M1 Socom vs. AR-10

[Al Thompson]

Keep it on topic folks.

 

[dvdcrr]

I like the scout squad and socom. I have only owned a couple M1a but neither were the shorter models so I dont know about their accuracy. I dont think youll go wrong with the Ruger though. It would be my pick. Someone said the weight of the M1a is an issue. Really? This country is still here because American men were willing to carry that weight across several CONTINENTS.(M1) My uncles being among them. My standard M1a loaded with sling is 9.5lb. I can carry it all day.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

If it were me, I'd keep the Socom. Not because I know it to be better than the Ruger, but because I've wanted one since.... I can remember. Just something cool and classic about the M14 design. That said, based on Ruger's rep alone, Im sure the Ruger would be a great gun. Just not the first of the 2 choices I'd choose.

 

[back40]

i haven't heard any complaints from ruger owners with regard to the usual perceived problems associated with piston systems.

it likely comes down to sighting system choice. if you want to stick with irons, the m1a is a fine platform (that you already have). if you plan to mount an optic, the ruger will be the better choice.

 

[fragout]

I've had an SR762 since last NOV, and have had a few 18 and 16 in bbl M14 types for years now.

My M1A Socom started out in life as a SOCOM II, but I didnt care for rails, as it added weight tore the overall balance apart. Ended up selling off the rail system, which left me with a synthetic stock minus the front sling swivel. ( It was back when SAI was still utilizing M14 synthetic stocks.)

My M1A-A1 Bush rifle weighs out at 8.5 lbs. SR762 weighs out at 8.6 lbs.

A 20rd SR762 mag topped off with M80 ball weighs out at 1.4 lbs. A 20rd M14 mag loaded the same weighs out at 1.5 lbs.

So...... both of them weigh the same.

SAI M1A's sporting 16 or 18 inch factory bbls are all non chrome lined. The SR762 factory bbl is chrome lined.

SAI's customer service is one of, if not the best around in my opinion. If you get a lemon, they will make it right.

Both rifles are designed to be used in the field, and not strictly from a bench. No bedding to worry about (M1A), or free floating handguards either. (SR)

I have 18in bbl M1A's with problem free rd counts of over 5000 easily. A well built rifle of this type will operate in just about any types of weather, climate, etc...etc....

Too early to tell how the SR762 will measure up, but I wont go back to DGI again, as it is one of the better built AR type rifles made for use in the field via it's design.

A new M1A (any model) sells typically with 1-10rd mag, while the SR762 sold with 3-20rd mags....among some other stuff.

Both rifles shoot well for use in the great outdoors. Neither were designed to be "match" rifles either. Out of the box, both sport iron sights. ( SR762 sports Samson flip up irons.)

the SR762 sports a threaded muzzle with Ruger's useless flash hider on the end to protect the threads..... IE.....very easy to replace with another, a brake, or a can if you like.

You already know how your Socom's muzzle brake works.

The SR762 sports an adjustable gas system. Setting 0 shuts it off completley, just as your Socom's spindle valve in the closed position. Settings 1 thru 3 open it up more and more as you go thru the numbers thus allowing more ability to "tune" it per different load.

If your Socom II has the extended rail over the receiver, then it is as easy to mount optics as a flat top AR type such as the SR762. If not, mounting optics over the receiver require a scope mount.

Maintaining either rifle is easy. The SR762 requires less tools to do so, and it doesnt dump gunk into it's own chamber as the DGI types do, so it is much easier to clean compared to them. ( The piston is chrome plated so easy to clean.)

If it were me....... I would keep the Socom and save up for the SR. If that aint possible, sell the Socom, then buy the SR, as the Socom II is worth more than an SR762.

If your plan is to add a can, the SR762 is ready to rock outa the box. In addition, it is more compact than a factory produced M1A Socom, and the iron sights can be utilized with just about any type of can installed.



Hope this helps some.

 

[Elm Creek Smith]

You should get rid of your SOCOM immediately, taking a loss if necessary! I can give you $50.00 for it! Contact me for shipping information!

(My Mini-14 needs a big brother!)

ECS

 

[Reloadron]

I own a Socom II however I have not shot it that much. I was considering trading it in for a Ruger AR-10, as the platform is much more familiar to me. So, I was wondering what the always informed members of this forum think is superior between the two rifles. Would appreciate any feedback.

I go with whatever trips your trigger. I have a SA M1A NM and I enjoy shooting that rifle. I just never could warm up to the SOCOM flavor. I also have a match Armalite AR 10(T) and enjoy that rifle. Personally I see each as a different rifle. The two rifles are not even close to the same animal.

My suggestion would be to shoot an AR 10 flavor and then you decide which trips your trigger, ultimately it is you that you need to make happy.

Just My Take
Ron

 

[JustinJ]

M1A is more of a novelty, imo. Aside from just wanting a gun for collector or cool factor, i'd definitely go with a high quality .308 AR but Ruger's wouldn't be my first choice. The LWRC REPR or LMT would be my first choice. Unless maximum precision is the goal though, i'd take a SCAR H over all of em.

 

[breakingcontact]

M1A is more of a novelty, imo. Aside from just wanting a gun for collector or cool factor, i'd definitely go with a high quality .308 AR but Ruger's wouldn't be my first choice. The LWRC REPR or LMT would be my first choice. Unless maximum precision is the goal though, i'd take a SCAR H over all of em.

Im really not sure that an LMT is better than the Ruger. Fancier and more cool I guess but the modern Ruger AR type rifles are good.

 

[Alpha Wolf]

Well I have a Socom 16 for years. I have found that its accuracy is very
dependent upon the ammo you use. It is very finicky about ammo. :banghead:

With average Machine gun surplus the groups at 100 yards are like 2 inches. With some Winchester Ridgeback it was terrible, like 8 inches. But with the Hornady Tap 308 WIN 110 grain the accuracy was amazingly different. I was getting 1 inch groups at 200 + years (from a rest). I cannot repeat that with any other ammo I have tried.

But since last year finding this ammo has been impossible here. I am down to my last two boxes. So I shoot other stuff but its accuracy is not as good.

The AR 10 will be easier to shoot and mod.

I just prefer the M1A more for personal reasons to the AR.

 

[dprice3844444]

try the 155 grain heads if you reload.

 

[dprice3844444]

the ar-10 is a better modular system than the m14.aftermarket upgrades can be done to the ar-10 and maintain accuracy. it's harder to do with the m14.folks nowadays are familiar with the ar-15 setup.i have 2 sei m14's,1 semi with usgi glass stock,trw guts,leatherwood mount with art mpc scope.the other is with Winchester guts,m14e2 wooden non walnut stock,select fire.but,my next 308 setup will be an ar-10 for hunting.trying to make things lighter and simpler.also looking at the colt le901,as you can convert t from 308 to 223,by quickly changing parts

 

[strambo]

For basically the same price I think an AR 10 variant makes more sense. It should be more ergonomic, more accurate, easier to mount optics, cheaper magazines. If you like the Ruger, also consider the S&W and the DPMS Gen II Recon. If I could afford one, I'd be going the DPMS G2 Recon route and swapping the forend for a better rail and putting in a better trigger.

I also really like the LMT MWS, but is is a heavy beast, I have an MRP and love it (it is heavy too though.)