Do I Need An M1A? If So, Scope It?

[amprecon]

I feel I already have the rifles I need, but there's the want factor. I have an SLR-95, Rem 700 ADL in .30-06 and recently an M1 Garand. But I've always had my eye on the M1A, but the price has been and still is, to a lesser degree, prohibitive.
I'm just debating, since I prefer to keep as few calibers on hand as possible, if I really "need" an M1A. I feel the scoped Remmy will do fine for hunting at range and the Garand for medium to medium-long range and the SLR-95 for short to medium ranges. However, since qualifying Expert with the M-14 in the Navy in 1992 I have been coveting one since. I'm just trying to justify the expense since I already have all the proverbial bases covered.
If I were to go with the M1A, should I scope it? I have been thinking about the long-eye relief scope for it, maybe a fixed 4X if it's possible with the Standard M1A. What do you guys and gals think?

 

[ocabj]

Get an M14. You'll be happier with the quality over an M1A. LRB or Fulton Armory are good options.

If you scope it, get the ARMS mount.

 

[Kaylee]

In my opinion, you have all your "needs" covered. Further, there's nothing the M1A/M14 will do that the 700 and AK won't do as well or better in their respective niches. Now granted an M14 pattern rifle can fill *both* roles, although not as well as a more specialized rifle. Think Leatherman compared a dedicated set of pliers and screwdriver. The whole toolbox might work better for any given situation, but you can't carry it in your pocket.

HOWEVER.. all that doesn't mean you shouldn't buy one. Seems to me if you like it, and can afford it, you should get anything you darn well please.

 

[MaceWindu]

Now granted an M14 pattern rifle can fill *both* roles

+1...yup..

MaceWindu

 

[Sheldon]

I had a scope mount for the M1A but found I shot better without it....I'm guessing since I did not have a cheekpiece on the stock my head was totally out of position and I had a lousy cheeckweld. I ended up selling it for more than what I originally got it for....yeah EBAY is good!! It was the SA aluminum third generation one.

 

[MechAg94]

Yeah, my Dad always gets me mad telling me how cheap some of today's expensive guns were 20 years or so ago.

I have not scoped from M1A standard. My current shooting range is only 100 yards or so. I haven't felt the need for a scope yet. The open sites are pretty good on that gun also. We'll see if I find a better range.

If cost is a major concern, you could try its older brother in the M1 Garand.

 

[Sewerman]

Everyone needs an M1A.

 

[Thin Black Line]

They're cool and you've got the experience on one, but have you
ever tried an FAL?

 

[444]

The M1A/M14 is a great rifle. I was kind of in the situation you describe: I wanted one for years but didn't own anything else in .308 and didn't want to get into another caliber and all that: plus they were expensive. But, I ended up buying one. I got the Springfield Armory and it is currently broken down because a pin in the trigger broke. That being said, I am really happy to own the rifle and am glad I ended up buying one.
I also own a number of M1s and honestly enjoy the M1s more than the M1A. It seems like it is easier to shoot. Of course the big drawback is the 8 round capacity vs. the 20 round capacity. I shoot a sport where we shoot steel plates at moderate to long range with semi-auto military type rifles and having the larger capacity magazine is a big advantage over trying to reload on the clock. It easily means getting off a couple more shots in the allotted time.
I guess I am not helping you much here: I guess in summary, since you already own an M1, I probably wouldn't buy an M1A. They are a lot of money and I don't think it gives you that much more than you already have.
As far as scoping it, I personally wouldn't do it. One of the beauties of these military type rifles is that they are versitile. They can do everything PRETTY well. The scope would take away some of this versitility because it is turning the rifle into a more specialized tool. And it is a tool you already have in the scoped Remington bolt gun.
I also like the fact that you have a bolt gun and a battle rifle that take the same cartridge. If you handload, you can use the same ammo in both guns: or at least, if you buy ammo suitable for the M1, you can also shoot it in your bolt gun. The .308 just makes things more complex.
One more option is always to buy the M1A and then buy a few more .308s so you have an excuse for handloading that cartridge and buying ammo in bulk.

 

[Onmilo]

Personal suggestion is to buy an M1A barrelled receiver, yes they are available if you are patient, and build the gun using USGI parts.

If you don't want to go that route I have to agree with other posters to buy a Fulton made gun.

LRB doesn't make any complete rifles that I am aware of but I have used two of the actions,, one barrelled and one plain receiver that was mated to a Douglas/Barnett barrel to make up some pretty fine rifles.
Again you will have to scrounge up some USGI parts but that isn't too hard, it is just getting expensive now.

As for scoping the rifle I say go for it unless you want a nothing but pure Match rifle and who shoots M14s in the Matches anymore besides me and a couple other lunkheads.

Smith Enterprise makes one of the very best mounts available today and Leupold M4 or M6 scope with a duplex reticle will make a good choice in optics.

