M1A Standard Model (convert to Scout?) - Advice?

[DougB]

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

 

[Powderman]

Keep it the way it is.

The job you're talking about would eventually almost as much as the rifle itself. Simply put, you would have to:

1. Remove all the hardware on the front of the rifle.
2. Have the barrel cut and recrowned.
3. Have the gas port re-calibrated for the shorter in-barrel time so that enough pressure would be generated to cycle the rifle.
4. Have the barrel turned and threaded to the proper diameter, have the index key slot cut in for the front sight assembly to index properly.
5. Re-install a front sight assembly of your choice.
6. Re-blue or re-parkerize to match the rest of the rifle.

Now, if you can do all of this work yourself, you're ahead of the game.

 

[Ed]

If you decide to Scout it, Please don't cut the barrel. Sell it and buy one already cut. There are fewer and fewer USGI barrels around and you could probably make an even swap.

 

[BTM]

Doug B
You could scout it out with standard barrel real easy.. scout mount and scout hand guard. That way if you think you want scout with 18" barrel you could change it back to standard configuration later.

Or buy that one save up some money and trade for a true scout model.

 

[vanfunk]

I'm partial to leaving arms in their original configuration, and that would be my advice in this situation. The standard M1A is a great rifle unto itself; I have lots of "favorites" in my collection, but my pre-ban M1A with all USGI parts is my current #1 gun. I don't think you'd really gain all that much by lopping 4 inches off the barrel. Weight savings would be minimal, as the barrel is plenty skinny out at the end. I suppose there'd be a slight advantage for close-quarters stuff, but I guess I don't think of the M1A as a close-in kinda weapon. YMMV, though. Also, don't discount the accuracy potential of the USGI chrome lined barrels - my SAK '69 barreled M1A shot a 20 round, 100 yard group off the bench last weekend that measured 2" center to center. I'm sure the rifle could do even better, but I can't.
HTH,
vanfunk

 

[ACP230]

I'd try it as is first. You might like it.

My M1A is a standard model with some minor target mods. It's my most consistently accurate rifle. I've shot sub MOA groups from it at 200 yards.

I think the Scout M1As are interesting, but I wouldn't cut my full-size one down to make one.

 

[Dienekes]

Have shot M14s and own an upgraded Standard M1A. Have handled the SOCOM, but prefer my standard configuration rifle. The only advantage I can see with the shorter rifle is that it would obviously be handier in and out of vehicles and in close quarters and still deliver full .30 cal.power. IMHO its real purpose in life is to sell cool looking rifles to those who salivate over that sort of thing.

Frankly I think the M14 series of rifles, not the M70 Winchesters, should have been called 'the rifleman's rifle". It'll do it all. If I ever need an optical sight on it I'll probably go to a Smith mount and an ACOG.

I would just start working with that M1A; spend the money on ammo and mastering a fine piece of ordnance. If you feel the need to put money into the rifle itself have it glass bedded. The rest is up to you.

 

[MaceWindu]

Get'm both....do not cut the barrel, just have the current one replaced with a Bush barrel. The only difference between the two barrels is one has a Scout mount and one does not...

My Loaded with upgrades:



My Scout with upgrades:



My Bush:

Is on the way. Ships back to me this week ....and she is a beast compared to these two....(evil laugh)Mawwwwaaaaaahhhhaaaa(evil laugh off)

MaceWindu

 

[Brer Bear]

I would not cut the barrel down to scout length. It would be more advisable in the long run to plan on purchasing both models, that way you will have the scout for shorter ranges, and the normal length barrel to reach out a bit further.

 

[stiletto raggio]

Iknow this is an old thread, but I just bought a loaded M1A. I intend to buy an Amega Ranges rail system for it and use it as a hunting rifle. The Amega system is better ventilated and more secure than the SA scout mount, as well as providing more "real eastate" for attaching various accessories or simply optimizing scope position.