M1A vs AR-10 out of box accuracy?

[SOTSpro21:31]

I'm wondering if the Springfield Armory M1A or the Armalite Ar-10 A4 is more accurate out of the box, without any modifications. My budget is $1300 and below. I know the M1A's are more than $1300, but if the M1A is that much better I could possibly save up a little longer.


Thanks

 

[Philippe]

What do you plan on doing with this specific rifle? My choice would be the M1A, but thats just me...

 

[AK103K]

Having owned a few M1A's, and a couple of Armalite M15A4's, (dont have an AR10 yet, but it is on the list.), Id say the Armalite will probably out shoot the Springfields out of the box. They will also give you a lot more versatility and options.

If you really are looking for accuracy, Id look towards the (T) versions of the Armalites with the free float handguards.

 

[Jason_G]

I own an M1A Loaded, have shot lots of ARs, don't own one, if that says anything about my thoughts.

If you just get a base model AR-10, it will probably have similar accuracy to the M1A, maybe a shade better, but the AR will be cheaper to accurize than an M1A. Now with that being said, I just don't care for the feel of the AR. The M1A feels great in the hands, balances well, despite its weight, and is a dream to shoot. ARs just feel toyish to me. Soulless or something, I can't put my finger on it, but they don't feel the way a rifle should IMO. I know I'm in the minority here, but hey, what can I say? I like what I like.

I would try to shoot both if at all possible. At least go to a gun show and handle both platforms if you haven't already. You're about to spend a chunk of change, you want to make sure you like the rifle.

Jason

 

[SOTSpro21:31]

I'm wanting to use this rifle for varmints, deer, coyotes and hogs. Also a little bit of long-range shooting. Reliability is must. I'd like to be able to use it for home defence, too.

 

[SOTSpro21:31]

Do any of ya'll know how much it would cost to free-float an ar-10?

 

[Jason_G]

I'm wanting to use this rifle for varmints, deer, coyotes and hogs. Also a little bit of long-range shooting. Reliability is must. I'd like to be able to use it for home defence, too.

Well, for the accuracy department, the AR is probably your best bet, but in terms of reliability, the M14's action, I feel, is more reliable. Either weapon will take care of your varmints, deer, and hogs. I hunt with my M1A, and I know a lot of folks hunt with their AR-10s.

I do think .308 WIN/7.62 NATO may be a bit of a liability for home defense though, unless you live way out in the sticks. It's a hard hitting, far-flying round, and has "umph" at 1000 yds that compares to a .357 magnum at point blank range. To me, it's over-penetration waiting to happen.

Jason

 

[AK103K]

These are off Armalites home page. I would imagine the actual prices would be somewhat cheaper if you order it through your dealer. Mine were.

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.as...Category=f4bd4a13-55d1-41aa-aea0-49488ec48776

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.as...Category=f4bd4a13-55d1-41aa-aea0-49488ec48776

I have one of their M15A4(T)'s, which is the 5.56 free float "carbine" version with a 16" barrel.

Shot prone off a bipod, it shoots like this at 100 yards with my reloads. The loner out of the group was all me.



Personally, I prefer the 16" versions over the 20'' guns. If you want something for hunting or defense, they shoulder and shoot a little easier.

 

[Jason_G]

Shot prone off a bipod, it shoots like this at 100 yards with my reloads. The loner out of the group was all me.

That's nice!

Jason