Want to get an M1A... What do I need to know?

[TexasPatriot.308]

my latest is a Springfield Armory (the only way to go) standard loaded with walnut stock and California legal muzzle brake, paid $1500 friom buds gun shop. I love it. I want another one soon. I hate the cheek piece for a scope so will probably leave it open sights.

 

[az_imuth]

The price on a new Loaded/Walnut model currently seems to be around 1500 plus. Used M1A's are out there, but they don't seem to be very common, nor do they last very long. I was looking for a used one when I bought mine (several years back), but there just weren't any to be found so I ended up buying new. I went for the loaded/synthetic model (9226) and it has been a wonderful rifle. When I went to pick up my order the dealer offered to throw in a nice surplus walnut stock and 5 USGI mags for an extra 100, so I swapped out the synthetic stock right away. I don't think you'll be disappointed with an M1A and the lifetime warranty is definitely a big plus in my book.

 

[mortablunt]

You're going to need a second mortgage for the whole thing! Nah, just kidding, pay attention to the other guys here. Also remember that different people make M1A's, so try out different guns and shop around before you walk home with anything.

 

[Rmeju]

Thanks again to everyone who took a minute out of their lives to give me a little help!

I'm leaning heavily toward a Springfield National Match with a walnut stock.

Very excited!

 

[Dean1818]

Do any Of you hunt with your M1A?

 

[Redlg155]

The M1a is perfect for hunting. Tree stand hunting that is.

A couple of years ago I lugged around a M1a loaded with scope and bipod, bedded in a Troy industries stock and a Magpul PRS buttstock. After about a mile I decided to swap it out for my Marlin 1895 GS guide gun for the rest of the hunt.

I did however, harvest a spike while sitting in the tree stand with one. I will try out the scout the next season.

 

[Cosmoline]

The Scout style in the polymer stock is not too heavy, and shoots well enough with irons you could easily hunt out to 250 yards with it. In the little hiking I did with it, the only problem carrying it was the pokey magazine. I suspect that could be solved by one of the nice wide tactical straps that flips it sideways so the mag isn't jabbing at your vertebrae.

 

[Jason_G]

Do any Of you hunt with your M1A?

Yep.

Mine is a Loaded, and I hunt with it. Still/stand hunting for deer mostly, but walking the fields for hogs and other pest animals as well.

I'll give you the skinny on how it works for hunting (at least IME):

Pros:

• .308 Win will put pretty much any game animal in North America down with a well placed shot.
• The iron sights are unbelievably good, allowing easy adjustment for elevation and windage, with predictable results, provided you know how to use them. You can use irons out to distances at which many hunters probably wouldn't use traditional open sights.
• The rifle balances nicely for most shooters, meaning a very quick sight picture.
• Follow up shots (should you need them) are easy and quick.
• It's a rugged, durable platform that doesn't mind the dirt, grime, etc., that can wind up in a semiauto action in the field/woods.

Cons:

• The NM sights make seeing the front post pretty hard in twilight and early morning hours, which is often an active time for deer. Standard sights would probably be a little better, as the rear aperture is not as small.
• The action is loud, and you really have to load from a magazine and let the bolt slam home to get the round chambered properly. Deviating from this can give you a risk for anything from a POI shift to a slamfire, depending on how you decide to deviate from SOP.
• It's heavy. Not a biggie in my book, but then again, I'm also in the Deep South with pretty flat ground. I imagine it would suck to have to haul a 9-10 pound rifle up and down mountainous terrain on an elk or sheep hunt.
• Not cheap or easy to scope. Can be done, there are lots of solutions that work well, but they take more effort and money than most hunting rifles would. I'm an irons guy, so this is no biggie for me, but many use glass, and this could be a major issue for some.

I will add that the M1A really needs a good sling. Either a quality leather M1917 style, or USGI style web sling are good to go.


Jason

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

My M1A is one of my favorite hog rifles (and I am overrun with them in my cattle pastures), so easy for follow up shots using my irons.