M1A decision

[TexasPatriot.308]

Okay, got my money saved up for another rifle ( like I really need one) I got $1800 saved up and my 2 options I am looking at are the Springfield Armory Scout Squad with 18"barrel, walnut stock or the 22" barrel loaded standard M1A. aside from the barrel length difference and its muzzle velocity factor, what else do I look for? I got several mini 14s and 30s so I know the genreral workings plus I was also lucky enough to shoot these in my military days in the early 70s.

 

[bpl]

What will you be using it for? Target shooting, then go with the loaded model. Hunting hogs and deer and fun shooting or "tactical" stuff and self defense, go with the scout.

Unfortunately, I don't have my money saved up, but I do want an M1A. Probably not this year though. I already bought a bunch of CMI mags on sale for it. Anyway, I'm leaning toward the scout model myself. Seems much handier and .308 should do fairly well out of an 18" barrel. Seems a much better choice for self-defense and SHTF-type scenarios too. If I wanted to mainly target shoot for accuracy, I'd lean toward paying the extra $$ for the NM model. We can't hunt with semiauto rifles or pistols here in PA, so target shooting, plinking, "tactical" shooting is what I'd use it for, that is until I move out west (hopefully) in the future. I suppose I could bring it down to TX and hunt hogs/deer with my family down there though. No theres a thought!

 

[W.E.G.]

The standard M1A meets the rules requirements for service rifle competition under NRA rules and CMP rules.

The other gun you mentioned is just another bling-bling thing.

 

[loadedround]

It won't make much difference hunting or plinking with either model. The big difference would be in the sights. If you plan to scope your rifle then go with the scout model. The standard, loaded, or NM models are designed to be shot with metal sights, they are more difficult to scope and you will have to add a cheek piece or build up the top of the stock to achieve a proper pot weld. I speak from experience. Love my NM M1A rifle.

 

[longdayjake]

I own a loaded. Love it a ton. If I had $1800 to spend I would probably be buying something else though. Maybe thats because I already have one and I wouldn't sell it.

Buy the one you like the most. Neither rifle is going to be the easiest of guns to mount a proper long range scope to.

 

[kmcintosh78]

My standard 22" was easy to scope. Cheek weld is consistent, with practice.
My irons are great as well.

 

[loadedround]

Mac: I could never get my cheek down far enough to contact the stock. Guess I'm sort of built weird.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I plan on using this as a combat rifle, I know the 22" barrel might reach out further, but I will need this for a combo close quarters/600 yard plus weapon. we are overrun with drug cartels in this part of Texas even though the gov't denies it. open sights are still on my mind for this weapon. I got AKs, AR 10s and 15s, but I believe the accuracy of the M1A platform is what I need. soon the violence on the border will spread into my area, I do deer hunt down south also. lots of my friends working in the oilfield down there are discreetly told by employers to be armed, it is real down here folks, dont believe Napolitano and obama that the border is secure cause it aint !!!!!

 

[mshootnit]

I have two M1a rifles and would recomend the standard rifle, but you do have enough money (almost) for the NM version which I have and whole heartedly recommend, if you don't mind a rifle thats a little heavy. I really like the standard synthetic I have. I put a standard buttplate on it instead of the recoil pad and its very very nice. I have to admit that I do have a Fulton armory walnut stock and metal coming for it though... might try out the USGI wood configuration for awhile. BTW I would also strongly consider an original M1 for that kind of money. Any person standing withing 600 yds of a practiced rifleman equipped with a USGI M1 Garand is in serious danger.

 

[az_imuth]

I went with the Standard Loaded several years ago and have been completely satisfied with absolutely no regrets. The rifle is very accurate and has never had the slightest reliability issue. If you're going to use irons, I'd go with the 22" barrel for the longer sight radius. Here's mine with a USGI stock.

 

[Dean1818]

great choice.......

M1a scout is on my very short list to buy... (but probably next year)

Though very pricey (I did see a VG used scout for $1200 at this weekends fun show in Frisco)

...It ALMOST followed me home.....


