m1a / m14 for hunting?

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Ash

It is not ideal for standard infantry use given its miserable performance on full auto.
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That's not a valid point. Most USGI M14s are locked in semi-auto only, just
a few have a functional selector switch and these are used by SEAL and SF.
Also, trained riflemen never had a problem with the M14 in full auto.

I'll take a general purpose rifle that does just about everything very well
over a different rifle that is the best at one thing any day of the week.

For me, the M14 is the ideal general purpose rifle - YRMV.
 
I can honestly say the M14 is something I have no experience with. I have an M1 that I will be using this season. Just look at it this way for the garand,

1. Rifle can do 2 moa groups at 400y with very little work (no scope required, but it does help)
2. Cartridge that has taken pretty much every large game on the continent (30-06)
3. Sub 600 (cmp) dollar gun if you glass bed it yourself and go iron sights.
4. Can be accurized to sub moa and can touch 1k yards (gonna cost you both arms and your left pinky toe from national match).
5. Probably won't shoot over 100y at a deer (unless you are in one of the few farms out there in Maryland. Here in VA, 100y and you won't see the deer for the most part).
6. It's a piece of history that will out last you and can probably out shoot you.
7. Needs a 25 dollar part to fire modern lead hunting loads (adjustable gas plug)
8. Effective range out to 500y (and hit a man sized target, your deer is a little smaller for the vitals avoiding gut shots, so it isn't unthinkable to drop a deer at the distance, just unadvisable).

The m1a is lighter (I think), shorter (I think, therefore a little less accurate, still not enough to matter at hunting ranges), costs more, and uses the same round.
 
scythefwd

The m1a is lighter (I think), shorter (I think, therefore a little less accurate, still not enough to matter at hunting ranges), costs more, and uses the same round.
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M14 type vs. Garand

Shorter - Yes
Lighter - Yes
Less accurate - No
Cost more - Yes
Same Ammo - No, the M14 type fires .308 / 7.62 x 51
 
My m1a most certainly was less accurate than my Garand, and it had an H&R barrel and US bolt.

I would never, ever, want to clear houses with an M14. Never. Unless, that is, I had a dozen hand grenades. And lets talk apples, not the AR/M14 hybrid that costs 5 or 6 grand. I like the M14 as a rifle, but it does have limitations, tremendous limitations, and does not excel at everything. Indeed, it only excels at ONE thing, and that is accurate long-range fire for a semi-auto, though there are legions of bolt-actions more accurate for considerably less.

To thine own self be true. I own a real-deal SVD. It cost a bunch. I like it, but do not pretend it is better than sliced bread.

The m1a will make a competent hunting rifle, as I said. It will be accurate and reliable. It will not be the most accurate rifle nor will it be the most comfortable rifle, but it will do the job well all the same.

Ash
 
I have hunted with a full-power battle rifle before. It was scope equipped, and I only did it once.

Now, the M1A is a better choice than the HK-91, with its horrible ergonomics, but you'd be a lot more comfortable hunting with even a single-shot NEF Handi-rifle with a low-power scope. You can probably get that dedicated hunting rig set up for less than $300, and just set up a standard M1A for range and disaster/your unlimited apocalyptic fantasy use.

The M1A is real hard on scopes, and you could pay more than the cost of that little Handi-Rifle or Rossi+ scope, for just a decent mount and a scope that will stand up to being fired from the M1A, and that little single-shot will be a better hunting rifle.

John
 
H20man,
Let me clarify. Both use a .308 caliber projectile, but the casings are different lengths. .308X51, is that the standard .308? If that is, there are .308 garands out there (but mine happens to be an 06, which is the more popular caliber, Ill give you that).

Are the M14's really that accurate? The can be brought down to sub moa? I didn't know that. Thank you for that piece of info.
 
scythefwd H20man,
Let me clarify. Both use a .308 caliber projectile, but the casings are different lengths. .308X51, is that the standard .308? If that is, there are .308 garands out there (but mine happens to be an 06, which is the more popular caliber, Ill give you that).

