Getting the M1A bug

[PKRobbins]

Did some trading this week for a M1A Std. This has always been on my list of firearms to own. Well the local shop got one in and I knew it was going home with me once I saw it in person.

Took it to the range today just to play.

Had a bunch of XM80 I had picked up on sale really just for the fact that it would go bang and I'd have some decent LC brass after the fun. This was my first time shooting irons since 2002, and that was on a pop up range.

I'm pretty happy, especially since the wind was 3 o'clock 10-15mph and my eyesight isn't as sharp as it was. I think with practice and some handloads this has potential. Maybe a match rear sight too?

 

[Maestro Pistolero]

Re: Getting the M1A bug

Nice.
As much as I love my ARs, they don't have quite the same panache as my '87 standard. It wears an old, beat up 'big red' birch stock that I bought for it, so I could stash the pristine walnut and go have fun. It was unfired or nearly unfired when I bought it two years ago.

A couple of months ago, with open sights, shooting 168 grain OTMs I was bangin 30' steel at 960 yards. (sand-bagged, no wind, and after I <span style="font-style: italic">walked</span> it in with the help of a spotter) I could nail it about 4 out of 5 times. It was a good day.

Congrats on a fine rifle. Run some match ammo in it and you'll be amazed.

 

[insight3b]

Re: Getting the M1A bug

I used to have the M1A bug. Nice rifle and good shooting

 

[Rainier42]

Re: Getting the M1A bug

Excellent rifles ... I have an M1A Scout Squad, which I enjoy shooting. Best of luck with yours!

 

[Travis S]

Re: Getting the M1A bug

I miss mine some what but the lr308 works more to my liking. Still damn fine rifles though.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Getting the M1A bug

I carried the M14 in 'Nam and had a raging love affair with my '90's new SA 'Loaded' stainless barrel M1A. Then, sometime around 2005, I had cash flow issues, and parted with it. It went to a good home.

I had already been intro'd to the .260, and more recently acquired a Stag Model 6 5.56 Super Varminter. Somehow the aching void the missing M1A had left behind has eased, and I can now live my life relatively unencumbered by M1A-envy. I had my fling, and the itch is past.

Enjoy your rifles, folks. They are well worth whatever it costs to own, feed, and maintain them.

Greg

 

[goose_boy]

Re: Getting the M1A bug

I've been feeling the itch for awhile, unfortunately my wallet hasn't been compliant. Someday I will have one in the arsenal, but in the meantime my BRD is cheaper to feed and being able to piece an EBR together over time means that is how I'll get my fix... Until I hit the lotto.

 

[rojkoh]

Re: Getting the M1A bug

It would be helpful if you noted the range.

But if you're going to get a NM rear, get a NM front. The SAI NM rears are 1 minute adjustment and that is NOT NM, the USGI NM rear was 1/2 minute adjustments (not including the aperture).

Someone sent me the Smith NM rear to try since they are supposedly 1/2, don't care for them since the finish is wrong and the glare in the aperture is horrible. I'd suggest looking at the Fulton since they too are 1/2 adjustments and Hard to find USGI NM sights anymore (except for the front).

Not really hard to turn this into a match rifle, been doing it since 75 (bought my first Devine in 73). Just takes patience and "finesse". Next year will see a large work on all of that.

 

[rojkoh]

Re: Getting the M1A bug

Aha! Another old fart! Shot my first 14s in 69, one NM one E2 with the switch... loved the NM.

 

[WillAdams]

Re: Getting the M1A bug

Nope, never again. The AR platform doesn't require bedding and all the problems associated w/ M14. yes, I like the 14 but not the hassles.

 

[MontanaHick]

Re: Getting the M1A bug

Personally, I LOVE my M1A, but I'm selling it. Too long, too inaccurate, and too finicky, compared to my new LR308... Just gotta find a good home for it now...