TexasPatriot.308
Member
fixin to get me my first M1A, torn between standard model with 22" barrel and the Scout Squad with the 18" barrel...any owners of these out there with regrets on which one they bought or pros and cons of these two firearms.
M1A choice
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PowerJoker6.0
Member
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2010
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- 131
i got the loaded rifle full size with walnut, i like the scout/socoms, but i would never look back after a few months with mine
kurt1305
Member
I've owned the standard and now own the Scout Squad (both with walnut stocks). I like the shorter (handier) barrel and the option for a forward mounted optic. I haven't shot past 200 yards, but either seems just as accurate in my hands. Let me know if you want to shoot it prior to buying.
memphisjim
Member
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2008
- Messages
- 1,265
Full-size for shooting. Scout if you like it's looks
drbeans
Member
I actually own a full length standard and am debating this myself. I am considering parting with it in order to pick up a shorter variant. Dont get me wrong, the full length models are great rifles. I am looking at it this way, for the average distances I would be shooting the full length doesn't offer enough of an accuracy advantage (if any), and the shorter ones are easier to carry and could be used easier in close quarters. In a perfect world, I would have both.
Double Vision
Member
My M1A Scout Squad with walnut stock my be my favorite and best rifle.
henschman
Member
I prefer a Standard model with the 22" barrel. I find the Loaded with the medium-weight 22" barrel to be too heavy, and I don't like the reduced velocity, max effective range, and sight radius on the 16 and 18" models.
Curator
Member
Bryank30 & Powerjoker6.0 have good advise. I owned a Scout Squad for a while and was disappointed with its down range accuracy. I have a Standard length Loaded walnut and I couldn't be happier. Actually the slightly heaver gun is easier to shoot. If I need light I go with my AR. If I need serious I take the M1A.
Grunt Medic TXARNG
Member
For me, the whole point of lugging the extra weight of the M14 platform and 7.62 ammo is to take advantage of its greater range. Certain Special Operations units have submitted an Operational Needs Statement (ONS) for a short length M14 rifle - but you can bet those are used in specific applications.
+1 to Curator's statement - if the tactical situation allows me to choose, then for 5 -500 meters the AR is my choice; for 300-800m it's the ACOG scoped semi M14. Longer than that calls for better hardware and training than I now posess.
+1 to Curator's statement - if the tactical situation allows me to choose, then for 5 -500 meters the AR is my choice; for 300-800m it's the ACOG scoped semi M14. Longer than that calls for better hardware and training than I now posess.
I've owned a Standard (22") and a SOCOM (16.25"). It's only six inches (that's what she said), so it doesn't matter that much. But I prefer the standard. It is smoother shooting, more accurate (barrel harmonics seem to work better with the 22"), and less loud for the shooter.
I own an NM walnut. Its now on its second barrel, I went with a GI chrome lined and a synthetic stock. Still an incredibly accurate rifle. And yes I kept the walnut NM stock. You really cant go wrong either way, see if you can fire both first. Then decide.
I like all 3 bbl lengths (22/18/16) that this type of rifle sports.... and would suggest that you try all 3 out if possible to see which you prefer. Each of them have their respective "spots in the line up". It will most likely come down to personal preference, combined with intended use.
Standards are excellent if competition is on the table, or simply for the look of an M14 Service Rifle.
The Scout/Bush/Tanker makes for an excellent all around workhorse.
Whatever model you choose, it wont loose value over the long haul if properly maintained.
You really cant go wrong with either.
If I had to pick one bbl length, it would be the 18 ish" length, as I prefer it for hunting hogs, and as a general purpose rifle.......
Top to bottom =
SAI M1A-A1 Bush rifle
Custom build M14S Tanker
LRB Arms M14SA Tanker
11B
Standards are excellent if competition is on the table, or simply for the look of an M14 Service Rifle.
The Scout/Bush/Tanker makes for an excellent all around workhorse.
Whatever model you choose, it wont loose value over the long haul if properly maintained.
You really cant go wrong with either.
If I had to pick one bbl length, it would be the 18 ish" length, as I prefer it for hunting hogs, and as a general purpose rifle.......
Top to bottom =
SAI M1A-A1 Bush rifle
Custom build M14S Tanker
LRB Arms M14SA Tanker
11B
mljdeckard
Member
There's nothing wrong with the rifle itself. My problem was that I had a 2nd Gen scope mount on it, and I had to lean so far to see into it it was bumping my eyebrow when I shot it, and the mount was so low I couldn't zero the iron sights either. I needed a different mount and a stock with a raised comb. I realized pretty quick it was more project than I wanted to get into.
Z-Michigan
Member
I would get the 18" Scout model personally, and I say this as someone who has a 22" Loaded model. The 22" is just a bit big, and the 18" Scout will do 99% of what you can do with the 22", and be a lot handier and more nicely balanced for activities like hog hunting and defensive practice.
you said "first M1A".......which means you might be thinking of getting another down the road. your first M1A should be a standard. get a feel for what the original M14 was supposed to feel like. feel the balance and the long sight radius. buy one with a synthetic stock, used for $1,000. then put an original GI walnut stock on there.
i have a scout as well, and it is a fine rifle. i owned 3 standards before i bought the scout though.
you cant go wrong with either, but usually my opinion is: if you have to ask that question then chances are you will be happier getting the standard.
i have a scout as well, and it is a fine rifle. i owned 3 standards before i bought the scout though.
you cant go wrong with either, but usually my opinion is: if you have to ask that question then chances are you will be happier getting the standard.
henschman
Member
As you can see, everybody seems to really like whatever type of M1A they have. Which one you like may be determined by the type of shooting you do with it. Of course, the type of shooting you do may change after you get a rifle like this!
