M1A

[0ne3]

Looking to buy a M1A. I, think I have narrowed it down to the Standard. Issue. Wood stock. I, do load my own ammo. I, will also need to look into that. Does any one have any sugestions. or advice. Thank You

 

[Coyote3855]

You will not be disappointed with that choice I've liked the platform since I qualified with an M14 in basic training, 1969. So there is an M1A in the safe, shot several high power matches with it. It's heavy and kicks some, but I'd pick it over my AR if I need a rifle for a fire fight.

 

[C-grunt]

Id say just be realistic with your accuracy expectations. They can be made to be pretty accurate, but stock rifles tend to be more of the "acceptable by military standards" type. Accept that and enjoy a really cool rifle.

 

[CapnMac]

I will presume you mean the SAI (Springfield Armory, Inc) produced version, yes?

The Fulton Armory example might be better. But, we will be quibbling with "better" and "M-14 format" all the day long.

 

[Bigdog357]

I picked up the SAI Scout Squad version with 18" barrel and I really like it. It had a plastic stock but I bought a new walnut stock for it. I have shot the Standard and the Socom version, I prefer the balance and length of the Scout.

 

[1KPerDay]

If you can swing the “loaded” variety it’s worth the upgrade, or used to be. As for loading, get a case headspace gauge like a Wilson and size below the step and seat your primers flush or below flush. And use data approved for 7.62 service rifle.

 

[bfoosh006]

Looking to buy a M1A. I, think I have narrowed it down to the Standard. Issue. Wood stock. I, do load my own ammo. I, will also need to look into that. Does any one have any sugestions. or advice. Thank You

https://www.m14forum.com/forums/ .... TONS of valuable info there, and very knowledgeable members

https://www.youtube.com/user/tonyben3/videos?app=desktop

FWIW, my SAI '96 M21 is a great shooting rifle, it has met every expectation I had.

 

[JDeere]

Get the best one you can afford unless you just want to sling ammo minute of dinner plate. Fulton, Bula and LRB are some choices. Been shooting them for years but I wont even get into choices and start a war...ymmv

 

[AlexanderA]

I bought one of the first M1A's on the market (1973, made in Devine, Texas, serial number under 1,000). I paid what was for me, then, the princely sum of $250. I still have the gun (upgraded in several ways).

The reason I bought it was that I was, and still am, a collector of U.S. military weapons. This was my stand-in for the M14.

If you're not a serious collector, my advice is not to get an M1A. If you want a .308 for practical use, get an AR-10, FAL, or PTR (G3 clone). (Of these, the FAL is my favorite. It exudes class.)