Thinking of a .308 Semi auto to make a DMR/ SASS

[Impalla]

I think im dead set on an M1A, ive been talking to a guy that will sell me a Stainless Loaded with a low(ish) round count, He has told me that with match ammo he is looking at around 1-1.75 MOA at 100m. With ball ammo he said somewhere around 3moa at 100m. What are some things i should look into for making this thing shoot More accurate? At best all i care for is 1 Moa consistently obvously if i can do sub that is better but not necessary. i would like to attempt 1000m shots with this thing and have been reading up and i think i will be trying to get a good working load with 155g SMK palmas, Any others i should try? I have a feeling that at the most, this gun will be used for shooting steel silhouettes around 500m +/-. What do y'all think?

 

[ORD]

I think im dead set on an M1A, ive been talking to a guy that will sell me a Stainless Loaded with a low(ish) round count, He has told me that with match ammo he is looking at around 1-1.75 MOA at 100m. With ball ammo he said somewhere around 3moa at 100m. What are some things i should look into for making this thing shoot More accurate? At best all i care for is 1 Moa consistently obvously if i can do sub that is better but not necessary. i would like to attempt 1000m shots with this thing and have been reading up and i think i will be trying to get a good working load with 155g SMK palmas, Any others i should try? I have a feeling that at the most, this gun will be used for shooting steel silhouettes around 500m +/-. What do y'all think?

Couple issues...

1) is it 1MOA or 1.75MOA with "match ammo" (and what ammo is that specifically)? I only ask because there's a big difference between a rifle shooting 1MOA and nearly 2x that. 3MOA with your average surplus ball is about right...2-3MOA is probably about average.

2) how much money does he want for said M1A, what's the round count, how many mags, what accessories if any are included with the sale, etc.?

3) in addition to the amount you'll spend on the rifle, how much are you willing to spend on getting this rifle to shoot a consistent MOA?

I only ask because while M1As can be phenomenal rifles, including highly accurate rifles, it costs a fair bit to get them into that condition and often times, you can achieve better results for far cheaper going with a different platform.

Now, with that said...

1) trigger job (~$50 or so depending on who does the work...maybe a bit more depending);

2) unitized gas system (~$200);

3) NM Op Rod Spring Guide (~$45);

4) NM Gas Piston (~$30).

Those are a couple things you can get into without having to sell the farm to pay for them. You can also get into bedding your existing stock (depending on which one you have now, may or may not be worth doing) or into some of the M1A "chassis" system stocks as well (but that will really start driving the costs UP)! Don't forget, depending on whether you are planning on running irons or an optic, you will need to budget for those items as well. NM Front and rear sights will run you at least a few hundred more dollars for quality sights...about the same for a quality mount (Sadlak, etc.).

 

[Impalla]

Couple issues...

1) is it 1MOA or 1.75MOA with "match ammo" (and what ammo is that specifically)? I only ask because there's a big difference between a rifle shooting 1MOA and nearly 2x that. 3MOA with your average surplus ball is about right...2-3MOA is probably about average.

2) how much money does he want for said M1A, what's the round count, how many mags, what accessories if any are included with the sale, etc.?

3) in addition to the amount you'll spend on the rifle, how much are you willing to spend on getting this rifle to shoot a consistent MOA?

I only ask because while M1As can be phenomenal rifles, including highly accurate rifles, it costs a fair bit to get them into that condition and often times, you can achieve better results for far cheaper going with a different platform.

Now, with that said...

1) trigger job (~$50 or so depending on who does the work...maybe a bit more depending);

2) unitized gas system (~$200);

3) NM Op Rod Spring Guide (~$45);

4) NM Gas Piston (~$30).

Those are a couple things you can get into without having to sell the farm to pay for them. You can also get into bedding your existing stock (depending on which one you have now, may or may not be worth doing) or into some of the M1A "chassis" system stocks as well (but that will really start driving the costs UP)! Don't forget, depending on whether you are planning on running irons or an optic, you will need to budget for those items as well. NM Front and rear sights will run you at least a few hundred more dollars for quality sights...about the same for a quality mount (Sadlak, etc.).

