SOCOM 16 - Hype or worth it?

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So I have the usual ARs and Aks. Even a good bit of NFA stuff. Recently I have been admiring the M1A SOCOM 16. Seems like there is a lot of good attention regarding this gun. Is it just hype or is the SOCOM 16 really worth it?

Oh, the gun would be a range toy. I don't anticipate going to war with it or anything like that...
 
I do not own one, but I'd like to hear what others have to say on the subject that have hands-on experience.

The scout-squad seems like a good option as well. I like the OD and FDE stocks, but for a range gun I think walnut would be my choice.
 
In the rifle class I took, two rifles went down during the four days. A M&P AR15 broke its disconnector and the M1A broke its extractor.

The newer M1A rifles are not made with the quality components that the M14s were. Check prices of USGI M14 on gunbroker if you're thnking of upgrading.

The AR10 type rifles are cheaper and generally more accurate. Or there is the SCAR, but those aren't cheap.

BSW
 
Wasn't impressed.

I ordered one for a friend and looked it over pretty good. The workmanship was good but it had a cold barrel. The first rounds out of a cold barrel grouped well but as it warmed up the group turned to a pattern. We sent it back to Springfield twice. Never cured it. You would think that a $1700 gun would shoot. I have seen Mini-14s that shot better and that is not saying much.
 
i agree with the declining quality of M1As.. curious as to what you guys think a box of USGI parts to be assembled on a semi auto receiver would cost?
 
I have a 2005 made SOCOM16, and it has been great to me. I will echo the statement that the quality isn't what it used to be though; when Springfield ran out of USGI parts, the replacement parts used aren't of the same high quality, so it's best to buy an older used one. If you can find the old "Bush rifle" (18" scout length with no optic rail) get that.
 
+1 on the Scout
The shortened gas system on the Socom makes it finicky.
IMO the standard isn't too long, the Socom is too short, the Scout is just right.
curious as to what you guys think a box of USGI parts to be assembled on a semi auto receiver would cost?
Click to expand...
The old saw if you have to ask you can't afford it applies here. Your probably better off going with a modern platform for that kind of $cratch.
 
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curious as to what you guys think a box of USGI parts to be assembled on a semi auto receiver would cost?
Click to expand...

Given what I've seen just a USGI bolt go for, the SCAR 17 or HK is the cheap choice.

BSW
 
I like mine, one of the early SOCOM IIs. Took the camo stock and rails off it and sold them. Put a new wood stock on it and have not looked back. It is almost the same length as my AR Carbine. Never had an issue with feeding, it has eaten everything I have put through it.

I like it for pig hunting, easy to handle and I can get it on target pretty quick.

Never liked the AR-10 style rifle for some reason (got plenty of AR-15s I like), but do like this one and the FALs.

P6200311.jpg
 
I always find it funny how people have put these rifles up on a pedestal and that treatment in my opinion is undeserved. I've owned 3 M1A's over the years (basic, scout and a Norinco m14s) and while they work ok, they really arent anything special in any regard. Accuracy is ok. Reliability is ok. Price is on the high end. Mags are chunky buggers. Due to the open action design, they simply will fail faster in dirty/sandy/muddy conditions than a more enclosed action type. However, they are also pretty easy to clear out once they get contaminated with debris. I sold my 3 when the gun panic was afoot and recently purchased a new PTR-91. Havnt missed the M1A's one bit.
 
I have had the M1A Scout Squad for a couple of months and have been very happy with it. I traded my Ruger SR762 for it and have no regrets. I am not a precision shooter and enjoy shooting with stock iron sights. I have always enjoyed a "rifle" style semiautio vs the AR. I just like plinking gongs. I have shot consistently an 8" gong at 200 yards. My "mountian" won't let mke shoot further.:(

I have to admit, it is overpriced. For a $1600 rifle, I would have expected higher quaility. The recoil pad is ill fitting and the metal looks cheap. The tpo handguard also seems loos when you move it with fingers but stay in place while shooting. It also weighs a ton if you plan to go to war with it.

I still enjoy it and hope to keep it a long time.
 
The M14 platform is great gun. Stuff made by SAI, not so much. Personally I wouldn't hesitate to buy a M14 clone, but it wouldn't come from SAI. I have posted several times about my SAI rifles, including my SOCOM 16. You can search my user name if interested in specifics.

Also, I have learned that I definitely prefer the original rifle's GI barrel compared to a short barrel or heavier contour. I think a GI fiberglass stock is the ticket too if you can find one in very good shape.
 
As a range toy it's fun. The factory compensator works great, but it is loud. Mine worked with everything I fed it. It really needs a scout scope or red dot though, that fat front sight is kind of limiting.
 
My buddy has one, We used to all get together once a year and all bring our guns and shoot at his place, He would set his socom out with one of those big dry boxes from cabelas, With like 300 rnds of wolf ammo, For two years he did this plus his shooting on the 3rd year I asked him about cleaning it This rifle had at least 800 rnds through it and had never been cleaned, Wolf is about as dirty as you can get, So if nothing else that told me the rifle was dependable it never jammed or FTF or FTE it just went bang every time you pulled the trigger. Me I clean my guns even when I haven't shot them, His socom has never been babied but it always shoots. As far as accurate he shoots open sights so have never scoped it and bench rested it

I have a SIG 716 DMR very reliable very accurate, Heavy and spendy but I love it, 1/4 MOA
 
A friend had one about 10 years ago. Absolutely dependable. It was a 4-5 inch gun at 100 yards with premium ammo. It went away shortly after. kwg
 
not sure where you're reading hype on them these days, unless you're looking at 5 year old posts...

but i love the look of them. bought one. it stunk. heavy, extremely loud, not accurate. only thing it had going for it was a little bit of nostalgia. since i have long since learned to appreciate rifles without having to own them, i sold it pretty quick.
 
I think they made sense when they came out, not a lot of competition then for a short 308. Now, for the same or less $, an AR10 variant like the S&W M&P10 or the DPMS GII is a better option. It should be lighter, more accurate and cost less.

I'd also get the scout version over the 16" myself if going the M1A route.
 
I'd also get the scout version over the 16" myself if going the M1A route.
Click to expand...

Agreed 100%. 18" barrels make a lot more sense with the .308. The sweet spot for .308 is in the 18"-20" region. I figure that if I'm packing a 10lb .308 ( instead of the 6lb AR15), a couple extra inches of barrel certainly wont hurt.
 
It's a "blast"....

I have a Scar 17, M&P 10, and my Socom-like each one of them... A LOT.

Not really sure I can pick a favorite of the 3-they're each set up how I like and all 3 are a ton of fun to shoot.

I'm really picky about maintaining my guns-my gunsmith told me it was NOT necessary to clean the Socom until it hit's around 600 rounds-mine has 325 so far and has been absolutely 100% reliable. The only thing I've cleaned is the barrel and the face of the bolt.

Not accurate? Sorry for those that aren't, but mine shoots under 1 1/2" groups using a 1.5x6 FIRST FOCAL PLANE scope that covers the bulls eye at 100 yards at 6 power.

It's a little heavy, but not THAT much different than other platforms in the Socom....loud, uh, yes, very light recoil, just an absolute gas to shoot and heck of a hog rifle!
 
If I wasn't given a choice and this was handed to me and I was told it was the only firearm I could have, I would be just fine with it. The reality is most of us aren't going to a war zone and it would be more than adequate for my range work, training classes, hunting, and home defense. If I got to choose my rifle, it would be a 30-30 lever action.
 
The only tangible problem I have with the entire platform is the price. The M1A Socom is the best $800 rifle you can buy for $1600...:banghead:
 
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