M1A

Clamber

Clamber

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 13, 2010
235
0
33
Utah, USA
#1
The M14 has been my favorite gun since seeing it movies when I was a child.

And Ive been wanting a M1A for a while, but never had the funds.

Ive recently bumped my rifle budget from $1000 to $2000 and the M1A is popping into my brain.

I see that Buds has Standard M1As for ~$1400 and a Scout for $1500 and its really tempting.

Thats not enough for an optic so Id have to save for a few months.

How much are optic mounts for the M1A?

Would you recommend the M1A or should I go back to the idea of getting a bolt action?

Thanks
 
#2
Re: M1A

I Don't know what you'll be using it for, but get the M1A. You can use it to hunt as well as have fun at the range. Mounting optics on an M1A can be a bit of a pain with proper mounting and cheek weld issues, and is usually costly. Use the factory iron sights, buy lots of ammo and shoot the hell out of it.
 
#3
Re: M1A

Yea, depends on what you want to use it for. I know I'll catch a bunch of crap for this but If you want extreme accuracy you probably won't be able to achieve it with an M1A. Especially a sub-$3000 M1A. If you've always wanted one and just love the rifle... by all means get one! They're a fantastic rifle and a lot of fun to shoot. I've had a couple. One of which was a Super-Match. It would shoot about MOA. Maybe a little better with reloads and I loved that rifle. I had to sell it when I ran into hard times.
 
#4
Re: M1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clamber</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

How much are optic mounts for the M1A?

Would you recommend the M1A or should I go back to the idea of getting a bolt action?

Thanks </div></div>

Optics mounts for the M1A vary widely in price, but the best options from my experience are the Sadlak mounts which run from around $150 for the standard aluminum model up to around $400 for the Titanium model (with steel being around $250).

As for a recommendation between an M1A and a bolt gun...that all comes down to which you WANT more and what you WANT to do with them. Put up a list of what you plan to do with the rifle (M1A or bolt gun) and that will help a lot. If long-range precision is your goal, you'll get more bang for your buck with a bolt action in your price range than you will with an M1A in the same range.
 
#6
Re: M1A

Shop for a slightly used, older Springfield M1A that was built with USGI parts.

Another option is to buy a Norinco or Poly Tech and have
it domesticated with a GI bolt and some GI/SEI parts.
Smith Enterprise does an awesome job with Chinese M14s.

Scope mounts:

Traditional: SEI or similar.
Non-traditional: SAGE or LaRue.
 
#7
Re: M1A

I mainly want it for just overall shooting. I would eventually get a good scope for it. But Ive heard that the iron sights are great so I guess shooting with irons wouldnt be bad for a while.

I could get the Rifle and basic accessories and some ammo and just have fun with it until I coul afford a scope/mount, then have a lot of fun with it.

Right now, Im just dying to get out and shoot. Im not overly concerned with accuracy, but I dont want to be aimlessly shooting either.

I want to be able to shoot long range, but not crazy long. Like I dont care if I can hit a 1000tard target or not, but like 500yards seems like it would be fun to shoot. (Note that the farthest Ive shot was only about 250yards with my AR)

The National Match M1A is worth the money then?

My main wants from a rifle are:

Fun - I want to have a good time shooting.
Reliability - I don't want a broken gun.
Accuracy - Not necessarily crazy accuracy, but I want to hit what Im aiming at.

I like the thought of an M1A because I can be accurate with it and shoot precision one minute, and then the next do some 2-shot bursts.

Ill keep an eye out for a used M1A. Ive heard about the Chinese ones, but in all honesty, Im not sure I want to go that direction. Who knows though.

Ill keep thinking about it and reading up, but the M1A is really pulling me in right now. Just the basic rifle at first and then maybe build it into a full blown EBR.


Thanks guys.
 
#9
Re: M1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Top Cat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Scout is $1500 and a bolt action is around $500. The bolt should shoot into an inch, and hopefully, the Scout will do around 2" at 100 yards out of the box...maybe not.

Everyone should own one of each...just sayin'...

TC </div></div>

Yeah, I see what you're saying. I probably shouldnt be asking about it on a sniper forum since I wont exactly be using it as a sniper/precision rifle right away. Sorry.
 
#10
Re: M1A

It sounds like you want one that you can blast away with and
get to know it well now and build up the way you want it later.

The 18.0" Bush, Scout and MK14 will handle targets out to about 800 yards.
 
#11
Re: M1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: H2O MAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It sounds like you want one that you can blast away with and
get to know it well now and build up the way you want it later.

The 18.0" Bush, Scout and MK14 will handle targets out to about 800 yards. </div></div>

Yup, pretty much.

800yards sounds like it would be a good challenge for me.

I joined your forum so Ill post on there as well.
 
