Ive been looking hard at getting one. But everything ive seen on youtube reviews and forums, say theyre not worth the $1500+ price tag. And it seems 1.5"+ MOA is just about the norm at 100 yards. A lot of guys have accuracy "fixes", but I dont think you should have to work the gun over out of the box to make it even somewhat usable as a 300-600 yd rifle. What is the skinny on this?
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M1A Worth The Price?...
- Thread starter 308220
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Hard to beat the precision AR10 for the same price. Get it for the heritage, not the accuracy. I have an AK47 for the heritage and I enjoy the rifle especially for the cheap wolf 7.62x39 ammo, not the accuracy. I understand fully the AK accuracy limits when shooting a 3 to 4moa rifle
Sorry to do this to you.......
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The best part of m1a and a garand is the metal/wood mechanical feel.
You feel the parts working and moving which is really nice.
If you looking for accuracy not just hitting coffee cans a 300 yards get a AR style. By no means as fun to shoot but after a while no accuracy=no fun.
Been down that road. Kept the garand and sold the m1a. 30-06 and shoots smoother.
You feel the parts working and moving which is really nice.
If you looking for accuracy not just hitting coffee cans a 300 yards get a AR style. By no means as fun to shoot but after a while no accuracy=no fun.
Been down that road. Kept the garand and sold the m1a. 30-06 and shoots smoother.
Oh, you asshole. Fuck.
I wouldnt expect to drive nails with an M1A. Id just like it to be at least 1 MOA. Much more than that isnt really useful as a scoped rifle in todays market. I really like the heritage and the walnut on the m1a's. Im just trying to justify the price. I sometimes wonder how we got through so many wars with inaccurate "sniper" rifles.
I really dont like the AR style rifles as a long range tool.
Human torso is, what, 18" across? That's a 2 MOA target at 900 yards. In reality, most engagements are well within this distance. I read it somewhere, but I'll never be able to find it, essentially a military sniper was asked what he would do if he were tasked with a can't miss shot at an uncomfortable distance. His reply was "get closer." Maybe that sounds flippant, but that is a reality.
If you don't like AR style rifles as long range tools, do you also hammer nails with the handle of a screw-driver? Pistol grip, detachable magazine, adjustable stock, chassis style "systems" are DOMINATING the long range world. These are the hallmarks of an AR rifle. I was at a competition this past weekend. There were 91 shooters and I would venture less than a dozen traditional styled rifle stocks.
Don't get me wrong, the m1a is sexy, but it gets its ass spanked by the AR rifles in the accuracy/investment department.
If you don't like AR style rifles as long range tools, do you also hammer nails with the handle of a screw-driver? Pistol grip, detachable magazine, adjustable stock, chassis style "systems" are DOMINATING the long range world. These are the hallmarks of an AR rifle. I was at a competition this past weekend. There were 91 shooters and I would venture less than a dozen traditional styled rifle stocks.
Don't get me wrong, the m1a is sexy, but it gets its ass spanked by the AR rifles in the accuracy/investment department.
I've shot three M1As and they all shot between 1.5-3moa. Not consistent either. They are unique but they shoot like a Mini-14... like in the ATeam show from the 80s.
The A-Team never seemed to hit anyone either.
I will always have a soft spot for the M14.
I had 5 in my armory on the ship, one with the fun switch.
I NEVER had an issue with reliability as long as they were properly maintained.
When it comes to accuracy, remember, this is a GP battle rifle, if you get 3 moa, then that will suffice for that.
A 1.5" capable military sniper rifle will fulfill the requirements as well.
Keep in mind the M110 is around 1.25 moa and look at the coin they spend on those.
An M21 was capable of surprising accuracy when the bedding is still good.
I had 5 in my armory on the ship, one with the fun switch.
I NEVER had an issue with reliability as long as they were properly maintained.
When it comes to accuracy, remember, this is a GP battle rifle, if you get 3 moa, then that will suffice for that.
A 1.5" capable military sniper rifle will fulfill the requirements as well.
Keep in mind the M110 is around 1.25 moa and look at the coin they spend on those.
An M21 was capable of surprising accuracy when the bedding is still good.
Good pitch, good pitch. You should probably get ahold of most, if not all gun manufactures and tell them to discontinue traditional rifles stocks and focus entirely on AR style rifles? Because theyre so dominate! And anybody who would want a traditional style rifle stock for a long range rifle, would rather hammer nails with a screw driver. An AR10 is completely different than a bolt gun dropped in a chassis. I dont look at a model 700 dropped in a mcmillan that has a detachable magazine and think to myself..."Wow, what a beautifully inspired AR bolt gun.." If somebody wants an AR, they buy an AR. If they want a bolt gun, they dont buy a bolt gun and try to make it an AR. And a pistol grip isnt going to make a shit regarding accuracy. All about personal preference. I prefer traditional rifle stocks. I dont really care what anybody else is using. Im accurate with my traditional M40 stocks. And I like the feel of them more. Which is why id rather have a M1A over an AR.
