AR vs M1A

[Rob Roy]

If you had to choose only one of them, what would it be? Also, it would be interesting to know why.

[jlh95811]

M1A

[snaggletooth]

Would an AR10 be included in this question? Cuz I feel as though asking ar vs m1a isnt comparing like vs like. I think when comparing like vs like as close as your gonna get it is going to be ar10 vs m1a or ar15 vs mini14. In either case I'd choose the AR platform, much more modular and feels good. I owned both platform as far as AR10 AR and M1a and I can say without a doubt I'm happy with the AR platform. My choice would be a 21 inch AR upper. Thats just my .02 centavos.

[snaggletooth]

Just to add, if you are also considering the realm of California legalities, the M1A would probably be a bit better as far having the ability to have a drop free mag. I however still like the AR platform

[Knight]

Just to add, if you are also considering the realm of California legalities, the M1A would probably be a bit better as far having the ability to have a drop free mag. I however still like the AR platform

I agree. I don't even own an M1A, but I voted for it, if only because it'd probably be more useful to me than a fixed-mag or wonky-gripped AR.

[BigEd925]

Mine thing is it seems that AR variants are becomming very popular. I have run into lots of people who only have AR and think they are the best thing in the world. ARs have their purpose. However I wanted to be a bit different then everyone out there, so I got myself a M1A. Only a few more days of waiting!!!

[sleepur606]

I don't own either platform, but I would vote for the AR. (Ok, so I have two 80% receivers waiting for engraving and anodizing for AR builds, but that's besides the point.) I've shot the AR in both .223 and .22LR and if I had to choose only one, it would probably be an 18" .223/5.56 AR with an ACOG or similar setup.

I know the M1A is a great gun. Drop mag, very solid, and fires the .308/7.62x51mm if I'm not mistaken. All around a great piece, and I would love to own one in the future. BUT, as far as pure, all around performance, I would stick with the AR. The lighter round makes it easier to get back on target in a fast rate of fire scenario, the shorter configurations make it more useful in tight/tactical situations like house clearing, and the longer configurations are good to at least 300 yards (depending on shooter) for a defensive rifle.

I know that an M1A can be had in various shapes and sizes as well, but for me, the M1A is best suited as a medium to long range (read 100-800 yards at most) type of gun, where as the AR can do the same sorts of duties, maybe not the 800 yard mark, but it can also handle the point blank stuff. And though you're looking at two different uppers, you can carry a separate upper in your gear if necessary, whereas with the M1A, you'd need a whole separate rifle.

All in all, given a SHTF type situation where we'd be replacing all our bullet buttons with the standard mag release anyway, or at least I would...police would have more to worry about, the M1A loses the drop mag superiority and the AR becomes the better platform for me. You can carry, let's guesstimate, 40 pounds of rifle, upper, and ammo for your AR and be nice and compact for running and gunning, but still free enough to go prone and reach out if need be, or you can carry 40 pounds of M1A and ammo and be set for the medium range stuff.

So now that the rant is over, I'll just say, "My pick would be AR...not hands down, but AR. The M1A is a great piece, but the AR and it's variants are just to hard to take down in the big picture of things."

Later
Chris

[5968]

I like my ARs, but I love my M1A.

[m98]

If I have a choice....AR......versitility, modular...etc... and one can build 2 standard AR's to one stardard M1a...Oh and don't forget the cost of M1a mags as well-the wallet would be dead dry by the time one gets enough m1a mags&ammo.If all I got was the M1a then that be it...

M1a, good to have rifle if the safe already sports AR's&ak's, but it wouldn't be 1st on my rifle list.

[Paratus et Vigilans]

Some people have terminal BRD, but you clearly have a Jones for the M1A!

You already know you need an M1A and won't rest until you have one, so get with it already! Your obsession has been noted. Deal with it.

[glockman19]

I like my ARs, but I love my M1A.

Exactly.

Why the M1A over the AR? the round. you can get hit by a 55-62 grain 5.56 round with a vest on and survive, but the 147-168 grain 7.62 will go through it and you and it again. Hiding behind a brick or Block wall? The 5.56 will expend a 30 round mag before penetration, the 7.62 will bust through in 10 leaving 10 left in a 20 round mag to go through you even if you're hiding behind a wall behind that.

Finally, AR-15 5.56 rounds are best for close combat situations. In that case I'd rather have a M1A Scout rifle.

Oh yes and let's not forget range. The 5.56 round may kill @ 200-300 yards after that it's lethality, velocity and penetration drop, not to mention the ballistics drop. The 7.62 will kill at 800 yards and has lethal penetration @ 1,000. so if you want the ability to reach out and touch someone the M1A would be my choice.

Finally, most AR's i've seen are just as heavy as my M1A loaded after all the rails, lights, lasers and scope are added.

[C_1]

Well.. before anything else, the purpose of the gun is very important.. what its going to be used for and whatnot.

Can't go wrong with a M1A but I like the versatility of the AR. Customize it the way you want and like; adapt it to the "mission" at hand..

16-24" barrel, mount optics/sights on the flat top, accessories on the handguard rails, different buttstocks/grips, 5.56 or 6.8, etc etc.. Possibilies are endless..

[brando]

It seems like we have to have at least one of these types of threads per week. Maybe a sticky is better?

The only thing the M1A has on an AR is requiring less attention to cleaning. An AR is lighter, more accurate, less recoil, more versatile and you can carry more ammo.

[Hopi]

AR.

I sold my M14 recently after it sat in the safe for almost 1.5 years and watched the ARs go out and play every weekend.

An AR is lighter, more accurate, less recoil, more versatile and you can carry more ammo.

+1 on brando. Plus, 5.56 round deficiency is over-hyped.

[brando]

True, though admittedly it sucks when you and your buddy are dumping mags into a hadji wall to get a bad guy and the dude in the 1114 with the 240 rips the wall to shreds with a hate burst