M-14 pattern rifle, short-barrel options?

[NoirFan]

Hello,

I've wanted to own an M-14 type rifle for years, and the Springfield M1A scout with the 18" barrel and walnut stock has the perfect weight, balance, and portability that I am looking for in an all-purpose rifle. I am just wondering if there are any other options out there for an M14 type in this length.

Extreme accuracy is not so important to me, so I am content with 3-4 MOA as long as the rifle is dead reliable. I also don't care about the Springfield proprietary muzzle brake and forward rail, so if I can find a cheaper version without these features I will take it.

I know there is Norinco, but they seem to have only the full-length rifles. Would it be easy/inexpensive to find a qualified gunsmith to cut and recrown? I'd like to stay away from the custom shops like Fulton because they are well out of my budget.

Thanks, any help would be appreciated.

 

[Shadow Man]

Used SA SOCOM 16 may fit your requirements. Basic M14 style, but without all the rails of its overweight younger brother, the SOCOM II. Not sure of your budget, but I can't see it running you more than say $1100.

 

[NoirFan]

Shadow Man, the SOCOM 16 handles nicely, but I dislike the sights and it has a little too much flash and bang for my liking. Plus, I prefer a wood stock and the SOCOM doesn't come with one.

Is Springfield the only game in town for a factory production short-barreled M14?

 

[bfoosh006]

I would post this question at www.m14tfl.com...you'll have to join, but it is worth it. They are DEVOTED to all the M14 /M1A. ( can you tell I like that site ?....)

See ya there !

 

[natescout]

cant go wrong with M14 style rifle, found my scout cheap at a show.....

 

[1KPerDay]

Shadow Man, the SOCOM 16 handles nicely, but I dislike the sights and it has a little too much flash and bang for my liking. Plus, I prefer a wood stock and the SOCOM doesn't come with one.

Is Springfield the only game in town for a factory production short-barreled M14?

pretty much. However LRB, Fulton, SEI, and innumerable other builders will happily build you an 18" m14 type any way you like. I'm not aware of anyone else who makes a 16" version, as the gas system is proprietary.

And as for the wood stock... it's a quick and easy swap, and wood GI stocks are plentiful and cheap.

 

[NoirFan]

Thanks guys, I will also look on M14 firing line forum for more advice.

What about Norincos? If I have a gunsmith to cut the barrel to 18", will that mess with the rifle's reliability? I don't know too much about semiauto rifles in general but it's my understanding that a shorter barrel needs an different gas system, is this correct?

Thanks

 

[1KPerDay]

No, unless you're talking about the 16" SOCOM. The 18 and 18.5" barrels use the GI gas system. But you'll need a different front sight.

I imagine it would probably be more cost effective to have a gunsmith install a $~200 18.5" barrel rather than pay to have a longer barrel cut and machined and threaded for the FH. But I could be wrong.

Nate, those are a couple drool-worthy shorties up there.

 

[TexasRifleman]

xtreme accuracy is not so important to me, so I am content with 3-4 MOA as long as the rifle is dead reliable.

If you find an M14 or M1A style rifle that will only shoot 3-4 MOA something is very wrong with it.

 

[Al Thompson]

I have a Springfield Scout for the very reasons you mention. I'm happy with that version. Had an AR-10 with a muzzle brake - no more muzzle brakes for me.

 

[hoodfu]

I bought a new Springfield m1a scout a few months ago. Amazingly accurate even using the iron sights. When using Winchester white box .308 ammo, big fireballs are to be had. That said, it would fail to extract more and more, and it's now it's way back to Springfield for repair. Another note is that the sage international stocks are just about impossible to get. I've been waiting months for some availability and nobody has any idea when they'll be getting any in.

 

[TonyDedo]

A M14 in a Troy Modular Chassis System is one of the coolest setups I've ever had the pleasure of shooting. It's expensive, but worth every penny (IMHO).

 

[NoirFan]

I imagine it would probably be more cost effective to have a gunsmith install a $~200 18.5" barrel rather than pay to have a longer barrel cut and machined and threaded for the FH. But I could be wrong.

Ok, it sounds a bit too involved for this rifle novice. I will just go with the Scout in that case. Thanks!

If you find an M14 or M1A style rifle that will only shoot 3-4 MOA something is very wrong with it.

I remember reading that this was the accuracy standard of the original military issue rifle. Is that correct?

 

[dafitch]

Love my SOCOM, but like Noirfan disliked the evil black look- changed it up.

 

[mshootnit]

In case you wanted to save about 1,000.00, thought this might help. More well balanced and shoots a hair under 2 moa.

Take the money you would save and get a NM ar too or a couple cmp garands.