Springfield Armory M1A vs Benelli M4 shotgun i cannot decide - pick 1

[acaligunner]

I'm good with both - i also have ammo for both ( 10 rounds for each because ca ;. ) and accessories, but I'm looking to make a purchase for 1, and only 1 firearm.

What are the positives / negatives when compared to each other ?

I'm looking at sd / possible shtf weapon, the 308 can reach out further ( 300yrds), easier to reload, but the Benelli is built like a tank, and can reach out to 100 yrds with slugs, plus it is/was issued to the .mil

Can you give me + / - to each- i cannot choose

[tradecraft]

What sort of plot of land do you live on that an M1A is an appropriate SD weapon?

[acaligunner]

What sort of plot of land do you live on that an M1A is an appropriate SD weapon?

I know someone deep in the mountain of Tehachapi, ca - There are no other houses around there - go up dennison ? Pass Bear valley

I don't live there, but they have a private range.

[RandyD]

When it comes to making these kinds of decisions, I recommend putting all the pros and cons on paper, and keep commenting for a day or so, and you will have your answer. Its the most objective way to make a decision.

[CinnamonBear723]

M1A's are built like tanks too. That's my vote. .308 is plenty to take care of your needs for defense, hunting, and target shooting.

[therealnickb]

Oranges and Bacon. They are different.

[Svashtar]

[Brush Guard]

No doubt a semi auto shotgun can be a good SD weapon, but pure SD might mean indoor use. How long of a barrel will the M4 have? Shorter overall might be better for indoor use.

That M1-A will hit a lot further than 300 yards and might not be the best for indoor use.

Do you already have a few semi auto rifles? Gotta have at least a few.

At the end of the day, fun factor might be a more realistic consideration. A friend with a privet range sounds like rifle country. Ringing steel at various distances can’t be beat.

[vg247]

^ this, M1A as their prices are really all time low along with a pump shotgun - best of both worlds and the cost of less than on just 1 Benelli M4 alone. -you now have the 7.62 to reach out and touch, along with a 12 gauge for up close slug or buck shot work

[TMB 1]

Neither, I'd get an M1 Garand.

[rugershooter]

I'm good with both - i also have ammo for both ( 10 rounds for each because ca ;. ) and accessories, but I'm looking to make a purchase for 1, and only 1 firearm.

What are the positives / negatives when compared to each other ?

I'm looking at sd / possible shtf weapon, the 308 can reach out further ( 300yrds), easier to reload, but the Benelli is built like a tank, and can reach out to 100 yrds with slugs, plus it is/was issued to the .mil

Can you give me + / - to each- i cannot choose

Two completely different weapon types for different uses. Shotguns are very versatile; home defense, small game and some big game hunting, etc. As a shtf survival weapon, the shotgun is probably the better choice if you have access to different loads. A rifle is a more limited weapon, especially in .308. A Springfield Socom with 100 gn Hornady Tap or 120 gn Winchester PDX would be used as an HD/SD weapon...but it would be highly unadvised unless it's your only firearm.
But I'd suggest getting the M1A first, especially in California. Prices are never going to significantly drop but could significantly increase depending on the political climate. You may not be able to get one down the line...maybe in the not too distant future.

[nitroxdiver]

[Franklincollector]

I have both. A socom and a national match and the M4. I actually got the socom and M4 on the same day. The socom was used with maybe a few mags through it for a grand.

They are equally kick arse weapons. But I was going into the shop to pick up the M4 and stumbled across a sweet deal. So there is your answer.

I’d never use the the socom as an HD choice. That’s what an HK53 or AR pistol is for.

[GW]

^^^This about says it all.
CA will be going after M1A's a lot sooner than shotguns and M1A prices have only gone up so get one while the getting is good.

[wjc]

The M1A rounds can shoot through cinder block at 250 yards.

...what else do you need?