Hello everyone brand new to the site and the sport. Thanks to a good friend from my Navy days i have a good set up in 6.5. However I was wondering if any one out there shots an M1A?
Springfield M1A
- Thread starter Jeff Fetsko
- Start date
Have had one for 20 years. Pretty much my favorite rifle to shoot and hunt with. Not that I have not added a few new tools to the stable. It is very difficult to get one to shoot MOA but it can be done ($$$). If you are looking for tiny sub MOA groups it is best to look else where but I enjoy shooting it for other reasons. Historical for one and I like an all wood and steel rifle that never quits.
I suggest you do your research on them before you jump in. All M14 style rifles are not made the same.
I suggest you do your research on them before you jump in. All M14 style rifles are not made the same.
That "scout rifle" idea with a scope mount clamped around the middle of the barrel is a stuuupid idea. It's like some book smart enganear said "hey, what can we do to make accuracy worse and sell less firearms?"
As for the question I have had several over the years. Spent a ton of money making them shoot decent. Like the others I think If you are looking for good accuracy it is easier to find elsewhere. Mags are expensive 4x that of Ar10 pmags, you have to rock them in so split second reloads aren't going to happen. I always get a lot of looks and "cool rifle" at the range but that isn't what I'm after.
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When faced with the M-14/M1a and the AR based 308's, etc.; it's a no brainer, IMHO.
I can build/buy an AR 10 for a lot less than an M1a, they are generally easier to get to shoot small, and changing chamberings is a simple as swapping out uppers. There are a ton of aftermarket options available, and they don't tend to go off their feed with the weather the way the M1a does.
Or, you could drop out the wooden stock, and replace it with a chassis. Just bring $$$.
Had one, made it shoot, loved it, sold it to pay medical bills. I don't miss it at all.
Greg
I can build/buy an AR 10 for a lot less than an M1a, they are generally easier to get to shoot small, and changing chamberings is a simple as swapping out uppers. There are a ton of aftermarket options available, and they don't tend to go off their feed with the weather the way the M1a does.
Or, you could drop out the wooden stock, and replace it with a chassis. Just bring $$$.
Had one, made it shoot, loved it, sold it to pay medical bills. I don't miss it at all.
Greg
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4x as expensive? So you pay less than $10 for a 20 round AR10 magazine? CMI has M14 magazines listed for $35 on their website.
My Scout model isn't any less accurate than a standard M1a/M14, and unless you're Jerry Miculek split second reloads aren't happening with an AR10 either.
Something is wrong with my M1A
When I first bought it everyone was telling me "You have to buy X". X ranged from "Coast Guard Compensators", Unitized gas cylinders "Make sure its the USMC style", National Match piston, National Match sights, "Make sure you do a tilt test, it will never shoot if anything is rubbing". I kind...
www.snipershide.com
Thanks for the response I own an M1A and love shooting it with iron sites but wanted to see if anyone shoots it long range.
I removed my wooden stock to save weight. Love to shoot it and my set up is decent at 200 yards. I thought about upgrading the scope of I ever can afford a new scope for my RPR. My son has an AR 10 and continues to have issues with it.
I've been paying 49-59 for real Springfield mags since the early 90s, I don't buy cheap off brand mags. The first 2 M1As were parts guns built from surplus parts from the 60s They would shoot 1 3/4" with some military ball, close to an inch with FGMM after installing NM triggers in them. The double lug LRBs I built later would do better but it cost a lot , receivers over $800. I can chamber barrels and bed stocks but not much for doing trigger jobs. The SOCOM 16" I purchased 3 months ago had a hard time doing 3" with M80 or the newer TNB1 until I removed the forward rail from around the barrel. I have an HK91 that isn't known for accuracy at all but it will shoot TNB1 damn close to an inch with an 8lb trigger. The DPMS G2 16"more like 3/4" at 100yds. Mags changes with an AR10 can be just as fast as an AR15, they drop free and slap another one in there.
I think I've had 6 or 7 over a 30 year span, the accuracy from the first 6 didn't bother me, I knew what to expect. This last SOCOM as sold is the only one I would call a POS.
"Cheap offbrand mags"? Who do you think makes the magazines for the military and Springfield? CMI=Checkmate Industries.
With properly placed stripper clips pushing twenty in from the top might be faster than trying to manipulate and roll in from the bottom......just theoretical......never tried it.
Was a mag change required in Competition or could you start with 8 and push two rounds in after lock back?
Mag change was required in NRA high power. 2 in the first mag and 8 in the second one if I remember correctly.
The stripper clips really are only good for topping off a mag, in practice its very slow way to load 20rds. Rocking in a 20 rd M1a mag is pretty easy when you have done it a few hundred times, mussel memory and all.
The load 2 rds, shoot and load 8 rds was something I remember from my M1 service rifle shoots. Was a pain in the butt if you misplaced your two round sled.
