M1A vs. others in 0.308 Win

[44Caliber]

I wish to purchase a semi-auto battle rifle in caliber 308 Win. I have done a some amount of research on the M1A esp the Springfield Armory version. Springfield now offers the M1A scout, Socom 16 Socom 2, various National Match rifles. I will use the rifle for bench rest shooting, plinking, as part of a collection that needs a military rifle, a firearm if and when the SHTF but it has to be 308. I anticipate spending between $1500-2200 for this weapon

I would appreciate any comments, suggestions,etc

herb (44Caliber)

 

[gripper]

FAL's are a good bet, and many hereare savvy on what to look (and liik out!) for regfarding quality build and assembly. Also, if one can be found that was already in the Commonwealth before AG Rilkey shafted everypne; I think jighly of the VEPRII in .308 by ROBARM. Not a hi-cap (factory 10 rounders) but reliable, reasonably accurate and (based on shooting a friends in anotherf state's a few years ago) easy to handle( If you like the AK design ergo's).
Other options could be the CETME/HK-91 clones that are around in varying numbers. Checkout Blue Northern Trading Co. in Ayer Ma...right before I got revoked by my chief(long annoying story), they were very good to deal within my experience.

 

[stoky]

IMHO, I think your choice of an M1A is a fine one. In Boston's Gun Bible he picks the M1A over the FAL, AR10, H&K and the Garand, with the best battle rifle being the criteria. It sounds like a full size NM version might be best for what you have said you will be using it for, especially the bench rest requirement. The shorter barrels will yield less accuracy and velocity and will have more muzzle blast and recoil. I am very happy with my full size M1A.

 

[Blackcloud6]

For what you say above, I second the choice of the M1A.

 

[colt.45]

my favorite rifle

the M-1A is my favorite rifle, i dont know why you would use it for benchrest though. i would get an M-1A loaded with a fiberglass stock, it has a great triger and a medium weight barrel. with the hevier that standard barrel it is light enough for plinking and accurate enough for some competition. if you really want to go all out get the super match, those things are verry accurate for autoloaders.

 

[HK_Civilian]

Springfield Armory and M1As

If the people at Springfiled Armory are any indication of what you can expect for customer service and support, I think you'd be pleased with an M1A of whatever flavor suits you. I just bought a Socom II and I had lots of questions about prior to buying. The folks at SA answered my emails, my phone calls and more emails - I got different folks everytime and all answered with equal parts of knowledge and friendliness. I found the same true when I asked about their XD series, too.

Your mileage may vary. To me, its important to have a good customer service experience as well as quality workmanship. I'm pretty sure you'll find both with the M1A.

 

[Wllm. Legrand]

IMHO, I think your choice of an M1A is a fine one. In Boston's Gun Bible he picks the M1A over the FAL, AR10, H&K and the Garand, with the best battle rifle being the criteria. It sounds like a full size NM version might be best for what you have said you will be using it for, especially the bench rest requirement. The shorter barrels will yield less accuracy and velocity and will have more muzzle blast and recoil. I am very happy with my full size M1A.

Boston NOW picks the M-1A? A few years ago he was the main cheerleader for the FAL.

M1-A's advantages are the sigts and trigger, mainly.
The FAL has greater parts availability and price, especially mag prices, if you get 20-30 per weapon, as you should.

FAL has a poor trigger IMHO, but I still love 'em. Trigger means a lot. If you don't know that now, you will. M1-As are overpriced, but that's the main objection to them, again IMHO.

Try them both and see which one resonates better. Avoid the CETME.

 

[Dienekes]

I have owned a basic M1A with what SA claimed was a NM barrel for ten years now. Didn't use it much for the first few years but have since put about 2000 rounds through it--some combat matches, some HP matches, and quite a bit of personal practice out in the sagebrush. Had it glass bedded early on after I got used to it and wanted a little more edge.

Personally I would just get a basic standard 22" rifle and get comfortable with it; glass bed it when you think you can take advantage of it and then see how long it takes to wear out the barrel. Think KISS.

If there was something substantially better out there by now I could have afforded it.

I like my M1 Garands a lot and have played with most of the other stuff at one time or another. Am thinking of building up an FAL "just because" but the M1A is my baby.

 

[Winger Ed.]

I sure like my common, rack grade Springfield M1A. Trigger 'guts' and other parts to tinker around with are still plentiful, cheap surplus stocks are easy to find for painting different camo. patterns on, or to take out in the bushes. Army publications on match tuning them, or gunsmithing on them are also cheap and easy to find. Magazines are fairly cheap.

Being gas operated, they will cycle reduced pressure loads using cast bullets, which work well coming out of the standard GI barrel.

Not to mention that they are a darn fine rifle, and look cool.

 

[Brer Bear]

Out here in California, Big Sister has deemed that almost everything useful is too dangerous for her silly tax paying children. I felt the only real choice was the M1A. Now that there seems to be a revival for the platform, there are now options for this system. Pick the one that speaks to you and boogy on! Chances are if you are not happy with your pick, you will find a way to get other weapons... It's a sick, sick cycle... ...

 

[Average Joe]

M1A, the best looking of the bunch.

 

[30Cal]

A stock M1A will probably shoot 2-3 MoA. The Loaded models may shoot a bit tighter. The NM model should shoot about 1 MoA all day long with match ammo (168gr HPBTM). A rifle built up by one of the independent armorer shops will probably shoot better than the NM rifle built by SA Inc.

Ty