New M1A? Help me decide.

[Jason_G]

For those of you that haunt the same forums I do, you may have already seen this on the M14 Firing Line forum...

Well, since Uncle Sam has so graciously decided to give us a $1200 economic stimulus check, I figured there would be nothing more patriotic than using our government's gift to exercise my patriotic duty to keep and bear arms. I am dying to get an M-14 type rifle, and I've been eyeballin' the M1A Loaded real hard. What I'm looking for is a rifle that would be a fun range rifle, and capable of taking North American medium to large game (hogs and whitetails mostly), and be capable of 1 to 2 MOA. Bud's has them for $1409 delivered to your FFL:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/27088

So, tell me, is there any reason I should NOT pull the trigger on this purchase? Would my accuracy expectations be reasonable with this rifle?

TIA,

Jason

 

[nitestocker]

you no i think its a good idea when i get mine i was thinking the same thing but in a ar15 type configuration

 

[no_problem]

get it, and post pics!

An M1A is just a pleasure to behold. The workmanship from the receiver to the barrel, the deep red richness of the wood, and the heft of the rifle is unique.

IMHO, it is an excellent "goto" gun. Bigger n the .223. The .308 cal round is plenty powerful enough to meet many challenges on two legs or four (unless you are hunting Bradley's Strykers, BRDM,s or M1 Abrams tanks!). 20 rounds in the mag gives you more rounds on hand than the 30.06 Garand.

I have had my M1A for years now, i love it. Buying an M1A is a decision that I am so far not sorry about.

 

[madcratebuilder]

DO IT! You'll love your M1A, a loaded should be close to 1moa, bed it and get a little more.

 

[H2O MAN]

Before you just do it - Do your homework by visiting Different's M1A site and M14HDW. Then pull the trigger

 

[Buzzbox]

For about $1200, you can find a used Loaded model, or a Polytech for less. The PX over at The Firing Line is a good place to look.

Since we're posting M14 pics, I'll recycle mine from another thread:

 

[Jason_G]

Someone else has told me I should consider the Scout rather than the Loaded. They said it would be quicker and easier to manage for hunting, but I'm wondering if those few inches of difference are going to really amount to anything. The Scout is also more $$, and doesn't come with the NM parts that the Loaded comes with. Should I get the Scout or the Loaded?

Jason

 

[MassMark]

I think a Loaded is a superb weapon if you want great accuracy in a full sized USGI clone rifle. They are awesome - just awesome. If you're looking for something with more of a multi purpose role, then I think you'd be wise to buy a Scout. Either way, but an M1A and be a happy camper!

 

[nbkky71]

Definitely buy the rifle! you won't be disappointed with the purchase. The standard model is a good rifle for the target shooter and is a good base rifle for future upgrades.

As far as accuracy: I'd say that 2-3MOA is more realistic from a loaded model. If you consistently want 1MOA or better, you need a NM or a supermatch.

I just got my M1A back from the gunsmith...

 

[Jason_G]

If you consistently want 1MOA or better, you need a NM or a supermatch.

Well, I don't want a bedded rifle. Not for semi's IMO. At least not for what I would be using it for. For a match rifle that only sees the range it makes sense.
So, if I unitized the GC and used quality ammo, what could I expect in terms of accuracy?

Jason

 

[30Cal]

So, if I unitized the GC and used quality ammo, what could I expect in terms of accuracy?

Who knows. You'll probably still be limited by how well your receiver goes into its one-size-fits-all stock. Bedding is an excellent thing (standard on bolt actions where the general expectation is 1.5MoA or better) and it's where accuracy comes from. All that other stuff is small potatos.

The match barrel (which in the case of the loaded is hobbled by stock fit) adds a pound to the standard USGI profile.

It it were me, looking for a field rifle, I'd get a standard or squad model and have it worked over (bedded, unitized, match trigger). Lightweight and accurate.

 

[Buzzbox]

For a field rifle, the mods I would make are:

Synthetic stock
Trigger tuned to 4.5lbs
shimmed gas cylinder
TiN or Chromed gas piston
NM front sight
NM op-rod spring guide

 

[Coronach]

I'm a big fan of the milspec rifle, at least as far as handling and weight goes. I have a Springfield NM that has the heavy barrel, and it's a LOT less handy than it's rack grade sister.

Try a standard M14/M1A before you decide to go with the SOCOM or Scout. It's no M4, but it's reasonably handy.

Mike

 

[Jason_G]

So what kind of accuracy should I expect out of the Standard, the Loaded, and the Scout? I'll give up the accuracy of the NM to avoid a bedded action or the extra $$. My plans originally were to get a Loaded, and find a tight fitting aftermarket synthetic stock, unitize the GC, and maybe swap out some parts for USGI later on.

I'm hoping to get between 1-2 MOA with that setup. Is that unrealistic?

Jason

 

[Buzzbox]

What kind of accuracy do you expect? And to what range do you wish to shoot?

A "loaded" setup will get you minute-of-man at 300yds without question, and probably better.

 

[Jason_G]

What kind of accuracy do you expect?

I'm hoping to get between 1-2 MOA with that setup. Is that unrealistic?

And to what range do you wish to shoot?

Well, for hunting, probably not more than a couple hundred yards, and most shots would be well inside 100 yds. I would like to shoot further than that at the range though, just for fun, not competitively. Probably 600-700 yds max.
Would the Loaded fit that bill without being overly cumbersome/unwieldy?

Jason

 

[Vityaz]

I have a loaded and I love it. It's length and the little extra weight really aren't that bad.
For hunting, it should be fine. I took a deer with mine this past season.
It should do everything you want it to. Later if you want more accuracy, you can always play around with it a little.

 

[Andrewsky]

I don't see why people hate on the SOCOM so much. I fired mine back-to-back with my Standard today and I have to say I enjoy the SOCOM a little more.

In all fairness though, my Standard is equipped with iron sights and my SOCOM has an Ultimak and an Aimpoint.

They feel quite different when fired. The Standard makes a high-pitched "ping" noise and kicks a little more. The SOCOM makes a low-pitched "poof" sound and has quite a flash, even in broad daylight.

I've never had a failure or malfunction with either of my M1As. They are fantastic rifles.

If you're on a tight budget though check out the CMP Garands. Cheaper guns, cheaper ammo, cheaper feeding devices, all GI parts. Can't beat that!

 

[Kingcreek]

I'm hoping to get between 1-2 MOA with that setup. Is that unrealistic?

1-2MOA is possible, but not certain. some out of the box M1As shoot surprisingly well, others seem to struggle more. I have a M1A Bush rifle that shoots very well with no stock bedding- and does it with several different loads.
Odds are good that you will get acceptable accuracy with a new Loaded model. If you are disappointed or want more later, you've got a good platform for some mods without laying a a lot more cash down. You can get a bedding kit from Brownell's and do it yourself.

 

[H2O MAN]

Tension bedded, semi free floated 18" medium heavy barrel = sub MOA accuracy. Works for me