M1A or S&W M&P-10

[robertcolorado2009]

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!

[wctriumph]

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.

[Gman]

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.

[bryjcom]

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.




Here is the same gun in a different stock that went through a bit of a dust storm out in Pawnee. NOT ONE malfunction.

[islandermyk]

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

"Big Red" in it's glory years


.. and here's the first M1A (SOCOM16) I got my hands on...

[Ridge]

No question

[BPTactical]

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.

[bryjcom]

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.

^^^^^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.

[KevDen2005]

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.

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?

[bryjcom]

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?

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.

I have a buddy with a super match M1a that shoots 3/4" groups but the thing weighs 13-14lbs.