I have a nostalgic love of the platform ( for a foreigner ) and grew up seeing pictures of the USMC and Army teams competing with them. I’m not always super practical so the notion of all the hand fitting and specialist knowledge to get them up to speed has an appeal. Sort of like a good match grade 1911 which I also love for the same reasons.
Way back in the 90’s I had a full on McM/Krieger/double lug build done by a USAR smith, I know people make exaggerated claims, but it was a true sub minute gun ( 30 year old eyes helped as well ). I was dumb and sold it and am now spending the cash to rebuild a mistreated rear lug Super Match. It’s not anywhere near the old double lug gun I had just yet.
Meanwhile a relative amateur like myself can build an AR like a lego set and with a good quality floated barrel it’s a minute to minute and a half no problem. So if you have the requirement for that level of accuracy, or just an affliction with the old platform you may be in for some future expenses. Or maybe a dedicated match grade rig is not what your after and just the enjoyment of a decent plinker?
Still some more work to do....and new barrel is on the way.
versus the home built AR....
for historical reference
Way back in the 90’s I had a full on McM/Krieger/double lug build done by a USAR smith, I know people make exaggerated claims, but it was a true sub minute gun ( 30 year old eyes helped as well ). I was dumb and sold it and am now spending the cash to rebuild a mistreated rear lug Super Match. It’s not anywhere near the old double lug gun I had just yet.
Meanwhile a relative amateur like myself can build an AR like a lego set and with a good quality floated barrel it’s a minute to minute and a half no problem. So if you have the requirement for that level of accuracy, or just an affliction with the old platform you may be in for some future expenses. Or maybe a dedicated match grade rig is not what your after and just the enjoyment of a decent plinker?
Still some more work to do....and new barrel is on the way.
versus the home built AR....
for historical reference
I never had luck with any mags in my SA M1A standard other than OEM ones. ...and they are, and have been for at least 17years, fuckin expensive.
It is definitely fun to shoot and I miss mine every now and then. Would I choose it over an AR10 for any reason other than historical interests? Absolutely not.
It is definitely fun to shoot and I miss mine every now and then. Would I choose it over an AR10 for any reason other than historical interests? Absolutely not.
The M1A is inaccurate and failure-prone. >4MOA gun that can’t string together 50 rounds between failures. Owners are generally WWII wannabe glory hounds. Reward yourself with a Cetme.
I have always been very happy with my OEM SAI M21
It certainly does everything I have wanted from it.
Frankly, my M21 helped teach me how to shoot accurately... I could tell when I flubbed a trigger pull or was fidgeting at the bench.... ( or had to much coffee , Lol )
Shoots MOA with ammo capable of it,and has never had a single failure to feed or eject after many, many hundreds of rounds. ( I have no idea of its round count.. I would guess about 1500+ from me. )
The only downfall... is after about 150rds , I have to clean the gas system or precision will fall off.
It certainly does everything I have wanted from it.
Frankly, my M21 helped teach me how to shoot accurately... I could tell when I flubbed a trigger pull or was fidgeting at the bench.... ( or had to much coffee , Lol )
Shoots MOA with ammo capable of it,and has never had a single failure to feed or eject after many, many hundreds of rounds. ( I have no idea of its round count.. I would guess about 1500+ from me. )
The only downfall... is after about 150rds , I have to clean the gas system or precision will fall off.
I dunno, but I don't seem to have issues with my M1A in the 10 years or so that I've been using it.....Somewhere around 5,000 rounds through it now.
Mine was built in 1983 all NM configuration GI parts, I was a young man and got a small loan to buy it as a 23 y/o FFL holder.
The original E2 stock cracked so I had this one made by Tony Lawrence aka LAW483 it's a fine shooter.
The original E2 stock cracked so I had this one made by Tony Lawrence aka LAW483 it's a fine shooter.
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I haven’t had issues with mine, of course I changed the extractor and hammer to usgi, removed the scout mount, shimmed the gas system, and installed a NM spring guide and a Tubb spring. No troubles and 2 MOA with milspec ammo mag after mag, 1.5 MOA with match ammo.
Heres some light reading:
www.m14forum.com
Heres some light reading:
Why Do You Own The M14 M1A Rifle?
Myself I see the M14-M1a as the Premier U.S. Battle Rifle, Period No doubt about it for reliability the robust design and engineering have created a long lasting versatile Weapon that has short or long range capability to follow shot after shot at desired target with accuracy and the knockdown...
www.m14forum.com
I’ve been using a M14/M1a since I got into shooting HP(Service Rifle) back in 1992. These are not complicated rifles too make run and contrary too popular belief they don’t just got sour on a whim. Good used USGI mags can be had for reasonable prices, I snag nice mags for $20-25 a pop at the “Shows” but you have too seek them out and be willing to make a counter offer if you feel the price is more than your willing to pay. Here’s my last build, it’s about 97% USGI parts and it came in price point wise well under what a NM build costs from the Big Guys.
