I bought my latest M1A (a "loaded" M9222) in 2005. It has been literally flawless, and has never fired a factory cartridge in all its 6000-plus rounds fired. Accuracy is excellent, as well.
I agree whole-heartedly with those who recommend AGAINST mounting an "optical sight". Doing so makes an awkward, bulky, ill-balanced, heavy and UGLY beast out of a rifle that was designed and intended as an infantryman's constant companion.... sleek, heavy-enough, well-balanced, with great sights, reliability, and power.
Most of those who mount optics on M1A rifles have little or NO experience with iron sights, and have no idea about either HOW to use them, or how effective they are. Their loss, of course, but it's a shame to see the abortions they create from what once was a fine rifle.
I can't stomach the "SOCOM", either, but any other M1A will be a fine thing to own.