Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

[Point of Impact]

I have a M1A national match and as of right now it is all stock except I do have a SA Gen III scope mount. After reading some reviews online, it seems that the common vibe people have about those is that they are garbage and don't hold zero. Constantly people were recommending the Smith Enterprise 3-point scope mount. I would like to upgrade to a JAE-100 stock and get a Smith Enterprise scope mount but that is looking at nearly another $1000 into the gun. I already have the scope but I am just wondering if it is worth it or not.

I was wondering if any of you have had experiences with these scope mounts or this stock and know how well the M1A will perform in those upgrades. Should I spend the money or just go AR-10 SASS if I want a precision semi-auto rifle?

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

the m1a is a valid platform will continue to be, just have to realize it is what it is, most will not be any better at best then a 3/4MOA gun. it takes a lot of money.

they are great though and i have a loaded i'm dropping in a sage chassis but i'm wanting a solid, take anywhere battle rifle so i'm using a M1a

 

[ciskokidd]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

The M1A platform is and awesome rifle. While yes the mounting system IMHO is the only flaw on this rifle (if your looking for accuracy). If your serious about getting your groups under 1 MOA down to 1/2 MOA look into getting a LRB Arms M-25 receiver. It has a picatinny rail on top for mounting your scope. I have one mounted on my JAE and with a Krieger heavy barrel 1:12 RH twist. I shoot under 1 MOA all day with Black Hills 168 gr match ammo. And if you haven't already heard, it will cost a pretty penny. But if your a fan or enthusiast of the M1A platform, sometimes cost can be over looked.

 

[NoExpert]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

I would recommend the Sadlak mount over the SEI. Similar, but Sadlak has a few improvements as well as offering the Airborne mount to save some weight. Start there with a TNVC cheek rest on your NM. Then decide on the JAE. Just be warned, JAE's are fairly heavy. I went from a JAE to a Sage Mod 1 and the rifle lost about four pounds with that alone. Great stocks, but you'll have a 17+ pound rifle really quick.

 

[Luke]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

Whether it's worth the money or not is all up to you. If you love the M1A platform you won't mind, but if you're only looking for a practical semi-auto, IMHO the AR-10 platform is the smarter option. While I love the look and feel of the M1A, even if it's a good shooter, at the end of the day it's still a really long and heavy rifle. An AR-10 from a reputable manufacturer (POF, LWRC, LMT, GAP, etc.) will be able to shoot sub-MOA right out of the box, can be modded to your liking to no end, and you can split the upper and lower and carry it around in a backpack. If this is just one more gun in your vast armory of rifles, heck, keep the MIA, if it's one of your primary rifle, go with an AR-10. My $0.02

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Luke</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whether it's worth the money or not is all up to you. If you love the M1A platform you won't mind, but if you're only looking for a practical semi-auto, IMHO the AR-10 platform is the smarter option. While I love the look and feel of the M1A, even if it's a good shooter, at the end of the day it's still a really long and heavy rifle. An AR-10 from a reputable manufacturer (POF, LWRC, LMT, GAP, etc.) will be able to shoot sub-MOA right out of the box, can be modded to your liking to no end, and you can split the upper and lower and carry it around in a backpack. If this is just one more gun in your vast armory of rifles, heck, keep the MIA, if it's one of your primary rifle, go with an AR-10. My $0.02</div></div> I think this is really good advice. I have had a M1A Super Match in the past and I really loved the feel of it but in the end of the day it was 1.5 MOA or better rifle with what I put into it. I do love the ergonomics of a M1A but I think you can make a 308 AR more accurate for less money.

 

[dduck44]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

I bought an M1A with the same desire. Added a Harris bipod, Smith mount that holds a Leupold 4.5-14 as well as a lace on cheek piece-it's a great rifle.
That said, I just took delivery of a GAP 10 last week-it's the way to go if you want a precision semi.

