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I have been trying to make the decision on which one I should get. I have the funds, although it's close. I could go either way. There is an M1A "loaded" for about $1640.00 plus tax, BGC fees or a S&W M&P-10 for $1360.00 plus tax and BGC fees. Both .308win both brand new. Give me some ideas pro and con for either or. PLEASE, I am loving both of these, ahhhhh which one? Opinions and ideas, please!
First, be totally honest with yourself as what you are going to be doing with the gun and this may be different from what you dream of doing. The choice should be easier then.
I had that decision to make and went M1A. It's a very durable and tested platform. I was not happy with the record of bolt issues on some of the AR-10 types out there at the time. I'm very happy with the decision. Fortunately, I did this before the magazine law, so was able to get full capacity mags.
I guess it depends on what you want from your 7.62x51 autoloader. I was looking more for a battle rifle than a lego rifle. I can always play that game with the 5.56 ARs.
I'm a M1a fan. Keep in mind that a springfield M1a will need a couple of small bolt parts changed out. They have had some problems occasionally in that department.
Here's my poly.
I called the pulled shot, but other than that, its a 1 moa group with irons.
http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/o...1/DSCN1433.jpg
Here is the same gun in a different stock that went through a bit of a dust storm out in Pawnee. NOT ONE malfunction.
http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/o...irtym14004.jpg
http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/o...irtym14005.jpg
I went through an M1a trip once upon a time.
Great platforms without a doubt.
AR10 platform is another cool one that I wanted to get into...
Here are some of my thoughts on both:
Scope mounting. AR wins hands down. To many pieces to mount a scope on a M1A
Easier to mount a bipod on the AR
Collapsible/adjust ability goes to the AR again
All kines of mags for the AR and the M1A, but no Magpul for the M1A
I guess you can change out parts (aftermarket parts) for both platforms... but there are more parts you can drop for the AR...
You can short barrel... make a sniper platform with the AR...
My bad... yea.. I can go on..
One big reason why I didn't keep the M1A and didn't get an AR... They kill Brass [facepalm]
"Big Red" in it's glory years
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/p...IMAG0574-1.jpg
.. and here's the first M1A (SOCOM16) I got my hands on...
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/p...dbyeSOCOM1.jpg
No question
http://i.imgur.com/mEXEg1Uh.jpg
Both are capable of of outstanding accuracy, with the AR10 getting a nod for out out of the box accuracy and ease/flexibility of mods.
A M1A can be stupid accurate, but needs some work to really get the most out of the platform.
While the "Loaded" models have a few goodies on them (and not a bad price you mentioned) they still need a bit of work.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BPTactical
^^^^^This
Ar10 will be more accurate and will be a heck of a lot cheaper than building/buying a M1a that will be as accurate.
By the time you get to the m1a as accurate as the AR10, the m1a will be too heavy for a "battle rifle"
Basically your m1a loaded should shoot 2moa or less down to about 1 moa.
Surprisingly the 18.5" M1a/m14 have been very accurate which I've heard might be attributed to the lessened barrel whip from a shorter barrel.
I have read this on several forums, however I am curious as to exactly what that means. I am not a M1A guy, but have been contemplating one myself. What needs to be done to increase accuracy?Quote:
Originally Posted by BPTactical
Your gonna take a stock m1a and bed the action, trigger job, shim the gas cylinder, ream the flash hider, glue the top hand guard.. Most of this will improve the accuracy but if you want to get sub-moa then you need to have a medium or heavy barrel, with a heavy or medium weight stock, which adds weight... Not saying a standard weight barrel is incapable of sub-moa but they are the exception instead of the norm.Quote:
Originally Posted by KevDen2005
I have a buddy with a super match M1a that shoots 3/4" groups but the thing weighs 13-14lbs.
In other words your gonna start throwing money at the M1a to get it to shoot sub-moa.
Ar10s are often times sub moa or close to it.
Nothing but M1a. However I would pass on any Springfield and send the extra money on a Fulton or lRB
I'll second that it depends on what you really >honestly< want from the rifle, and on your budget. Many of the opinions you're getting are emotional (no offense guys, but the M1A is sexier)
if you want a MBR, the AR10 style is going to have a hard time competing- the M1A will deal with dirt, grit, and just plain hard use better.
but if you want something that will go sub-MOA, the M1A is going to take more work and $$...
and within each choice, there are options as well...
