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Old January 16, 2020, 06:16 PM   #1
ADIDAS69
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Springfield M1A

I can’t help it I think they’re pretty, but I’ve forgotten why not to buy one (aside from price). I’m trying to talk myself out of this purchase. I know it’s maybe a little blasphemous to try and avoid buying a gun but rest assured I’ll put the money toward more suppressors or a long slide 1911 chambered one 10mm.
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Old January 16, 2020, 06:17 PM   #2
Ben Dover
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A fine rifle as long as you get the synthetic stock.
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Old January 16, 2020, 07:19 PM   #3
veprdude
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I disagree about the stock. I like mine in wood! The synthetic stocks have more recoil. A Scout 18" with a wood stock had noticeably less recoil than a SOCOM 16 with a new synthetic (not recycled fiberglass GI) stock.

They're a little pricey and maybe not as customizable as an AR-10 variant but they have a special place in a collection for sure. My favorite large caliber gun to shoot other than my M1 Garands.
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Old January 16, 2020, 09:00 PM   #4
DubC-Hicks
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Cast receivers, no chrome lining or nitride treated barrel, milspec accuracy unless you dump money in them, heavy, and the highish price tops it all off.

However, I enjoyed my Socom 16. But sold it off to purchase an AR10 that weighs two pounds less, is more accurate, and takes cheaper mags.
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Old January 16, 2020, 09:08 PM   #5
Targa
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I’m with you veprdude, has to have a wood stock.
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Old January 17, 2020, 08:22 AM   #6
David R
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It depends on what you want. I have one and love the walnut stock. It needs bedding which would be about $250.00. I bought an Arcangel stock. It fits quite well. Not every mans semi auto , but I love mine. Its much better over my M1 Garand. Accuracy is the same.

There is an M1A forum that will tell you all about loads and setup.

Its a piece of history. Certainly NOT an AR15.

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Old January 17, 2020, 09:54 AM   #7
Targa
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Quote:
Certainly NOT an AR15.
One of the things I really appreciate about them.
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Old January 17, 2020, 10:22 AM   #8
Ben Dover
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If you want to rebed it every time the weather changes go with Walnut.

I buy a rifle to shoot, not for cool factor. The only reason that I can see for walnut is cool factor.

And get a full size M1A. If you want a "shorty" get an AR-10.
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Old January 17, 2020, 11:02 AM   #9
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Why do you want any rifle? Because you do. One grabs you and you're hooked on it. Same with the M1A. For me, it's a great fun rifle for steel plates as 400yds with NM sights and my handloads. It's the first peep sighted rifle I ever shot. Got my hands on a M14 back in Basic Training a long time ago and by the time I was done I could do pretty well even out to 600 meters with it back then.

Yes, it's heavier than an AR10 but with the longer ranges, that's a good thing. Yes, it's not as precise as the AR10 either but it's the last US designed Battle Rifle and wasn't designed to be a tack driver. My M1A with NM sights is a 1.5 to 1.75 MOA shooter and that's plenty good enough for me.

Is it fun to own? Sure is. Is it fun to shoot? Absolutely. Does it kick like a mule? Nope, it's recoil is surprisingly mild and you can shoot it all day if you have enough ammo.

If you want it, consider it. Fun gun to own and shoot. Great look, heft, and feel. Great iron sights. The .308 is a decently accurate rd. Not quite as accurate as the .223 but accurate enough, and with enough punch (unlike the tiny .223/5.56) to be used as a hunting gun for anything in North American.

If you worry about the ammo cost, consider reloading. It's a great hobby and really cuts down the cost of ammo. Or, as I did, you can go a bit overboard and make yourself a .223/5.56 'Mini M14' so you can practice with the cheaper ammo. As a smaller brother for to my M1A, my 583 Series Mini-14 with it's thicker barrel is a sub 1.25 MOA shooter in it's own right. Besides, then you get to shoot both!

I shoot bowling pins at 200yds with both of them and with their NM irons (target aperture on the Mini with a thinned front blade), it's easier than you think with a bit of practice.

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Old January 17, 2020, 02:09 PM   #10
Bart B.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ben Dover View Post
If you want to rebed it every time the weather changes go with Walnut.
I've seen too many M1, M14 and M1A walnut stocked match rifles shoot in all sorts of weather and accuracy never changed. 5 of them were the ones I wore out the barrels on. All tested about 6 inches at 600 yards after about 3500 rounds.

Anyone remember what happened when M14NM rifles with synthetic stocks were left in the hot sunny areas?

Last edited by Bart B.; January 17, 2020 at 03:37 PM.
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Old January 17, 2020, 02:48 PM   #11
T. O'Heir
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"...synthetic stocks have more recoil..." Nope. More muzzle jump when shooting off hand, but the recoil is negligible.
"...It's a piece of history..." Nope. It's a civilian copy of a piece of history.
"...the last US designed Battle Rifle..." And was selected for adoption for political reasons. Primarily because the FAL was NIH.
"...(not recycled fiberglass GI) stock..." My Winchester wears one(need to hide it in a walnut stock. If I could find one.). Works just fine. It's a dream to carry considering the thing weighs 9 pounds. The only thing is the aforementioned muzzle jump. Still decidedly pleasant to shoot, but it's not an M1 Rifle.
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Old January 17, 2020, 03:21 PM   #12
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I used the M1A in competition for over 35 years. Excellent mid range rifle but can be a challenge to master. We have worked together take home many awards and medals. I have always had wood stocks ,seal for weather protection, because they just feel alive.
Were it not for failing eyesight I would still be shooting the iron sights.
The M1A is a classic and has earned it's place in history as well as an honored place in my safe.
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Old January 19, 2020, 09:27 AM   #13
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I purchased first a CMP M1 Special, and that was the beginning of a warm nostalgic affinity for these WWII military firearms. After just LOVING the nostalgic shooting experience of my M1 I had to further scratch an itch of owning an M1A. I ended up purchasing a new M1A "Loaded" and for the $1550 that I paid it was SO worth the money. The new production S/A M1A's are of excellent quality fit and finish. Again, M1's and M1A's are just the best shooting experience that every shooter needs to experience. Most people step forward in gun technology, but me i'm stepping completely backwards ! Now i'm deep into shooting civil war black powder muskets !
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