Springfield Scout Squad or Loaded M1A

[Prion]

I've decided on a Springfield M1A as my next rifle purchase. Curious what peoples opinions are on the advantages and disadvantages between the Scout and Loaded. Match trigger and barrel that much better on the loaded? Ballistics differences between the two barrel lengths? It is possible I would use it for NE deer hunting ie shorter ranges but mostly for target shooting and because I want one! I mean need one. My other concern is the Scout scope mount versus the SA 3rd gen reciever mount. Advantages to either and what you like. Also scope or red dot recommendations for these rifles. I'm leaning toward a Loaded w/ walnut stocks and the 3rd gen scope mount though I'll probably stick with irons at first. Thanks in advance

 

[Lazuris]

Go loaded and you'll never look back. The Scout is a nitch gun as is the Socom IMO. Remember that a gas gun by defult has less velocity than a bolt gun due to the nature of the gas system. Add to that the shorter barrel, 100fps per inch i believe and you are qucikly entering 30/30 performance. The loaded is fun to shoot accurate, and plane awesome. I shot mine with irons for a bit then went with a tati-cool setup with a gen 2 jallen stock. I used a Sadlack industries scope mount and topped it off with a mk4 4-10 scope. Now it does not out shoot my bolt guns but it easly rings steel out to 800+ yrds on the fly. Also stupid question but is it legal to hunt with a gun that holds more tha 3 rounds out where you are?

 

[Prion]

Hey Lazuris, six rounds here, five in the mag and one in the chamber. I like the Loaded as well, like those stocks too! Sounds like you have a very enviable set-up. Thanks for the info.

 

[Gunfighter123]

I think you NEED one of each I have a full size M1A and a Socom 1 -- both are great rifles but each can cross over to fit most needs.

With the "battle sites" on the Socom , I have no trouble with hitting a head size object at 100yds. ----- with the full size M1A and iron sights I can do a bit better. With either , I can hit a man/deer at 300yds. --- thats the longest distance at any range close to me.

With your name -- ARlover , I take it you already have some ARs , which would do for a SD/SHTF type rifle. I would think you would be a little more inclined to a full size M1A. Lately , I have enjoyed useing my Socom more then the M1A.

Not to argue , but the loss is closer to 50 fps per inch of brl. length , both from chronoing my rifles and what I have read.

The Sadlack industries scope mount is better then the Gen. 3 SA mount IMHO.



Whatever you get , I am sure you will be pleased with the power and accuracy of the M1As.

 

[lipadj46]

I was in the same boat you are in and I went with the walnut loaded model. I went with the loaded because it was my first M1A rifle and I figured I wanted the original full length rifle. The loaded comes with the big bang for buck accuracy upgrades in the match barrel and trigger. You lose some velocity with the scout but it is probably minimal but I wanted the most range from my main rifle. These rifles are great you really can't go wrong. If I was going to buy a second it would be scout.

You can put a scope mount on either but I would not get the Springfield mount it is arguably the worst on the market. Smith Enterprises makes a good low price mount for $125. The scout mount IMO is of limited uses on a .308. You can only either put a pistol/scout type scope or a red dot. The receiver mount gives you much better options though adds weight.

 

[possum]

it all depends on what your needs are. I would take the scout as it is short enough for working in an "urban" scenario, but yet still gives me the velocity, and high capacity semi auto capabilites of the .308

 

[Jason_G]

I preferred the Loaded personally, but either will be tons of fun. The shorter barreled M1As lacked the balance that the full length barreled versions had when I handled them. This might not be the same for everyone though, since not everyone has the same wingspan, etc.

Jason

 

[X-Rap]

I have the Scout and like it. Most of my Mag fed guns are as short as possible and the bolts just the opposite.