Springfield M1A, Synthetic of Walnut?

[eldon519]

I'm thinking about getting a Springer M1A Loaded soon, and I was wondering if there is an advantage to either the synthetic stock or the walnut stock? I have heard about M1As being very particular about their bedding; would one offer more rigidity than the other? I should also mention I do not really care about the appearance as both look beautiful to me. I did notice the synthetic is a good bit cheaper. Is it a flimsy synthetic stock like those that come on stock Savage bolt guns?


TIA

 

[ScottsGT]

No, the syntheitc stock on Springfield Inc. M-1a's are wrinkle paint refinished GI stocks. They have a real strong odor to them when new. I would go with the walnut and order a synthetic stock from Freds, and paint it yourself. You can get the same wrinkle finish paint from an automotive parts house and paint it. You will have to use a hair dryer or place it out in the hot sun to get the wrinkling started though. But for an additional $30 to $40 you can have both stocks. Wood will tend to change bedding just due to humidity in the air. But that older design and walnut goes together like peanut butter and jelly!

 

[Onmilo]

The walnut stock will have a genuine flip plate, trapdoor buttstock with storage for tools or cleaning gear.
The sythetic stocks have a hard rubber 'recoil pad' installed.
You can remove this and buy a buttplate and upper screw nut and screws and install them but why not spend the few extra dollars and get the walnut stock version and then spend a few dollars more and buy a genuine USGI fiberglass takeoff stock from dear old Fred.
http://www.fredsm14stocks.com

You will have a nice walnut stock for displaying the rifle and a very good sythetic stock for use while shooting the rifle.

 

[funfaler]

ScottsGT has it right.

Though doing it the other way around is not a bad option either. But get both, it is not that expensive to get an extra stock.

I would not concern myself with bedding until I was shooting in competitions and have gone "Match" everything on the rifle. The M1a is plenty accurate for most shooters, and unless you are looking or "Nth degree" accuracy, it is not worth bedding.

 

[exar]

There is still plastic on the upper handgaurd on the walnut model. IMO it looked ugly, so ugly I just got the synthetic stock. Chipping the synthetic stock due to field use doesn't bother me as much as the walnut one, either. I went with the black stock and never looked back. FWIW, a dealer in Indy told me the main difference between the synthetic and wood was the synthetic stock goes BANG CLANG BANG and the wood one just goes BANG. I just and walked away.

 

[ScottsGT]

There is still plastic on the upper handgaurd on the walnut model. IMO it looked ugly, so ugly I just got the synthetic stock.

There is always the rare early upper handguard made of wood. Army discontinued it due to it catching on fire during full auto tests. I have one for mine, but don't use it now that I have a Garand. I also have a vanted USGI that I got from Freds, but they crack easily.

 

[GunTech]

I went for the synthetic, but one from Fulton without the crinkle finish. It's got a smaller neck than the wood stock and feels more comfortable to me. It's also impervious to weather and tough as all get out.

 

[Bwana John]

I like the GI fiberglass stock, but its "skinny".

If you want the oversized match stock go with the wood (or the McMill $450 fiberglass model)

 

[GunTech]

Yes, if you like 'bigger' the wood stock or macmillan is the way to go. Or you can spend some serious money and just get a JAE-100.

 

[Slinky]

Keep in mind that the wood and synthetic stocks from SA are slightly different sizes. Personally I'd go synthetic, but if you have the opportunity, try them both and see how they shoulder.

You may find that you prefer the size/feel of the wood.

 

[glockman19]

I have the SA M1A Loaded Synthetic, Carbon. I'd like to get one more walnut, stainless.

I will get the loaded model again.

 

[TIMC]

I really like the looks of the JAE-100 stock. If I went with a synthetic stock that would be the one I would choose. I have always had a soft spot for wood and I went with the walnut stock.

 

[30Cal]

Wood will tend to change bedding just due to humidity in the air.

Two coats of polyurethane on the inside and under the buttplate will cure that.

 

[GunTech]

TIMC

Nice M21!

 

[eldon519]

So it sounds to me like it's pretty much a wash? I may end up going with synthetic just because it's cheaper and I don't really care for the plastic handguard on the walnut Loaded models.

Thanks for all the advice. Also, is the extra money for the Loaded model worth it? It seems like it would be to me with the smaller aperture and smaller post. I believe it also has 1/2 minute windage adjustments? Seems like that couldn't hurt at longer ranges.

 

[Gator]

The synthetic stocks generally help the rifle shoot more accurately, if that is a consideration. But the wood does look better! IMO

As others have said, get the wood and then get a synthetic USGI stock from Fred.

http://www.fredsm14stocks.com/faq.asp?ITEM=1

 

[MVF]

I believe you also get a better barrel and a better trigger on the Loaded. I think it's worth it.

 

[ScottsGT]

Your going to get that same exact plastic handguard on the synthetic stock too. It's just going to be painted with black wrinkle finish paint.
BTW, it's fiberglass, not plastic. Have you actually had the chance to hold one in a gun shop yet? It really does not feel as cheesy as it looks in the photos.

 

[Geno]

I've had both in "Loaded" packages, and both were equally accurate and consistent.

 

[GunTech]

Yes, the loaded has a NM barrel, NM trigger and NM sights.