Springfield M1A crash course needed!

[HighRoad]

I would like to get some opinions about the Springfield M1A, and the different models available. You see, I have a very short time to pick out a Springfield M1A of my choice at a price that is amazing. The truth is, I wanted to buy one anyway, after some research. But this oppertunity just came from nowhere before I could get started and I have to act very quickly.

Ok so basically I have the textbooks for this course. They are labeled "Springfield Armory 2008 Retail Supplement" and "Springfield Armory - The Armory". These are dealer books and I must return them tomorrow morning with a decision. Sorry for the short notice!

Anyway I have narrowed my search down to a full size, walnut stocked M1A. Is there a whole lot of difference between the M1A standard, loaded, and national match? Im trying to keep costs down but accuracy is important.

I like the look of the stainless barrels, are these a good choice? Are chrome lined barrels available? Which would you go with?

EDIT: Offer excludes match M1A's. :banghead:

 

[dscottw88]

If you can afford the best one, get the best one, if you can only afford the cheapest of the 3, get that.

Supposedly, the Loaded model is the best bang for your buck, its got alot of National Match parts in it, except the high price tag. I personally would get the full size model, the looks of the original full size rifle make me drool, and appearantly pleases your eyes as well.

As for chrome lined barrels, someone will be along shortly to give you some more solid details. Good luck and have fun!

 

[EShell]

+1. . . full size, spend as much as you can afford. I have a walnut NM and LOVE it. . .

 

[HighRoad]

Thanks ive been leaning towards the loaded

Now I guess Its just this barrel dilemma? I think thats everything but i may have overlooked something.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

Eh, um...

If the OP wouldn't mind me pirating in a question here as well...

How do various scope mounts work with disassembly? Since the bolt must be removed through the top of the receiver, does that mean the scope and mount must be removed prior each time, and if so, is there a problem with zero shift?

I have a full size "Loaded" series, which BTW, I fully recommend. Mine is a stainless synthetic, but I definitely can appreciate the traditional look of the wood stock and blued metal. The "Loaded" is a happy medium between the standard and NM. I think I paid $1300 for mine a year or so ago. I love her, and have been thinking about giving her something shiny--I was thinking a 6x IOR Valdada on an SEI mount--but it doesn't make sense to me. Surely everyone with a scope on their M1A doesn't have to remove it every time they want to clean their bolt?

 

[saltydog452]

I have a NM M1A with National Match front and rear sights. Supposedly this was top of the line in late 80s-early 90s.

Except for range conditions in bright sunlight, I could not use the NM sights well.

I haven't fired it in about 20 years. One of my sons has used it in formal matches when he was in the USAR though. He has 20/15 vision. Even with good vision he agreed that it was best if used in range conditions.

salty

 

[glockman19]

For everything you wanted to know about the M14/M1a go to:

http://www.imageseek.com/m1a/

The best value IMHO is the Loaded. It's alittle more than the standard and a little less tha the National Match with all of the main components. Teh walnut furniture i snice but heavy and can warp after time. I have Loaded Carbon synthetic with harris 9-13 swivel bipod and Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24x40 scope. 100 yard groups are >1-1.25" with standard Q3130 ammo. Groups of 4-6" out to 600 yards.

 

[Dienekes]

I have had my standard, walnut stocked M1A with med. hvy barrel for about 8 years now, like it more all the time. Had it glass bedded by a riflesmith after I had shot it for a couple of years and could justify it. I found that very adequate for my needs.

Consensus seems to be that there are not many really good mounts for them, and they are not inexpensive. Smith Enterprises makes one of the best, and that is the way I went--three point mounting. When putting one on the commercial SA M1A the mount needs to be mated up to the receiver as there is a little dimensional difference to be resolved. Mine is in right now for that.

I was never anxious to add weight to the rifle, but the above mount and compact 3X ACOG only add one pound. IMHO it is the best iron sighted or optic-sighted rifle out there. I suppose a forged recievered rifle would be superior in theory but I doubt I would know the difference in application.

At a minimum a nice standard would be a good starting point; you can always add what you really need later. If you really find you need it--you may not...

 

[longdayjake]

m1a loaded

Mine is an M1a loaded with the SS barrel. I am amazed at how consistent and accurate it is. The NM barrel is made with really tight tolerances however and you cant just put any old ammo through it. I got a flake of lead in the chamber and it stopped my bolt from turning. Also, you have to make sure your case neck lenght is right or it wont go as well. Best advice is treat it and clean it like a bolt gun. Mine is a lot pickier than my '44 M1 Garand which can shoot and cycle almost anything for hundreds and hundreds of rounds before it needs to be cleaned. But the accuracy of the M1a is MUCH better. Not to mention the 20 rounds of pure rock and roll.

As far as which barrel you are to get the truth is whether you get the regular or the SS barrel you will still have about the same barrel life. The SS barrel will probably give you a little better accuracy. If you were to get the chrome lined barrel you change it from a NM barrel to only a "mostly" accurate barrel with longer life. For me it was not an issue since I can't afford thousands of rounds of 7.62. Even as it is it should shoot 5-10k rounds accurately.

 

[GarandOwner]

What are you going to use it for? Do you reload? Most average shooters wont be able to tell the difference between the NM and the Loaded at close ranges ( less than 300 yrds ) and even less than that will be able to tell if they dont reload themselves. The Loaded comes with NM sights, arguably one of the most "necessary" upgrades for better accuracy. I have also heard that the NM and Super match M1A's are "finicky" when it comes to ammo. All around, the Loaded is the best value, if desired you can get a bedding job or even do it yourself. No matter which you get I would recomend getting the Loaded as it is the best "bang" for the buck. Personally I would go for the Carbon steel barrel as it dissipates heat better than stainless steel.

 

[ScottsGT]

Go for the 9222. Loaded model with a carbon steel barrel. Looks like a GI gun. I myself don't care for the stainless barrels on military style rifles. But that's just me....

 

[10X]

Since the Super Match and National Match are not under consideration. Get one of the others with a NM barrel. The accuracy potential is the same for SS or the carbon steel barrel just luck of the draw.

If you need more accuracy, you can bed the rifle yourself and get most of the advantage of the National Match model.

Match sights are best for range use.