Concerning the Front Rail of the M1A

[BlindReplicant]

I just held the Scout Squad that's made by Springfield Armory and immediately fell in love with it. I would like to get one in the future but am not crazy about the front rail. I heard that the way it's mounted permits heat to be transfered from the barrel to the rail and that, at a busy shooting pace, it could get very hot.
Is there anyway that the rail can be removed or at least covered up to keep myself from accidentally burning my hand?
I've seen some rail covers being sold online but wonder if using them will interfere with using the iron sights.
I would personally favor mating a rail system that mounts above the ejection port with a low magnification optic but that's just me. I know that this will pose a bit of a problem with getting a proper cheek weld with the stock but I find this easier to work with than trying to see through a scope mounted far ahead with a long eye relief.

 

[H2O MAN]

Remove the forward barrel mount and install a standard hand guard.
Quality over the receiver 3-point mounts are available from SEI and Sadlak.

Another option is the LAW483 M14 MCS by TROY...

 

[Andrewsky]

I just held the Scout Squad that's made by Springfield Armory and immediately fell in love with it. I would like to get one in the future but am not crazy about the front rail. I heard that the way it's mounted permits heat to be transfered from the barrel to the rail and that, at a busy shooting pace, it could get very hot.

The rail is very light and would not be the best platform for optics.

Is there anyway that the rail can be removed or at least covered up to keep myself from accidentally burning my hand?

Yes, you can simply unscrew the rail. It's very easy to do. Even a noob can figure it out. When I got my SOCOM 16 I took it off immediately. There's no chance that you will burn your hand with or without the scope mount. My cousin rapidly fired 40 rounds through my SOCOM (with no hearing protection!) and a lot of hot air was coming out through the hole in the handguard. No big deal.
I've seen some rail covers being sold online but wonder if using them will interfere with using the iron sights.

It depends on the rail. If you get an Ultimak (from BHIgear.com I say) you will get a cowitness with a Trijicon Tri Power or an Aimpoint if you get a low enough ring.

I would personally favor mating a rail system that mounts above the ejection port with a low magnification optic but that's just me.

You'd be best off with a different stock like Law483 sells in that case.

I know that this will pose a bit of a problem with getting a proper cheek weld with the stock

The cheekweld isn't an issue. You can make your own with 100mph tape and foam or pick from several different aftermarket cheek rests. It wouldn't be a problem at all with a Law483 stock.

but I find this easier to work with than trying to see through a scope mounted far ahead with a long eye relief.

The only bad thing about mounting a sight or scope up front is it upsets the balance of the weapon.

 

[BlindReplicant]

Thanks for all the input, you two; the advice will make planning much easier. While I still have your ear, do you know of any place where I can purchase a replacement standard hand guard?

 

[Andrewsky]

fredsm14stocks.com. His handguards are incredibly cheap.

One thing though is that it takes several months for Fred to ship your stuff because he runs the Appleseed program.

His stocks are fantastic as well.

 

[bond007]

I have a Midwest Industries rail mounted on my M1A Scout Squad.

It provides just enough rail for a light without obstructing the handguard.

 

[bond007]

May as well include a picture.....

 

[xx7grant7x]

i like the look of that, what kinda scope are you running on that fine gun a leupold of some variety it looks like, nice rifle and I like the size of the rails