M1A: Socom 16 or Standard?

[Mossy Man]

From what i understand, the scout still uses the same gas system

[California44]

Owner of a local gun store said if he could start again, he'd have bought a Scout first and stopped. It's much more fun to shoot. A guy at my range said he loves his Scout. Get a Scout. Or get a standard second. I've heard SOCOM is too front heavy.

[Dhena81]

When I went to buy my first rifle in 2003 I went to Turners Long Beach. I bought a standard for 999.00 that came with the optics mount a 6x scope and an extra magazine. I went with the M1A at that time because that was the only cool rifle I could find at the time behind the iron curtain besides a Yugo SKS. The sales guy said why the hell do you want an M1A I should have listened to his advice

[3006Garand]

STANDARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[highpower]

I voted Standard.

I have both a Standard and a Scout. While emotionally I prefer the Standard for it's looks and long range accuracy, The Scout works pretty well also. I have only shot a SOCOM a few times, but I found that it was just too loud (may have been the muzzle brake it had) and really not all that much handier than my Scout.

[Nrai2020]

Owner of a local gun store said if he could start again, he'd have bought a Scout first and stopped. It's much more fun to shoot. A guy at my range said he loves his Scout. Get a Scout. Or get a standard second. I've heard SOCOM is too front heavy.

The SOCOM 2 is front heavy because of its massive rail system.. the socom 16 doesnt have the rail.. and its only 2 inches shorter than the scout.. just wondering? The ballistic difference is negligible...? Is there something I m missing?

[H2O MAN]

The SOCOM 2 is front heavy because of its massive rail system.. the socom 16 doesnt have the rail.. and its only 2 inches shorter than the scout.. just wondering? The ballistic difference is negligible...? Is there something I m missing?

The Scout barrel is 18.0", the Socom barrel is 16.25". The 18.0" muzzle velocity is good to maybe 800 yards, the 16.25" muzzle velocity is good to about 600 yards. Both can effectively reach farther with the right set of skills. The big advantage I see with the 18.0" is the ease of changing muzzle devices. You can upgrade the muzzle device on the Socom, but it will cost more and it will add length.

I sold off both of my 18" M14s and kept my two with 22" barrels and one with a 16.25" barrel that has an upgraded muzzle device ... hope that helps.

[Triad]

I literally just bought a Scout. I have been looking for one for a while.

I had this internal fight myself and settled on a Scout

[kengotit]

socom 16 only because ill never will be able to shoot @ 500 yards.
my local range only go up 200 yard i dont see the point of longer barrel.
the gun will always outshoot me

[Mossy Man]

Are the receivers the same? Could i change a socom 16 to a standard length later if i wanted to?

[chaos06]

Socom for sure. 22 inch barrel is way too long. The ballistic advantage of the standard vs Socom is impractical. When will you ever be snipping anyone?

[H2O MAN]

Are the receivers the same? Could i change a socom 16 to a standard length later if i wanted to?

Yes, and yes.

[duffer]

Another vote for Standard.

[Norcal_tom]

just bought a walnut standard yesterday. can't wait to get it home