Contemplating a SOCOM M1A

[10-Ring]

I already have a loaded M1A all dolled up the way I want but got to thinking (I know, dangerous situation for me!) -- maybe I need to round things out w/ a SOCOM. I've got mags, I like shooting the platform, it's very CA friendly & the SOCOM w/o the rail is a nice shooter. Plus, w/ today's political climate, I may not have an opportunity to get one down the road
So -- what say yee? Is it worth looking for & yearning for a SOCOM or should I just buy more ammo for what I have?

 

[H2O MAN]

The SOCOM is fine, but the Scout is a better rifle.



The Scout barrel is 1.75" longer than the 16.25" SOCOM barrel and it delivers more muzzle velocity with less muzzle blast.
Run the Kali legal Springfield Armory, Inc. comp or replace it with the outstanding M14 US Coast Guard / Navy Muzzle Brake from SEI.

 

[MCMXI]

If you want either a SOCOM or a Scout then good luck finding one!! I ordered a Springfield Scout on 11/10/08 and I'm still waiting ... almost five months now!!

When I was asking questions about the SOCOM vs. the Scout almost six months ago, H20 MAN convinced me to order the Scout. IIRC there was mention made of the "issue" with the SOCOM comp ... it's integral to the gas block so it's a bigger deal to swap out.

 

[10-Ring]

I ordered my loaded in may '08 rec'd it july '08 -- i thank clean living & a lot of wishful thinking

 

[rtn]

I've got a SOCOM 16 I'm thinking of selling. If anyone's interested PM me.

 

[possum]

i personally prefer the scout but that is just me, heck i say go for it, for the reasons you stated and the fact that it is another m1a and you really can't go wrong with either one.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I'd stock up on ALOT of ammo for 2k (Socom) that's alot of ammo even the good ol' Federal Gold..,.,.. That's coming from a guy without one.
But if your looking for a manuverable rifle for a LOT less money get a little AR15. But if you have the money I'd get a Socom.

 

[10-Ring]

FYI -- in the last 3 yrs - since CA has approved OLL (long story) -- I've built up 3 ARs -- one in 223, 9mm & 7.62X39 -- so that is covered
I'm looking for a carbine length 308 and the SOCOM seems to fit the bill

 

[Acera]

10-Ring,

I have posted a number of times how much I like my SOCOM II, after I took all the extra stuff off it, and got a regular handguard. Very handy, same length as my M-4 clone from DPMS, and easy to shoot.

I have never had an issue with the compensator, or it not functioning correctly.

At the distances I shoot, under 200 yards, I don't worry too much about the muzzle velocity drop it has over the scout.

It seems to have a number of aftermarket products, like H2OMAN talks about, if you want to dress it up.

Funny thing, is my next M1A will probably be a full size like you have.

 

[10-Ring]

Acera -- do you shoot iron sight or w/ optic?

 

[Acera]

I took the optic off. Then the rails got in the way of the irons, so I took them off. That left a hole at the top, so I got a regular handguard for about $20, painted it flat black, put a sling swivel on the front and now I love the set up.

 

[H2O MAN]

1858, I hope your Scout arrives soon

1858 IIRC there was mention made of the "issue" with the SOCOM comp ... it's integral to the gas block so it's a bigger deal to swap out.

The integral comp on the SOCOM works very well especially with the action installed in a TROY MCS.

Also, it's no longer a big deal to install a DC Vortex and a standard or NM front sight now that SEI has released their SOCOM 16 muzzle kit.

 

[Pickles]

Ha, M1A's are the HOTTEST topic on the tubes lately! I was also considering a SOCOM 16 or II, but, thanks to H2o Man and M14HDW, I'm now planning on a scout to be dropped into a SAGE EBR CQB stock, with some assorted SEI goodies thrown in. My overall goal is get a Leupold Mark 4 and practice, practice, practice till I'm good out to 500 or 600 yrd's at least.


The modern M14 is sure addictive!


Pickles

 

[Acera]

H2O MAN,

Are you sure that rifle you pictured is 2 inches longer than my SOCOM II? From looking at your picture, and mine, they appear to have the same barrel length. The distance from stock to the muzzle device looks the same. Now I have a standard length handguard, so does the scout have a special longer one?

 

[H2O MAN]

Acera H2O MAN,

Are you sure that rifle you pictured is 2 inches longer than my SOCOM II?

I posted a SOCOM 16.




This is the Scout I once owned

 

[Acera]

Ok, I thought I was losing it for a minute. I like that wood stock, looks good.

 

[MCMXI]

1858, I hope your Scout arrives soon

H2O MAN, I'm just hoping I get it before the NEXT election ... but thanks anyway!! Despite SEI's new SOCOM 16 muzzle kit, I'm sticking with the Scout ... the last thing I need is to go to the back of the line ... I like the Scout more anyway.

 

[H2O MAN]

Acera Ok, I thought I was losing it for a minute. I like that wood stock, looks good.

Thanks

I have a few empty USGI stocks and I would like to find a pristine Birch USGI E2 stock... anyone???

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I love full length M1A's, but if you are thinking of dropping down in size to a carbine, you really should look at DSA's line of FAL rifles.

A carbine length FAL is almost as easy to handle as an AR, and I feel is much easier to handle than carbine length M1A.

 

[H2O MAN]

The FAL is a bit heavier than the Scout, but it's an option.

 

[Pickles]

Quote:
Originally Posted by H20 MAN
1858, I hope your Scout arrives soon
H2O MAN, I'm just hoping I get it before the NEXT election ... but thanks anyway!! Despite SEI's new SOCOM 16 muzzle kit, I'm sticking with the Scout ... the last thing I need is to go to the back of the line ... I like the Scout more anyway.

Argh, I hate hearing about how hard M1A's are to find! I'm just getting ready to start trying to order one!

 

[Acera]

I hate hearing about how hard M1A's are to find! I'm just getting ready to start trying to order one!

Ummmm if I remember correctly there is this guy that has to get rid of his, and is talking about a pretty good price.................................now where did I see that post.


Oh yeah, about 5 posts down.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=439807

 

[Lone_Gunman]

The FAL is a bit heavier than the Scout, but it's an option.

The Springfield website lists the Scout squad at 9.3 pounds.

The DSA website lists the 18" FAL at 8.35 pounds.

So the FAL is actually a pound less.

 

[10-Ring]

Weight isn't an issue -- being CA legal is & for me, the FAL just isn't an option

 

[LoneStarWings]

I'd do it! Personally I have an M1A scout. It's loads of fun at the range. It's not too heavy either, 9 lbs empty with the synthetic stock.