M1a Loaded-is this a good deal?

[General Disarray]

I've had a M1a on my "wanted list" for quite some time. I have a buddy who bought a M1a Loaded last fall before the election and never fired it. I was only just getting over the sticker shock of the $1100-$1300 for a standard before fall '08 hit and the prices went up. My buddy wants to sell this for what he paid including tax which was $1700. I would pass and wait some more, but they don't seem to be getting any cheaper (quite the opposite actually), and I'm not getting anywhere NOT owning one yet. I like a good deal, and he just came back at me with what is probably a good offer; the M1a Loaded AND a Vltor mod stock for it (worth about $400 used) all for $1700. I'm afraid at these prices I might be just admiring it in the corner with nothing left to feed it.

1) this is a good deal, right?
2) is the "Loaded" worth all the extra coin over the "Standard".
3) What are the downsides to going with the higher end M1a's?
4) does anyone have one of these modstock? Is there a downside to them?

 

[Birddog1911]

The rifle and the stock are a good deal; but 1700 for a Loaded is just okay in my opinion. I paid 1400 for my Loaded, 3-20rd mags, and a USGI stock. If you can swing it, buy the rifle and stock, then just sell the stock to recoup some of your money.

The Loaded is worth the difference. It has the NM rear aperture and windage, NM front sight, NM reamed flash hider, medium weight barrel, and trigger. Personally, I can't think of a single downside to having a Loaded over a Standard.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Good deal, buy it, you sell the mod stock with out any trouble and be in the rifle for 12-1300 bucks. The loaded model well have a NM barrel, trigger and sights.

 

[mshootnit]

The answer to your second question (in my mind) comes down to what you want the rifle for. The loaded is likely to be a little more accurate, but is also heavier. Also it has target sights which are not as fast to acquire.

 

[jlott00]

ive seen NIB loaded, stainless for 1427

 

[Curator]

They're not getting any cheaper. They are also getting harder to find. I would buy it and sell off the modified stock. New in the box the "loaded" model is about $1750 retail with the walnut stock. This same model was priced at $2200 by two vendors at the last Suncoast gunshow.

 

[longdayjake]

I think that with the stock you are getting a great deal. Without it I would say no freaking way.

 

[Coronach]

Personally, I can't think of a single downside to having a Loaded over a Standard.

Weight. The heavier barrel makes it handle differently.

I have a Standard and a Loaded, and while the Loaded is moderately more accurate, the Standard handles a lot better IMO.

Mike

 

[Frankl03]

Its an OK deal. I have seen them (M1A Loaded) on Gun broker for $1550 aprox.
If you plan on using the modstock its a good deal. Depending on what stock it came with you could sell that for $50-$100 ($50 for synthetic, $100 for Walnut).

I like the looks of the modstock!

I have an M1A loaded and I like it and would rather have it over a standard.

 

[General Disarray]

I remember passing on a Fulton Armory M1a at this price a long time ago. Then again about two years ago I passed on a Super Match that was at this price. Now I'm at this cross roads again weighing the price against my "wants". I do have several .308s already which is messing with my decision. I have a FAL, a Saiga .308, and a Savage 10. This is really a "want"; I should have just bought that Fulton in the first place, and I probably wouldn't even have even bothered with the other 3, would I?

 

[Birddog1911]

Weight. The heavier barrel makes it handle differently.

I have a Standard and a Loaded, and while the Loaded is moderately more accurate, the Standard handles a lot better IMO.

Mike

To be honest though, that is just a matter of opinion as far as handling. Okay, yes, it is slightly heavier, but personally, I like the weight and don't feel that it handles worse. I suspect he is looking for a more definitive detractor.

 

[Birddog1911]

I remember passing on a Fulton Armory M1a at this price a long time ago. Then again about two years ago I passed on a Super Match that was at this price. Now I'm at this cross roads again weighing the price against my "wants". I do have several .308s already which is messing with my decision. I have a FAL, a Saiga .308, and a Savage 10. This is really a "want"; I should have just bought that Fulton in the first place, and I probably wouldn't even have even bothered with the other 3, would I?

Not necessarily the case. One day, I'll have another FAL. I like MBRs. As far as the Saiga...I know a lot of folks like theirs, and they're inexpensive compared to MBRs. But personally, I think they're ugly as all get out, and you couldn't pay me to own one.

 

[gunnutery]

Why is there such a jump in prices for M1A's? Are they making less of them? Or is it simply because people are paying those prices?

I've wanted one for quite some time now (I've finally decided that when I have the funds, it'll be a Socom 16), but I just don't see the justification for such a price hike.

 

[Rotorhead]

I remember passing on a Fulton Armory M1a at this price a long time ago. Then again about two years ago I passed on a Super Match that was at this price. Now I'm at this cross roads again weighing the price against my "wants". I do have several .308s already which is messing with my decision. I have a FAL, a Saiga .308, and a Savage 10. This is really a "want"; I should have just bought that Fulton in the first place, and I probably wouldn't even have even bothered with the other 3, would I?

Just wondering what you don't care for about the Savage? I'm planning on selling or trading my loaded m1a on a Remmington 700 or Savage. I don't have a bolt gun and have been getting the urge.

 

[Coronach]

To be honest though, that is just a matter of opinion as far as handling. Okay, yes, it is slightly heavier, but personally, I like the weight and don't feel that it handles worse. I suspect he is looking for a more definitive detractor.

Right, which is why I said "differently", not necessarily worse. I find it to be worse for use as a general-purpose arm, but that's my opinion of it in that particular niche. He might have a different opinion, or use it in a different manner (dedicated "DMR-style" or precision gun, for instance).

Mike

 

[Al LaVodka]

I think you should follow the majority here and get the package. You were gonna get one anyway, no additional hidden costs, sale by a friend, and an accurized semi-auto version of the mil. model which was also meant to be full-auto. Chances are it is better for the average use you will or can foresee using it for. If everyone is paying the same for a new one, plus, that's what you'll end up doing anyway. 'course he should take you out for a beer too...
Al

 

[General Disarray]

Just wondering what you don't care for about the Savage? I'm planning on selling or trading my loaded m1a on a Remmington 700 or Savage. I don't have a bolt gun and have been getting the urge.

If you're going to get a bolt gun, those are the way to go. I like my Savage just fine. It's a bit heavy with the precision stock, the heavy barrel, and an IOR scope sitting on it. I wouldn't want to have to lug it around all day. As far as high cap mags for it go, the Remy's are easier to come by. Only one company makes a 9 rounder for the Savage 10, and its $75 plus shipping. Mine drives tacks though.

I didn't mean I have issue with it; I was more making the point that for what I've paid for the three, I could have had one amazing MBRs. I'd get the Savage all over again, but I'm not sure about the FAL and definitely not the Saiga.

 

[General Disarray]

I can't help but wonder if the Vltor stock isn't more accomodating to a shorter rifle? Anyone have one of these on their M1a?