M1A SOCOM 16

AlexanderA said:
This exactly points out the drawbacks of the short barrel. The Army adopted the length of the issued rifle for a reason.
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I got the flame because it was cheapo Russian ammo, not because of the short barrel. The Army adopted the M14 configuration not because of excessive muzzle blast, either. FWIW, reloads using something like IMR3031 are no problem... tailoring the load to the rifle.

If you don't care for short barrels, that's fine, but don't make stuff up. The only disadvantage of the short barrel is lost FPS, and maybe shooter accuracy because of the shortened sight radius... that's it.
 
You can get flame from a short barrel if it's not long enough for the slower burning powders. Regardless of the type of gun. I can see the desire for the SOCOM 16 M1A. I have a 22" barrel M1A and it's two handful's. I'm sure the SOCOM 16 M1A is easier to handle.
If you like the SOCOM 16 M1A and it shoots good then more power to you.
 
Steel Horse Rider said:
not claiming that he used one in training.
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Shame. And I quite liked the idea he's a 100 something year old war vet.

frogfurr said:
You can get flame from a short barrel if it's not long enough for the slower burning powders. Regardless of the type of gun. I can see the desire for the SOCOM 16 M1A. I have a 22" barrel M1A and it's two handful's. I'm sure the SOCOM 16 M1A is easier to handle.
If you like the SOCOM 16 M1A and it shoots good then more power to you.
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The point is, most countries eventually adopt a carbine version of their main service rifle for certain use. It goes back to the 18th century, where the infantry used very long muskets and they needed to for anti-cavalry purposes. But on ships and boats, even on horseback, you didn't want all that length so you'd often see short paterns, aka musketoons (or which would later be known as "short rifles") which would see service in the navy. True carbines, which today would be defined as a SBR, were seen on the cavalry. On horseback you really needed a short weapon.

Fast forward to the 20th and 21st century, although modern rifles would've qualified as musketoon/short rifle length in the old days (Note: this is why the Lee-enfield is called a SMLE-SHORT magazine Lee-Enfield), carbine versions are still adopted for anyone who just needs a handier weapon. Yes the M14 had the length it did as a infantry weapon which would prove very useful for the m14 platform as a whole, making it a very good sniper rifle.
But some people just wanted a shorter version of this. It's not ideal and wasn't supposed to be ideal. It muddies the ballistics of the otherwise excellent .308 and makes it more comparable to a 7.62X39. The flash is overwhelming if you're not using personally selected powders. Scopes don't mount very well on the receiver of these, the vibrations throwing the zero off; unless you mount it in 'scout' configuration.
But it's a handy, carbine m14 and it is has a fandom. Sure there's better calibers to make better use of a compromised barrel. But a .308 being turned into a thicc 7.62x39 isn't bad either.
But if you wanted, you can turn it into something truly evil and chamber it in like 6.5 creedmoor or something.
 
I really wanted a Scout Squad, but there are none to be had in my vicinity, and nobody has any idea when they might get more in. There was a Loaded 6.5 Creedmoor on the rack but I didn't want another caliber, so the SOCOM 16 was it. Not being a historically accurate M14 clone I would have no hesitation about performing modifications. And the blast doesn't bother me at all, it's part of the fun, same reason I like short-barrel magnum revolvers.

I have a Vortex Crossfire II scout scope kicking around, I'll probably get that affixed before the next range trip.

I've always had a thing for the M1/M14-style action. Had Mini-14's that were tons of fun. This one is smooth as butter. The one thing is it takes an act of congress to remove the op rod, holy schnikes that thing is tight.

My son has already told me he wants an M1A Scout Squad for his 21st birthday. That gives me 6 months to find one. ;)
 
Congrats on the purchase.

I bought a Scout Squad a couple years ago and love it. Still need to fit a receiver scope mount, but shooting irons, it does a great job.
 
Charlie98 said:
My Socom is a pretty early one... 2007. It has the USGI fiberglass stock on it, too. Personally, mine's been tip-top; I wasn't aware USGI 'glass had checkering at all. That is opposed to the new SAI plastic stocks, which do. I do agree about the forward mount turning into a heat sink... that's one of the reasons I took mine off. I would also agree about the Ultimak being a good solution if you want an optic... it would certainly be better than the other options, including the stock Scout rail. As far as fitment... mine disassembles and reassembles without problems, only tool needed is a wrench to get the gas plug out.

There is no doubt the Socom is a niche weapon... it is not a standard M14/M1a, that's true enough.



