hello again high road, I have a question about getting my next maybe last rifle?

[datruth]

I have a DSA FAL and it is one of my favorite rifles if not my favorite but I have always loved the Springfield M1a, this is not a which is better rifle thread , I look at the M1a as an outstanding platform for outstanding accuracy. But I do know that a bolt action is a far more accurate platform than any semi auto and the Reminton pss in 308 or 300 win mag is a very nice rifle as well. this is what Im faced with, I may only buy one more rifle seriously because I am not independently wealthy and I love firearms but I only want a few more in general. If just for a occasional trip to the range but not yet ready to get into competition shooting. Is 500-1000 yards acheviable with either rifle and decent glass,yes I am and have always been fascinated by hitting a paper target at those distances. what is the best choice, if I was going to get one more rifle, and of course I would like the option of hunting with If I so chose. well that my little question for those in the know on this great sight thanks in advance for the help.

 

[mljdeckard]

I'm in a position to know this one, I've owned a PSS, an 700 VS in 308 (Same rifle, different stock,) and an M1A, I think it was a loaded standard.

The 700s are fantastic. Have a smith lighten the trigger to 3-3-1/2 lbs, and it will be sub MOA. When you find the load that shoots best, (Mine did it with Remington Core-lokt 168 gr BTHP) and you will have to train a LOT to be as good as the rifle.

The problem I had with the M1A, is that to set it up for scoped distance shooting, it would have needed a lot more work and an serious aftermarket stock, making it a LOT more expensive than a 700.

I got one used, with (I THINK it was) the SA 2nd Gen rail mount, and SA dedicated optics. (The scope was fantastic, I put it on a different rifle.) Take it to the range, and the first problem is, because the scope is mounted so dang high, and there is so little room to move it back and forth, I have to lean way into it to get a correct scope picture. After three shots, I had blood in my eyebrow, where the scope kept banging me. This means, I need a scope with an adjustable comb, or a custom stock with a raised comb to be able to shoot it from the correct posture. Ok, I guess I'll have to worry about that later.

So, I used the iron sights, UNDER the scope mount. after repeatedly shooting, not even being on the paper, and raising the rear sight higher and higher, I ran out of room. The scope mount was so low, I couldn't adjust the iron sights, it cut into the sight picture. Couldn't use the scope, couldn't use the sights.

Also, I wasn't shooting it any faster than I would shoot a bolt rifle anyway. The 20 rd mags and semi-auto were absolutely no advantage to me.

I sold it and bought the 700 VS in .308. Maybe one day I'll try again, but I'll probably build a AR-10 if I feel I need a semi-auto battle rifle. The M1A is what it is, but if you want a scoped, precision rifle, you will need to buy one of the higher models that already come with the correct stock, or plan on doing a LOT of work on it to get it there.