Re: m1a accuracy?
I have had 1 SM, and about seven NM's, some standards, and 1 M21. I would say that it is not unusual to have one that will shoot under MOA if you have a builder that knows what he is doing, but I would not go into it expecting that kind of performance. If you go into it looking for Moa or so then find it's less it's all good.
I have found that with good components, and builder you usually will be happy with it, Springfield NM, and SM's by the way are usually very good shooters. They have been building these rifles for a long time and know what works. That being said if you are the kind of guy that likes things your way, or enjoy the process of getting a custom build then you can spec it out they way you want and go with a builder with a good rep. I have shot some M1A's that were absolutely astounding in how accurate they were, and some that were fair. I've had something like six or seven built and was happy with every one. In my opinion if you can clean a target with it at 300 slowfire (iron sights, prone with a sling)then it's good to go. The rest is up to you.
On the other hand if you are looking for bolt rifle groups with a scope, and rest of some kind then that is a more difficult oblective. My supermatch with a scope and rest would shoot under a half inch at 100 for five shots pretty consistantly, but that is hard to replicate with a fresh build, or new rifle. You shouldn't be expecting that kind of performance, it will set you up for disappointment. You could have Jon Wolfe (M14parts.com)in carolina build you one with an LRB M25 receiver and a krieger barrel and if might shoot under an inch pretty regular, I've seen many of his builds shoot very impressive groups with DMR barrels that are chrome lined. If that's the kind of performance you are looking for I would advise contacting him and listening to what he has to say. HTH
P.S. Had one he built for someone else with the criterion chrome lined DMR barrel (1/11 twist) and it shot consistantly 1.14 to 1.2 TEN shot groups with SURPLUS with iron sighs off a bench. He shot this at 100 yards to test it's accuracy potential. He is an excellent builder, with excellent results.
