what m1a would you choose?

[crimsoncomet]

What m1a rifle would you guys choose to buy? I don't see the m1a as a close quater combat rifle, but the soccom II sure does look sweet!

 

[jeepguy]

neither an older used standard, loaded, or bush model with more usgi parts. i do like the socom but not the socom 2. i recently bought a used bush rifle with usgi bolt, trigger, gi fiberglass stock and op rod for $1250. check out the px in the m 14 forum. that is where i found mine. i will say that whichever one you get you will enjoy as they are great rifles.

 

[HorseSoldier]

One made by a better quality manufacturer than Springfield.

 

[mshootnit]

I've got the National Match and the Standard synthetic which I converted to a nice fulton armory walnut and brown handguard. The standard shoots pretty close to 1.5 moa the National Match is sub moa. The National Match is heavier. I have a Saiga 308 16" which I converted that I would not trade for a SOCOM rifle even if you gave me cash (well ok depends on how much cash.) So, ruling out the SOCOM and since the National Match is not on your poll I would have to go standard. They can be very good shooters. My overall impression of the standard versus the national match: The standard trigger is a little heavier but still crisp and good as a USGI 2 stage trigger should be. I think the standard I have is very nice and if I didn't already have a NM I might not miss it. Don't get to thinking the standard doesn't have enough quality features. Put it in a good stock with good lock up and feed it good ammo and it will probably shoot better at 200 than you can hold. (probably)

 

[Hatterasguy]

Standard 21in in a Sage EBR stock.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Scout for all around handiness and an insignificant decrease in range.

Loaded if you're thinking about using it for CMP competition but aren't ready to buy the really expensive match models.

Standard if you want a 22" barrel for top velocity and don't like the Scout or think you can actually use the slight additional range, and you don't want the extra 1/2 lb of barrel weight from the Loaded model.

One made by a better quality manufacturer than Springfield.

Not this again... opposite of the neverending DPMS thread, getting even potentially better quality than SAI means spending $2000 and up, which is 50% or more extra depending which exact models you're looking at. It's not like DPMS vs. DD where an extra $100-200 gets you better everything.

And SAI receivers, although cast, are also thicker in key areas so they don't crack like USGI receivers typically do after enough use.

Standard 21in in a Sage EBR stock.

Last I checked the US military issue M14 and the typical commercial M1A both used 22" barrels in their standard form.

 

[Hatterasguy]

Oh my bad thanks for calling me on that massive error.

 

[unwise11]

Socom II. I handled one and it feels like a tank, If you want a long-range worker a boltgun would work out better.
So the Socom II would be my choice, I'd mount an Aimpoint Comp M4 in scout position and have a fun woodsgun, and a ranch defence gun.

 

[gunnutery]

I voted Socom II, but only because there wasn't a Socom 16 option.

 

[crimsoncomet]

Yeah, I am having a hard time deciding. The loaded model and the scout are a dead draw for me. The soccom II is the most tempting, but when have you seen a 10lb rifle become a very effective close quaters weapon? The scout is somewhat of a pull in both directions. Shorter yet, not entirely meant for close quarters.

 

[Justin]

I'm sorry, but those Sage EBR stocks look ridiculously uncomfortable.

 

[fragout]

I found the Sage stocks to be very uncomfortable/heavy/bulky, so ended up taking it off my issued M14, and am using a GI synthetic now.

I voted Scout (18.5in bbl). If you want your M1A Scout to sport a very close OAL as a Socom, then an SEI Vortex direct connect flash hider/gas lock front sight will get it awful close......


I lined the SEI set up ( right side) next to another 18.5in bbl rifle for comparison.

 

[roklok]

Of the ones listed, the Scout, but I prefer the Bush rifle. It has the same length barrel as the Scout, but with a flashhider rather than the brake, and without the forward rail.

 

[Orlando]

I would look for a older SAI. The newer M1A's have mostly commercial cast parts and many have isuues. Good thing is SAI will take care of the problems if they occurr.

