Springfield Armory - M1A Standard vs MC Operator

[American Elite]

Yes, i know it can be seen as comparing apples and oranges, but i am faced with a dilema. My Mom is geting me a new gun, the problem is, cant deside between these two American Masterpieces :banghead:.
My local range that i go to has an operator for rent, and i shoot it frequently. I have handled the M1A standard and many other M1A variants multiple times but have never shot one. Now, you may be asking yourselfs, whats wrong with this person? GET THE RIFLE!
Now if i was in your position, i would probably be saying the same thing, but the problem is, i live in Miami, FL. And while i would LOVE to expand my current armorys tier by adding a rifle in the mix, it just seems a bit more logistically simple to just get ANOTHER handgun. I have NEVER shot anywhere besides for the one indoor range i go to, and they only allow american-made factory new ammunition to be shot there. (Thus the logistical issue with taking the m1a to its full potential)
I am the owner, (not legally yet of course) of (2) .45auto pistols, (2) .357 magnum revolvers, and (1) 12 gauge shotgun that i have only shot live rounds through once. So adding a rifle to my armory would sure be nice, although im afraid i wont be able to take Old Charlene out as much as she deserves.
I have basically been going back-and-fourth between both weapons for weeks.
Me would love to have both, but me can only have one...For now

This is my first posting by the way. Please leave me your opinions on what i should get, personal experiences with your beloved springfields (good and bad), and a cool looking picture might well be a tie breaker at this point.
Thanks

 

[D-Day]

Rifle. Unless the .45 autos are not 1911s. Even then...having a good rifle is almost a must for a basic collection. You've got sidearms for carry and a shotgun for home defense, but no rifle should hordes ever become an issue. Regardless if they never do, insurance is always nice. It seems as if you're not at an age where you can carry yet, but you're still equipped to do that when the time comes.

I don't get to shoot my rifles as much as I'd like to either, but it's better to have than not. Plus being at a younger age, the rifle will be "fully" yours, whether now or (hopefully for you) very soon, which is nice for transport or camping. Besides, these rifles don't get any cheaper...

You have good taste; a wise choice to pick a battle rifle for your first. An M1A is a fine choice...even better if you could get your paws on an LRB Arms forged M1A/M14; the real deal, not just cast receivers like SA has. Regardless, you'll probably not shoot it enough to stretch the receiver (many, many thousands of rounds), so I think a SA would do you just fine. I'd still like to get my hands on an LRB receiver myself; mmm. Fine work indeed.

But yes. Go with the rifle; you won't regret it.

 

[American Elite]

You make a good point there, although i dont seem to inchin to get one of those fancy forged recievers by LRB. They way i look at it, if the recievers for the American BAR (A machinegun chambered in a full power .30-06) were cast and did just fine, why wouldent it work just as well for a slightly lower powered .30 cal in a semi configuration? (M1A)
But yes, i have seen that the M1A would be the better choice for me now. My FNP-45 will fill the role of the primary tactical battle pistol in my loadout until the day comes for that sweet 1911.
Thanks

 

[rskent]

If you are going to get a rifle, you might as well get a great one. Good choice on the M1A.
How far are you from Port Malabar?
Steve