M1A choice

[fragout]

Yep, me too. When looking at the various M1A models, I leaned toward the Scout Squad because of the shorter overall length and the "handiness" of the rifle itself. Muzzle velocity isn't harmed much by the shorter barrel as some would think (I've run chrono tests comparing 18" and 22" barrels and can report if there is interest).

I got the Walnut Scout Squad about a year ago and man do I love this rifle.

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I for one would be interested in your findings Bergmen.

11B

 

[bergmen]

Yep, me too. When looking at the various M1A models, I leaned toward the Scout Squad because of the shorter overall length and the "handiness" of the rifle itself. Muzzle velocity isn't harmed much by the shorter barrel as some would think (I've run chrono tests comparing 18" and 22" barrels and can report if there is interest).

I got the Walnut Scout Squad about a year ago and man do I love this rifle.

==============================

I for one would be interested in your findings Bergmen.

11B

Okay, here is my report. I do not have two M1A's but I do have a .308 bolt action rifle with a 22" barrel.

I used my new Browning X-Bolt Medallion as a comparative rifle to see what measured difference in muzzle velocity there is between the two. The chronograph used is a Chrony F-1. Five rounds were fired in each rifle.

The M1A has a barrel length of 18", the Browning 22", a difference of 4".

The chronograph was placed about 10' in front of the muzzles of both rifles.

Ammunition used in both rifles is Winchester 7.62 white box factory ammo, 147 grain FMJ (Q3130).

Results:

A) Browning X-Bolt:

2781 fps
2764 fps
2799 fps
2759 fps
2789 fps

Average = 2778 fps

B) Springfield M1A:

2732 fps
2789 fps
2773 fps
2760 fps
2740 fps

Average = 2758 fps

Difference in average between a 22" barrel and 18" barrel = 20 fps.

In addition, the Browning is a bolt action (obviously) and the M1A is semi-auto (again, obviously).

So, it looks like the ballistics are almost identical between the two. The gas system doesn't seem to rob anything from the MV and the barrel length only takes 20 fps.

Dan

 

[Zanad]

on the stats reported, why do people believe the 308 needs a 22" barrel?

 

[bergmen]

That's what my new Browning X-Bolt Medallion rifle came with (22" barrel). Most sporting rifles I've seen in .308 have the same. Why do you ask?

Dan

 

[fragout]

Thanks for sharing your report here Bergmen.

11B

 

[Welding Rod]

I like the Standard with walnut best. I have owned Standard and SOCOM, and tried with GI and walnut stocks. I also have a fair bit of experience with issue M14s, wearing fiberglass stocks.

That chrono infor is interesting, thanks for posting.

I like the 22" barrel as the M1A / M14 is an iron sight gun, and a good one at that. A long sight radius is a key part to precise shooting with irons.

Additionally I like the 22" as it is the same as the M14s I shot and has some nostalgic value to me.

 

[Black Butte]

If you want a hammer-forged receiver with the bayonet lug intact, consider the 22" LRB arms Government Issue. As close to the original as you're going to get. For a shorter barrel, they offer an 18.5" Tanker model. They also offer the option of having a rail mounting system forged and machined right into the receiver (M25 receiver).

http://www.lrbarms.com/m14rifles.html
http://www.lrbarms.com/m14receivers.html

 

[kmcintosh78]

I went with the Standard 22". I put $150 in on unitizing the gas cylinder and had a member of the M14 forums upgrade the trigger group.
With me on the ball, it will do 1 MOA at 100 yards.