i have always loved the looks of the M14. I am looking to save up for a standard length M1A; but have been looking online at the M1A Scout Squad rifle. What are the main advantages of the Scout M1A? Is the accuracy noticeably less due to shorter length? It seems like it might make a better carrying rifle for hunting. I have heard that some special forces troops in Afghanistan have used the Scout rifle to good effect due to longer ranges. I know that scoped versions longer standard length have also been used in combat by snipers. Thanks for any suggestions you might have on these two rifles.
M1A standard vs M1A scout squad
- Thread starter DavidB2
- Start date
- Status
Nature Boy
Member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2015
- Messages
- 8,254
I have the M1A standard. Not sure if there's either an advantage of disadvantage between the scout vs the standard. Maybe a few FPS slower due to the shorter barrel. Accuracy is reported to be the same.
As you say, you like the look of an M1A so get the model that looks the best to your eye. In my opinion, that's the reason for the different models.
As you say, you like the look of an M1A so get the model that looks the best to your eye. In my opinion, that's the reason for the different models.
Kingcreek
Member
I have the old M1a "Bush Rifle" which is same as the scout without the forward sight rail. Mine is very accurate but not every example is going to shoot the same. I have hunted with it but the M1a is heavy for a hunting rifle, regardless of barrel length. Those few inches of barrel don't make a lot of difference in bullet velocity or weight. I think velocity and maybe accuracy becomes more of an issue when you drop down to the socom which I personally don't care for.
I also had a standard size M1a NM and shot it side by side with my bush rifle.
I also had a standard size M1a NM and shot it side by side with my bush rifle.
FL-NC
Member
The M14 variants were/are used as a DM rifle by conventional troops for the simple reason that they are 7.62 and AVAILABLE. They were dropped in SOCOM in favor of the SCAR 17 simply because its a better rifle for the task. Trained conventional snipers have largely switched to the M110, with some DM's still using M14 variants. I used the M25 version, but would have gladly switched to a SCAR 17 had they been available.
For a bit, after a darned near fatal M16 failure, I used an M14. Now my job didn't entail a lot of walking so the weight wasn't an issue.
Flash forward and the Scout/Squad came about. Still fairly heavy, but the shorter barrel made it less ungainly for a 5'8" guy. I discovered what to me was a simple truth. A smaller & lighter M14 (heck even chambered in the 5.56
) was what should have been issued instead of the original M16 (yes I know they supposedly, eventually fixed all of the problems that got folks killed in the beginning).
The SOCOM models came out later, but I felt the Scout was really ideal so I've stuck with it. In short, if I need to grab one rifle there will be no hesitation. The Scout/Squad is the one.
Flash forward and the Scout/Squad came about. Still fairly heavy, but the shorter barrel made it less ungainly for a 5'8" guy. I discovered what to me was a simple truth. A smaller & lighter M14 (heck even chambered in the 5.56
) was what should have been issued instead of the original M16 (yes I know they supposedly, eventually fixed all of the problems that got folks killed in the beginning).The SOCOM models came out later, but I felt the Scout was really ideal so I've stuck with it. In short, if I need to grab one rifle there will be no hesitation. The Scout/Squad is the one.
1KPerDay
Member
Gas port gas cylinder gas cylinder lock and piston are the same. If the LENGTH looks or feels better to you get the scout, or if you want the barrel mounted optics mount. The brake on the scout squad can be annoying but is easily replaced with a GI FH or one of the SAI FH that have the bayonet lug ground off to allow piston removal. These rifles have the best iron sight system ever developed IMO so I use them. Which negates the need for the scout mount, which is easily removed but you'll need a new handguard. The standard rifle is very capable. I prefer the looks of the ersatz "bush" rifle with standard hand guard and neutered FH, or a few builders offer a 19.25" (I think) variant which might be the best of both worlds and allows a bayo lug. In any case, all M14 variants are wicked cool.
Sunray
Member
The M1A Scout is a marketing thing. There never has been an issue Carbine variant of an M-14. Loses to much velocity and has increased muzzle flash and blast. The M-14 design is basically obsolete. Really was right from the get go. It's just an M1 Rifle with a different gas system and the original box mag JC first designed in the 1920's, put back on. If the FAL hadn't been European, the U.S. would have adopted it instead of the M-14.
"...the Scout/Squad came about..." One of Cooper's more stupid ideas that had nothing to do with semi-auto sporting rifles.
"...the Scout/Squad came about..." One of Cooper's more stupid ideas that had nothing to do with semi-auto sporting rifles.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Had a standard length Loaded with the stainless medium barrel, NM sights, poly stock and SA match trigger.
Pro: Very nice trigger if you're into two stage setups
More accurate than I am.
Never had a problem with breakage or feeding.
Looked super cool....watching Full Metal Jacket in my underwear in the dark...,
Cons: Very long....forget getting in/out of a vehicle or clearing a house with it
The NM sight aperature is way too small to rapidly acquire or track a non paper target
The stainless barrel would attract too much return fire in any sunlight
So, traded it (plus cash) on a minty 1917 Eddystone. Talked the wife into letting me get a SOCOM 16 for Xmas!
Pro: Very nice trigger if you're into two stage setups
More accurate than I am.
Never had a problem with breakage or feeding.
Looked super cool....watching Full Metal Jacket in my underwear in the dark...,
Cons: Very long....forget getting in/out of a vehicle or clearing a house with it
The NM sight aperature is way too small to rapidly acquire or track a non paper target
The stainless barrel would attract too much return fire in any sunlight
So, traded it (plus cash) on a minty 1917 Eddystone. Talked the wife into letting me get a SOCOM 16 for Xmas!
MTMilitiaman
Member
Flatbush Harry
Member
I have a SuperMatch made in 1979 (ser. no. 013xxx) that I picked up at the factory in Geneseo, IL and a Loaded (4xxxxx) made in 2015 or 2016. Both are full length. Having shot an M-14 in Service Rifle matches in the late '60s, the SM was an obvious choice. I got the loaded so as not to shoot out the bedding in my SM. Both are <2 MOA shooters.
I had considered a Scout-length for my recent acquisition but decided that I liked the extra length for velocity, handling, and familiarity. Unless you are committed to CQB, I'd recommend the 22" bbl. but, then, I'm an old school old fart. Others mileage may vary.
Cheers,
Harry
I had considered a Scout-length for my recent acquisition but decided that I liked the extra length for velocity, handling, and familiarity. Unless you are committed to CQB, I'd recommend the 22" bbl. but, then, I'm an old school old fart. Others mileage may vary.
Cheers,
Harry
Last edited:
TexasPatriot.308
Member
I have the SA standard loaded rifle...from experience with .308 carbines, the Scout Squad will just blow your ears out.
- Status
