Sell M1a Scout Squad for PTR-91?

[Grayman]

I have a Springfield Armory 18" M1a Scout Squad, synthetic stock, with a front post night sight, which I've only put about 50 rounds through. A friend of mine is trying to convince me I should sell it, and use the proceeds to buy a PTR-91 F (which he thinks I can get for about $900-$1000). The extra money from selling the Scout could then be used for buying a nice optic and a whole bunch of mags.

I like the Scout, but I also like the ergos of the PTR. I used to have an HK91 that I sold a long time ago banghead - so I'm familiar with the platform.

But can I hear some arguments for and/or against this idea?

Should I keep the M1a? Or is selling it to get a PTR 91 and a good scope a good idea?

 

[H2O MAN]

Grayman

I like the Scout, but I also like the ergos of the PTR. I used to have an HK91 that I sold a long time ago () - so I'm familiar with the platform.

It sounds like you would be more comfortable with the PTR ...

 

[nwilliams]

I've had my M1a Scout Squad for about six years now and I would never want to part with it. I have no experience with the PTR-91 and it may be a great rifle, I've certainly really great things about them.

Still it sounds like you may not be giving your M1a enough of a chance, give it some time you may learn to really love it. I think an M1a of any sort is a must-have for any serious gun collection, I say keep it and save up for a PTR-91.

Seriously you can't go wrong with either gun I'm sure, so why not keep the M1a and over the next few months save up for a PTR-91, they aren't going anywhere they'll still be available for a while. Of course you could do the opposite and sell the M1a and buy a PTR-91 and then save up for another M1a.

Of course PTR-91 rifles seem to be doing nothing but going up in price, maybe its not be a bad idea to get one sooner than later. Also after the next elections its more likely guns like the PTR-91 could become potential victims of a new AWB whereas the M1a is more likely to survive one. Still if it came down to a choice between the two I would rather have an M1a.

 

[Eric F]

why not turn your scout squad into something more ergonomic? Look at fulton armory, the hk clones are not very accurate in my findings and are some what disapointing with no last round lockback.

 

[Gator]

Never downgrade! Stick with the M1A.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

Does your friend work for JLD? What advantages does he suggest the PTR-91 will have? It isn't likely to be appreciably more accurate or more reliable. I'd say you're a freak if you think the PTR-91 is more ergonomic or balanced, and most would be inclined to agree. The PTR-91 might have cheaper mags, but big deal. It makes no sense to sell a great rifle at a loss so you can buy a rifle that is less than or equal to it and a few more magazines.

Never downgrade! Stick with the M1A.

+1

 

[W.E.G.]

The CETME/G3/PTR rifles heave the brass like a catapult.

Then, when you find it, it has spline marks and dents.

Some of the PTR triggers are OK, but I bet nowhere near as good as your M1A.

Iron sights on the M1A are much better.

If I could only have one or the other, I'd keep the M1A without blinking.

 

[TexasRifleman]

It sounds like you would be more comfortable with the PTR ...

Til the recoil hits your shoulder the first time

Kidding aside, I have a PTR and I like it very much. With a little money spent you can get the trigger in very nice shape as well.

It's a night and day feeling from an M14 style rifle, one isn't really "better" than the other.

If you remember your HK91, remember how HARD the recoil felt.

Tough choice but I can't imagine I'd give up an M1A for a PTR.

 

[Grayman]

I was quite a bit younger when I had the HK, so my memory of how hard the kick felt is probably a bit distorted to my now older body/shoulder.

But I certainly do recall the HK tearing up the brass. I seem to remember someone telling me way back then they designed them that way because they didn't want flying brass "getting in the way" when it mattered. I don't remember any satisfactory reason as to why it destroyed the brass in the process.

I've done some more reading, and while I do think it would be nice to have a PTR in the arsenal, I don't think I'm going to give up my Scout to get one.

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[nwilliams]

I've done some more reading, and while I do think it would be nice to have a PTR in the arsenal, I don't think I'm going to give up my Scout to get one.

Good choice.