Should I get another M1A?

[Andrewsky]

Right now I only have two firearms: An M1A SOCOM 16 with ultimak rail and aimpoint compc3 and a Ruger 10/22 Carbine with Bushnell red dot sight.

I don't like shotguns much and I'm not old enough to buy handguns yet, so I'm thinking I should pick up another rifle. Who knows, maybe someday I won't be able to buy a battle rifle.

I've done a lot of research on all kinds of battle rifles. I've thought about ARs, AK47s, AK74s, HK91 types, etc. I don't really like the ergonomics of any of the above. DSA FALs are very attractive, but I've never even laid eyes on a FAL in real life.

I'm also the kind of guy who would get pretty upset if I did something wrong when purchasing. Like, if I got a certain type of AR and found out later that I would have been better off with another type of AR, I would not take it well.

After doing a lot of research, I've found that other battle rifles are complicated. For example, there are at least 20 makes of ARs, and there are inch and metric FALs. Since I've already bought an M1A, I know what I am doing.

So, if I did end up getting another M1A, what should I get? I want something that will be really rugged, and I want it to be similar to M14s used in Vietnam or Iraq. It should also contrast with my SOCOM. So, it would probably be a 22" with a wood stock. If I wanted to add a red-dot optic in the future, I would probably do it with an ultimak rail (I'm very impressed with mine). So I would have to get a standard profile barrel.

Or should I forget about the standard profile barrel and get a Loaded or National Match? Or maybe I should mount a high-magnification telescope. A SAGE stock?

I don't know. What do you guys think? My budget is somewhere around $2k. I have 10 CMI mags and 900 rounds of .308 already.

Maybe I shouldn't get an M1A and just save up for a defensive pistol and a .22LR pistol (that would be 3 years off).

Or maybe I should just get something that is more likely to be banned than an M1A, like a FAL. A FAL would also diversify my collection.

Or I could put my money into M1A magazines and ammo, and pick up an M1A after an Assault Weapons Ban.

Decisions, decisions.

Your thoughts?

 

[eldon519]

The FAL thing isn't very complicated. Inch stuff isn't as common today and just about everything DSA makes is metric. Metric magazines and accessories are also very common, so don't let that dissuade you if you're interested.

I actually ordered a Springfield M1A Loaded today as a matter of fact, so you can guess what my preference is. The SOCOM is a great combat tool. The Loaded is also a good weapon with a little refinement to make it a more enjoyable and accurate target weapon while not sacrificing much in the way of combat practicality.

 

[hank327]

Get the 22" standard model if you want one as close to standard issue GI model as possible. If you are not in a hurry, you could keep an eye on the "for sale" sections of the various gun boards. That way you could find an earlier model M1A that was made with mostly or all original GI parts. I have a standard walnut M1A that I bought just before the Clinton Assault Weapon Ban and I love it. It shoots as well as I need it to and to me it just looks like an M14 is supposed to look.

 

[zinj]

I'm also the kind of guy who would get pretty upset if I did something wrong when purchasing. Like, if I got a certain type of AR and found out later that I would have been better off with another type of AR, I would not take it well.

One of the strengths of the AR is that it is modular, so if you find the setup you bought isn't to your liking you can switch out some components and change it. As long as you stay with a quality maufacturer (and there are a bunch) you shouldn't have problems.

If you do go with another .308 I would get a gun with a longer barrel to take advantage of the cartridge's capacity.

 

[byf43]

Andrewsky,

I recommend:

1. Get/buy a shotgun, anyway. Look for them to be on the 'hit list' in the not-too-distant future. I strongly suggest/recommend Remington 870. You won't be sorry.
Sidenote: All firearms may be on the 'hit list' in the not too distant future.

2. Buy another M1A. Get a "Loaded" or "NM" rifle and you'll be set for life.
Accuracy and very reliable.

3. Buy as much ammo as your wallet and budget will allow for your M1A and 10/22. Actually, buy until your budget is shouting to stop. Man cannot have too much ammo. (Or firearms!)

4. Buy magazines for all of your firearms. See sidenote for #1. These too, will be in the sights of the antis.

5. IF you are intent on buying an AR, look to S&W or RRA. DPMS and Olympic Arms are good, too.

 

[Slugless]

Same decision

Andrew from Poland,

I really like your sig....

I had the same choice to make (had to!). I tried a friend's FAL and thought it was heavy, that the ergonomics weren't so good (although the carry handle is cool), the peep sights were a bit primitive but target acquisition was fast and it was accurate at the ranges we were shooting.

I wanted to make sure I got a nice one, did the math & decided that I'd spend as much on a DSA as on a loaded M1A.

The M1A is a lovely rifle with the walnut stock (the laminates they had at the time disgusted me - why would Springfield do that?) It's light for a battle rifle and the ergonomics are good - one of those rifles you want to pick up & play with (the sensual pleasure in your sig). I don't feel that way about an FAL - it's a piece of hardware.

The loaded M1A is a good choice - what is it, $1300 - 1400? That leaves you $600 for scope & mount or ammo. The iron sights are the best but target acquisition isn't as fast as the FAL. But hey, that's why you have the Socom, right? You can buy an iron sighted .22 as a trainer with the extra bucks & that'll diversify your collection. My Nylon 66 is another sensual rifle ("my little friend").

A defensive pistol and a .22LR can run you less than $1k. Ruger Mark III, for instance - $285. A new 686 is $550.