#12
Re: M1A

The National Match is definately worth the money. I would go with the previous suggestion and try to find an older one with GI parts rather than a newer one. They are out there just be patient, save some coin for the NM and lots of quality ammo. Portugese surplus is great if you don't reload.
 
#13
Re: M1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clamber</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I dont care if I can hit a 1000tard target or not,
</div></div>
Wow, not very PC.
smile.gif
Just kidding, couldn't resist the typo( I hope).
 
#14
Re: M1A

Make damn sure the M1A is what you want before you drop the $$ for a new one. Best bet is shop around for a used loaded model or the scout. At least if you buy used you wont lose your ass if you dont like it and sell it. I've got a norinco that I've had for a while. Installed Gi bolt, stock, sights and flash hider. Meets my needs just fine. The cheek weld when scoped issue is moot these days since there are so many riser options out there. Mine will get a sadlak mount and a dms1 down the road.

Or get yourself a good ol garand...
 
#15
Re: M1A

Buy once, cry once. Get you a LRB Tanker with an M25 reciever, best of both worlds. Shoot the hell out of it with iron sights, then scope it with ease if you want. They also hold their value.

831_M25_Tanker.JPG


Just keep in mind a few things, a SA M1A does not always have a USGI spec receiver, so quality mounts are a must, and Sadlak is the only one to guaranty it, but you have to send them your rifle. Otherwise it is hit or miss. If you are looking at spending the coin for a USGI spec, be sure it is actually USGI, and not just a SA with swapped parts, alot of guys do it believing they are better. Not saying it isn't, but I personally haven't seen an improved difference in mine. If you go the route of SA National or Super Match your going to spend coin on a quality scope mount without the M25 reciever anyway, so you will paying as much if not more. If you want bolt gun accuracy, you are going to spend more money tweaking it whether its a standard or a Super Match.

If you go the used route, get a Standard or a Scout and send it to one of the smiths on The Firing Line and let them tweak it for you.
 
#17
Re: M1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PolishX</div><div class="ubbcode-body">GET USGI parts , Dont end up like me with your favorite rifle broken and 3500 miles away from you </div></div>

Um last time I checked GI parts break as well. With most large components being made by reputable companies here in the states there is not much point to USGI unless you're trying to build an all "x" or "y" mfg rifle. Soon USGI will just mean old and collectible.
 
#19
Re: M1A

Yeah my "high quality" SAI parts broke and look like they have been through the Apocalypse after 500 rounds of mil surplus ammo. So that being said I cant see trusting regular old parts again . Shipping a gun from Alaska to Illinois and waiting 6 weeks isnt worth it to me
 
#20
Re: M1A

This "Super Match" was born in 1977 (serial # 0068XX) as a standard grade. Costing a wopping $295 new.

It was converted to a Heavy or Super Match in the late 70s or early 80s by none other then Gene Barnett (Barnett Barrels). He was working as an armor in the Pistol Van for the Wilson matches and building barrels at the same time.

It still shoots, yeah I've shot out a couple barrels and stretched out some slings, but it still shoots.

I don't know what Super Match rifles are going for now, but I do know you couldnt buy this rifle for any amount of money.

When we went to M21s from M1C/Ds I took one of the ART scopes and mounts off a '21, put it on this rifle and it shot as well if not better then any other gun in the school.

Meaning I think its more the rifle then the glass, With out glass I could hit any target my students could hit with this rifle.

M1A%20_1_.jpg
 
#22
Re: M1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snyper762</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PolishX</div><div class="ubbcode-body">GET USGI parts , Dont end up like me with your favorite rifle broken and 3500 miles away from you </div></div>

Um last time I checked GI parts break as well. With most large components being made by reputable companies here in the states there is not much point to USGI unless you're trying to build an all "x" or "y" mfg rifle. Soon USGI will just mean old and collectible. </div></div>


USGI= forged parts vs. MIM or investment cast.
The military favors forged parts for a reason and its increased durability and less prone to failure.

Personally I hold nothing against precision cast or MIM parts but if I have a choice I would always take a used USGI part of known quality over an unknown commercial cast part.
Unfortunately now all USGI forged parts bring stupid $$$ and the availability hurts new builds or just replacement parts for existing guns. YMMV
 
#23
Re: M1A

I agree the m1a has got to be one of the most fun rifles to shoot (m1 garand also). i get the most fun out of the iron sights on them. i think they are some of the best irons sights on a weapon period. Sight it in at 100 and just dial the rear to the #3 and you hitting steel at 300. I wish other weapons systems had as precise BUIS as the m1a does.

My vote is for the Loaded editon springfield. You get most of the national match parts, but it costs a little less. But I did not buy mine to put a scope on as I like using the irons only.
 
