Can't decide which m1a to buy

[BigNick73]

I been meaning to buy one for about 10 years now, and I've decided the hell with it I'm ordering it next week. Was going to go for a Loaded model blue/walnut, but then I saw the scout. Now I can't decide and it's driving me nuts, as I can't afford both at the moment.

[bobbyfairbanks]

Don't buy a SAI, they are made pretty crappy compared to Fulton or LRB. It may seem like a lot of money but if you are already looking at the loaded models just go ahead and spend a few hundred more and get a custom m14 that is a rock solid beauty.

[BigNick73]

Don't buy a SAI, they are made pretty crappy compared to Fulton or LRB. It may seem like a lot of money but if you are already looking at the loaded models just go ahead and spend a few hundred more and get a custom m14 that is a rock solid beauty.

Few hundred? More like $1000+ more [Shock]. Buds has the loaded for $1535 right now. Both those seem to start around $2600

I did see the Fulton barreled receivers for about a grand and I know the CMP has some "parts kits" for $600. Wonder how hard it is to build one.

[bobbyfairbanks]

It is worth it. You will be a real happy guy if you just spend the money from the get go.

[BigNick73]

Well crap now I'm really looking at the Fulton barreled recievers. I can get a chrome lined criterion barrel, and all usgi parts and only be in it about $1600.

I got a problem when given the option to build anything myself, I usually do and spend more than I could of just bought the damn thing for complete.

[bobbyfairbanks]

I think you are making a good decision.

[battle_sight_zero]

I have 9 M1A rifles and they are all Springfield rifles. They are not crappy. No major problems after thousand of rounds. However had one problem with a preban that I bought where the GI TRIGGER group broke. Guess what 20 years after purchase springfield replaced it no questions asked. And i was the 2nd owner. My point Springfield customer service rocks. Don't dimiss them over hype, I love the rifles and have no regrets I did not consider the other guys products. Personally I love the scouts the best. My all around Ranch rifle would be the Socom 16.

[battle_sight_zero]

Ps. Buy and older M1A Springfield with features you want, my point you will still have a company that supports it.

[bobbyfairbanks]

Ever own a Fulton or LRB. It is like trying to tell someone Springfield 1911 are as good as Ed Brown.

[nathan0259]

I love my Springfield scout eats everything and its accurate enough that I can hit pop cans at 200 yards... it takes a few shots. Wouldn't change a thing.

[battle_sight_zero]

Ever own a Fulton or LRB. It is like trying to tell someone Springfield 1911 are as good as Ed Brown.

All I know is that I enjoy the arms that Springfield puts out. Not saying they are better. Also have a good collection of 1911 pistols and yes there are some Springfield 1911s in there to. My TRP pistols I feel are pretty good quality based upon what I paid for them. I have a good career and can afford things, however my point is that I am happy with Springfield brand. I like the fact that i can buy a 1985 M1A oufitted in GI parts possibly be the 5th owner and have the company still backing my purchase no questions asked. Not saying I would not try the other options however. My advice to the OP was just to check his options. I can read negatives and positives on everything out there, my point is that i am happy with the arms Springfield makes and because of experience of shooting them and if there was problem Springfield took care of me no questions asked. I have had customer service experience with several arms companies and so far Springfields has been the best. I believe Springfield created a loyal customer in me by the products and the service they provided.

[battle_sight_zero]

I love my Springfield scout eats everything and its accurate enough that I can hit pop cans at 200 yards... it takes a few shots. Wouldn't change a thing.

I am planning to use one of my scouts in an antelope hunt this year. Just picked up 2 five round mags. Can't wait! I love the scout perfect size and a great shooter.

[nathan0259]

I'm going to take it for elk and maybe white tail this year

[BigNick73]

Just ordered a 18.5" barreled receiver from Fulton. Now the wait begins.

[battle_sight_zero]

Just ordered a 18.5" barreled receiver from Fulton. Now the wait begins.

Congrads good decision. In no way was I slamming your choice. I just had to defend a good company. Down the road send me an invite if you would like to shoot M1AS.

[BigNick73]

Congrads good decision. In no way was I slamming your choice. I just had to defend a good company. Down the road send me an invite if you would like to shoot M1AS.

Will do if I ever make it to Denver, I also just ordered my parts kit. Got a WRA from treelinem14.com. Read they were way better and worth the extra couple hundred over the CMP ones.

Got a feeling this might turn out like the 1911s where I end up building one every year or so.

