M1A vs M1 Garand

[Cal-gun Fan]

The semi-automatic autoloader firearm platform HAS been around since 1885. So, not centuries, I meant to put century-I should have revised that. I was speaking of the auto-loader platform in general-be it with rifles or pistols. The M1 Garand was the first semi-automatic rifle to be issued to infantry soldiers in any army.

The autoloader platform is one that has evolved greatly since its debut. There have been some improvements especially, I am sure, made in the M1A/M14 series of rifles from the M1 Garand. These changes and improvements, from the creation of the garand to its evolution into the M1A are reflective of the progressi n the autoloader system itself.
Sorry-I don't think that I exactly conveyed my meaning across in the first post!

 

[Hawksnest]

These two rifles are both my favorite firearms and battle for first in my book (depending on my mood). Although, there are pros and cons to each.

M1 Garand Pros: Cheaper, en blocs are cheap, historical value, powerful .30-06, great sights, accurate
M1 Garand Cons: 8-round capacity, M2 ball ammo is pretty expensive, can be heavy

M1A Pros: 20-round detachable mags, choice of wood or glass stock, possibly NIB, great sights also, equally powerful .308, more ergonomic, very accurate
M1A Cons: Twice the cost of a service grade Garand, magazines can be costly, .308 is fairly expensive, can also be heavy to carry.

For plinking, I think neither are a wise choice. Ammunition for either rifle is costly and using it for plinking would dry up your wallet. For hunting, I think either one would do the trick, but just make sure it's legal to use semi-autos for hunting where you live. For target shooting, I think the M1A wins, but just by a hair.

 

[Curt Blunt]

I think you should get whichever rifle appeals to you for whatever reason, i.e., price, features, how it fits you.

I'm old enough that the M14 was my issue rifle in the Army. I like it and the M1A because they are not as "clubby" as the M1. I have the National Match version of the M1A because it was, basically, bequeathed to me. It's also about 11 pounds. If I were buying one I'd probably go for the Real Tree fiberglass stocked one. And I might if I ever make more room in my gun safe.

 

[Slamfire]

Now the M1A is a commercial cast copy of the M14 and is not milspec.

Milspec is not always next to Godliness.

Springfield Armory M1a receivers are very good and they made improvements. The original M14 receiver had a lot of metal removed to make it light weight. M1a receivers have thick sections which increase the rigidity of the receiver and increase the impact resistance on the side walls. Both GI and M1a receivers are known to crack on the sidewalls, a thicker sidewall increases the time it takes.

It is because of the Mil Spec fanatics that manufacturer’s don’t use a more advanced material than 8620, but even in the 60’s, Watertown Arsenal was recommending the use of a better alloy for the M14 receiver.

Milspec receiver



Springfield Armory M1a

 

[henschman]

Several manufacturers make forged M-14 receivers that are made to mil-spec, and you can have a rifle built with all GI parts, including the bolt and barrel, on one of these and you have about as close as you can get to mil spec. The only difference is that it will not be select fire... a feature that was worthless on these rifles, and was eliminated on many of them in service.

Fulton Armory, Smith Enterprises, LRB, and 7.62mm Firearms are the ones who are currently producing M-14 receivers and complete rifles. Complete rifles run over $2000 from all of them, but hey, you pay for quality.

That being said, there is nothing wrong with a SAI cast receiver. It will still last longer than the owner, in all likelihood, and GI parts will fit it. Barrels and bolts usually require some fitting though.

 

[Orlando]

The ONLY accessory that should be hung on a Garand is a sling. Sounds to me that a M1a may be better for you

 

[skidooman603]

You will be able to buy an M1A forever ..The Garands are running out at an alarming rate. If you don't own one...Don't hesitate. My opinion...

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

The ONLY accessory that should be hung on a Garand is a sling. Sounds to me that a M1a may be better for you

I'm not looking to turn the garand into a big tactical rifle, thats not what it is. As for accessories, here is what I was thinking:

1. Sling
2. Better trigger
3. Better sights
4. Muzzlebreak
5. Synthetic Stock (Maybe)
6. Scout Rail (Maybe)

 

[jaimeshawn3]

Have both. Recommend the Garand. One of my all time favorite rifles.

 

[jeepguy]

all of these are farily easy mods to do or purchase, except the sights. imo and from what i hear/read the sights on the m1 garand,m14 & m1a series of rifles are some of the best that have ever been used on a service rifle, unless you meant optics. the trigger would just be a trigger job. the only other mod i would add to your list would be to get the stock bedded.

 

[fragout]

Cal-gun fan:

All of your requirements/uses so far seems to be pointing towards the M1A.

You mentioned hunting,plinking, and target shooting so I would suggest an M1A Scout, as it would meet your requirements the best, and right out of the box.

Match sights are great for match shooting, but not so great when it comes to hunting from my experiences with using both....and especially in low light conditions and/or while hunting in brush. Rifles of these types that are bedded weigh more than their std counterparts. No big deal at the firing line, but make a difference if carrying them around in the field all day, and makes a difference after you drop your deer, gut it, and start to head back to the truck with it, along with the rifle.



Target shooting: I'll put it this way. Either would make for tons of fun here. (The only time I shoot my AK is when I do not have one of my M14 types out.....which is not very often. The only reason I have it is because it was a good deal during the purchase.)