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#24
Re: M1A

So would the Standard M1A still be a good rifle for a weekend shooter?

Im asking this because if I got the standard M1A for $1400, then I could probably be able to get a Sadlak mount and a scope as well.

And then over time I would upgrade it with USGI parts where/whenever possible.
 
#26
Re: M1A

Okay, so the rifle setup would be:

Std M1A - $1400
Sadlak Mount - $155
SWFA SS 6x42 Scope - $300
Burris XTR 30mm Rings - $55
Sadlak Piston - $40

$1950 + shipping/fees

Is a new piston easy to install?
 
#27
Re: M1A

I wouldn't bother with the TIN piston from Sadlak.
The piston that comes with your M1A is just fine.
I wouldn't rush to install a scope mount either.

Spend that money on a quality National Match trigger job.
You should also pick up a spare USGI extractor.
 
#29
Re: M1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: H2O MAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't bother with the TIN piston from Sadlak.
The piston that comes with your M1A is just fine.
I wouldn't rush to install a scope mount either.

Spend that money on a quality National Match trigger job.
You should also pick up a spare USGI extractor. </div></div>


I trust your judgement , You have more M1A KNowledge than I will ever get . I think few upgrades on mine will be in order but I am going to get another 18" model and build an EBR . I cant shake the bug
 
#30
Re: M1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clamber</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The M14 has been my favorite gun since seeing it movies when I was a child.

And Ive been wanting a M1A for a while, but never had the funds.

How much are optic mounts for the M1A?

Would you recommend the M1A or should I go back to the idea of getting a bolt action?</div></div>

My $0.02, get a standard model M1A, two or three CMI magazines, and a case of surplus ammunition. Don't change out any parts. Resist the temptation to put glass on it. The M14/M1A has excellent iron sights. Go shoot it, have fun and fall in love.

If you end up not liking it, you will have no problem selling the rifle, magazines and ammunition. If you are smitten, you will want a second M14/M1A. The second rifle will be the one to upgrade.
 
#31
Re: M1A

I find non accurized m1a rifles unsatisfying.

Personally I'd take into consideration your honest personal skill level, along with how you plan on spending your day with the rifle. If you settle on a rifle that can't exceed your skill/needs you'll be disappointed.
 
#32
Re: M1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: H2O MAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't bother with the TIN piston from Sadlak.
The piston that comes with your M1A is just fine.
I wouldn't rush to install a scope mount either.

Spend that money on a quality National Match trigger job.
You should also pick up a spare USGI extractor. </div></div>

Pistons can make positive changes in accuracy or kill it. Normally the Sadlak piston are a positive change. What I've found with a few known rifles of friends in the area, their SAI pistons seemed to pit some, seemingly prematurely, causing very noticeable accuracy issues.
 
#33
Re: M1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M21guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I find non accurized m1a rifles unsatisfying.

Personally I'd take into consideration your honest personal skill level, along with how you plan on spending your day with the rifle. If you settle on a rifle that can't exceed your skill/needs you'll be disappointed. </div></div>

Yeah, sucks when you should have got an honest X but your 4 MOA rifle gave you an 8. As I recall SA Inc. only guarantees their standards, scouts and Socoms to shoot 6 MOA. The targets I usually use aren't even 6 MOA wide. Just something to keep in mind.

As for parts swapping... Some parts it's worth it, some it's not. Just watch them closely... The op rod will likely show damage by the "U" near where the handle and rod connect, SA calls it "normal wear", it's not normal, but it's not detrimental; it is annoying. The extractor, ejector and springs are prone to causing FTE's so smart to have the spares on hand. Hammer hooks seem to be breaking lately. Gas plugs tend to be wrenched on to Blue Spec. Barrels are usually mis-indexed so the front sight has to be drifted to the left or right edge of the sight base to zero. Safety bridges mildly or majorly out of spec. Scope mount interface out of spec. These are things I've heard of (from the people with the issues) or seen at least 10 times myself.

Doesn't mean you won't get an SA Inc. M1A without issues, just means you'll want to do a thorough inspection and keep an eye on things. The early 90's rifles usually have USGI parts and no issues. If you keep an eye out they come up for sale on various gun boards and gunboner.com.

You could also build a rifle but with prices today it can be twice as much. If you're set on a scope though the LRB M25 receiver is THE way to go. I knew I'd be running a scope so I went with the M25 and have never regretted it. If a scope isn't really your thing, check out Fulton, I've been hearing a lot of good things about their new receivers. m14tfl.com is a good source for info too, a few excellent M14 gunsmiths such as Gus Fisher, Ted Brown and Art Luppino post there, parts manufacturers such as Smith Enterprise and Sadlak post there and people with a lot of years of experience with the M14 platform.

A lot can be done with the M14 platform these days... if you have the cash to do it.
 
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