carbine85
Member
If you are dropping the coin on a .308 semi auto rifle would buy the M1A or AR10 type rifle? The M1A start out at $1200 - $1300. You can get a lot of rifle in the AR for that money.
M1A or AR10 TYPE RIFLE?
- Thread starter carbine85
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Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
What are you doing with it?
The ARs are going to be more inherently accurate, and will be much easier to KEEP accurate, and much easier to put optics on.
The M1A/M14 design is very classic/cool and looks prettier to a certain generation of shooters.
The ARs are going to be more inherently accurate, and will be much easier to KEEP accurate, and much easier to put optics on.
The M1A/M14 design is very classic/cool and looks prettier to a certain generation of shooters.
OP
OP
carbine85
Member
I'll be using it mostly for long distance target shooting.
You can get a lot of AR-15 for that money, not a lot of AR-10...
I've got both and Sam1911 is right, AR-10 is easier to accurize and mount optics. I've hunted with both and they are both heavy especially with an optic. The new AR-10 takes pmags. As in so many other cases, it usually comes down to magazine availability and price, where the AR-10 would get the nod in this case.
Other options; FN-AR, Sig 716 still under $2K and Colt 901, LMT, HK and plenty of options in the +$2K range.
I've got both and Sam1911 is right, AR-10 is easier to accurize and mount optics. I've hunted with both and they are both heavy especially with an optic. The new AR-10 takes pmags. As in so many other cases, it usually comes down to magazine availability and price, where the AR-10 would get the nod in this case.
Other options; FN-AR, Sig 716 still under $2K and Colt 901, LMT, HK and plenty of options in the +$2K range.
The M-1A can be made accurate, but is inherently based of a mediocre military battle rifle with a baseline accuracy goal of six inches at a hundred yards. Modern rifles are assuredly built to achieve higher accuracy, but the design of the firearm is not ideal.
The AR-10 is inherently VERY accurate and allows for very fast followup shots due to the in-line recoil and fewer reciprocating parts.
I like the FAL, personally, but it suffers the same as the M1A.
For what you want, an AR-10 is the best fit.
The AR-10 is inherently VERY accurate and allows for very fast followup shots due to the in-line recoil and fewer reciprocating parts.
I like the FAL, personally, but it suffers the same as the M1A.
For what you want, an AR-10 is the best fit.
Hit_Factor
Member
M1A is difficult to put optics on. By difficult, I mean a good setup with proper ergonomics at a reasonable cost.
M1A is a stable ( heavy) platform. A joy to shoot. Far more than 6 MOA accurate, sub moa from my loaded model and less than 2 moa on my socom 16. Not much customization available.
AR10 is a joy to shoot. Sub MOA. May or may not have magazine problems - depends on manufacturer (not sure if AR10 is being used generically). Many optics options. Lighter weight. Many, easy configuration options.
Sent by someone using something.
M1A is a stable ( heavy) platform. A joy to shoot. Far more than 6 MOA accurate, sub moa from my loaded model and less than 2 moa on my socom 16. Not much customization available.
AR10 is a joy to shoot. Sub MOA. May or may not have magazine problems - depends on manufacturer (not sure if AR10 is being used generically). Many optics options. Lighter weight. Many, easy configuration options.
Sent by someone using something.
AR10 gets the nod for me as well, I recently bought a Remington R-25 .308 and its very pleasing to shoot. Accurate, fairly light (5rd mag and 1-4 scope), and a decent factory trigger. I may do some hunting with it this season, I think my eyes are still good enough to use a scope with only 4x power on the high end (Leatherwood CMR)
-Ed
-Ed
Uh oh, them is fightin' words disparaging the mighty M1.
I would go for the AR-10 because I already have a Garand - which is close enough for me to not duplicate.
My Garand is 2MOA by the way. I am sure a AR-10 can be more accurate, but that ain't bad with iron sights.
I love the M1A trigger, and the sights. I overall like the ergonomics of the AR platform. My long-range rifles are all bolt actions.
With all that said, I'd opt for a SCAR 17 before the M1A or the AR10 right now. It's expensive, and it's new, but it might be worth looking into.
With all that said, I'd opt for a SCAR 17 before the M1A or the AR10 right now. It's expensive, and it's new, but it might be worth looking into.
pseudonymity
Member
Kind of depends on what you want out of it. M1A and FAL are both great battle rifles, but the dated design makes for a complicated rifle compared to newer designs. AR10 and SCAR are updated battle rifle designs, simpler and more accurate. FNAR is guaranteed MOA accuracy, but not really a battle rifle by design and kind of an odd look, at least to me.
I have a .308 bolt for accuracy, my next .308 will be a FAL but not for any real reason other than the fact I like the look and story of the FAL.
I have a .308 bolt for accuracy, my next .308 will be a FAL but not for any real reason other than the fact I like the look and story of the FAL.
EMS_92
Member
Ar-10 
But seriously the above posters are right. While the M14/M1A may have a cool factor for some (not myself) or a nostalgic factor, they cost alot to make it almost as/as accurate as the AR10 (DPMS LR308, KAC SR25, LMT, etc.)
But seriously the above posters are right. While the M14/M1A may have a cool factor for some (not myself) or a nostalgic factor, they cost alot to make it almost as/as accurate as the AR10 (DPMS LR308, KAC SR25, LMT, etc.)
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AR10 or LR308 (based on DPMS type rifle) This type of rifle is very accurate even at the $1,000 mark, easily reconfigured, and modular to upgrade. What's not to like? My inexpensive DPMS Tac20 shoots 1 MOA all day long and with not so tuned ammo. Put a good scope on it and shoot away. Change as desired.
