M1A bbl lengths

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jlwatts3

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I am in the market for a Springfield M1A and I am wondering how much difference the bbl length makes in terms of accuracy and other functions. I am leaning toward the scout (18") as opposed to the SOCOM (16") or the standard (22"). My thinking is just to split the difference. I am not going to be competing, just want the gun for fun. If it won't make much difference I may get the SOCOM just for ease of use etc. What are everyone's thoughts/ advice?
 
I had better luck reliability-wise with the full length rifle.

For the shorter ones see if you can get a used one, preferably from a friend, that has proven reliable already.

As far as accuracy, if Springfield is still using used chrome lined barrels you might want an unlined barrel.
 
This is merely my personal opinion here. A longer barrel will be more accurate and produce less muzzle blast; why decrease the rifles performance if you don't have to. I mean is the extra 4 inches of barrel gonna be a hinderance to you? Now, saying that, I think the 18in. model would make an excellent scout rifle and I'd like to own one of each. As a matter of fact, I just ordered a M14SA about 2 hours ago from LRB Arms. If your budget can swing it you'll get a MUCH better rifle than the Springfield.
 
I feel that the M-1a is a great platform for a marksmans rifle, and cutting down the barrel only shortens the sight radius. I also worry about the rifle desigined with the dwell time for a longer barrel (when the bullet is inbetween the gas port and muzzle). By cutting down the barrel without moving the gas port back, you must open the oriface for the gas port, changing the pressure curve, possibly battering op-rods against reciever.

I do love my 17" FAL, but it took work to make it reliable, and it never was (or will be) as accurate or precise as my M-1a

M-1a is not a great CQC weapon, its strenght lies in its ability to stand off at a distance and deliver a powerfull accurate round.
 
I had an early standard grade SA Bush rifle and it shot great. I qualified expert with it in matches more than a couple of times. It always functioned fine too and I never remember it ever having any problems in that respect. I did break a firing pin once. I just today picked up a SOCOM 16, so I'll get back to you on that here shortly. :) The sights on the SOCOM are different than the Standard and Bush guns I've had and have an enlarged rear aperture and fatter front post with a tritium insert. I dont believe they had target shooting in mind when they put them on the gun. :)
 
The M14 is a great battle rifle. I'd stick with a full length M14 variant. I wouldn't want to go less that 20" on a .308 barrel.

If you can, get a Fulton Armory M14 or get a Springfield Armory made prior to 2000 (which means you'll be looking for a used rifle). The quality of the new SA M1A rifles has gone downhill. For the price of an SA M1A, you better be sure you get a well built rifle.
 
for practical accuracy, the barrel length makes little difference. My SOCOM shoots as well at up to 200 yards as does my M1A Loaded. Stretching out, there may be a little difference, due to lower velocity, and more drop, but the groups seem to be about the same, just th POI changes.
 
Snake eater, or anyone else, what makes the LRB arms M14 better than the SA? Also to everyone who says quality is slipping, to what are you referring? Thanks again.
 
Well, I'm by no means an expert, heck, I'm a newbie to the M14. The LRB reciever is considered the best available because it's the only newly manufactured forged unit on the market. Everyone else uses cast recievers, except Polytech, and those require some smithing to get right. The LRB M14SA is built using all USGI parts which are of the highest quality. Alot of people are buying the LRB reciever and sending it off to a top smith to custom build a rifle.

The answer in short is this; Most of the old salts recommend having all USGI parts in your rifle for maximum reliablity and durability. Newer Springfields do not use all USGI parts. This is merely what I've learned from reading a few M14 specific books and talking to some M14 vets.
 
Check out these forums for lots of great info on the M14.

Regarding SA quality, remember that one satisfied customer tells 2 people, an unsatisfied customer tells 20. I've got an SA Standard M1A manufactured in September 2003 that arrived with an H&R USGI barrel, H&R USGI trigger group, and national match sights. Shoots great, too.

I like the SOCOM, too, got to run a magazine through one and loved it.
 
i have the 22'' N.M shoots a 5" group with milsurp ammo at 400 Yds. have a NM bush rifle that i love (its my hunting rifle) 1.5" groups at 100Yds. im sure i can improve on the groups when i start working up specific hand loads for ea. have been scanning the auctions for a SOCOM :cool:
 
Farnham, thanks for the link. Good stuff. Everyone else thank you. I still need to, make up my mind but now I am armed with enough info to do so (relatively) wisely.
 
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