DougB
Member
I've wanted an M1A for several years (bought a bunch of 20-round magazines before the 2000 CA ban). The one I like best is the Scout model (18" barrel with forward optics mount). I would probably pick the camo synthetic stock (I understand the black ones chip pretty easily, but the camo may be more durable).
Anyway, I have an opportunity to buy a very lightly used standard (base) model M1A (birch militry surplus stock, military chrome-lined barrel, no "loaded" features) for roughly $400 less than the scout model would cost me. It is only a couple of years old and works well (I know the owner). I think the price is reasonable (not a steal, but fair). I'm considering buying it, with two possible options:
1) Keep it as an example of a military configuration rifle (as close as I can legally get). It would be fun to shoot and own (some historical interest).
or
2) Get the barrel cut to 18" and convert it to the Scout configuration I really want.
I'm not sure what #2 would require or cost (Does the gas port have to be enlarged, or can I just have the barrel cut? How tough is it to get the front sight reinstalled on the shorter barrel? Are there any shorter muzzle brakes available that would work on this rifle (I like the SOCOM's short brake, but it is built into the barrel).
I like having the chrome-lined military barrel, but do I sacrifice any significant accuracy over a commercial barrel such as would come on the
Scout model? (Seems like I heard the miltary rifles have different rifling or something). I'm not looking for a competition target rifle, but more accuracy never hurts.
Anything else I should consider? I'm torn, because this looks like a good opportunity, but if I buy it, it'll probably be years before I could justify buying the Scout model I really want (unless I have this one converted).
Your thoughts and advice are much appreciated.
Doug
Anyway, I have an opportunity to buy a very lightly used standard (base) model M1A (birch militry surplus stock, military chrome-lined barrel, no "loaded" features) for roughly $400 less than the scout model would cost me. It is only a couple of years old and works well (I know the owner). I think the price is reasonable (not a steal, but fair). I'm considering buying it, with two possible options:
1) Keep it as an example of a military configuration rifle (as close as I can legally get). It would be fun to shoot and own (some historical interest).
or
2) Get the barrel cut to 18" and convert it to the Scout configuration I really want.
I'm not sure what #2 would require or cost (Does the gas port have to be enlarged, or can I just have the barrel cut? How tough is it to get the front sight reinstalled on the shorter barrel? Are there any shorter muzzle brakes available that would work on this rifle (I like the SOCOM's short brake, but it is built into the barrel).
I like having the chrome-lined military barrel, but do I sacrifice any significant accuracy over a commercial barrel such as would come on the
Scout model? (Seems like I heard the miltary rifles have different rifling or something). I'm not looking for a competition target rifle, but more accuracy never hurts.
Anything else I should consider? I'm torn, because this looks like a good opportunity, but if I buy it, it'll probably be years before I could justify buying the Scout model I really want (unless I have this one converted).
Your thoughts and advice are much appreciated.
Doug