Timradcliffe345
member
Please post pics and your comments on the M1A loaded. What are the improvements in the loaded model as opposed to the base M1A? Thanks.
M1A Loaded
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nbkky71
Member
My M1A started out life as a loaded model many, many moons ago. It's since been upgraded twice: once to NM standards and most recently as a double-lug supermatch.
The loaded models differ from the basic models in that you add a medium-weight match barrel, a NM trigger and NM sights. The rear sight is not the hooded NM sight though, but rather a standard rear sight with a smaller aperture.
For the average shooter or budding rifleman, the loaded models are great rifles, providing a good level of accuracy and also serving a good platform for any future accuracy upgrades.
The loaded models differ from the basic models in that you add a medium-weight match barrel, a NM trigger and NM sights. The rear sight is not the hooded NM sight though, but rather a standard rear sight with a smaller aperture.
For the average shooter or budding rifleman, the loaded models are great rifles, providing a good level of accuracy and also serving a good platform for any future accuracy upgrades.
Timradcliffe345
member
nbkky71: What sling do you recommend for the full size M1A loaded? What sling do you have on the M1A in the picture? Thanks.
nbkky71
Member
Personally I prefer the M1907-style slings, but I shoot alot of NRA highpower.
The sling in the picture is a National Match Service Rifle All Weather Sling (AWS) made by Turner Saddlery (http://turnersling.com)
The sling in the picture is a National Match Service Rifle All Weather Sling (AWS) made by Turner Saddlery (http://turnersling.com)
If you take a National Match, then remove the bedding, the hood on the aperture, and replace the 1/2 MOA windage knob with a 1 MOA knob, you have a Loaded. To me, they are the best deal offered by SAI, especially if you do not want the action bedded.
Here's my M1A Loaded, with a disclaimer:
I absolutely suck behind the camera, and my camera could only be accurately described with words that would offend Art's good ol' grandma.
This was the best I could do indoors. I have fluorescent lighting which sucks for pictures, so I just turned everything off but the lamp. If I get around to it, I'll take some pics outside.
As far as my opinion on the rifle, I couldn't be happier with it. My first time out hunting with it I killed a doe. The doe took off after I shot her the first time (which was a good shot right in the wheel house, she just didn't want to give up the ghost), and I shot three more times at her on the run. I didn't really expect to hit her, because she was full speed ahead, but when I walked over to where she finally dropped, there were 4 entrance and exit wounds. Every shot landed on target, even those shot with her on the run. I wouldn't have been able to do that with my 742.
The irons are amazing for fast acquisition and keeping on a moving target.
I know you asked this to nbkky71, but I thought I'd offer my humble opinion,too.
If you are going to compete with it, there is no question that the 1907 style sling is the best thing going. If you are going to use it as a hunting gun, or for any other situation where the most you will do with the sling is use a hasty sling to help stabilize, then just get the cheaper web sling. Numrich's has them for like $8, and I've seen them at Cheaper than Dirt for $7. Even these can be made into a loop sling, but you have to undo the J-hook at the butt end. It takes longer to get into a loop sling with the web slings than the 1907, and the 1907 makes a superior loop sling, but if you're just going to use a hasty sling, then the 1907 may not be worth the extra cost and worry of it getting wet (assuming it's leather and not biothane). Of course, if you get the rifle, you'll probably end up with both types of slings eventually
Best,
Jason
longdayjake
Member
I really love mine. One issue that I have though is the tight chamber of the NM really requires that my handloads be made perfectly. Also, if you use hunting rounds try to avoid the soft points. I got just a small flake of lead in my chamber that stopped my rounds from chambering. However, I don't have a bolt gun that can shoot any more accurate than this one. I replaced the plastic heat shield with a wooden one because I love wood. Others like the classic look of the plastic. To each his own.
here is a 400 yard group I shot that day.
here is a 400 yard group I shot that day.
madcratebuilder
Member
My scope gun shipped in 80 as a standard with a Wilson NM barrel. When I got it I did the recall for a new forged bolt, had SA do a NM trigger. Then added a NM spring guide and reamed flash suppressor, unitized gas cylinder, NM sights. Great shooter.
My iron sight gun shipped in 83 as a standard. I have changed it out to a complete usgi, trw rifle with unitized gas cylinder and NM sights. GI stock with home brew paint job.
My iron sight gun shipped in 83 as a standard. I have changed it out to a complete usgi, trw rifle with unitized gas cylinder and NM sights. GI stock with home brew paint job.
pgeleven
Member
beautiful paint job madcrate! you did that firearm justice
General Geoff
Member
^^Agree, that leaf green paint scheme is gorgeous.
madcratebuilder
Member
Thanks guys. I have replaced the butt pad with a gi one with a fresh park job. The only non gi parts now are the pic rail and bi-pod. I have a few gi glass stocks in the coroner, maybe I should paint them, maybe I could sell one.
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