Many "traditional" stocks are still being used in 1k yard shoots. And doing quite well.
Did you get one?
I bought an M1A in 6.5 to run beyond 1,000. I'm new to the M1 distance/optics game, having shot irons as a kid and bolts as I got older.
What I've experienced defies my redneck logic. With decent ammo, it runs 1.25 - 2.5 MOA on paper at 200, but it still slams that steel consistently out to 800. Groups between 6'-8' aren't uncommon. With specific, excellent ammo, it's solid out to 1,000, and a bit further if the wind plays nice. There are instances however, particularly as the barrel warms, where the bullets essentially dance around the target, reducing utility to that of an area platform.
It's a fun gun to shoot, if you don't mind attention at the range. IMOP, for the pennies my opinion might be worth, it's a fantastic coyote gun. It would also make a good spotter rifle, particularly if you have someone on a bolt that's capable of shots beyond 1,500.
Maybe, maybe not.
I think if you are comparing performance between 308 AR's and M1A's in the same price range, that might be a tough pill to swallow. But personally I think while sort of obsolete they have an old world appeal and think that they would be fun to shoot in the same way something like an SKS would be. I would like to pick up a standard M1A and slap a nice stock on it.
I think if you are comparing performance between 308 AR's and M1A's in the same price range, that might be a tough pill to swallow. But personally I think while sort of obsolete they have an old world appeal and think that they would be fun to shoot in the same way something like an SKS would be. I would like to pick up a standard M1A and slap a nice stock on it.
The M1As being sold with the forward scope rail accuracy is terrible. That forward rail clamps around the mid span of the barrel. Take that rail off and use a normal receiver mounted rail and accuracy is decent...still nothing to write home about. My HK91 is more accurate than the M1A...that's sad.
I'm new here, so not sure if hmmmmm is good or no. Haha.
This platform initially disappointed me at the price point. And I know my granddad would hate me stooping to optics. But damn, it's a blast to shoot and with the ELD match rounds, it gets the job done.
None of the new ones from S.A. are worth the asking price. Getting an older but not shot out armorer fitted rifle from a old service rifle shooter is the way to go. All GI parts, bedded action, quality barrel and then you will see people still want these rifles.
One of my shooting buddies had an M1A Socom years ago, and it was a pretty cool gun, but not very accurate. He spent a couple years and many hundreds of dollars trying to accurize it, and finally decided he'd be better off with an AR platform. He sold it at a loss and doesn't miss it at all. He put the money towards bolt actions in .223 and .308 and is much happier now that he has 2 accurate rifles instead of 1 inaccurate one.
All the M110's and SR25's shot less than 1MOA before leaving Knights with FGMM 168's. Mine did .98 before leaving, some do better, all do better with handloads.
But fuck that, army was able to get 1.5 MOA from HK for TWICE the price! Because bigger numbers always means better. Fucking tards.
Anyway, M14 saw it's day, and it was a pretty short one at that. Long, heavy, shitty trigger, hard to mount optics to...
Well I guess you're fucked then regarding semi's because it's pretty much that or a PSG1 if you want sub-MOA.
As a tool, there are better options for your money in 7.62.
Despite it being before my time there has always been something appealing about the M14 to me. I bought a SA years ago and tried to make it into an accurate scoped platform only to be disappointed. I contemplated selling it, but ultimately simplified it and retained it. it is very pretty and reliable, and accurate enough as long as you are only expecting what it can deliver.
Despite it being before my time there has always been something appealing about the M14 to me. I bought a SA years ago and tried to make it into an accurate scoped platform only to be disappointed. I contemplated selling it, but ultimately simplified it and retained it. it is very pretty and reliable, and accurate enough as long as you are only expecting what it can deliver.
Hmmmm could mean skepticism. Who was the gunsmith that fitted the barrel ? Photo ?
Hobo
M1As heavy compared to AR10 pattern?
I must have got an alloy one than and granted my AR10 is an LMT so that barrel collar is a bulky piece of weight.
M1As are a tool of passion like 1911s.
History has moved on but in the right hands or if you have the desire they do all sorts of good work.
I must have got an alloy one than and granted my AR10 is an LMT so that barrel collar is a bulky piece of weight.
M1As are a tool of passion like 1911s.
History has moved on but in the right hands or if you have the desire they do all sorts of good work.
M1A is just a “nostalgia” thing for me. Otherwise, probably would have a SCAR 20S instead. (Might just get one anyway..)
Carried an M14 in the Army in the 60’s, liked it.