[Zombie Steve]

I have a SAI Loaded and like it, but I've put on a unitized gas system, replaced an extractor and spring guide... no way to get around the alloy receiver. That, combined with the fact that mine came from an era where many of the parts were USGI (some weren't... now none of them are).

If I could have done it all over I would have bought a Fulton or LRB as Bobby suggests.

[10x]

The Supermatch is by far the most accurate rifle that I have ever owned. It is also the heaviest. If I were to do it again, I would get an M1A with a NM barrel. That gives you all the potential that you need without the weight. There are lots of things you can do if you need to improve accuracy as long as you have the NM barrel.

I also agree that LRB is much higher quality than Springfield. I have had M1As with bad chambers, threw extractors out at the range, canted barrels throwing the sights way off.

[Troublco]

I have two; one is an SAI NM (not loaded) of early 90's vintage, with all GI parts. It was my match gun for years until I couldn't shoot High Power anymore (Tendonitis and a calcification in my right elbow). It'll shoot better than I can, and as well as my issue M1A1 7.62 Garand shot. My second is a custom LRB, all GI with a Criterion barrel. It shoots almost as well as my SAI NM gun, but it was built by a crusty old SF armorer who doesn't know how to build anything that doesn't shoot like a match gun. (Including 1903's.)

I'll agree with Battle Sight Zero, I think a short barreled M1A is an awesome ranch rifle; although I lean slightly toward the Scout Squad. I'm thinking of getting one to be exactly that; a ranch rifle (maybe mine would be a farm rifle?) however I'll probably change out the trigger group for a GI unit, put a unitized gas cylinder on it, and change out the spring guide for a Sadlak unit.

I'm sure you'll enjoy your Fulton, both putting it together and using it! Gotta post pics when you get it together, though, or it never happened...

[BigNick73]

I'm sure you'll enjoy your Fulton, both putting it together and using it! Gotta post pics when you get it together, though, or it never happened...

I will, I got the parts in from treeline other than the stock. It's been mailed and I have a tracking number though. Just waiting on Fulton, they said about 5-6 weeks lead time and I'm coming up on 3. Ohh well gives me time to finish this 1911 I started.

[BigNick73]

It's shipped! Unusually excited about this one

[Troublco]

Did you pick up a stock yet? You can still get them at a decent price from Fred's, as long as you're not in a big hurry. I may get a couple more while I can, I have one of the Big Red birch and I love it. Nice thing is they come with all the metal. If you get one from Boyd's or Midway you'll need to find a metal set, which is usually as much or more than a whole stock (depending on what you get) from Fred's.

[OneGuy67]

Did you pick up a stock yet? You can still get them at a decent price from Fred's, as long as you're not in a big hurry. I may get a couple more while I can, I have one of the Big Red birch and I love it. Nice thing is they come with all the metal. If you get one from Boyd's or Midway you'll need to find a metal set, which is usually as much or more than a whole stock (depending on what you get) from Fred's.

How is Fred to deal with? In his latest ad in shotgun news, he is cantankerous.

[BigNick73]

Did you pick up a stock yet? You can still get them at a decent price from Fred's, as long as you're not in a big hurry. I may get a couple more while I can, I have one of the Big Red birch and I love it. Nice thing is they come with all the metal. If you get one from Boyd's or Midway you'll need to find a metal set, which is usually as much or more than a whole stock (depending on what you get) from Fred's.

Yeah I got one from treeline with the rest of the parts kit I needed.

[Troublco]

How is Fred to deal with? In his latest ad in shotgun news, he is cantankerous.

Yeah, I'd say that's about right. If you're not in a hurry, he's ok. I've always been pleased with the stocks I've gotten from him.


Yeah I got one from treeline with the rest of the parts kit I needed.

good deal. My next M1A project is to bed my NM gun to the black laminate stock I got with it. I've seen pics of these in the black lam stocks, and they look freakin' awesome.

[BigNick73]

Shot it today! Just ran 40 rounds through it to make sure it works, and ding some gongs at the range. Shoots great!

http://i.imgur.com/edxqp.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/7COYH.jpg?1

[Troublco]

Oooooh! Short barrel! I like it. [Beer]

[Fmedges]

Ever own a Fulton or LRB. It is like trying to tell someone Springfield 1911 are as good as Ed Brown.

I don't doubt you, but it's like comparing a ford and a Lamborghini. Sure one is prettier to look at, but in the end they both get you places.