I feel why limit myself, I want a M1A loaded

[datruth]

I have loved the m14/m1A design for a long time before I had ever seen a FaL, I still love my fal but decided Im going to get a Springfield M1A loaded as well, never can have too many hard hitting battle rifles, you know. I know the model I like and have handled a couple by working part time in a gun store, I would like the loaded with synthetic stock and stainless steel barrel even though I may never shoot it to its full potential but the look and feel is incredible. I have already decided the optic I would want which is a Burris XTR 6-24x50 because I get it at a decent price, taking nothing from say a Leupold Mark 4, but for the money the Burris is just as nice but I'm relatively new to rifle scopes. but feeding it will come at a premium. well, what to expect from such a fine rifle accuracy, durability and anything else, what type of range could you get out of an out of the box M1A from Springfield, well I have talked enough tell me what are your experiences with the M1A's and with my choices , now all I have to do is order and play the waiting game with Springfield.

 

[Dienekes]

Your call, but "accessorizing" an M1A is a little bit like accessorizing Raquel Welch. (Tells you what my era was...)

Putting glass on an already ten pound rifle needs some forethought, unless you are going to just carry it between the vehicle and a shooting bench. Mine wears an optic, but the mount and optic together add only 16 ounces to the rifle.

Anybody can add weight to a rifle. Lightness--well, that is harder.

Lovely rifles, though.

 

[BammaYankee]

You should be able to hit 5 gallon buckets (I like the orange ones from Home Depot) with that rifle at least to 500 yards with iron sights... no problem.

 

[Bwana John]

Dont skimp, get the Super Match!

And lose the scope, chin welds arnt cool, and it would be a shame not to use the best iron sights in the world.

If you HAVE to have a scope cause your blind or somthing, at least get the McMillian stock with the butt height designied for scopes.

 

[Jason_G]

I'm also waiting on a Loaded that I ordered Friday. Should be here tomorrow (Tuesday). I got one just like you mention, only I got the Park'ed carbon steel barrel.

As far as optics go, keep in mind that a good scope mount that will put up with the recoil without losing zero is going to run you about $250-$300. Add the cost of rings and glass and you're quite possibly approaching the cost of the rifle itself just for optics. I'm not saying don't do it, but simply look at the cost of mounting optics if that is going to be critical in your decision making process.

Jason

 

[For Freedom]

I wouldn't get a Super Match. The general rule of thumb is that match components like bedding and heavy barrels affect a rifle's role as a battle rifle.

By the way, SAI guarantees (with match ammo) 4 moa from a SOCOM, 3 moa from a Standard, 1.5 moa from a National Match, and 1.0 moa from a Super Match. I don't know about the Loaded or Scout.

 

[Eightball]

My Garand'll do bowling pins at 300 yards no problem, with a barrel that was put on in the 50s and after it went to Greece and back.

I'm sure your M1A, with the benefit of better technology and ammunition, could easily do better.

 

[Mannlicher]

I have been shooting my M1A Loaded with just the iron sights since I bought it in the early 90's. I like it that way.
My rifle has a TRW NM barrel and sights.

 

[glockman19]

Congrats. The M1A is a great rifle. I have the loaded model and find it can still out shoot my abilities. I am accurate to about 600 yards with 3-5" groups at that distance.

I decised on the carbon barrel because the carbon disapated heat better than the stainless.

 

[funfaler]

The M1A Standard will give you a solid 600 yard rifle, with iron sights and surplus ammo, if you do your job.

My thoughts on the "Loaded" version is that it is not worth the extra $$.

You get a NM trigger group and NM barrel, over the Standard.

A USGI trigger group can be had for $125, or less and you will then have a good trigger group AND a back up.

The front sight on all Springfields are now NM, .062", so you don't gain there. The NM rear sight that comes with the Loaded only has NM graduations for windage, not elevation, so you really are not gaining much there. I would not bother.

The NM barrel/chamber has been known to be finicky with surplus ammo, perhaps a little tight at times? I doubt that most shooters can tell the difference in accuracy of the Standard vs. NM barrel on the loaded verision.

The extra $$ can go toward ammo. IMHO.

Shoot up the Standard, with iron sights, until you start to out shoot the rifle out to 500 yards, then consider upgrades if you think you need them.

Enjoy!!

 

[Tennessee Ned]

I've been looking at those too and I'd love to make that my next rifle also.

How much could I expect to pay for the Standard, the SOCOM16 or the Scout Squad?
And is the Mossy Oak finish any good?
And how would I go about finding one?

Is there anything else on the market that could be substituted in it's place that would be easier on the pocket book?

You've got a good point though Datruth. That's the one that I want too so why should I limit myself to something else when after I get something else I'll still be wanting an M1A?

 

[30Cal]

Dont skimp, get the Super Match!

By the time you added enough weight to the back end to get it to balance well, it's at 14.5-15lbs (without a scope).

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

I decised on the carbon barrel because the carbon disapated heat better than the stainless.

How do ya figure?

 

[Tarvis]

And is the Mossy Oak finish any good?

I don't know why you would want one that is camo'ed. I think they look like an abomination, but maybe someone else thinks it's cool. It just doesn't seem fitting for some reason.

As far as weight goes, you need to understand that this is a heavy rifle. That being said, "heavy" is dependent on the user. I handed my scoped mini 14 to a buddy's dad, who said "whoa that's heavy." If you are planning on taking this rifle on a marathon, you dreaming. At the same time, I carried a sling-less 13-14 lb savage across Wyoming when we went PD hunting. It wasn't Really fun but I'm still alive. Figure out what this rifle is going to be used for before you write off whichever model you choose due to weight.

 

[Kingcreek]

The OP starts out saying he wants an M1A Loaded (and wants to add optics) and ends his post by asking other's experience with same. sounds simple enough to me- his mind is made up. Why would others come along and try to change it? He could do a lot worse than his stated choice of an M1a Loaded.
Buy it, shoot it, enjoy it.
I have a M1A Bush rifle with a Springfield 3gen scope mount. With a little attention to mounting it actually works just fine, maybe not an Arms mount but it also wasn't 300 bucks. Easy on, easy off, but most of the time I enjoy shooting it with just the irons.
I also have a SuperMatch that I used when I shot highpower. Great shooter with nice walnut stock and a Douglas barrel. More accuracy than needed unless serious about competitive shooting. Both have been very reliable.