I agree with skipbo... if it's you first, you should probably go with a Standard. Then you can start playing around with the carbine versions or the heavier barreled target versions and see what your personal preference is.
I agree with skipbo... if it's you first, you should probably go with a Standard. Then you can start playing around with the carbine versions or the heavier barreled target versions and see what your personal preference is.
Z-Michigan (quote)I would get the 18" Scout model personally, and I say this as someone who has a 22" Loaded model. The 22" is just a bit big, and the 18" Scout will do 99% of what you can do with the 22", and be a lot handier and more nicely balanced for activities like hog hunting and defensive practice. (quote)
============================================================
After owning a few 22in versions, I ended up with the same conclusions as Z-Michigan did. I wanted the same type of rifle, but in a handier package. My concern initially was with any lack of performance using an 18in bbl vs a 22in. After getting to know the 18in bbl version(s), they cover about 99% of what the 22in bbls do...... for me at least. I also prefer the overall balance vs the 22in...although both are very close in this respect. (Scout and standard)
Here is some more info that might be worth knowing in regards to the SAI M1A's......
1. Both of them roll off the assembly line with non-chrome lined std weight bbls. In the past, they did assemble the standards with GI parts, to include GI chrome lined bbls. The shorter versions were not chrome lined.
2. If your planning to mount optics, I would suggest a well built mount if the plan is to mount it over the receiver. I have tried all but the 4th gen SAI mounts in the past, and none of them were worth the effort. The following mounts are the mounts that I have had good results with..
ARMS #18
SEI
Sadlak
Bassett
With that being said, this type of rifle has outstanding iron sights, and are worth the time to "get to know them"....so to speak.
3. The choices in stocks are plenty, and really open up this rifle in versatility nowadays. Various types of wood stocks, synthetics, and a few with pistol grips and enough rails space to give the latest AR a run for it's rail money...lol
4. Websites that may be of interest to you regarding the M1A/M14.....
http://www.springfield-armory.com/
http://www.imageseek.com/m1a/
http://www.lrbarms.com/
http://fulton-armory.com/M14-/-M1A.aspx
http://www.762mmfirearms.com/
http://www.smithenterprise.com/
http://www.jamesriverarmory.com/ind...=shop.browse&category_id=37&Itemid=1&TreeId=9
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1A_rifle
http://m14forum.com/
http://www.m1arifles.com/
Hope this helps some.
FWIW..... I couldnt stop at just one.
Good luck with your decision.
11B
============================================================
After owning a few 22in versions, I ended up with the same conclusions as Z-Michigan did. I wanted the same type of rifle, but in a handier package. My concern initially was with any lack of performance using an 18in bbl vs a 22in. After getting to know the 18in bbl version(s), they cover about 99% of what the 22in bbls do...... for me at least. I also prefer the overall balance vs the 22in...although both are very close in this respect. (Scout and standard)
Here is some more info that might be worth knowing in regards to the SAI M1A's......
1. Both of them roll off the assembly line with non-chrome lined std weight bbls. In the past, they did assemble the standards with GI parts, to include GI chrome lined bbls. The shorter versions were not chrome lined.
2. If your planning to mount optics, I would suggest a well built mount if the plan is to mount it over the receiver. I have tried all but the 4th gen SAI mounts in the past, and none of them were worth the effort. The following mounts are the mounts that I have had good results with..
ARMS #18
SEI
Sadlak
Bassett
With that being said, this type of rifle has outstanding iron sights, and are worth the time to "get to know them"....so to speak.
3. The choices in stocks are plenty, and really open up this rifle in versatility nowadays. Various types of wood stocks, synthetics, and a few with pistol grips and enough rails space to give the latest AR a run for it's rail money...lol
4. Websites that may be of interest to you regarding the M1A/M14.....
http://www.springfield-armory.com/
http://www.imageseek.com/m1a/
http://www.lrbarms.com/
http://fulton-armory.com/M14-/-M1A.aspx
http://www.762mmfirearms.com/
http://www.smithenterprise.com/
http://www.jamesriverarmory.com/ind...=shop.browse&category_id=37&Itemid=1&TreeId=9
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1A_rifle
http://m14forum.com/
http://www.m1arifles.com/
Hope this helps some.
FWIW..... I couldnt stop at just one.
Good luck with your decision.
11B
TexasPatriot.308
Member
I decided on the standard "loaded" model, placed my order today....if I sell a mini 30 and another rifle I dont use I should have enough extra cash for the scout model as well, I just have an urge for one. should be a good long range hog rifle with open sights.
PowerJoker6.0
Member
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2010
- Messages
- 131
good choice, let us know how you like it
bergmen
Member.
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.
Dan
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