Well just take a look at the handsome fella in my avatar. At least the rifle looks good. It's a classic rifle that will need a little more attention to stay in "competitive" shape. I know a guy on our league who shot at 1,000 yds with some ridiculous 190 grn pill. He did quite well and laughed when I asked about that little boxcar he sent down the barrel. "The action sure opens up in a hurry.."
Don't know how, but I wound up on a few posters. I reckon it's a good display of how NOT to shoot...
Supermatch in the first glamour photo, and a NM in the last two. All taken at different times while at Camp Perry. I was really stunned when they came out. Signed autographed copies are available for a small fee.....
.....here's what the NM went on to become...
Good to see and hear that many members still work out with the old classics. Sadly, some enjoy the hate campaign against this proven platform. The M14 forum is a huge goldmine on this rifle. Check them out. They are also a more congenial bunch...good luck and good shooting!
Doug
Don't know how, but I wound up on a few posters. I reckon it's a good display of how NOT to shoot...
Supermatch in the first glamour photo, and a NM in the last two. All taken at different times while at Camp Perry. I was really stunned when they came out. Signed autographed copies are available for a small fee.....
.....here's what the NM went on to become...Good to see and hear that many members still work out with the old classics. Sadly, some enjoy the hate campaign against this proven platform. The M14 forum is a huge goldmine on this rifle. Check them out. They are also a more congenial bunch...good luck and good shooting!
Doug
Newbie on this site, but not with M14/M1A rifles. Great rifle! Always shot with iron sights, but recently purchased a scope and Bassett mount. These old eyes needed help. Will post pics soon.
I used to frequent m14 forum as well, good info. For me my m1a scout was a 'dream gun' and I bought it right after the 16 election... F it, just money.
Wood stock was $1560 online at the time. I love the rifle and can't ever see myself selling it but I picked up a psa pa10 gen 2 for $600 bux a couple years back. Outshoots the m1a... I did remove the front 'scout' mount etc and install a regular fiberglass handguard. Not sure if it helped much and I mostly shoot surplus through her. Probably a couple moa rifle with match ammo in stock configuration.
Wood stock was $1560 online at the time. I love the rifle and can't ever see myself selling it but I picked up a psa pa10 gen 2 for $600 bux a couple years back. Outshoots the m1a... I did remove the front 'scout' mount etc and install a regular fiberglass handguard. Not sure if it helped much and I mostly shoot surplus through her. Probably a couple moa rifle with match ammo in stock configuration.
Thanks everyone for your inputs and advice. I will certainly upgrade my scope and take a little more time to zero mine in and shoot it more at long distance
Or this if you don't count the flyer. My fault, I didn't have my shit together and it was shot #4 out of 5 if I remember correctly.
I don't know how close mine will group with a scope. It's a stock out of the box NM. The pic I gave above was with NM irons at 100 yds. I just know what ammo it likes. It loves the IMI 7.62x51 175gr match rounds.
Gunny Turner makes what I think of as "GI Select". Better quality leather with GI hardware.
Ron Brown/Les Tam make "Overbuilt" slings. Thicker leather beefier hardware.
I see three pieces of leather through the lower keeper up above, might be what makes it look so substantial.
Could be Turner with a Turner three ply keeper.
Most of the SA NM rifles built currently will do this, or close to this with the right ammo. You just have to find the right ammo. I have a stainless steel barrel NM that's a real tack driver with most M118LR ammo, but it won't shoot M80 worth a damn. But, that short-barreled SOCOM takes some ($$$) to make it shoot tight.
You got that right. And, neither are all AR10 clones. I can attest to that.
I have a Fulton sling, and it's stiff. That sling you have there on your gun looks pretty good.
Yes. Neat rifle whose heyday has long past but I still worth owning if you accept it for what it is. If you think about everything that goes into making one, they are kind of cheap for what they are.
I think they are easy to be accurate, hard to be precise, much like an M1, but have only shot “off the rack” examples of either.
You may wish to re-calibrate your sarcasm meter... or maybe mine is off...
I think they are easy to be accurate, hard to be precise, much like an M1, but have only shot “off the rack” examples of either.
You may wish to re-calibrate your sarcasm meter... or maybe mine is off...
Thank you.
I can see it now.
The meter works better with the correct settings. Thanks for helping me dial in.
Its been fun watching everyone grasping at straws. This sling is a close clone of the Marine Corps 1907 sling using my Grand Fathers(USMC ret.) recycled frogs, it was strapped up by Les Tam. There are many details that are purposely omitted from a original Marine 1907 sling, just because I didn't want to be accused of faking a original sling.
The leather is very thick and stiff but it is wearing in nicely, no secret sauce used here. And being a much larger person than the last generation was, the main strap is 56in long.
Thank you for the reply....Great history!
Interesting connection between Les Tam/Ron Brown that makes their products similar.....both are great humans.
Old school USMC 1907 slings used an odd pattern for the strap holes.....did you replicate that? That leather would never be mistaken for "issue". Gunny Turner thinks the origin might have been a saddle maker in Southern CA and a "small" USMC specific order.
