Need object data comparing accuracy of M1A Std vs. M1A Loaded/NM

[Retro]

Hi, I am currently debating whether to invest on a M1A Loaded or National Match.

I am very curious to know as to how much improvement in accuracy do you really observe with a medium weight barrel vs a standard barrel? (If we puts aside the other variable: trigger).

I know the theory behind heavier barrels such that it does not bend as much during firing, etc etc... but does anyone have any objective data proving that? I am having a hard time believing that completely, since my SOCOM 16 has a much shorter barrel and hence it is much "stiffer" but it's grouping is horrible on match ammo...

My M1A Std gets 3 MOA on military Ammo and 2 MOA on Match ammo, and I am trying to justify my impulse to purchase a medium weight barrel M1A.

I wouldn't buy a medium weight Kreger barrel and replace my Std barrel because my std barrel is a USGI H-R chromed barrel made by SA in 2001, which has a lot of collection values. So I had to buy the entire rifle again.

Thanks for your help.

R

 

[Jason_G]

My M1A Loaded will make about a two inch group out of five rounds at a hundred yds, with cheap non-match commericial .308 FMJ ammo, no wind, and when the knucklehead behind the trigger puts them where they're supposed to go. This is with the SAI fiberglass stock, unbedded. I have yet to try it with some Federal GMM 168 gr, but probably will pretty soon. I would expect to see the groups shrink about 1/2" or so at a hundred with match grade ammo.

Jason

 

[lipadj46]

The loaded model has the biggest bang for buck upgrades. The barrel, trigger and sights are nice. Like you said though the match barrel is not chrome lined but for me it is not an issue I keep my rifles clean.

Honestly I think the Loaded offers the best value for dollar in the SAI M1A line. I was going back and forth between a scout and the walnut loaded with carbon steel (black) barrel and I chose the loaded.

I just got back from shooting about 120 rounds of 7.62 Nato and I am a happy dude. Oh yeah with a scope at 100 yards I was shooting 2" 5 round groups. The rifle is capable of much more, it was just very cold and windy today.

Edit: I do not have any data between the three models. I doubt most people will have anything more than their educated opinion.

 

[cuervo]

I don't know that you'll get the direct answer you want because few people are going to go out and by two different versions of the same rifle just to have a comparison, and trying to make comparisons between different people's descriptions of their accuracy is almost useless without full data on ammo, range, conditions, etc.

I would say the NM version would be worth getting only if you are going to shoot high power matches or put a scope on it to have your own M21.

You could be a loaded version and, except for the extra lugs, put some more money into it and have it approach a NM model for less money: bed it, unify the gas system, tune the trigger,etc. These could always be done a little at a time to spread out the costs.

Or, you could do the same to your standard model with what's on it now. Short of having lugs and a heavier barrel, you have a good GI barrel and can do the other things to accurize it.

As Jason mentioned, the person behind the trigger is going to be the biggest factor towards accuracy.

 

[30Cal]

The biggest hurdle for M1A accuracy is stock fit. The standard M1A wears the standard one-size-fits-all stock as does the Loaded.

If you put the best match barrel ever crafted into a sloppy fitting stock, it's not going to shoot well. A GI barrel in a tight fitting stock is going to shoot pretty darned good.

The NM model always has a tight fitting stock--it's bedded. The standard or loaded models; well, maybe, maybe not.

 

[lipadj46]

While bedding and unitizing the gas system (NM upgrades) are must haves for competitive shooting. I still say the first two upgrades for accuracy is a new barrel and trigger job. That is why I like the Loaded because these are done plus upgraded sights for not much more than a standard. I can bed my Boyd's stock myself any time I want for cheap and send my Gas Cylinder out to get unitized for not much money. Heck if you are the least bit handy you can do the screw unitization yourself. The Boyds stocks fit pretty tight, much tighter than the USGI synthetic I got rid of so I don't see the need to bed it now.

 

[win308]

A stock USGI H&R barrel is not noted for accuracy. I have 3 M-1As and all have the heavy Douglas match in 1 ~11 twist. Best barrel for the money. (Glen Nelson barrels....so that tells you it was awhile ago that they were put on).

 

[30Cal]

Heck if you are the least bit handy you can do the screw unitization yourself...

Shimming might be easy, but that's NOT the same and not as good as unitizing.

 

[lipadj46]

Shimming is a no brainer no one really mentioned shimming here my M1a did not require any shimming. Unitizing is not easy but it does not seem that hard to someone who is mechanically motivated either. I'm sure all those people who can do a Saiga conversion could unitize am M14 gas cylinder using the screw method.