Yep, me too. When looking at the various M1A models, I leaned toward the Scout Squad because of the shorter overall length and the "handiness" of the rifle itself. Muzzle velocity isn't harmed much by the shorter barrel as some would think (I've run chrono tests comparing 18" and 22" barrels and can report if there is interest).
I got the Walnut Scout Squad about a year ago and man do I love this rifle.
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I for one would be interested in your findings Bergmen.
11B
Okay, here is my report. I do not have two M1A's but I do have a .308 bolt action rifle with a 22" barrel.
I used my new Browning X-Bolt Medallion as a comparative rifle to see what measured difference in muzzle velocity there is between the two. The chronograph used is a Chrony F-1. Five rounds were fired in each rifle.
The M1A has a barrel length of 18", the Browning 22", a difference of 4".
The chronograph was placed about 10' in front of the muzzles of both rifles.
Ammunition used in both rifles is Winchester 7.62 white box factory ammo, 147 grain FMJ (Q3130).
Results:
A) Browning X-Bolt:
2781 fps
2764 fps
2799 fps
2759 fps
2789 fps
Average = 2778 fps
B) Springfield M1A:
2732 fps
2789 fps
2773 fps
2760 fps
2740 fps
Average = 2758 fps
Difference in average between a 22" barrel and 18" barrel = 20 fps.
In addition, the Browning is a bolt action (obviously) and the M1A is semi-auto (again, obviously).
So, it looks like the ballistics are almost identical between the two. The gas system doesn't seem to rob anything from the MV and the barrel length only takes 20 fps.
Dan