AFAIK, the M&P10 is only offered in 18" barrel... which is more of a MBR barrel length- I plan on building a AR10/LR308, but I'm going with FF hand guard and 22-24" barrel (not a MBR build, more of a bench rest/ SASS style)
M1A
Quote:
Originally Posted by 68Charger
Thats another aspect. A M14 usually has AK47 reliability as evidence from my pics.
Of course if you are looking for true battle rifle strength, reliability, decent or better accuracy, simplicity, easy to manage recoil, cheap magazines, run under any condition and eat any ammo you feed it, get a G3 pattern rifle.
... and if your looking for accuracy get a bolt action [Coffee]
There are nice chassis's out there for the M1A... gonna be heavy, but it'll be like a tank and will be more than likely to take more abuse than an AR would be able too!
M1A
I would go for a .308 based AR. Ruger just came out with an SR762 which looks super tempting. I'm looking to buy one and replace my LR308 with it, depending on how well it shoots. It only weighs 8.5 pounds, literally half of my DPMS.
M1As are great and accurate, but I love pistol grips and wouldn't feel like dropping 500+ on a new M1a stock to get one. They're also pretty damn heavy. I also like the AR10 type rifles because I'm so familiar with M16s/AR-15s from my shooting experience.
The easiest and most joyous answer is both. Be prepared and cover bases.
Aren't G3 rifles rough on brass, or did something change?Quote:
Originally Posted by BPTactical
M1A Scout Squad or SCAR 17
They just make striped brass.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gman
Not to throw another wrench out there, but I know where there is a Kel-Tec RFB going for $1700 right now with an AAC brake, and 24" barrel...
As far as the other two, I have had both and loved my POF. I had a SOCOM II, and it was neat, but just didn't do it for me. If you want to upgrade, later on you can have BP rebarrel an upper for you in 300 WSM and have a second upper with yet more long range performance. You can't do that with a M1 of any kind...
BP's other suggestion of a battle rifle like the Hk91... amazing... that's all. My 91 has to be one of my most missed firearms of all time. It will cost you a bit more to get one though unless you go generic.
I have a Springfield M1A that is all USGI except the receiver and stock, came that way from Springfield. It was built by Glen Nelson. And I'll put it up against any LRB or Fulton Armory rifle. Oh, and "M1A" is trademarked by Springfield. The other rifles are M14S or just M14.Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbyfairbanks
Back to OP topic... Get an M1A, you will not regret it.
and I just see more emotional responses.. (except for Bert- can always count on you to be impartial)
if you REALLY want to be pure in the emotional dept, you'll stick with a M1 Garand... [gohome]
That being said, I'd LOVE an M1 Garand in .308! (I know, blaspheme to some)
I'm just making the point that this decision is LARGELY an emotional one to many... a Bolt action would be accurate, but follow up shots require completely re-aquiring your target in the scope.
There is a reason the SASS platform was created- with the right brake, follow up shots are much more devastating to your enemy.
decide what you want the rifle to do, and then go from there. Ignore single-line responses, because they don't provide ANY info, other than some stranger's opinion.
Attachment 35391
or
Attachment 35389
Is one really 'sexier' than the other?
If anyone has a M1A Scout I would love to hear your thoughts on that versus the full 22 inch barrel.
Far be it from me to tell someone else how to spend his money but this clip captures my feeling about your question ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FxxdR6IcpA
Yes, that adjustable stock. ick :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Gman
I would just build an A10. You can build a complete close to match grade version for about the same price you are looking at for buying that M&P. Start with a Mega Arms MA10 and build around that. I would personally chose DPMS style barrels. Rainier Arms is a great place with all the stuff you need. https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sh...riants%26parts
The M1A is a great riffle but its dated and just not as customizable as I would personally like. I personally could not perform most all the things needed in order to make an M1A accurate. I can with household tools do that for AR10 variant.
For those that keep saying to go for a bolt action... an AR10 can be just as accurate, and if you want the same muzzle velocity, get one with an adjustable gas system that you can just shut off (since most of the time people are just talking about bullet drop anyway). There goes the accuracy arguement... The main reason people don't use "match" AR10's or whatever whoever's arguement would be, is weight.