He was said it was Prvi match. I dont know what that is. and he said it would range from 1moa to 1.75 moa with that Privi ammo, He is asking 1500, with a Springfield scope mount, 1 10rnd mag 1 20rnd mag and 1 30rnd mag, It comes with a fixed 10x mildot, cant really tell the brand, and he says its only had 500 rounds down the tube. Id like to stay around 2500 by the time i am all done with upgrades. I know with different platforms it can be done, just for starters, I absolutely hate the AR platforms, i was thinking about an HK91 or an FAL at first, but then i talked to a guy at a gun show for like 3hrs about M1As and after shooting one and playing with one, it just has somthin about it that i feel like i need to own one.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Why hate on a heavy AR platform when it can offer better, more consistent accuracy, better ergonomics, good magazine options, and easier mounting of optics compared to just about anything else on the market? I also forgot to mention at a comparatively cheaper price also.

 

[Layton]

I love M1As but they won't touch an AR platform when it comes to accuracy. That 1-1.7 MOA suddenly becomes pretty big spread at 1000y if that's what it will hold. IMHO.

L

 

[Impalla]

Why hate on a heavy AR platform when it can offer better, more consistent accuracy, better ergonomics, good magazine options, and easier mounting of optics compared to just about anything else on the market? I also forgot to mention at a comparatively cheaper price also.

I dont like em, they feel gross, look gross too, to me anyway.

 

[Impalla]

I love M1As but they won't touch an AR platform when it comes to accuracy. That 1-1.7 MOA suddenly becomes pretty big spread at 1000y if that's what it will hold. IMHO.

L

Im not looking for a one hole gun, id just use my 300wm if i wanted that, just looking for something I can make a relatively decent gun, Im not looking to get into any competitions, just go out in the woods with some friends and punch some gongs way out there.

 

[Layton]

In that case they are a lot of fun. I love mine.

L

 

[Trigger Monkey]

LOL I don't know if I've ever seen an AR referred to as gross but alright. Good luck with your M1A, it does sound like a pretty good deal from what you've described.

 

[wxl]

He was said it was Prvi match. I dont know what that is. and he said it would range from 1moa to 1.75 moa with that Privi ammo, He is asking 1500, with a Springfield scope mount, 1 10rnd mag 1 20rnd mag and 1 30rnd mag, It comes with a fixed 10x mildot, cant really tell the brand, and he says its only had 500 rounds down the tube. Id like to stay around 2500 by the time i am all done with upgrades. I know with different platforms it can be done, just for starters, I absolutely hate the AR platforms, i was thinking about an HK91 or an FAL at first, but then i talked to a guy at a gun show for like 3hrs about M1As and after shooting one and playing with one, it just has somthin about it that i feel like i need to own one.

Sounds like a good deal. Loaded model should already have a decent NM trigger, NM sights. medium heavy barrel. Shoot it a lot before determining if it needs much upgrading. Match ammo usually falls into M118 ammo or Fed Gold Metal Match 168 SMK type for accuracy. Only upgrade to consider up front may be an extractor swap with a PB marked or USGI one (some claim Springfield's is prone to break).

But I am a newbie to the M1A Loaded also. Wanted one for 45+ years and just got one. Have half dozen ARs in 5.56 & 6.8 and an AR10. I say GO FOR IT!

 

[ORD]

He was said it was Prvi match. I dont know what that is. and he said it would range from 1moa to 1.75 moa with that Privi ammo, He is asking 1500, with a Springfield scope mount, 1 10rnd mag 1 20rnd mag and 1 30rnd mag, It comes with a fixed 10x mildot, cant really tell the brand, and he says its only had 500 rounds down the tube. Id like to stay around 2500 by the time i am all done with upgrades. I know with different platforms it can be done, just for starters, I absolutely hate the AR platforms, i was thinking about an HK91 or an FAL at first, but then i talked to a guy at a gun show for like 3hrs about M1As and after shooting one and playing with one, it just has somthin about it that i feel like i need to own one.

1) PRVI Partisan "Match" ammo is SHITE!!! It really shouldn't be called "match" ammo as it is ridiculously inconsistent and, in my own experience, with rifles capable of being easily sub-MOA, yielded results nearing 2MOA thanks to overcharges/undercharges/wild variations in COAL/etc. Alas, they slap a "match" label on it and suddenly its worth a premium even though its junk. Might be ok for some Mexican match stuff if you have the time/inclination, but otherwise...SKIP IT!! If you want to test accuracy, get some proven, high quality match ammo suitable for use in an M1A and test with that (Federal, Hornady, etc.).

