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Which M1A Should I get?

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blaisenguns

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Hi there. I wanted to pickl the brains of the M1A guys out there. I have wanted one for awhile, and I may "pull the trigger" :D :neener: on one in the not too distant future. I really want SA9805, the SAI Supermatch in the McMillan Camo stock. The LRB guns appear to be as true to a real military M14 as you can get without the tax stamp, but are prohibitively priced. I am looking at either one of the SAI loaded models, or the Scout Squad. The reason being is I work for a gunshop, and I can get the loaded or Scout at a very good price through SAI, but I cannot order the Supermatch from them.
 
Earlier this year I bought an M1A. I was torn between the Loaded and the Scout Squad. After much handling I preferred the 18" barrel so got the Scout (in the FDE stock). Again, I was torn - between polymer and walnut but glad I went polymer. Then I got a cheap M14 pulloff walnut stock and have the best of both worlds. I think the Scout is the best compromise if you're buying only one M1A.
 
I bought a new Loaded M1A in April, the model with the Archangel stock and I couldn't be more pleased with it. Excellent fit and finish, functions perfectly, and it is very, very accurate. I was looking at Scout Squads also but I'm glad I bought the full size, it handles well.
 
My M1a was a standard GI model and I was very pleased with it. My current m14 is the same configuration (plus bayo lug). When the FAL's, NDM, and other semi-autos went away, the M14 remained.
 
I stuck with the Scout, got rid of the full length Polytec.
 
My Loaded Standard

Springfield Armory M1A .308 Win. CM Manufacturing MSP black synthetic stock, custom optic rail, Leupold VX-2 Ultralight 3-9x33mm scope with LR Duplex Reticle.
 

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I would love a scout if I knew it would go sub 2moa. My standard shoots pretty close to 1.5 MOA when you are careful.
 
In terms of accuracy, sight radius (using iron sights), muzzle velocity and/or balance, does the full-sized M1A have a real advantage over the Scout when it's actually being shot -- as compared to studying a list of specifications for both versions?
 
I've owned several M1a variants and the M1A scout in Walnut was by far my most favorite. Just trash the mb and put on a flash hider. The Vltor upper rail rounded things out nicely.
 
Why would the standard configuration be inherently more accurate than the Scout?
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There is a great deal of nostalgia wrapped around this gun and some feel it is sacrilege to change from the original configuration, ie. barrel length, stock material.
 
I carried an M14 45 years ago and I was lucky...I bought a Springfield Armory M1A standard loaded with walnut stock as they should be...I shot the Scout Squad and thought I wanted one, but the muzzle blast told me I didn't need it. nice looking carbine, but will stick to the standard model, didn't let me down years ago, still a helluva weapon
 
My standard will shoot an inch at 100 with hand loads and 1.5 inches with quality store bought. I have no experience with the scout but I've read from those that own them that accuracy is not noticably affected with 4" less barrel.

The only advice I can give you is get both. This is my first but won't be the last
 
I have the Scout Squad and I love it. I was debating a standard to go along with my other US service rifles but I decided on the Scout. It is much more handy to me and it is plenty accurate even with the plain old Hornady 150 FMJ's. Blast is a little noticeable when I shoot prone or next to a wall but it doesn't really bother me. I have spent a good deal of money on accessories for it but nothing really improved it by leaps and bounds. I picked a 7.62 duplicate load and just shoot it. I have never bothered much with dialing in handloads for it. The ~2MOA that I get from it suits me just fine how it is.

Long story short, I was in sort of a traditionalist phase at the time(just prior to the mess in 2012) having recently acquired an M1 and a 1903A3; but I chose the Scout anyway.
 
Spend the money $$, and get a rifle by Smith Enterprises. They sell their own M1A/M14 receivers and barrels, and most all accessories. If you have a GI rifle or receiver, they offer the Crazy Horse conversion package; it will be the last M1A platform weapon you ever need to buy.
 
Why can't you get a SuperMatch.? I have had one for almost 15 years and have never had a single issue with it. The SM is very accurate, but also heavy. For strictly target shooting, go with the best you can afford, period. They are lifetime investment type rifles.

I know many bash the M14/M1A, but I like shooting it better than AR-10 type rifles. Garand just got it right with the M14.
 
Why can't you get a SuperMatch.? I have had one for almost 15 years and have never had a single issue with it. The SM is very accurate, but also heavy. For strictly target shooting, go with the best you can afford, period. They are lifetime investment type rifles.

I know many bash the M14/M1A, but I like shooting it better than AR-10 type rifles. Garand just got it right with the M14.
Click to expand...

I CAN get a super match, but because I work at a gun store I get a discount on all models BUT the match and super match models. If Money were no option I would be ordering one from LRB. Those appear to be amazing guns.
 
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Standard or Scout. I went with the Standard Loaded a number of years ago, mainly due to the longer sight radius, and have been very happy with it ever since.
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I have both and am pleased with both.

I prefer wood and steel (although not averse to polymer).

I love them equally.

Pick what moves you: you will not be disappointed with either.
 
I got a Loaded. I wish I got the Standard. The barrel on the Loaded is too heavy in my opinion. I don't like how the balance and handling feel.
 
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