Are the M14's really that accurate? The can be brought down to sub moa? I didn't know that. Thank you for that piece of info.
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Understood - When you are talking about the M1 Garand, .30-06 is the only way to go :)

Yes, the M14 can be a reliable sub MOA shooter - it takes craftsmanship and cash.

SEI can build for you a 1000 yard sub MOA M14 :evil:
 
H20man,
Thanks. Does it run two arms and your left pinky toe to get them that accurate like it does with the M1's? (approximatly 1300, and you supply the gun)
 
From CrazyHorseRifles.com:

"If you are concerned about the price, it may be useful to compare these rifles with the White Feather rifle made by Springfield Armory, Inc.
These rifles generally sell for approximately $5000.
The Crazy Horse® rifle does not have any commercial cast components and is equipped with the Leupold scope which the military specifies.
These scopes cost at least $1000, with some models being more."

If you are smart about it, you can have one built for quite a bit less.
My M21A5/C-IED E2 EBR build lays out a low cost approach to building up the barreled action.
 
Why would,,,, That is a question that is easy to answer.
Because one can.
Why buy a Ford Mustang when you can buy a Toyota econobox?
Both get you to the same destination,,,,,,,,,,
The Mustang gets you there with a lot more style.
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Comparing an M1A to a Ford Mustang? You might as well compare a Weatherby to a Fiat X19 while you're at it. The M1A might be far from ideal for hunting, but it's still a well made, classic battle rifle.

Unless you're talking about a classic Mustang, that is. Those were indeed cool.
 
Now, the M1A is a better choice than the HK-91, with its horrible ergonomics
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LOL.

This type of statement is typically made by people who don't know how to use the G3.

I will be hunting with my PTR-91 this autumn. I have become accustomed to its ergonomics. I hated it at first. I also hated the M16 when it was put in my hands, but I learned to use it.
 
HM2PAC


I will be hunting with my PTR-91 this autumn. I have become accustomed to its ergonomics. I hated it at first. I also hated the M16 when it was put in my hands, but I learned to use it.
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Learning to use what you have is key to success.
 
H2O, you claim the M14 is ideal for all purposes. It is not.

Ash

Oh, but do check to see where I did give it its props.
 
Man, the OP asked about using an M1A for hunting, not room clearing and starting an emergency fire.

It does the job, it does it well, it costs as much or more than most hunting rifles.
A Toyota can be made to run just as well or better than a Ford,,,,,,,,
Geez, how about we get back on track here.

Oh yeah, I also use lever and bolt action rifles for hunting too.

I believe the OP started the thread for recommendations on a suitable M1A type rifle specifically for hunting, not personal opinions on why someone else choice of rifle is better than the M1A and why the M14 sucks on full auto.
 
Onmillo,

If you read my posts, I agree that it could be used for hunting and that it made a good excuse to buy the rifle.

Ash
 
Ash

Oh, but do check to see where I did give it its props.
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I did notice the props :)

You and I have different opinions on the M14 and it's application and I'm fine with that.
We both agree that there is no end-all, be-all wonder rifle - not yet any way.

In my opinion the M14 is the ideal general purpose rifle that does just about everything very well.
Granted - the M14 does not do everything well, but it does perform most jobs very well and reliably.

Yes I am biased toward modernized SEI builds.
Aside from my problematic Springfield Scout, my only M14 experience is with custom SEI builds.
 
All you need to go hunting is some soft point hunting ammo. i've killed many a piggy w/180gr. core-lokt's out of a M1A.
 
This type of statement is typically made by people who don't know how to use the G3
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I didn't say I couldn't use it- it's just not very useful for the task. And, while I don't love it, I've never had a problem using the M16 family.

Back to the OP: there are better tools for hunting.

J
 
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