Springfield Scout or Socom or....

[stevek]

My wife and I target shoot, and keep arms for defense. Our long guns include a Remington 870, Kimber 84 (bolt action .308), Marlin 1894 Cowboy Limited
.44, Bushmaster AR-15, Armalite AR-10, and a Ruger 10/22. I have been thinking about picking up one of the Springfields in the title for this thread, but aside from adding another rifle to the collection, which is always a good thing in it's own right, what will this addition add to compliment my current battery?

Or is there something else out there that would be a better addition, maybe some AK derivative? Please share your thoughts and the reasoning behind them.

 

[KFDiesel]

You've already covered the 30 cal with your Kimber and your Armalite. Why not a .50 Beowulf or .458 Socom. Seems like you like variery and are not afraid of a little recoil or a big boom.

 

[HorseSoldier]

Well, in terms of caliber and what .308 can and can't do, you've already got an AR-10, so the M14 clone doesn't bring much to the table, bullet wise. It may bring other things to the table -- ergonomics you like, or whatever.

For the same money as the M14 clone you could probably afford good AKs in both 7.62x39 and either 5.56mm or 5.45mm with some change left over (or a trunk load of Romanians). Even a real nice rifle from Krebs Custom or other top end AK shop will set you back less than a bone stock M1A.

 

[havanatrader]

I really like my DPMS LR-308T. But then, you've already got an AR-10.
Maybe another AR-10? A matched set would look really nice...

 

[Wes Janson]

I went for a Bush (Scout without the Scout mount). It really depends on which stock configuration you'd prefer (unless you're going to modify it anyways). The difference in handling between the SOCOM 16 and Scout Squad is pretty slight, but the SOCOM II is pretty bulky up front. On the other hand, if you want as short of a rifle as possible, the SOCOM 16 is the way to go. It's worth keeping in mind that the Scout Squad's standard sights will be much easier to shoot with at extended distances than the SOCOM's.

 

[stevek]

Thanks for the suggestions folks

 

[glockman19]

You can never have enough .30 caliber rifles. I have and love my Springfield M1A loaded.

 

[Kaylee]

Well yeah, from a using standpoint not much new there. I don't see any niches there crying out to be filled. Looks like you're covered.

From an interest/collecting standpoint - well that's just entirely personal preference. Personally I'd rather have an M1A derivative* than any AK on the planet, but in this case it pretty much comes down to your taste. Heck, get a Brown Bess and you can do a "The Second Amendment, Then and Now" display with your Bushmaster.

-K

*I'll second Wes - the SOCOM II is an atrociously balanced beast. If you really need all that railspace, you're prolly better off with a shorty FAL or waiting for a SCAR-H clone or suchlike. But to each their own.

My personal preference in the M1As would be full length/standard wood stock for historical interest, or the 18" Bush (or Scout if you really want the scope mount) for using. I don't see as you gain any handling with the 16" 'light' version, and the 'heavy' version is ... bleck.

-K