2) For $1500...you can get into a brand new in the box, never @#$%ed with, M1A Loaded with the SS barrel and your choice of walnut or synthetic furniture. I don't know whether its worthwhile to buy a "used" rifle, with an unknown round count (and the other "unknowns" that go with it), with a junk mount/optic and an extra mag or two thrown in (the 30s are generally junk too BTW). Your money so your call obviously, but caveat emptor! If you like the rifle and believe his guesstimates on round count and accuracy thus far, you might see if you can talk him into a lower price for just the rifle and the OEM 10-round mag (maybe the 20 too if its a quality mag from CMI, etc.) without the garbage SA mount and fixed 10x optic, etc. If you could get just the rifle and mag(s) for $200-300 less...now THAT would be a deal!

3) I somehow forgot or missed the "Loaded" part in your original post above, but wxl is correct re: the upgraded trigger/sights/etc. already being included, so that'll be more money in your pocket or otherwise spent on other upgrades as necessary.

Any way about it...its hard to go wrong with the quality of an M1A. They may not be the newest hot-rod in the garage or have the nicest paint job/etc., but they have been getting the job done quite well for a LONG time and they have a rich history that makes them worth having in the safe (especially for people who are AR-haters! ).

 

[wxl]

2) For $1500...you can get into a brand new in the box, never @#$%ed with, M1A Loaded with the SS barrel and your choice of walnut or synthetic furniture. I don't know whether its worthwhile to buy a "used" rifle, with an unknown round count (and the other "unknowns" that go with it), with a junk mount/optic and an extra mag or two thrown in (the 30s are generally junk too BTW). Your money so your call obviously, but caveat emptor! If you like the rifle and believe his guesstimates on round count and accuracy thus far, you might see if you can talk him into a lower price for just the rifle and the OEM 10-round mag (maybe the 20 too if its a quality mag from CMI, etc.) without the garbage SA mount and fixed 10x optic, etc. If you could get just the rifle and mag(s) for $200-300 less...now THAT would be a deal!

As I said I just got into the game and I will find out what my used Loaded will do at the range hopefully this week. Loaded up a bunch of LC brass 168 SMKs and 175 SMKs for the range. Picked mine up for $ 1350 shipped in like new original box and 10 rd mag plus 6 CMI 20s for $20 a piece still in packaging. Claimed to had ~200 rounds thru it. My FFL thought it was new until he saw serial number.

 

[samnev]

I think im dead set on an M1A, ive been talking to a guy that will sell me a Stainless Loaded with a low(ish) round count, He has told me that with match ammo he is looking at around 1-1.75 MOA at 100m. With ball ammo he said somewhere around 3moa at 100m. What are some things i should look into for making this thing shoot More accurate? At best all i care for is 1 Moa consistently obvously if i can do sub that is better but not necessary. i would like to attempt 1000m shots with this thing and have been reading up and i think i will be trying to get a good working load with 155g SMK palmas, Any others i should try? I have a feeling that at the most, this gun will be used for shooting steel silhouettes around 500m +/-. What do y'all think?

By the time you upgrade you would be better off with a national match. With mt 168 grain hand loads my NM shoots 1 moa or sometimes a bit better. I'd try to find an older lightly used NM.

 

[flatland1]

I bought a SA M1A package back in '86 that's probably pretty much the same as the loaded rifles they're selling today. Mine had a chromoly bbl with "NM" stamped on it, and SA's crap copy of NM rear sight in a new walnut stock (doesn't have the selector switch cut-out). It came with a decent shooting mat (still using it - have spent too much $$$ rebuilding it to throw it away after the ribbed rubber matting cracked & came apart, plus having leather patches sewn in to cover holes in the canvas right behind the rubber), (2) GI 20rd mags, sight covers, GI cleaning kit, etc. I shot it in our club's 100yd reduced HP matches for 10yrs, using H322 & el cheapo Midway blue card sale flier R-P 125 PSPs in LC brass. Also sent it off to Jon Tank to get it bedded & have genuine NM rear sight installed after the 1st season of shooting it. When the original bbl crapped-out on me after those 10yrs, I switched to shooting AR15 SRs and put the M1A aside for several years. After I legged-out with an AR, I finally sent it to Krieger for a SS med. match bbl, NM spring guide, and to have the gas cylinder unitized. Also had them skim bed over Tank's bedding.

Fine old rifle, but I don't shoot it nearly as well as I did the AR SRs that John Holliger built for me. Nor do I believe I'll ever get it shooting as consistently as a good AR10/DPMS with a properly chambered bbl. I've been thinking about selling it, since I don't shoot it at all, but there's just a little sentimental attachment to the old SA rifle that keeps me from it...good luck with yours.