M1A California?

[gat]

What's the deal with the Springfield "California" model M1A? Supposedly it has a different flash hider/muzzle brake that doesn't violate CA law. That would imply the standard brake isn't CA legal, but I don't see how that could be true.

I was thinking about picking up an M1A scout and sticking an acog on top. Other than the ridiculous price, any good reasons not to do this?

[odysseus]

First: An m1a, being a centerfire magazine fed semi auto, would become in California an "Assault Weapon" if any flash hider or pistol grip stock is installed on it with the rest of the rifle as it is comes from Springfield. A "brake" is legal, and Springfield has a brake, as well as others that make them, that are fine. A flash hider and a brake are two different things, which must be confusing you.

Second: This comes up from time to time, an Acog on an M1A. Some people have tried it and removed it. On a standard stock setup, it sits much too high off the bore. Next is the problem of eye relief on a rifle with the kick this has, again not joyful. There are other options if you like Trijicon for some features, like their accupoint scope line.

[gat]

I guess that's my question, is the standard muzzle device on an M1A scout considered a flash hider? I am assuming since they offer a special "California" device then the standard device is not CA compliant?

Good call on the height over the bore, I didn't think of that. Eye relief shouldn't be too bad with the 3x acog but the chin-weld would suck...

[E Pluribus Unum]

I guess that's my question, is the standard muzzle device on an M1A scout considered a flash hider? I am assuming since they offer a special "California" device then the standard device is not CA compliant?

Good call on the height over the bore, I didn't think of that. Eye relief shouldn't be too bad with the 3x acog but the chin-weld would suck...

If a gun manufacturer offers a "California version" you can bet your butt that the stock rifle is illegal in CA.

I have tried an ACOG, red dot, reflex, you name it on my M1A. Anything without amplification simply covered up more of my site picture than standard sights and simply got in the way. The amplification in an ACOG and 1-3 power scope just was not worth the decreased site picture either.

What I am most happy with is an ARMS mount with quick detachable scope rings, with a Nikkon 3-9x40 scope. I am able to open both eyes and get close up quick target acquisition, as well as reach out long distance. A variable scope set to 3-4x is acceptable at up-close ranges of beyond 8-10 yards. My left eye is used to help with targets closer than 8 yards. It takes a bit to train your eyes to do it, but one can easily learn it, and it works great.

When the targets push out to 300-600 yards, its a quick turn of the dial on the scope to get up to 9x... and it works great.

I use a 200 meter 0 on my M1A. This puts me at about -1.5 inches at 20 meters.... dead on at 50 meters.... +1 inch at 100 meters, dead on at 200 meters, and then -1 at 300 meters.... et cetera.

Notice that from 25-300 meters, point of impact is within 1.5 inches of point of aim. This means that shooting from the scope, you aim right for where you want to hit, and you are sure to hit within an inch or so of where you aim. No need to dial in or compensate for bullet drop.

This has worked very well for me.

[951temec]

If a gun manufacturer offers a "California version" you can bet your butt that the stock rifle is illegal in CA.

I have tried an ACOG, red dot, reflex, you name it on my M1A. Anything without amplification simply covered up more of my site picture than standard sights and simply got in the way. The amplification in an ACOG and 1-3 power scope just was not worth the decreased site picture either.

What I am most happy with is an ARMS mount with quick detachable scope rings, with a Nikkon 3-9x40 scope. I am able to open both eyes and get close up quick target acquisition, as well as reach out long distance. A variable scope set to 3-4x is acceptable at up-close ranges of beyond 8-10 yards. My left eye is used to help with targets closer than 8 yards. It takes a bit to train your eyes to do it, but one can easily learn it, and it works great.

When the targets push out to 300-600 yards, its a quick turn of the dial on the scope to get up to 9x... and it works great.

I use a 200 meter 0 on my M1A. This puts me at about -1.5 inches at 20 meters.... dead on at 50 meters.... +1 inch at 100 meters, dead on at 200 meters, and then -1 at 300 meters.... et cetera.

Notice that from 25-300 meters, point of impact is within 1.5 inches of point of aim. This means that shooting from the scope, you aim right for where you want to hit, and you are sure to hit within an inch or so of where you aim. No need to dial in or compensate for bullet drop.

This has worked very well for me.

how "legal" is the M1A in california, by that i mean people are still being detained and charged for their AR-15 style OLL riffles even with bullet buttons.

are M1A and other "california version" riffles controversial too?

or are they slightly safer due to having a large manufacturers name on it ?

[slopoke]

The muzzle device on the NON California rifle has slots parallel to the barrel. The California legal rifle has a muzzle device with holes. Also the california model has a "CA" after the part number, such as MA9102CA, MA9104CA, MA9106CA, etc. Bottom line is the only difference between a California compliant M1A and a non compliant one is the muzzle device. The muzzle device below is an example of the legal one.

[H2O MAN]

I believe this muzzle device is Cali-Legal

[Sumo99]

Also, new scout squads only come with muzzle brakes so there isn't a "CA" version.

[45R]

Also, new scout squads only come with muzzle brakes so there isn't a "CA" version.

They are legal if they come with a muzzle brake. They are not legal if they come with a flash hider.

A muzzle brake



A Flash hider

[gat]

Thanks guys, that 100% answers my questions!

[Legasat]

Love my M1A Scout! I'll bet you will too!

[Librarian]

how "legal" is the M1A in california, by that i mean people are still being detained and charged for their AR-15 style OLL riffles even with bullet buttons.

are M1A and other "california version" riffles controversial too?

or are they slightly safer due to having a large manufacturers name on it ?

The M1A -


is not an AR-15/M-16 pattern rifle -


Since the M1A in manufacturer's configuration does not look like an Evil Black Rifle, it doesn't get a lot of attention. (But the one pictured does appear to have a 20-round magazine.)

[FastFinger]

What's the legal distinction between a flash hider and a muzzle brake?

[E Pluribus Unum]

What's the legal distinction between a flash hider and a muzzle brake?

A flash hider minimizes muzzle flash.... a muzzle brake is ported on the top as to curb muzzle climb during rapid fire.

[BDH]

Several words in the law! In their infinite wisdom, a FH is evil. A muzzle brake isn't. One side note...to me, the brake works. To me it is less perceived recoil. Some don't notice the difference.

For the most part, the "flash hider" or "flash suppressor" doesn't suppress much flash. Keep in mind, the "imitation" FH without the horizontal cuts (solid) is ok cause it's neither. Just makes the rifle longer and gives the front sight a place to sit.

The M1A/M14 versions are legal. They are not full auto. As long as you don't use hicap magazines not yours or obtained illegally (after 2000) you can have fun. If you have hicap mags obtained prior to 2000 you can use those as well. If you place the equivalent of a bullet button on an M14, you create more problems...don't do it.

Bruce