Which M1A Should I get?

[blaisenguns]

Hi there. I wanted to pickl the brains of the M1A guys out there. I have wanted one for awhile, and I may "pull the trigger" on one in the not too distant future. I really want SA9805, the SAI Supermatch in the McMillan Camo stock. The LRB guns appear to be as true to a real military M14 as you can get without the tax stamp, but are prohibitively priced. I am looking at either one of the SAI loaded models, or the Scout Squad. The reason being is I work for a gunshop, and I can get the loaded or Scout at a very good price through SAI, but I cannot order the Supermatch from them.

 

[Quentin]

Earlier this year I bought an M1A. I was torn between the Loaded and the Scout Squad. After much handling I preferred the 18" barrel so got the Scout (in the FDE stock). Again, I was torn - between polymer and walnut but glad I went polymer. Then I got a cheap M14 pulloff walnut stock and have the best of both worlds. I think the Scout is the best compromise if you're buying only one M1A.

 

[WC145]

I bought a new Loaded M1A in April, the model with the Archangel stock and I couldn't be more pleased with it. Excellent fit and finish, functions perfectly, and it is very, very accurate. I was looking at Scout Squads also but I'm glad I bought the full size, it handles well.

 

[Ash]

My M1a was a standard GI model and I was very pleased with it. My current m14 is the same configuration (plus bayo lug). When the FAL's, NDM, and other semi-autos went away, the M14 remained.

 

[Jackal]

The scout is the one to get.

 

[X-Rap]

I stuck with the Scout, got rid of the full length Polytec.

 

[mac_hunter870]

My Loaded Standard

Springfield Armory M1A .308 Win. CM Manufacturing MSP black synthetic stock, custom optic rail, Leupold VX-2 Ultralight 3-9x33mm scope with LR Duplex Reticle.

 

[dvdcrr]

I would love a scout if I knew it would go sub 2moa. My standard shoots pretty close to 1.5 MOA when you are careful.

 

[Aragon]

In terms of accuracy, sight radius (using iron sights), muzzle velocity and/or balance, does the full-sized M1A have a real advantage over the Scout when it's actually being shot -- as compared to studying a list of specifications for both versions?

 

[Aragon]

I would love a scout if I knew it would go sub 2moa. My standard shoots pretty close to 1.5 MOA when you are careful.

Why would the standard configuration be inherently more accurate than the Scout?

 

[Redlg155]

I've owned several M1a variants and the M1A scout in Walnut was by far my most favorite. Just trash the mb and put on a flash hider. The Vltor upper rail rounded things out nicely.

 

[X-Rap]

Why would the standard configuration be inherently more accurate than the Scout?

There is a great deal of nostalgia wrapped around this gun and some feel it is sacrilege to change from the original configuration, ie. barrel length, stock material.

 

[Aragon]

There is a great deal of nostalgia wrapped around this gun and some feel it is sacrilege to change from the original configuration, ie. barrel length, stock material.

OK, that's cool...

I was just curious if shortening the barrel has any real functional effect on the M1A?

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I carried an M14 45 years ago and I was lucky...I bought a Springfield Armory M1A standard loaded with walnut stock as they should be...I shot the Scout Squad and thought I wanted one, but the muzzle blast told me I didn't need it. nice looking carbine, but will stick to the standard model, didn't let me down years ago, still a helluva weapon

 

[Nature Boy]

My standard will shoot an inch at 100 with hand loads and 1.5 inches with quality store bought. I have no experience with the scout but I've read from those that own them that accuracy is not noticably affected with 4" less barrel.

The only advice I can give you is get both. This is my first but won't be the last

 

[Welding Rod]

Standard in walnut.

 

[119er]

I have the Scout Squad and I love it. I was debating a standard to go along with my other US service rifles but I decided on the Scout. It is much more handy to me and it is plenty accurate even with the plain old Hornady 150 FMJ's. Blast is a little noticeable when I shoot prone or next to a wall but it doesn't really bother me. I have spent a good deal of money on accessories for it but nothing really improved it by leaps and bounds. I picked a 7.62 duplicate load and just shoot it. I have never bothered much with dialing in handloads for it. The ~2MOA that I get from it suits me just fine how it is.

Long story short, I was in sort of a traditionalist phase at the time(just prior to the mess in 2012) having recently acquired an M1 and a 1903A3; but I chose the Scout anyway.

 

[splithoof]

Spend the money $$, and get a rifle by Smith Enterprises. They sell their own M1A/M14 receivers and barrels, and most all accessories. If you have a GI rifle or receiver, they offer the Crazy Horse conversion package; it will be the last M1A platform weapon you ever need to buy.

 

[codefour]

Why can't you get a SuperMatch.? I have had one for almost 15 years and have never had a single issue with it. The SM is very accurate, but also heavy. For strictly target shooting, go with the best you can afford, period. They are lifetime investment type rifles.

I know many bash the M14/M1A, but I like shooting it better than AR-10 type rifles. Garand just got it right with the M14.

 

[blaisenguns]

Why can't you get a SuperMatch.? I have had one for almost 15 years and have never had a single issue with it. The SM is very accurate, but also heavy. For strictly target shooting, go with the best you can afford, period. They are lifetime investment type rifles.

I know many bash the M14/M1A, but I like shooting it better than AR-10 type rifles. Garand just got it right with the M14.

I CAN get a super match, but because I work at a gun store I get a discount on all models BUT the match and super match models. If Money were no option I would be ordering one from LRB. Those appear to be amazing guns.

 

[Ash]

LRB's are superb rifles.

 

[Robbins290]

Love my squad scout

 

[az_imuth]

Standard or Scout. I went with the Standard Loaded a number of years ago, mainly due to the longer sight radius, and have been very happy with it ever since.

 

[kvtcomdo]

I have both and am pleased with both.

I prefer wood and steel (although not averse to polymer).

I love them equally.

Pick what moves you: you will not be disappointed with either.

 

[eldon519]

I got a Loaded. I wish I got the Standard. The barrel on the Loaded is too heavy in my opinion. I don't like how the balance and handling feel.