Shot Service Rifle with one built for me by Clint Fowler - double-lugged, floated the front end, adjustable gas plug.
I had fun, even though the AR guys out-scored me!
Carried an M14 in the Army in the 60’s, liked it.
Shot Service Rifle with one built for me by Clint Fowler - double-lugged, floated the front end, adjustable gas plug.
I had fun, even though the AR guys out-scored me!
Actually the M14 had pretty short service as an infantry issue rifle but its had an extremely long service as a DM rifle.
Nearly every Mk20 ive shot were better than 1moa at 100m when new I've shot plenty of HK417s that shot a minute or better at 100m with match ammo.
The era of the iron sighted walnut stocked full caliber rifle ended in 1943. They’ve been obsolete since then. For that matter the iron sighted full caliber rifle was obsolete then too. As was the scoped full caliber rifle for use other than DMs and snipers.
But they are fun. So you want to hit targets or do you want to shoot an M14? Not that they are mutually exclusive.
Strykervet had and loves a Mk20, he’s the resident DM expert.
That said, a DM is nominally a rifleman. If he can’t do his job with a bigger scope on a marginally tweaked issue rifle with issue ammunition, the problem is the DM, the rifle or the ammunition.
But they are fun. So you want to hit targets or do you want to shoot an M14? Not that they are mutually exclusive.
Strykervet had and loves a Mk20, he’s the resident DM expert.
That said, a DM is nominally a rifleman. If he can’t do his job with a bigger scope on a marginally tweaked issue rifle with issue ammunition, the problem is the DM, the rifle or the ammunition.
Technically I'm a KAC fanboy but I really was impressed with the Mk20, still am. It is the best DMR I've ever handled, that's my opinion and I doubt many others put as much thought into that shit as I do... Call it a niche fascination. It's full of screws and afterthoughts but still pulls it off. Not as refined but it kept costs down.
If you got ahold of me in the late 90's, it'd have been all about the M14 (because at ~$10,000 an SR25 wasn't in the cards).
They were the shit back in the day. About twenty years ago, we went to the mat with some army tards over opening up the warehouse to release these goddamn things. All the M14's are STILL mothballed. We needed enough M14's to arm one guy in every squad in two Stryker Bde's. We got stuck with M4's --yeah, first SDM's got stuck with Acogs on M4's. Recently talked to a guy on here, NG, they gave HIM a fucking M14... Apparently didn't have to take a shot in the mouth to get it either, AND the Joes had Acogs, not M68's --they got the gear, but not the training.
So they had their place. Given there isn't a war on and we don't need DMR's anymore, they don't really have a place left. Last time anyone begged for one was probably me. And I didn't get 'em. See, they can't be issued from an arms room, they have to go out on a hand receipt each time. There's a name for the process but I forget it. Once it's hand receipted to the CO or arms room, I suppose they can take the risk of issuing it without one but they're not supposed to. I know a guy in Iraq that had to fill one out each time, every day and I think that's the correct way.
Growing up, it was THE rifle. When I was young they still ruled NM competitions and most rules revolved around what you could and couldn't do to an M14, not an AR. That changed overnight.
I had one at one point, regret selling it of course. $600 for a Norinco. I thought it was a piece of shit, rough as fuck. Didn't know at the time it was one of a few that had a forged receiver. Oh well. I'd looked at getting another since, just can't justify it. Just doesn't hold the same appeal anymore.
Being that an SDM does have to perform as a typical rifleman it's always been a point of contention as to whether it should be an upgraded M4 or something else more substantial. My solution was to give 'em two uppers (or even two rifles) since in my case, we had the Strykers so it's not like they had to carry it around. Pick what you think you need. Guys that got stuck clearing buildings with M14's wanted M4's, guys that got stuck on overwatch wanted something bigger. And techically every SAW and 240 gunner in the unit had their own M4 so they could do that if they wanted... Why not SDM's?
So it's hard to say... Gear queer in me says go larger, newer. Practical side says "M4 got it done didn't it?" Half my shit is DMR related now so the biggest problem really is "which one?" To be honest, the absolute best option, were it actually an option, would have been an AR in 6.5G but again, my opinion. 6.5G can reach out there though and not add too much over an M4. For actual available weapons, and in either .308 or 6.5, SR25 or Mk20.
Unless it creates an ammo/component/reloading gear problem, I'd get these newer rifles in 6.5 probably. I wanted the Mk20 in 6.5 but it'd be another $1000+ just to adopt that cartridge, not something I'm interested in doing right now.
Sorry for the wall of text...
If you got ahold of me in the late 90's, it'd have been all about the M14 (because at ~$10,000 an SR25 wasn't in the cards).
