M1A Scout Squad and customization

[Nightcrawler]

I'm contemplating going in an entirely different direction for my next rifle.

I'd probably start with a Scout Squad M1A from Springfield Armory.

I'd then possibly add a JAE-100 stock from West Texas Armory.

Eventually, I'd call Smith Enterprises and have one of their gas lock front sights installed, facilitating a threaded barrel and the use of a suppressor.

I've considered an Ultimak rail also, which I think would be better than the stock Springfield Armory rail, but I think the SA rail is integral to the barrel.

Another option might be a better barrel, chrome lined.

Question to the M14 guys, then. Would it be better to buy the Scout-Squad and slowly add the custom parts as I can, or go whole hog and have the rifle built custom?

Secondly, how does this type of rifle hold up to rapid fire? The M14 was never made into a successful automatic rifle. How would it handle dumping two or three magazines as fast as one could pull the trigger? Any problems caused? Any heat issues?

Thirdly, what kind of accuracy can one expect from a stock M1A with South African ball and, say, Black Hills ammo?

Accuracy is great, but not if it's at the price of reliability. How do these rifles handle fouling, getting dirty, dust, sand, etc.?

Really just curious. But...I am coming into some money next year, and a completely custom rifle might be a neat birthday present to myself.

Thanks in advance for the information! And of course, pictures of your weapons are welcome as always.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

stock in the 2nd pic is totally awsome

 

[Nightcrawler]

What I really like about the JAE-100 stock is that it's completely adjustable, comes in a variety of colors, and requires no bedding. The cheek riser is great if you've got optics, and the Picatinny rail is useful but won't get in the way.

I don't think pistol grip stocks look all that great on the M14, personally, and I'm vain enough where the looks of my rifles is important to me.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

how much$$ though?

 

[Nightcrawler]

how much$$ though?

From the West Texas Armory website:

Reduced Price $580.00 with free shipping on standard model with all black accessories (for Alaska and Hawaii, the first $20 of shipping cost is free - the customer pays the difference above $20).

No need to pay now. We will bill you when they are ready to ship. Please allow 10-12 weeks for delivery on new orders.

Expensive for a stock, but par for the course compared to the McMillan and Sage stocks. Might be more cost-efficient to have the rifle built up from scratch with this stock, though.

 

[Telperion]

The scout rail clamps to the barrel:

For what you're looking to do, the most expensive part will be that new stock. The standard stock is a repainted surplus GI stock, and it is a small component of the price. You won't be losing much money by tossing the factory stock. If you want to rebarrel to get chrome lining, then it's a stickier question. That's at least $250 + gunsmith time to rebarrel, just for the benefit of chrome.

I think the failure of the M14 as an automatic weapon comes from its lack of controllability, rather than any reliability problems. The M14 comes from the lineage of the M1, which has a reputation for reliability under nasty conditions.

I haven't seen a JAE-100, but I have looked at some pictures that show it has a unique way of holding the receiver tightly in place. It could be as tight as a good bedding job. The Suid Afrikan surplus doesn't have a good reputation for accuracy from what I've read. Good for blasting, but I wouldn't use it for practice matches.

By the way, I've done business with Dan/West Texas Armory and he does excellent work. He is starting to get pretty busy, though.

 

[Dienekes]

Mine was essentially stock with the med-hvy barrel, later glass bedded it and had the NM mods done; now have over 2K rounds through it. After that my money goes for components. More payoff downrange than anything else I could invest in.

Downstream I may put on a compact ACOG because there are no NM mods for the Mk I eyeball.

Reliability is outstanding. Fired a combat match last year in a virtual sandstorm, and you could hear the action rasping away. Never missed a beat. Have also shot it in monsoon type rain; no problem. Current lube regimen is Militec grease but any automotive chassis grease on sale will work just fine.

If it isn't broke--don't fix it.

 

[possum]

that is a sweet stock and i was excited about it until i went to the website and saw how much they wanted for it. it is nice really nice, but I don't think i could part with that much money, on just a stock.

 

[B yond]

I think the failure of the M14 as an automatic weapon comes from its lack of controllability

+1

 

[strambo]

That stock, while awesome, seems like an odd pairing for the scout model. Is it gonna be a lighter, handier GP rifle or a precision one? The scout sight setup does not lend itself to precision and the that stock doesn't look "handy" or light.

 

[Nightcrawler]

I like the stock for several reasons. One is the adjustable length of pull, through spacers. The other is the short rail that mounts on the bottom. It's long enough and solid enough for mounting even a large light, but no so much that it's going to get in the way. I don't want or need a big heavy quad rail set up.

I also like the cheek piece, since I'd put an optic (probably a Tri-Power or something similar) on this and they tend to sit high on the mounts.

And, of course, I like the looks. If I'm going to go whole hog and get a custom rifle...well...