Heck, I'm gonna open the gun safe right now & fondle my M1.

 

[crazed_ss]

I have a Loaded M1A with SS bbl and it is a joy to shoot. I would like to get an M4gery for a CQB type rifle, but unfortunately I live in CA.. So I've been really thinking about getting a SOCOM 16 to compliment my fullsize M1A.

If you like your SOCOM, I'm sure you'll love a fullsize M1A. The cool thing is you will have an extremely reliable long range rifle and a close quarters rifle with a lot of bunch and you'll be able to swap ammo, mags, accessories between them.

 

[Baron357]

I would say either get the FAL or an XCR (if .308 is avaliable???).

If you go the M1A route which is also a very good choice as you know, then get either a standard or loaded seeing as you already have the short barrel socom. I myself would love the scout if I had the funds...

 

[BeJaRa]

I personally would go for the full size M1A, FALs are a good tool, but to me they are not a comfortable rifle to shoot and the iron on them all seem very crude compared to the awsome peep sights on the M1A. Of course if you scope them then it doesn't matter. but to each thier own, I would go to a gun show and shoulder a few FAL's before you make a choice.

 

[DnPRK]

There is a reason AR-15s have replaced M-1As in service rifle competition - they shoot better groups.

I have nothing against M-1As, got 3 myself with one match accurized. But AR-15s are a marked improvement in accuracy (if accuracy is important to you).

AR-15s are modular. You can swap upper assemblies in 20 seconds and completely change the function of your rifle. I would recommend starting with a 20" model, then purchasing additional upper assemblies. I have .223s in 20", 16", 24", 26", one in 7.62x39, some are free floated, some with iron sights, some with optics. The best thing is parts are pretty standard and can be mixed and matched without issue. I buy stuff a little at a time when I can afford them (it took years to accumulate all the AR stuff).

 

[DnPRK]

Oops! Double tap.

 

[glockman19]

I'd get a full size M1A loaded, Walnut Stainless.

 

[ScottsGT]

OK, somebody had to say this; Try an M1 Garand on for size. My M1A always stays at home now that I have the M1.

 

[possum]

remington 870 everyone should have at least 1

ar sift through the makers ask question here and ar15.com and find a good ar everyone needs an ar at least 1 as well.

i would get another m1a in the future but after the ar and 870 are attained, i would go with the m1a loaded.

 

[HorseSoldier]

If you've ony got two long guns at the moment, I'd say there's a whole lot to be said for adding some variety to the collection. Don't know what you're ammo budget is, but I'd say there's a lot to be said for adding a 5.56mm, 7.62x39 or even a 5.45x39 to the collection.

I've done a lot of research on all kinds of battle rifles. I've thought about ARs, AK47s, AK74s, HK91 types, etc. I don't really like the ergonomics of any of the above.

Have you put any rounds through any of the above? Personally, I'd say all of the above have superior ergonomics to an M14 clone as a fighting gun. Might be worth trying to give them a chance and seeing how they run.

After doing a lot of research, I've found that other battle rifles are complicated. For example, there are at least 20 makes of ARs, and there are inch and metric FALs.

FALs are simple. Buy a metric from DSA.

As for the ARs, if you want something top end, you've got the budget for it -- can't go wrong with Colt, Lewis Machine and Tool, or Noveske.

Maybe I shouldn't get an M1A and just save up for a defensive pistol and a .22LR pistol (that would be 3 years off).

Or maybe I should just get something that is more likely to be banned than an M1A, like a FAL. A FAL would also diversify my collection.

Or I could put my money into M1A magazines and ammo, and pick up an M1A after an Assault Weapons Ban.

I think you are right that M14 clones will be more AWB-resistant than more evil-black-rifle looking weapons like FALs, ARs, etc. Still, if a new AWB comes down, its advocates will probably be aware of this and go after it as well (remember the current legislation dying in Congress even classes the M1 carbine and Garand as assault weapons, if I'm not mistaken).

That said, another option I'd suggest is using some portion of your budget to look into taking a good defensive carbine sort of course to get a handle on how to really run your SOCOM. Between class fees and the ammo you'll need, it's not a cheap proposition (especially in .308) but it's hard to put a price on the skills to get the most out of your weapons.

 

[Davo]

The M1A is a great gun, but you are right...you may not be able to get certain rifles for long.
If I was you, Id purchase an AR, and several lowers for buiding later (they are under 100 bux if you shop around). Also Id get standard cap mags for all your rifles, and even stuff you might one day get.
And food for thought...youve got a great close-mid range gun in the socom, maybe you could put the money into a tricked out AR10 for a long range .308

 

[Andrewsky]

Actually my guns share a safe with my dad's guns. So whenever I go to the range I put about 25 shells through his 870 Wingmaster.

There are certainly a lot of choices out there. It'd be nice to have $20,000 or so to spend.

Anyways, my experiences with semi-automatic rifles is limited to my M1A, my BAR .270, an SKS, and a full-auto M4A1.

I don't think I want a DMR like an AR10. I use a Browning A-Bolt Medallion for deer hunting. It is chambered in .300 Win Mag and has a 3.5-10x Leupold on it. It easily shoots 1moa with the cheapest Federal Ammunition Wal Mart has to offer.

I don't understand why some people think M1As are not ergonomic. I find them to be quite superior to ARs when it comes to ergonomics.

Right now I'm thinking about PTR-91s.