I have an AR308, M1A Scout Squad and an FAL. If I could only keep one it would be the AR308 without a doubt. It is hands down a better platform in every way. The M1A has a good two-stage trigger but you can put a Geissele trigger in an AR308. As others have said, the AR308 offers a superior mounting system for any kind of optic/iron sights/or both you could want. Accuracy is typically sub moa out to 300 yards and more, better (cheaper and available) magazines, free-floating barrels, plus easy and affordable stock and/or forend changes. Now add in the fact that a myriad of uppers can be mated to one lower for a cartridge/caliber change and it's not much of a competition.
Howard Roark
Member
There is a reason that the USAMU pushed the M110 through to be classified as a service rifle. They use it for the Farr Trophy match (1k) at Perry. It is a much better platform than the M14 for the reasons stated above.
They are getting sub 10" groups with 185gr pills.
They are getting sub 10" groups with 185gr pills.
josiewales
Member
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Get them both and send the one you don't like to me.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
I have both a NM M1A and an AR10 Armalite set up for match. The M1A was a gift from my wife many years ago and the AR10 came along later. Given a choice today between the two I would choose the AR 10. All the reasons have been pretty much covered. Not to say I will ever part with my M1A.
Building up an AR10 to NM standards is not an inexpensive proposition. However, it is easier to get there than with the M1A. So having both rifles and having sent a good number of rounds down range with both I would opt for the AR 10.
Ron
Building up an AR10 to NM standards is not an inexpensive proposition. However, it is easier to get there than with the M1A.
So having both rifles and having sent a good number of rounds down range with both I would opt for the AR 10. Ron
MachIVshooter
Member
It depends on what you're after. M1A is a nice rifle, and they have a lot of cool factor. But the AR platform is just plain more functional, lighter, and more accurate out of the box. Yes, the M1A can be made to shoot small groups, but you're not going to get one to run with the AR pattern 7.62 rifles without spending significantly more.
This. Basic DPMS rifles are all you're going to find in the $1,200-$1,300 range. Armalites start at $1,500. Double that figure and then some for a KAC.
Have you actually tried one? The SCAR heavy would be about my last choice for a 7.62 rifle, even if they were less expensive than the AR.
I jumped at the opportunity to play with one, and quickly discovered all the hype was just that. I'd take an AR-10, M1A, FAL or G-3 pattern over the SCAR time and again. The recoil impulse of the SCAR was nearly as much as a G3, but at least a G3 doesn't have a recipriocating bolt handle that tries to remove digits from your hand. If you want an FN-badged 7.62 autoloader, go for the FNAR. IMO, the SCAR was the wrong answer to a question that was never asked.
This. Basic DPMS rifles are all you're going to find in the $1,200-$1,300 range. Armalites start at $1,500. Double that figure and then some for a KAC.
Have you actually tried one? The SCAR heavy would be about my last choice for a 7.62 rifle, even if they were less expensive than the AR.
I jumped at the opportunity to play with one, and quickly discovered all the hype was just that. I'd take an AR-10, M1A, FAL or G-3 pattern over the SCAR time and again. The recoil impulse of the SCAR was nearly as much as a G3, but at least a G3 doesn't have a recipriocating bolt handle that tries to remove digits from your hand. If you want an FN-badged 7.62 autoloader, go for the FNAR. IMO, the SCAR was the wrong answer to a question that was never asked.
madcratebuilder
Member
The 7.62 AR's are a accurate platform that is easy to add optics or other aftermarket parts. For a long range version figure around $2500 minimum with optics and accessories. This is about what it cost to tune up a M1A with NM mods and a good mount/scope. A high end NM M1A with double lugs and heavy profile NM barrel well be more.
Magazine cost are about the same for both. M1A mags, P mags or M14 (AR-10) mags all run in the $20-30 area. KAC mags are $100+.
My Noveske 21" N6 is my favorite rifle.
I'm not going to get rid of the M1A's by any means, that's for sure. The M1A in GI trim is special.
The M1A scoped is pretty damn accurate.
Magazine cost are about the same for both. M1A mags, P mags or M14 (AR-10) mags all run in the $20-30 area. KAC mags are $100+.
My Noveske 21" N6 is my favorite rifle.
I'm not going to get rid of the M1A's by any means, that's for sure. The M1A in GI trim is special.
The M1A scoped is pretty damn accurate.
AR10.
which one
I have been in love with the M-14 since basic training. Owned 7 M1As. Factory, surplus and roll my own ammo, not one malfunction. Ever. Its the only semi I completely trust.
Having said that, the AR 10 (Armalite) is a lot more versital.
Owned 5 still have two.
I have been in love with the M-14 since basic training. Owned 7 M1As. Factory, surplus and roll my own ammo, not one malfunction. Ever. Its the only semi I completely trust.
Having said that, the AR 10 (Armalite) is a lot more versital.
Owned 5 still have two.
That's the wonderful thing about the market: we all have options.
I thought the reciprocating bolt handle would really suck, but with a fore-grip on a carbine the problem goes away, and for precision shooting my support hand is under the butt of the rifle anyway.
There's no wrong choice here. I'd really like to be able to make the M1A work because I love the platform, but I don't think that the design works as well as more modern designs. Ergonomics matter.
Everyone here should own one of each, shoot the snot out of them, get really well trained, and make up their own mind. There's no single best choice.
I'd still opt for the SCAR myself though, even over the M1As in the newfangled stocks that I still really, really want to like. <sigh>
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