M1A Advice

[ThatGuyLALO]

Been looking at the M1A recently and was interested in acquiring it. Since i'm still in the learning process wanted to get some opinions. Is it a good all around rifle to have? Would like to eventually learn to shoot long distances as well. Not sure if I should just go with bolt action if that's my end goal.

[SloChicken]

[GeeBee49]

Since I trained with an M14 in basic I would like to own an M1A. I would prefer the Scout Squad version and since I'm old school I would want the wood stock.
The price is what's held me back. Every time I consider spending that much on one gun, the Colt SAA for example, I end up deciding that I can buy two $1000 guns instead.

[sigstroker]

Don't look now because the price situation is getting worse.

[M1A Rifleman]

Great rifle with history. Not precision but an outstanding reliable battle rifle.

[jarhead714]

The least molested, most capable rifle you can get in this state.

[DrewN]

If it's just for fun, I'd get a Garand first, assuming the situation at CMP isn't all jacked. Can't go wrong either way. If new, Fulton Armory all the way for all my US battle rifle "needs".

[jimmykan]

The M1A is a great rifle for shooting with iron sights at targets of about 6 MOA in apparent size, out to 600 (308WIN version) - 1000 (6.5 Creedmoor version) yards.

If you want to shoot "long distances" at targets that require magnified optics, then there are better rifles than the M1A for that: ARs and SCARs. These provide the proper eye relief and cheek height for scopes, where an M1A was not designed for scopes so would require a rail adapter and a cheek riser.

Also, ARs and SCARs typically have free floated barrels, whereas M1As do not, so pressure on the stock/handguard/sling will affect the rifle's point of impact.

[ThatGuyLALO]

Been doing a lot of research and there's so much to take in. Thanks for the advice though. Now that I own a first gun it's like I want everything :O

[Verdha603]

Alot of it comes down to what you wan't to do with it.

Personally I just wanted a bare bones M1A that I can shoot with iron sights as far as it'll go, and I'm not expecting more than "Minute of Steel Plate" accuracy once I start getting out past a couple hundred meters with irons.

If you want pinpoint precision, a bolt-action or a well built AR will take you much further.

Frankly the only complaint I have with the M1A as a platform is magazine changes are a pain in the rear end compared to most other semi-auto rifles with detachable magazines; other rock in magazine type rifles like the Mini-14, AK, and FAL are a breeze in comparison to the M1A, where it feels like I have to dig around to find that magazine catch before rocking it in, but if your not concerned about making mag changes in a hurry, it's a pretty nice rifle.

[Catch]

I say go with a bolt action and decent glass for leaning. You may appreciate the m1a platform more afterwards.
$500 bolt actions can shoot nowadays, while the m1a markup hasn't been higher.

[jarhead714]

Been doing a lot of research and there's so much to take in. Thanks for the advice though. Now that I own a first gun it's like I want everything :O

You need to go to the M14 Forum on the internets.

[-hanko]

I'd avoid Springfield and find a Polytech. FAR better rifle without the ongoing Springfield issues.

[17+1]

I'd avoid Springfield and find a Polytech. FAR better rifle without the ongoing Springfield issues.

[DrewN]

This is good advice. I will never buy another Springfield Armory product after dealing with correcting all the issues with my M1A. The only thing I’ve seen close to that level of crap was Marlin lever action rifle quality issues after Remington took over.

I have a 1940’s M1 Garand from Springfield in Massachusetts, and a 2010ish M1A from Springfield Illinois. They’re essentially the same rifle in many ways, except the M1 has a lot better build quality. Sure, the M1A (M14) is supposed to be product improved M1 but Springfield Armory Illinois sucks.

Just get an old M1 if you have a 30 cal service rifle itch, they’re much better built. If you can get an older M1A I hear they’re a lot better. Also, maybe try one from another manufacturer like Hanko said.

I got a great deal on a dunno, 2000ish M21 from Springfield and it's been great. Shot some unbelievable iron sight groups with that thing. That said, I've never bothered to mount an optic. I prefer a Fulton, but I can't lie and say my SA is a bad gun, because it isn't.