 

[ciskokidd]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Luke</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whether it's worth the money or not is all up to you. If you love the M1A platform you won't mind, but if you're only looking for a practical semi-auto, IMHO the AR-10 platform is the smarter option. While I love the look and feel of the M1A, even if it's a good shooter, at the end of the day it's still a really long and heavy rifle. An AR-10 from a reputable manufacturer (POF, LWRC, LMT, GAP, etc.) will be able to shoot sub-MOA right out of the box, can be modded to your liking to no end, and you can split the upper and lower and carry it around in a backpack. If this is just one more gun in your vast armory of rifles, heck, keep the MIA, if it's one of your primary rifle, go with an AR-10. My $0.02</div></div>

+1

AR-10 platforms in recent years are becoming tack drivers. Have and OBR 7.62 on order, just my liking but the other said products are great too

 

[Shooter45]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

+1 on Sadlak mounts. As everyone else has said, you have to know what you want out of your M1A and how bad you want it. To accurize M1A's is very expensive if you want it to be sub moa. The AR platform is an easier and cheaper system to accurize but the M1A has a nostalgic feel that I love.

 

[usmc1488]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

Ive got an arms 18 on mine. Great mount, nice and low.

 

[b rad]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

I have an ARMS mount on my M1A in a JAE stock and could not be happier with it. The mount holds zero, the gun shoots better than i can, and(most importantly) looks bad ass. But, if I had it to do over again I would most likely go with an AR platform. I could almost have an OBR AND a GAP 10 for what I have sunk into my M1.

That nostalgic feeling doesnt come cheap

 

[Snake Plissken]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

Outside of nostalgia reasons, no it's not worth it. Much better performing, cost effective and user friendly options available these days.

 

[pmclaine]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

I love my 1903's and Garands for what they are and their history. I want an M1A and when I get one it will be used as issued to line grunts - with iron sights - I expect it to be more accurate than my Garand and compettitive with my 03's.

For my plunge into bipods, scopes and trying to make groups better than 2 MOA I have an LMT MWS on order.

 

[samnev]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

I love the M1A and have a Devine TX National Match that shoots under 1" groups all day. That said I agree with the others that say go to the AR 10 platform. I have 3, DPMS SASS,LMT MWS an an Armalite AR 10A4. All shot well under an inch at 100 yards out of the box. The DPMS SASS is my favorite. All have Nightforce scopes on them

 

[gits]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

I owned a Springfield scout I dropped quite a bit of money into it. Sage Stock a bunch of parts into it. When I looked at the end cost I was surprised considering how much my other systems performed. Mine was never really meant to be a primary precision gun. I did find it fun to pump some money into some parts to see how accurate I could get it. I focused a lot of my cash on my Surgeon and OBR. I think the M1A platform is more of a long term project for how much cash it costs to invest into it to get it shooting the way you want it.

 

[JoshcBoucher]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

It will not be a "Tack driver". I got a Loaded version, and she shoots 3" groups, all day long. Great gun, but she's not what I "wanted", for a "tack driver". Some of "My guys", love to shoot her, and so do I, but not for "precision long range".

 

[DubGunner]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

Anyone who says the M1A is garbage might deserve to be shot with one.

No, it's not going to be the most accurate rifle out there, that's not what it was designed for. But they are a blast to shoot and about as sexy as military guns get.

 

[rojkoh]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Point of Impact</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a M1A national match and as of right now it is all stock except I do have a SA Gen III scope mount. After reading some reviews online, it seems that the common vibe people have about those is that they are garbage and don't hold zero. Constantly people were recommending the Smith Enterprise 3-point scope mount. I would like to upgrade to a JAE-100 stock and get a Smith Enterprise scope mount but that is looking at nearly another $1000 into the gun. I already have the scope but I am just wondering if it is worth it or not.