 

[jeepguy]

i have two sai's are they are good to go. are their better manufacturers, for considerbly more money yes. but i doubt any of us will ever wear out a sai receiver and their warenty is great and from what i hear they honor it. i love the rifles 7.62mm firearms are making but it was not in the budget.

 

[crimsoncomet]

Does anyone know what length barrel the military is using on their m14s in service?

 

[az_imuth]

When I bought mine several years ago, I went with a Standard Loaded model. This is a standard length (22") model with the advantage of a better quality barrel and a much better trigger. I think the sights are upgraded as well. I felt like for only about $100 between them at the time, the upgrades were well worth the price difference.

I've never had a moment's trouble with my M1A. It's very comfortable to shoot, accurate, reliable and has a lifetime warranty.

While the scout is appealing, and I may pick one up if I run across a deal, I would still get the standard-sized rifle first if I had to do it over again. I really have no use for one shorter than the scout model.

 

[Rshooter]

I would get the scout but I already own a standard. The socom is just so heavy.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

I have the Loaded model and love it. The rifle is more accurate than I am, feels and shoots very nicely, and has been very reliable. However, it is hefty, and more than that, it is long. I don't mind the weight so much when I am hiking around in the hills, but man it starts to feel awkward with all that barrel any time I am anywhere else. If I had it to do over again or am ever able to afford another M1A, it will be an 18 inch barreled Scout model. No funky gas system or compensator required, smaller and handier than the Standard, yet still enough to make good use of the power and range it's capable of. I think the Scout is probably the most useful.

 

[Acera]

I've posted this picture before, it's a hybrid of the above choices. It's basically the same length as my M-4 clone, and functions great with all factory parts. Got the brand new stock at a show for less than $70 (from a dealer who had just sold the full length rifle to a guy who wanted to "accessorize" it with a high dollar aftermarket stock). Sold the rails and camo'd stock on here and another board for a few hundred dollars.

 

[kmcintosh78]

First, what is your budget.
Second, what will it be used for.

The military uses several different versions. Most, I believe are in the 22" length.
Check out Smith Enterprises in AZ. They build the M14 rifle used by the Army.

 

[fragout]

The std bbl length for an M14 service rifle is 22inches.

Here is a ref pic of the 3 types of bbl lengths that SAI produces...


22in at top ( std/loaded/NM/SM/m25 models)

18in in the middle. ( This one is a bush model, but the scouts are the same ecxept they utilize a muzzle brake instead of a flash hider, and have a scout mount, along with a handguard that has a hole cut in it to allow the mount to stick up thru it......where as the bush model uses the std hg.)

16in ( SocomII, and Socom 16 models.)
=========================================================================================
Like mentioned b4...my fav is the 18ish types for all around use, and also use them for hunting.

M1A-A1 Bush rifle at the top, and the other is a custom built "tanker" using an M14S norinco receiver at it's heart, along with a Criterion 18.5in chrome lined std contour bbl/ SEI "front end".

My next rifle is an LRB ARMS M14SA 18.5inbbl Tanker. (Will do pics after I get a hold of it when i get home)

 

[WhisperFan]

I just bought a SOCOM 16 (with the comp) in the green stock.

But that wasn't a choice in the poll

 

[sappnasty]

I selected the SOCOM II. I just bought the SOCOM II with urban stock....I am a fan of accuracy and would have loved to have had a 22" standard model. However, I had a once of a lifetime opportunity to buy this puppy brand new from S/A for $1,378! So I bought it. I dont so much like the rails and my bottom rail is usually always removed. I may plan on getting a wood stock for it....It is my dedicated short range hog/deer rifle. And despite what ANYONE says on this forum, it shoots AWESOME with good ammo well past 100 yards, despite the 16" barrel. And I have killed several deer with a SOCOM II iron sights...Another great rifle by S/A.

 

[ATCDoktor]

I have all 3 (SOCOM 16, Full Sized Loaded with stainless bbl and the Scout).

This one is my favorite: