Standard M1A and related/first gun questions

[SodiumBenzoate]

I've always really liked the look and function of the M1A/M14 and I've decided it's time to actually buy a rifle of my own.. So I have questions!

I've heard that there are currently supply/availability issues with the M1A. Can anyone comment on that? Is it related only to specific models?

Is the M1A an acceptable starter gun? I've shot firearms before, but I don't have a great deal of experience. 7.62 isn't a terribly punishing cartridge or anything, but I've heard a lot of people advocate the "start with a .22" approach.

In terms of accessories.. Besides magazines, what should I get right off the bat? Is a locked case acceptably secure for a single firearm, or do I really need a safe (I live in an extremely low-crime area)? Any recommendations on good value cases/safes? And optics - I'm not planning on getting a scope for awhile, but can optics be easily/effectively mounted on a "Standard" M1A?

Thanks in advance for all the help.

edit: I realized that it might help to explain what I want to do with the rifle - just recreational target shooting. I'm not expecting to be in any competitions anytime soon and I'm not a hunter.

 

[General Geoff]

Expect to spend a lot of money on ammo if you're plinking with an M1A. Big fun requires a big wallet.

Accessories I'd get in order of importance are:

1. Sling
2. Extra magazines

Anything else is just gravy, really. Don't forget to acquire a cleaning kit. I usually just use a bore snake, chamber brush and a toothbrush + CLP for cleaning my guns. Some molybdenum grease for the op rod guide is prudent for the M1A in particular.

After blowing through a few hundred rounds of 7.62 NATO, I think you'll figure out why we recommend a .22 for target shooting.

 

[SodiumBenzoate]

Yeah, the price of ammo is kind of worrying (did 7.62x51mm always cost $.50 a round?!), but I won't be doing a ton of shooting for awhile (college gets in the way of that... 8 months a year, I won't be doing any).

 

[HuntAndFish]

Can anyone comment on that?

I just purchased a new Springfield Armory M1A this week. I wanted to order a specific model but the dealer says he can't order it. He is just taking anything they will send him. I had to take the only model they had in stock (MA9222). Last one they had actually.

Is the M1A an acceptable starter gun?

No. Get a ruger 10/22 in .22LR. Put Tech Sights on it and a GI web sling. Makes it look like a mini M1A. Practice with that while looking for a good price on a real M1A. You will never regret this purchase.

ETA: If you go with the 10/22, send your trigger group here and have Dan Brown clean up the trigger for you, or you can do it yourself with the right parts. It's worth it.

 

[dscottw88]

I think an educated purchase such as a M1A would be perfectly acceptable for a first firearm. Amazing round in an amazingly well designed rifle. Get yourself at least 7 or 8 mags, maybe more. Be prepared to spend quite a bit of money though, M1As aren't cheap.

There are however differen't models, those being Standard, National Match, and then one (can't remember the name) that is a standard but has a national match trigger and some other awesome doo-dads in it. Personally, I'd just go with the standard, the accuracy out of the standard is good enough for me, I dont need more than that.

However, if you are lookiong for sub-MOA accuracy you have two options, one is go with the National Match M1A, OR you can pick up one of those Polytech M14 clones and trick it out to your liking. Someone will come along soon and give you better specifics. Whatever you get, be sure to post some pics.

 

[30Cal]

Do not use a segmented cleaning rod. Get a one-piece rod and muzzle guide or an Otis. You'll also need a chamber brush and grease.

 

[Acera]

There will be some folks to tell you that you need this upgrade, and for better reliability you have to get this.

It is a great gun out of the box, and you should have zero problems with it as is. If you have hundreds of dollars to spend replacing good parts and hanging stuff off it, I would suggest you get another rifle in addition to your M1A, like a .22.

Spend the extra money you save on ammo, magazines, and range time.


Good Luck, you are on a good path.

 

[lipadj46]

I've heard that there are currently supply/availability issues with the M1A. Can anyone comment on that? Is it related only to specific models?

Yes there is great demand for all military type rifles at the moment. It is less than it was back in say December because supply is catching up. If you can wait that would be my advice. You will pay at least $500 more than you would have last September for any M1A.

Is the M1A an acceptable starter gun? I've shot firearms before, but I don't have a great deal of experience. 7.62 isn't a terribly punishing cartridge or anything, but I've heard a lot of people advocate the "start with a .22" approach.

There is nothing wrong with jumping in with both feet. An AR type rifle may be a bit better as a learning rifle though. The recoil of an M1A is not too bad but it kicks a lot more than an AR that's for sure. If you know what you want though for for it.

In terms of accessories.. Besides magazines, what should I get right off the bat?

Buy extra CMI brand mags from here: http://www.44mag.com/ and buy a good military sling (the leather or nylon ones made for a garand or M14). Then of course ammo.

Is a locked case acceptably secure for a single firearm, or do I really need a safe (I live in an extremely low-crime area)? Any recommendations on good value cases/safes?

You do not need a safe.

And optics - I'm not planning on getting a scope for awhile, but can optics be easily/effectively mounted on a "Standard" M1A?

Fairly easily but not so cheap now that Smit Ent. sold out of their Weaver mount. Do not buy the SAI mount. The ARMS and Bassett are good lower priced options. SEI and Sadlak are bot pricey but great.

 

[Slamfire]

The M1a, as in any auto loading rifle, takes more care and understanding than a bolt rifle.

I highly recommend buying "The M14 Owner's Guide and Match Conditioning Instructions". Fulton Armory carries the book.

Having shot out three match barrels in match M1a's, I think the rifle is just great.

It is still a great rifle in GI configuration.

They are always expensive. They don't get any cheaper. Prices jumped just before the Clinton gun ban, and have stayed high, and if Obama gets to a second term, and implements an Obama gun ban prices will sky rocket.

So get one now.

 

[ATAShooter]