PDA

View Full Version : AR10 or M1A?


bradleyt
January 18, 2000, 10:22 AM
The local shop has both the AR10 (this one happens to be a flat top but they get them pretty regular) and a "loaded" M1A.
Since there's not a whole lot of difference price wise, which way should I go?
Bradleyt

Adam
January 18, 2000, 11:14 AM
Definitely go with the M1A. I was in the same position as you about a year ago. Everyone I talked to said M1A. Also, my dad had one that functioned flawlessly. The M1A is a classic. Above all else, it is reliable. I've heard that the AR-10 may be more of a tack driver, but I doubt it. I've heard of some feeding problems with the AR-10. I bought an M1A loaded package. It is an awesome gun and, to date is completley reliable (with abou 5-600 rounds through it). The only thing I didn't like about it was the tiny rear aperture (my eyes aren't so good). So I took a 5/64 drill bit and drilled out a bigger hole. Now I get a sight picture that's more like th AR-15...MUCH better for combat purposes. Good luck.

prib
January 18, 2000, 01:59 PM
M1A magazines are $35.
To get AR-10 mags, you have to buy a M1A mag and convert it. More money

M1A is a proven battle rifle. AR-10 may be as good or better, but it was not tested in real combat like the M-14 was.

M1A can look a lot like a sprotsman's or hunter's rifle (the kind that will not be banned soon) when you put a 5 round mag in it. It is hard to make an AR type weapon look PC.

M1A For political reasons, the M1A has a flash suppressor and the AR-10 does not.

Someone correct me if I am wrong... You can convert the AR-10 to fire .243 Win or .308 Win.

The M1A is better for me. I would consider those European .308 battle rifles too, but I like having a flash suppressor.

Tell me how much the Loaded M1A is where you are. the shop around here has them for $1590 walnut stock and medium weight stainless barrel.

DblTap
January 18, 2000, 02:04 PM
Go to the web site for Armalite ( www.armalite.com (http://www.armalite.com) ) and check out the recall on the AR-10 bolts.

When I faced the same question, I bought a Stoner SR-25M by Knight Manufacturing. The additional bucks were well worth it. This thing is a tack driver (3/4 inch @ 200 yds) with Federal Gold Match ammunition.

Also remember that the magazines for the AR-10 will have to be modified by Armalite on a two for one trade-in deal or you can buy the magazine "conversion kits" and have a gunsmith install them in your M1A magazines.

If I had to choose between the two weapons, I'd go with the Springfield. Optics and scope mount will be the next issue.

Good luck with your decision.

DblTap

fastforty
January 18, 2000, 04:52 PM
Magazines for the AR10 are a GPITA !!