I was wondering if any of you have had experiences with these scope mounts or this stock and know how well the M1A will perform in those upgrades. Should I spend the money or just go AR-10 SASS if I want a precision semi-auto rifle? </div></div>

A good 14 type is hard to beat. I've been shooting them to 1000 yards since 1976. I started with the original Griffin and Howe mount. With my Palma load, on a good day I can shoot 12" although these days my eyes aren't quite what they used to be. Sorry, I don't like, nor have I ever liked the AR platform, even when I work on them. best stock to use, for wood I'd use the SAI commercial stock since it's modeled after the PJ Woods NM stock from years ago. For glass, go McMillan. I've worked with the McMillan stocks on M1As and M14s since the 70's. They can't be beat. Glass.... I can't tell you. I have my preferences.... but those are my preferences. I will be doing ammo testing starting in late June and I will be concentrating on the 155 and 175 grain Sierra bullets. With the 14 type, never shoot anything heavier then the 175s. I knew the lead engineer on the TRW M14 production who later designed the LMR. 14s are NOT meant to use 180's or heavier. My classic Palma load used the Lapua 170 FMJBT which I call a stepped boat tail.

SImply put, you can't beat the best main battle rifle ever issued to the military. Even the USMC went back and grabbed every 14 in inventory to turn them into either M25s or the DMRs. They're still in use and ought to be put back into production since they're better in the environment then any AR platform. Sadly, 750,000 M14s went overseas during Clinton's administration.

 

[DavidAR10]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rojkoh</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Point of Impact</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a M1A national match and as of right now it is all stock except I do have a SA Gen III scope mount. After reading some reviews online, it seems that the common vibe people have about those is that they are garbage and don't hold zero. Constantly people were recommending the Smith Enterprise 3-point scope mount. I would like to upgrade to a JAE-100 stock and get a Smith Enterprise scope mount but that is looking at nearly another $1000 into the gun. I already have the scope but I am just wondering if it is worth it or not.

I was wondering if any of you have had experiences with these scope mounts or this stock and know how well the M1A will perform in those upgrades. Should I spend the money or just go AR-10 SASS if I want a precision semi-auto rifle? </div></div>

A good 14 type is hard to beat. I've been shooting them to 1000 yards since 1976. I started with the original Griffin and Howe mount. With my Palma load, on a good day I can shoot 12" although these days my eyes aren't quite what they used to be. Sorry, I don't like, nor have I ever liked the AR platform, even when I work on them. best stock to use, for wood I'd use the SAI commercial stock since it's modeled after the PJ Woods NM stock from years ago. For glass, go McMillan. I've worked with the McMillan stocks on M1As and M14s since the 70's. They can't be beat. Glass.... I can't tell you. I have my preferences.... but those are my preferences. I will be doing ammo testing starting in late June and I will be concentrating on the 155 and 175 grain Sierra bullets. With the 14 type, never shoot anything heavier then the 175s. I knew the lead engineer on the TRW M14 production who later designed the LMR. 14s are NOT meant to use 180's or heavier. My classic Palma load used the Lapua 170 FMJBT which I call a stepped boat tail.

SImply put, you can't beat the best main battle rifle ever issued to the military. Even the USMC went back and grabbed every 14 in inventory to turn them into either M25s or the DMRs. They're still in use and ought to be put back into production since they're better in the environment then any AR platform. Sadly, 750,000 M14s went overseas during Clinton's administration. </div></div>

Pass it over to me, my friend.

BTW, a stock ARMALITE AR-10A4 will blow an NM SA M1A off the line. There's a thang called fizzicks and it jumps in before 1000 rounds are fired.

I'm actually a nice old man, but the sandbox is over... there.

EDIT: I luvzmesum M21. But, I would take a 20" ARMALITE AR-10A4 in half a heartbeat over one.

BTW II, what where you doing in the mid 80's? This is not an attack on a newbie... more of a statement of quit posting fodder from the webs and get the hell out of your mother's basement.

 

[NoExpert]

Re: Worth investing the money into my M1A NM?

Oh no... rojkoh made it in here. How long before the ban hammer drops?