Shoot... shooting it indoors... I hate myself when I'm done. ;)
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When I trained on the M-14 they had a variety of different stocks. Wood, different colors and style fiberglass. Issue rifles were converted to semi-auto only, but some with full auto were available for training and demonstration. My buddy had one in Nam that was modified, accurized and scoped.
 
AlexanderA said:
This reminds me of the spate of shortened "Tanker" Garands that hit the surplus market in the 1960's. "Tanker" Garands never existed in the military. This was a way of selling reclaimed demilled guns. The very first Garand I bought was such a reclaimed demilled gun. I didn't know any better at the time. But later I realized that the receiver was made of two halves welded back together, and the barrel was reamed out and sleeved with a turned-down surplus Springfield barrel. I've kept the gun as a reminder of my early collecting mistakes.

Short-barrel M14's are not military. Like the "Tanker" Garands, I don't think such things were ever issued.
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I've heard tail of some Garands being fitting with box mags,do you have any info or comment on that
 
damyankee425 said:
I've heard tail of some Garands being fitting with box mags,do you have any info or comment on that
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The experimental Garands which were used to develop the eventual M14; By Winchester. The magazines were BAR mags.



Or you're talking about this

article-an-m14-garand-2.jpg

This Juan Erquiaga guy seemed real talented.. Not saying I like the concept of cutting down M1 Garands like that, but it looks very novel.
 
The Springfield M1A SOCOM has been one of my "grail" guns, along with an original Colt Python .357 & a Colt Diamondback in .22LR.

Some day if I can get the money and it's still legal, I want a SOCOM. Till then, I can live vicariously through your posting pics and reports. Enjoy!
 
I can't deny an attraction to the M1A but for me, they need to add 2" to the SOCOM, knock $1000 and at least pound off it.
 
Heard reports of less than stellar accuracy out of the SOCOM. Squad Scout superior in all reviews. My only comparison is a Polytech M-14S, which is a standard config. Resides in an Archangel stock at present. Hasn't seen much range time since the Colt 901 arrived on the scene.
 
DesertFox said:
Heard reports of less than stellar accuracy out of the SOCOM. Squad Scout superior in all reviews. My only comparison is a Polytech M-14S, which is a standard config. Resides in an Archangel stock at present. Hasn't seen much range time since the Colt 901 arrived on the scene.
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Less than stellar has to be bench marked against a standard, in my opinion.
If I remember correctly, these rigs are supposed to shoot 4 MOA or better.
Do we necessarily want / accept 4 MOA? No, we want better! LOL

I agree, the Scout seems to always turn in better numbers out of the shipping box.

I even went down the rabbit hole of looking into all of the gadgetry and voodoo needed to get my SOCOM to shoot close to 1 MOA.

There are some fantastic armorers out there with amazing knowledge and skills.
They are good about sharing most everything they know.

I finally took a deep breath and settled in on running what I have.
I couldn't stomach spending a bunch of extra dollars on an already "not cheap" rifle.

I don't plan on putting an optic on it any more, even though I bought a receiver mount.
I took off the Pic mount off of the barrel when I dropped it into wood, along with a solid wood hand guard.

Even though my eyes are aging, I run it with irons.
I bought it to add to my toy box and have fun with it.
I have other projects that I can "over think" with and probably net better results for the dollars spent.
The SOCOM will do "minute of bad guy" all day long.

Switching gears..... These rigs seem to respond favorably to proper shooting techniques.
There is a lot of info out there that should be able to help anyone shrink their groups when using the correct forms, etc.

If you want a rifle to really complain about, let's talk MINI 14!!!

I have an old model. I bought it "well used" over 30 years ago.
People say I can't hit the side of a barn with it.
I proved them wrong!
I went inside the barn and closed the door.
I finally hit something. I'm pretty sure it was one of the four sides.

But.... I do love my MINI 14.
I had some trigger work done years ago and it helped quite a bit.
I can now stand outside of the barn.
No way in heck do I ever plan on getting rid of it.

I am fascinated by these types of rifles.
My 30 Carbines, MINI 14, M1A's

These are the Rube Goldberg machines of fire arms.

Embrace them for what they are and have some fun.

If they aren't your cup of tea, that's okay as well.
.
 
Very very Cool M1A and its variations.

The only reason I decided Not to buy a First M1A (walnut)
Is the ever-increasing price for the Cheaoest .308 ammo.

My PTR-91s are an easy 12-minute drive from the largest private gun club within 200 miles.

—M1A Cash goes for good ammo reserves—we cant deny that there Will be another surprise Ammo Panic one day
 
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I have a standard and a scout model. Will have to buy their new socom tanker model to round out the trifecta.
 
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