I am glad some fellow texans are starting to speak up about "our" problem

I am in Frisco, TX, and we dont have the problems that you have, but it needs to be addressed.

Someone 2000 miles away doesnt get it.

They should enforce the federal LAW or get out of the way of the STATES
that NEED to enforce it.

 

[classcpl]

Texas Patriot:

I also live in TX but Im not too close to the border. Due to my occupation I have seen intel concerning the activity of these Drug Trafficking Organizations on both sides of the border and I can attest that you are not exaggerating the situation. I don't know what your background is but consider that many of these Drug Trafficking Organizations are utilizing individuals who either are prior military or have been trained by prior military (read special forces) in combat tactics.

I'm not saying this to freak people out, and I'm not saying that every guy who crosses over illegally is some bloodthirsty commando bent on mayhem. I'm just making the point because I think a lot of us tend to think in terms of protecting ourselves from some random gang banger or dope fiend. These DTO members are a different breed and they are no joke.

It sounds like you are already covered as far as small caliber "assault" rifles are concerned. IMO your primary use for the M1A will be hitting hard at a distance. I say go for the Loaded with NM sights. Assuming you have to haul that bad boy out I don't think portability is going to be a huge issue.

 

[Welding Rod]

I saw a new NM M!A the other day for $1,8XX. I should have bought it but I just didn't have the spare cash to make that happen.

I have been content enough so far with my Standard, but the accuracy isn't what I like to see in a rifle (sub MOA).

Anyhow I would consider the NM is you have the money saved up and can find a good deal.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

The M1A is an excellent rifle, I love mine.

I have an M1A Loaded. Mine is the stainless synthetic. Even more than the weight added by the medium contour barrel, I hate the length. It's my only complaint with the rifle. I've packed all around the hills and while I've noticed the weight, I won't say I won't say I've ever regretted having it. But the length makes it awkward in some situations and I do regret not going with the Scout. If I had it to do again, I would have. It is lighter and handier, balances better, and the little bit of velocity you lose will be inconsequential at most of the distances you are using the rifle--unless of course you're going straight High Power or other such competition. In that case, I'd still skip the Loaded and go with the National Match.

I say go Scout.

 

[Lefty 42]

Get the scout or a SOCOM 16. Both will do just fine up close and out further. God speed.

 

[skipbo32]

texas patriot:
go with the m1a standard. you will not be sorry. it is what the gun was meant to be. you will hit out to 600yds no prob. the scout is cute but is not as versitel. get a standard for 1500 and use your extra cash to get a mount or optic. if you live in a rual area and want to blast mexican drug cartel, i would put a mid range optic or red dot on that sucker. the m1a is a beast but you should get the full length barrel. the .308 was made for that! and i garantee you, the drugies will not have a full size .308 battle rifle. keep em at a distance with your high powered .308 and if they come in your door.....dont even open the door......just start shootin'!

 

[4v50 Gary]

TexasPatriot.308 - You mentioned you have AR-10s. They should be able to outshoot the M-14 (mine is a semi-automatic Smith Enterprise M-14). There's more moving parts in the M1A and it's difficult for the armorer to keep the M-14 in top trim. Pulling the gun in/out of the stock wears out the bedding and that allows for shifting. Even if you never took it apart, you have the issue of more moving parts (gas piston, op rod, op rod spring and op rod spring guide) that give you greater variance (harmonics) that will affect consistency. Don't get me wrong, the M-14 is a great gun to shoot, but for accuracy, I'll stick with the AR-10.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I got an Armalite AR10 A2 and A Bushmaster BAR 10, love them both, but got to have an M1A. for you patriots that know napolitano and osmabama are lying about our border check out Al Garzas new org. (co founder of Minutemen movement) www.Patriotscoalition.com or Shannon McGauleys www.txminuteman.com (maybe org.) anyway, we need boots onthe border and I will have at least 2 .45s and 2 trusty combat rifles at Ft. Hancock in October.... I just got to have an M1a, leaning towards the Scout squad right now....