Good luck with your decision.

11B

 

[henschman]

Either way, bring that rifle to an Appleseed, and we'll show you the proper way to put it to use!

There are a lot of M1 and M-14 gurus in Appleseed... you could probably learn a lot by coming to one, and there will probably be examples of both that someone will let you shoot. There sure will be if you come to one of my shoots. It might help make up your mind. Either way, you will walk away with all the knowledge you need to take either one of those rifles and hit a man-sized target out to 500 yards with surplus ammo and iron sights. It may take you some practice to get there, but we teach you everything you need to know.

You can shoot our course of fire with a .22, or any other serviceable rifle. Or if you don't have anything suitable, one of the instructors will loan you a .22. here's the website: www.appleseedinfo.org

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

Henschman,
Thanks! I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to, but it sounds like it would be fun. Gotta find out if there is one in california!

Fragout,
Those are 2 beauties you have there! I gotta say, though it might take me a year longer to save up for it, the M1a Scout Squad is really tempting....

 

[mharveyww1]

Love 'em both....but,

Always loved the M1, and put many rounds through the one my dad owned.
He carried one with the 2nd Marines in WWII.

But I carried the M14 in Viet Nam and it's always had a special place in my memory and my heart.

I still have my father's Garand but, when the bug bit me last year to get a piece of MY youth, I bought the Springfield M1A Scout Squad, and I don't regret it (except for the price!).

Last month another guy at the range had a beautiful M1 Garand...a showpiece!
But, after shooting both rifles side-by-side, he allowed as how he REALLY liked the M1A better.

For many, the question is about like Chevy vs. Ford. We all have personal preferences shaped by many factors.

Objectively, though, the M1A is lighter, quicker/easier to manage, and the larger magazines are, to me at least, a real attraction because God forbid but, if we ever have a breakdown of order and uncontrolled violence in this country...the M1A is the weapon I'll take to war.

 

[Kentucky Jelly]

Which service grade Garand is the best to get?

 

[Orlando]

For the Money the Serviice Grade is the best bang for the buck

 

[Kentucky Jelly]

Right, but there is a handful listed under service grade.

 

[Orlando]

Springfield or HRA either one , flip a coin. Both will fall within the Service Grade description, one is no better than the other.

 

[Hangingrock]

M1a receivers have thick sections which increase the rigidity of the receiver and increase the impact resistance on the side walls.

The wall thickness may simply be a derivative of the manufacturing process. Casting porosity occurs when there are thin and thick wall sections. The advantage of investment (lost wax) casting is the ability to produce a complex shape.

 

[XD9GUY]

Since I had an M-14 in Basic and Viet Nam, I am somewhat partial to the M1A. So much so that I recently purchased one.

My Advice to you is this. If you plan on target shooting AND hunting, go with the M1A. If you plan on Hunting and only shoot enough to sight your weapon in, go for the cheaper M1 Garand. Just keep in mind, if you shoot fairly often with your M1 Garand you will end up paying almost as much for the ammo as the difference in the cost of the 2 rifles. You can find .308 ammo relatively cheap in comparison with the 30-06.

 

[ol' scratch]

Like killin' Nazis?

I drool over the M1A but they are still spendy (compared to the nosedive AR prices did). The garand is cheaper and has a great history.
Are the sights on the Garand the same as on the M1A? I always hear praise about the M1A's irons being about the best out there.

The rear sight on the M1 is the same as the M 14/M1A. I guess it depends on what you want to do with the rifle. If you want to accessorize it, get an M1A. If you want a great surplus rifle and you like the Garand, go with it. The rifles the CMP has right now are great.

I have never fired an M1A. I can only speak for the Garands. They are my favorite semi auto rifle so far and I have fired many. The sights are top notch.

My father-in-law trained with the M14 and said the Garand is very similar. Keep in mind, also, when you purchase a Garand it is the real deal. I have a 1943 Springfield that I like to muse over where it has been and what it has seen. The M1A on the other hand, is a replica of the M14. Nothing wrong with the rifle and I would love to own one, but it is just a different way of looking at things.

 

[ol' scratch]

Since I had an M-14 in Basic and Viet Nam, I am somewhat partial to the M1A. So much so that I recently purchased one.

My Advice to you is this. If you plan on target shooting AND hunting, go with the M1A. If you plan on Hunting and only shoot enough to sight your weapon in, go for the cheaper M1 Garand. Just keep in mind, if you shoot fairly often with your M1 Garand you will end up paying almost as much for the ammo as the difference in the cost of the 2 rifles. You can find .308 ammo relatively cheap in comparison with the 30-06.

Ammo at the CMP is milsurp and cheaper than most of the milsurp .308 I have seen. You can get 192 rounds of 06' at the CMP for 96 bucks. I say the 192 because you get clips and bandoleers sealed in cans which can get you started.

I shoot my Garand more often than my other rifles. I reload for it and shoot cheap surplus ammo. On my previously mentioned M1, the 1943, I have just rounded the 1000 round mark of surplus and reloads--mostly surplus. I had to get brass from somewhere

 

[gazelle]

A military surplus buttstock cleaning kit is a classy accessory, even if you never use it. Also a bayonet, simply as a collectible.