AR-15 vs M1A

[Jonathan Doe]

If you are trying to accurize both rifles, M-1A takes a lot more effort to modify. In recent years, AR's are winning the national match (cross the course) competitions, and long range matches in many instances. Of course the AR's in that instances are accurized and use non factory heavy bullets.

There are people who cannot shoot AR's, though. I shot expert in the USMC with M-16's. But, I have shot M-1A's for matches for many years and cannot shoot AR's comfortably in different positions. I always end up going back to M-1A. I have a new, unfired Compass Lake Engineering rifle that is sitting in the safe. I bought it last year, but decided not to shoot it, again because I couldn't feel comfortable with it. I may have to get rid of it.

Comparing AR and M-1A is like comparing apples and oranges, in my opinion. In my experience and testing for the past several years, the rifles shoot about the same out of the box. They use different ammo and have different spec. Do you like a Ford or Chevy?

[Steve T]

Has your question been answered?

I want to buy or build a new rifle, I currently own a Mini 14. So can make up my mind if I want to buy a M1A or should I build an AR15. Buying both is not possible!!!

If you are still reading this thread, I hope that you realize you will piss of someone for buying either weapon.

Whatever you decide; shoot it and enjoy it and start saving for the other one.

[para38super]

If you are still reading this thread, I hope that you realize you will piss of someone for buying either weapon.

Whatever you decide; shoot it and enjoy it and start saving for the other one.

Thanks for actually asking. No I have not made up my mind, I am still confused. I know I want to but both, but the question is, which one first. I will probobly build my ar first since its cheaper and then save up for the m1a ( i know it's going to be hard since I will want to upgrade my AR). This addiction is very expensive.

[IEShooter]

Spy vs Spy

I have both and bought the M1A first. I'm in love with the sights that came with it and Springfields customer service is a beautiful thing to behold in this day and age.

My Scout has had about 1500 rounds through it since December when I got it and it's a whole lot of fun.

Having said that, I just built my first AR. Shot it the other day and it was the first time I'd ever shot one or even that caliber. Hella fun and I'll likely build some more, if nothing else, so that I have them for when the next ban comes around.

If you're on a budget like I am, my advice would be to build or buy your AR, then get the M1A next. By then the prices will be lower. I paid too much as X-mas for my Scout though it was the going rate. They can be had for $200 less now and it'll likely go down even more. Remember, the M1A is not an "evil gun". Legislators tend to overlook it.

Regards,

John

[TacticalChihuahua]

I own both.....

AR 15 Pros:
-Lighter ammo so you can carry much more (shtf)
-Lighter gun
-Cheaper ammo
-Still a very potent round when using 75gr ammo
-Endless tacticool customizations

M1A Pros:
-Devastating .308 round
-Laser precision long range accuracy (I drill the 600yd steel plates at angeles range using iron sights)
-Just flat out more fun to shoot IMHO (but hate spending twice as much to do so)

Both are gorgeous rifles that have a lot of history and are cool as hell. If I was you I would get the M1A and then hunt down a RRA lower for $100. Then you have a badass gun and a second badass gun that you can start building and dreaming about! I bought my Springfield M1A NIB for $1,430 about nine months ago. Soon after that I found one NIB for $1,250! They are probably less now. You just need to be patient and hunt for a good price. That's basically the same price as an AR 15. Either way, if you are like me you will have to own both guns so it's just a matter of which you get first

[Hank Dodge]

Shot my M1A Scout yesterday. It is a wonderfully accurate weapon that is a blast to shoot. It handles quick and the sights are fantastic. I know it costs more to shoot it than a .223, but man it's worth it! I've never had the feeling I get shooing an M1A when firing an AR platform. Hard to explain...try to fire them both before buying one, I think you'll see what I mean.

If I could only own one autoloader, it would be that M1A Scout.

[Aftermath686]

So if the M14/M1A is outdated why is the U.S. armed forces using them as a DMR and sniper rifles? Why are Seal Teams, 101st Airborne, and the 25th Infantry Division using these in Iraq and Afghanistan? The media will say anything to help sell a few more rifles.

Late reply as I forgot about this thread.

First off, just because the military uses it, doesn't mean its great or even good. Secondly, most the time you don't get to choose what you shoot. About your comment saying "the media will say anything to help sell a few more rifles" that article was not written by "the media." It was written by a well known member of another forum I have frequented for many years. He has been Mil/LEO for a very long time, and has definitely been there, done that, and knows what he is talking about. He in no way would benefit from dissuading people from the m14 platform. This topic was covered somewhere else, and I am going to post a few comments from over there. If you don't know who Pat Rogers is, then you might want look him up.

Originally posted by Pat _Rogers: SgtFrog- you are correct. I always regretted not having a FAL Para in my armory for that reason. I think the M14 is still around not because it is any good- rather, it is only because it is available. Fresca has a pretty good article forthcoming in SWAT soon.

Originally posted by em_twofourzero: The M-14-bashing article in this month's S.W.A.T. magazine is righteously accurate and I just wish it would have come out some years ago before I wasted my money on my M1A.

Originally posted by Pat _Rogers: Lightfighter Fresca wrote that article, and i probably wouldn't call it bashing, but an accurate assessment based on his observations and experience.
Just sayin'....

[gngtools]

Ive had an AR for years, and just bought an M1a. Everyone is saying the AR is cheaper to buy, but remember once you get it, you will want to accessorize and that starts to add up. If you're satisfied shooting the mini for now, you may think about building the AR slowly while saving for the m1 at the same time. If you have to do one, buy the AR now and start shooting while you save for the more expensive one.

[GM4spd]

They are both great weapons--from a great country. Pete

[khw9mm]

I built my first AR about 1 year ago, now lookng into the M1A. IMO, I'd have done it in the same order again. It's just easier on your pockets...=)

[pyro3k2]

SOLUTION .308 AR

[BHPFan]

I want to buy or build a new rifle, I currently own a Mini 14. So can make up my mind if I want to buy a M1A or should I build an AR15. Buying both is not possible!!!

I say buy the M1A first. Later on, buy an AR 15 stripped OLL receiver and build from there. It's cheaper to build an AR15 than an M1A/M14.

I have not read all the posts, but I think others have already said what I just wrote.

My 2 cents.

[Dragunov]

Not to hijack the thread but, where have you found these prices? New or used? I called many shops in the Bay area, most did not have any in stock and if they were, prices were around $1650 and up. The shop where I live usually sells them within a day or so of putting them on the floor, mine was on the floor for only two hours.

Cordova shooting center in Ranch Cordova has SOCOMS for $1500. My gun dealer also has them for pretty clost to that price.

[Dragunov]

SOLUTION .308 AR

Now THAT'S what I'M talkin about!!