high roaders do? Sell an FAL to fund a match gun?

 

[stubbicatt]

The Garand in 308 will also do well in position shooting. I think it is easier to accurize a Garand than it is a M14 or M1A.

 

[velocette]

Mikee;
Accurizing an M1a or a Garand is not an easy task nor a cheap one. Further, once accurized they both demand special handling and periodic tune-ups, All this for a rifle that when at its peak is not quite the equal of a match tuned AR 15 at less than half the cost.
There is a reason that the AR rifles dominate at the National matches, and its not all cost.
If you want an M1a because you really like the rifle, thats fine, just understand that an off the shelf "National Match M1a" is by no means National Match ready.

Roger

 

[Reloadron]

Decisio9ns, decisions! Personally, given a choice I would retain what I had and save towards the M1A. However, that is me and based on my finances and thinking.

I have a NM M1A which I like very, very much. I still need to get around to doing the bedding and a few more things to trick it out. I even have a slightly oversize stock in the white (raw wood) for when I get around to it. You will not be disappointed with a M1A.

As to the M1A and Garand thing? I would likely just build up a Garand in the original chamber of 30-06. I do have one in 7-08 Remington I built up and also have a .308 barrel lying around but have yet to do much with it. Shoots great.

If you go the M1A route an excellent book is:

KUHNHAUSEN SHOP MANUAL U.S. 30 Cal. Gas Operated Service Rifles Volumes I & II
The U.S. .30 Cal. Gas Operated Service Rifles: A Shop Manual The only really detailed gunsmithing and repair manual on these extraordinary rifles ever published. 100's of crystal clear photos and illustrations. 2nd generation, two-in-one, edition - 383 pages with thread stitched binding and plastic laminated soft cover. 383 pages of brand new and updated material - Not a rehash of old military manuals!

Really helps with accurizing and bedding techniques.

Ron