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Thread: M1A worth any time?

  1. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by Peally View Post
    How does the M1A compare to the M1 internally? My M1 is a fun historical piece but next to an AR-15 there's no comparison, it's a heavy and comparatively complex and finnicky rifle.
    Close enough to identical as not to matter. Biggest difference is the external box mag vs. internal feed mechanism.
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  2. #12
    Member Peally's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Drang View Post
    Close enough to identical as not to matter. Biggest difference is the external box mag vs. internal feed mechanism.
    That's what I figured, and that's not a positive in the M1A's favor
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  3. #13
    The M1A I shot in NRA Highpower matches was my most consistently accurate rifle.
    I had others that were more accurate till the barrel heated and then the groups opened up.
    The M1A just kept shooting into group.

    It was another shooter's backup rifle and had some glass bedding and other target mojo done to it.
    None of that was changed or repeated when I shot it. It still kept shooting well. I changed from the
    fiberglass to a birch stock and back and it kept shooting well.

    Had no real problems reloading for it either. Used LC 7.62 by 51 brass and Winchester 147 grain FMJ boattails that were
    overrunns from military contracts, I think. Not target bullets but shot like them.

    There are other styles and calibers and different stocks available now. The .308 still has the advantage of cheap brass
    but the 6.5 Creedmoor does look interesting.

  4. #14
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    Short stroke self regulating gas system vs long stroke gas system that can be bent with improper ammo selection is key as well.


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  5. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by DocGKR View Post
    The first rifle I shot expert on after getting commissioned in 1986 was an M14. Back when I shot Hi-Power, I had a lot of match grade McMillan stocked M1A's, both iron sighted and with optics (they were heavy beasts)--I have sold all of them.

    M1 rifles tended to be more reliable than M14/M1A's.

    The safety on an M14/M1A is MOST definitely an issue in a LE setting, especially for entries/CQB--in fact, it pretty much makes it a non-starter.

    I've seen more M1A and M14 clones break recently than I care to contemplate--particularly the SA M1A SOCOM's; I've NEVER seen a SA 16" SOCOM16 successfully complete a multi-day carbine class. If you do decide to get an M1A/M14 clone, make sure you send it to someone like Smith Enterprise or Fulton to have all the current manufactured poor quality parts replaced.

    If you have no other options, M1A's work OK as simple, rugged iron sighted rifles of limited long term accuracy potential. For mounting optics or any other precision role, there are far better choices, although the Ultimak mount works OK for an Aimpoint.

    The M1A/M14 leaves much to be desired for LE use--it is time to let it retire to the land of myth and lore.
    Given what you’ve said, Doc, would you think the M1 Carbine would be a better alternative to the M1A/M14?

    Would an AR with ban state compliant furniture be even better?


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  6. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by spinmove_ View Post
    Given what you’ve said, Doc, would you think the M1 Carbine would be a better alternative to the M1A/M14?

    Would an AR with ban state compliant furniture be even better?


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    Certainly, I'm not Doc, but it completely depends on what you're doing with it. Shooting high power? Forget about the M1 carbine. Use an AR or M1a. Defense under 200yds, ban state? Carbine is a possible. General use, not ban state? Lego gun, all the way.
    Last edited by Duelist; 04-10-2018 at 02:46 PM.

  7. #17
    Site Supporter DocGKR's Avatar
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    In any free state, a quality AR15 with appropriate ammunition and standard capacity 20-30 rd magazines is an ideal defensive firearm.

    If that is not possible, USGI M1 carbines tend to work well with appropriate modern ammunition--stick with the 15 rd mags if possible.

    If you are in a state with a 10 rd mag limit, then consider sticking wiht a shotgun or perhaps a lever action carbine, although one could make an AR15 or AR10 with a 10 rd detachable mag work in a pinch.

    Bullet button's are a NO-GO on a defensive firearm.
    Last edited by DocGKR; 04-10-2018 at 02:55 PM.
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  8. #18
    Site Supporter Trooper224's Avatar
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    I've used an M1 and an M1A in competition and used an M14 when in servitude to Uncle Sugar. They're great rifles, I love them and their associated history. That being said: their time in the sun is over and they're best appreciated as the historical artifacts they are. Doc's right on point with the crappy quality of SA Inc.'s current offerings.

    If a non-threatening looking rifle is what you're after, a wood stocked Mini-14 with a short magazine might be a better choice. If a friendly looking rifle in a ban state is a requirement don't overlook a lever action.
    Last edited by Trooper224; 04-10-2018 at 03:11 PM.
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  9. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by BehindBlueI's View Post
    Really? What's expected accuracy on an M1A?

    I've always sorta-kinda wanted one but never enough to actually pursue one.
    The M14/M1A is a battle rifle, basically an upside down AK action. The M1A / M14 as a precision weapon is a myth outside he y modified target models.

    Rack grade M14's I've shot have been 3 to 6 MOA.

    Rack grade SA commercial M1As have been 3-4 MOA

    You can make an MIA more accurate but it is a costly and intensive process and the accuracy will degrade every time you take it out of the stock for maintenance. It ain't a bolt gun and there are several reasons serious high power shooters switched to ARs.

    There is mo truly good way to mount optics - they just aren't made for it.

    If you want one for nostalgia, get a full size or an 18" bush / scout model with the standard gas system. As Doc noted, the so called "SOCOM" models have durability and reliability issues.

    I concur with Trooper224 - a wood stock Mini 14/Mini 30 is you best bet for a ban state rifle.
    Last edited by HCM; 04-10-2018 at 03:34 PM.

  10. #20
    They're beautiful looking but time has run out for them. The long-stroke gas piston system and stock bedding means it has terrible potential for being turned into a precision rifle. We can all thank the U.S. military for perpetuating that myth by wasting enough money on them to make some of them accurate.

    If I lived in a ban state, I'd get the Ares SCR instead. Perhaps one day they'll even make a big bore version.

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