Once you own an M14/M1A you will never be without one again, even if you cheat and tweek and win matches with the mousegun.,,,,

 

[amprecon]

Is it difficult to install a scope mount on the M1A Standard? Are the receivers already tapped? I've gotten away from reloading, didn't have the time. I've also been considering the M1A Scout version with the long-eye relief scope set-up on it, I think it'd make the ultimate utilitarian rifle.
I think the Garand covers the versatility niche for a battle rifle and a M1A Standard addition would duplicate that. But the Scout set-up would definitely cover alot of other bases.
As far as Long-eye relief scopes, what is the standard? Fixed-power? Red-Dots? I don't think I care for the red dot, I think I would prefer the standard reticle. Any advise, opinions or experience on M1A Standard and M1A Scout scope mounting and usefulness would be great. Also, can a long-eye relief sight be readily installed on the M1A Standard?
I don't think I'm prepared to "build" a rifle, I'll settle for standard production.

 

[30Cal]

Buy one used. The price of individual parts is getting steep.

Ty

 

[GoRon]

LRB doesn't make any complete rifles that I am aware of

Maybe in the past they didn't but they do now LRB Rifles

They are also forging new recievers featuring an integral M1913 scope mount forged and machined right into the receiver!

We feel this will finally resolve the scope mounting issues inherent with the M14 and enhance an already accurate weapon

 

[AK103K]

Springfield sells both the Scout mount($125) and the cut out handguard($15). They will fit on the standard M1A. I have a SOCOM with the same mount and basically like it. I like the low, forward mounted Scout concept and the red dots are really the way to go as far as I'm concerned, but the Scout scopes work well too. My problem with Springfields mount is, its not mil spec and some of the mounts that are wont fit or stay tight.(even slightly loose, my Aimpoint on an ARMS mount still seems to hold zero, so maybe its really not an issue) I believe its more a Weaver type mount and if you dont need the quick release lever mounts, the Weaver rings will work fine. The biggest advantage to the forward mounted scope or sight is its very fast and natural to use. The rear mounted scopes are way to high, require a cheek piece to get any kind of weld, and then the cheek piece interferes with the iron sights. They are not natural to shoot with and I find them very uncomfortable, but hey, thats just me. I notice the bulk of the scopes on them are the big super sniper types, so what do I know.

 

[LeonCarr]

IMO, scoping an M1A is like scoping a Winchester 94 .30-30. You can do it, but it looks like crap . Besides, the M14s/M1As/M1 Garands have probably the best sights ever put on a service rifle, and most of those rifles, with a little tuning, will shoot just as good without a scope as they would with one.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Dienekes]

The iron sights on the M1/M14/M1A are probably more effective for their weight than anything you can otherwise hang on the rifle. I may someday put an optic on my M1A if i simply cannot use irons anymore (eyesight) but until then I will accept the shortcomings of the irons (occasionally indistinct targets) rather than tolerate the extra weight, bulk, and expense of mount, scope/other optic. I have shot my M1A with a B-Square mount and Weaver K and, yes, I gain a lot of target clarity. But it also turns a well balanced rifle of moderate weight into an ill-balanced clunk.

If I were to mount optics on it today I think I would go for the ARMS setup and an ACOG. That will allow me to still use the irons if I pull off the optic.

Meanwhile, thanks to my optometrist I can still see what I need to see. Hope it lasts.

 

[amprecon]

I'm thinking if I do it, to just go with the Scout and leave it unscoped. I personally prefer less accessories on a weapon anyway, K.I.S.S. is the way to go in my book. I think it would be a great all-round utility rifle, more compact than the full-size with just as much punch. As mentioned before, I have a SLR-95, but at times the design, pistol grip, 30rnd mags....makes it kind of unweildy. Well, I'll put one on my wish list, I just need justify it to the wifey and it'll be a go next time I come home from Iraq probably in January. It'll be a late Christmas present ... along with a new Vaquero and SA 1911A1 GI

 

[chopinbloc]

from what i've heard you pretty much have to put an optic on the scout if you want any accuracy out of it. the shorter sight radius and the (from what i've heard) wider front sight make it less than precise at longer ranges. i'm trying to decide on a m14 type rifle myself and one thing i'm pretty sure of is i want the standard configuration. one of the nicest things about this system is a wicked long sight radius.

 

[AK103K]

I think your thinking of the SOCOM, it has a fat front sight and a ghost ring aperture on the rear which can make it a chore to shoot well past 100 yards. Its sights were made for close up fast shooting. The Bush/Scout's have basically the same sights as the standard M1A(the front is a different height) and are not a problem or really any less accurate. If you have the forward mount available, a red dot, like the Aimpoint, will amaze you. It weighs next to nothing and makes fast shooting with good hits very easy. Just put the dot where you want the bullet to go and pull the trigger.

 

[mec360]

The rear mounted scopes are way to high, require a cheek piece to get any kind of weld, and then the cheek piece interferes with the iron sights. They are not natural to shoot with and I find them very uncomfortable, but hey, thats just me.

+1. I had a Brookfield Precision mount on my M1A and, while solid, it put the scope WAAAY up there. It was much too high for my taste. Try before you buy.