They were the shit back in the day. About twenty years ago, we went to the mat with some army tards over opening up the warehouse to release these goddamn things. All the M14's are STILL mothballed. We needed enough M14's to arm one guy in every squad in two Stryker Bde's. We got stuck with M4's --yeah, first SDM's got stuck with Acogs on M4's. Recently talked to a guy on here, NG, they gave HIM a fucking M14... Apparently didn't have to take a shot in the mouth to get it either, AND the Joes had Acogs, not M68's --they got the gear, but not the training.
So they had their place. Given there isn't a war on and we don't need DMR's anymore, they don't really have a place left. Last time anyone begged for one was probably me. And I didn't get 'em. See, they can't be issued from an arms room, they have to go out on a hand receipt each time. There's a name for the process but I forget it. Once it's hand receipted to the CO or arms room, I suppose they can take the risk of issuing it without one but they're not supposed to. I know a guy in Iraq that had to fill one out each time, every day and I think that's the correct way.
Growing up, it was THE rifle. When I was young they still ruled NM competitions and most rules revolved around what you could and couldn't do to an M14, not an AR. That changed overnight.
I had one at one point, regret selling it of course. $600 for a Norinco. I thought it was a piece of shit, rough as fuck. Didn't know at the time it was one of a few that had a forged receiver. Oh well. I'd looked at getting another since, just can't justify it. Just doesn't hold the same appeal anymore.
Being that an SDM does have to perform as a typical rifleman it's always been a point of contention as to whether it should be an upgraded M4 or something else more substantial. My solution was to give 'em two uppers (or even two rifles) since in my case, we had the Strykers so it's not like they had to carry it around. Pick what you think you need. Guys that got stuck clearing buildings with M14's wanted M4's, guys that got stuck on overwatch wanted something bigger. And techically every SAW and 240 gunner in the unit had their own M4 so they could do that if they wanted... Why not SDM's?
So it's hard to say... Gear queer in me says go larger, newer. Practical side says "M4 got it done didn't it?" Half my shit is DMR related now so the biggest problem really is "which one?" To be honest, the absolute best option, were it actually an option, would have been an AR in 6.5G but again, my opinion. 6.5G can reach out there though and not add too much over an M4. For actual available weapons, and in either .308 or 6.5, SR25 or Mk20.
Unless it creates an ammo/component/reloading gear problem, I'd get these newer rifles in 6.5 probably. I wanted the Mk20 in 6.5 but it'd be another $1000+ just to adopt that cartridge, not something I'm interested in doing right now.
Sorry for the wall of text...
If you could get your paws on one. SEALs were popular for using 'em over the years. Navy had this recruit video showing a SEAL training mission. They had M14's and I wanted to be a SEAL. Until I found out if I didn't make it, I could easily be a cook.
I think that given what we knew then that they should have upgraded the M14's, issued 'em as DMR's and wore the fuckers out (forget repairing 'em or doing anything else to 'em) then replaced 'em with something better. Because as it is, currently, Sig 716 in two calibers, SR25 in two barrel lengths and designations, at least a couple HK variants, still the goddamn M4, probably an M14 or two, still, Mk20 (in both calibers?) are all still being issued to DMR's in US army. Supposedly they're all getting G28 with Sig scopes now and maybe it's ideal, best of both worlds, but I'm not a fan of giving DMR's $10,000 rifles with $600 optics either.
Sure wish that was an option when I was in though. It's easy to sit back now twenty years later and make suggestions. Part of the fun of getting old.
It would be for me I really have wanted one for a number of years now after getting the m1 garand finally then the m1a and then the m14 maybe even a m16 if I could find it at a price that's not too high and in an automatic .
Match M1As/m14s are definitely fun to shoot especially in service rifle comp and score high points on nostalgia. But Im glad Im out of the m14 game now. Damn things are money pits and KACs dont seem so expensive after all the money spent on GI or NM m14 parts.
Sad part is a SA Super Match still needs a butt ton of work. I think the last price I saw to build a NM M1A was $3000-3500.
The Crane Van NM M14's were McMillan stocked SEAL guns. I skipped over that generation, my first match rifle was a Quantico built Garand my next was a RRA NMA2. In '98 I asked a Marine about getting into High Power and started with his last rifle from when he got out. I was a year old when it was built.
The Crane Van NM M14's were McMillan stocked SEAL guns. I skipped over that generation, my first match rifle was a Quantico built Garand my next was a RRA NMA2. In '98 I asked a Marine about getting into High Power and started with his last rifle from when he got out. I was a year old when it was built.
It depends on who built the supermatch rifle. If Glen Nelson built it they are sub MOA pretty regularly.
Fulton Armory and LRB also build very accurate rifles at the top end.
Fulton Armory and LRB also build very accurate rifles at the top end.
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