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12-30-2021, 11:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigwheelzip
Cool historical rifle to have, and heavy enough to offer an effective attitude adjustment with just a bump to the head.
Sent from my motorola one 5G using Tapatalk
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True enough. It is a hefty tool.
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12-30-2021, 11:23 AM
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I went with the M1A SOCOM.
I'm not a fan of the 5.56 or the AR15.
I use my Benelli M1 Super 90 for home defense. I think I can solve many problems with a 12 gauge.
I have other rifles and shotguns the Benelli being my favorite.
I would like to come across a Mossberg 590A1 retrograde if I could find one.
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Last edited by zzclancy; 12-30-2021 at 11:30 AM.
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12-30-2021, 12:28 PM
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I love the M1A. Its my favorite main battle rifle. NOTE I said Main Battle Rifle. In a true SHTF scenario where the enemy may be hiding behind cars or cinder block walls, this is the rifle to reach for. As someone mentioned earlier, it turns cover into concealment. Also good if you need to reach out there a ways.
My favorite is the Scout Squad configuration. The 18" barrel strikes the perfect balance between firepower and handling.
But, its way too much for urban home defense.
Honestly, I think any centerfire rifle is too much in an urban setting. A shotgun or handgun is much more suited to an in house situation.
That said, the M1A is a great rifle. Buy one if you want just to enjoy shooting it or have a real rifle in case of the mythical end of the world scenario.
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12-30-2021, 01:36 PM
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I carried one in my un-marked D car....
When I was working, cause ya just never know.
Another Detective has it now.
///
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12-30-2021, 01:36 PM
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Absolutely no . I can see no SD situation shy of a war where a lot of ammo would be available to be picked up ( unlikely ) where I would want an M1 rifle . If I were in survival mode I would want a rifle that would keep folks at a good long distance but also it would need to be one that didn't throw away my brass .
In a house any handgun or short shotgun would be preferable to a rifle in my opinion . I keep a couple of m12 Winchesters with 20" barrels stashed where they are easy to get my hands on when things go bump in the night . I also have a 1911 by the bed and one in a drawer in another part of the house . When I undress for bed my pants are on a chair I can reach from the bed and a J frame with two strips is in the front pockets .
Buy the M1 but buy it because you want one and will enjoy shooting and owning it .
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12-30-2021, 01:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddie Southgate
...I can see no SD situation shy of a war where a lot of ammo would be available to be picked up ( unlikely ) where I would want an M1 rifle...
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Thanks.
By "picked up," do you mean battlefield pick ups or going to LGS to buy ammunition?
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12-30-2021, 02:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RCL-09
Have 2 now, owned several over the years, shot many more, and I have never seen that.
What kind of accuracy out of the box are you seeing?
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Ans: 4-6 MOA just don't do it for me.
My M1A medium bbl, rear lugged in McMillan stock won the Ben Avery, Az leg match back in 2001 against all the AR 15'z, and Camp Pendleton rifle team firing M14's. Back when we used all iron sights to 600 yds and on paper targets.
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12-30-2021, 02:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pantannojack
Ans: 4-6 MOA just don't do it for me.
My M1A medium bbl, rear lugged in McMillan stock won the Ben Avery, Az leg match back in 2001 against all the AR 15'z, and Camp Pendleton rifle team firing M14's. Back when we used all iron sights to 600 yds and on paper targets.
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Wow!
I have never seen that in a Springfield M1A, not even from their base model.
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12-30-2021, 02:50 PM
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As others pointed out the M1a is a hefty tool....a bit much for home/self defense......many other options for self defense at home......however....
I have a M1a....broken in...tuned....and 100% reliable....stored away for the day...if...the masses do rise up and become a real threat of home invasions......as others pointed out....turns "cover into concealment".......
as its place in the home defense tool cabinet...
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12-30-2021, 03:35 PM
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More most home owners and cliff dwellers a pump 12ga shotgun with minimum legal barrel length might be the best all around choice.
I'd put #4 buck in mine if that was what I had chosen for the home.
Like any other firearm you need to become very familiar with it and what to expect when you fire it inside a room.So shoot it at a small indoor range.
At night in a dark room and without ear protection the firing may be shocking.
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12-30-2021, 03:39 PM
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If it will cycle, make your own load with a 110 grain bullet. I don't have any of my reloading manuals as I am 600 miles from home right now but I'd guess you could get it down to 9mm velocity with maybe Trail Boss or ?
Last edited by ostlund; 12-30-2021 at 03:40 PM.
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12-30-2021, 03:50 PM
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Buy the M1A for nostalgia and range toy. For home defense - it's hard to go wrong with a 12 or 20 G pump shotgun.
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12-30-2021, 05:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StakeOut
More most home owners and cliff dwellers a pump 12ga shotgun with minimum legal barrel length might be the best all around choice.
I'd put #4 buck in mine if that was what I had chosen for the home.
Like any other firearm you need to become very familiar with it and what to expect when you fire it inside a room.So shoot it at a small indoor range.
At night in a dark room and without ear protection the firing may be shocking.
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I retired the venerable defender pump in favor of 9mm pistol carbine. 30>6 and much easier and faster to use.
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12-30-2021, 07:22 PM
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I prefer a 20 gauge semi over a pump gun as I can catch the butt between my elbow and torso and use it with one hand. With a 20 the recoil isn't bad and my other hand is free for a light or a cell phone.
Ammo choice is #4 steel shot; strips the meat off the bones without over penetrating the walls.
Last edited by zonker5; 12-30-2021 at 07:23 PM.
Reason: I flunked third grade spelling
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12-30-2021, 07:29 PM
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Unless you have a squad moving toward you, I'd opt for a shotgun or a good revolver. I like the M 14, I carried one in VN but, for home defense...think twice,
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12-30-2021, 07:33 PM
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I'll chime in that I wouldn't use a M1A for home defense. But definitely get one if you want one. The great thing about living here - No need to justify or otherwise provide a reason to buy a firearm. Wanting one is good enough.
That said, during the festivities of May 2020, I had my M1 Garand handy if needed.
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12-30-2021, 09:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by giants1
I
However, I'm struggling with the M1a for self-defense and wanted your thoughts.
I'm an urban dweller with houses on either side and no plans to bug out to rural areas
As to self-defense at a distance, say counter-sniping (which the LGS suggested), I'm thinking that hiding well and/or getting out of the situation would be the better strategy vs. counter-sniping, or just using a scoped AR-15. I realize that there's only so much one can do, preparing for more likely scenarios is better, and that it's impossible to prepare for every scenario; I'm thinking that counter-sniping would be highly unlikely, the 1990s Balkans civil war notwithstanding.
What are your thoughts?
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I can't believe some of the nonsense you hear in gun shops. Everybody knows that for countersniping in an urban environment you need a Barrett .50 in case they take cover in a cinderblock school.
Hope you enjoy your M1A.
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12-30-2021, 10:43 PM
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M1A, you have a velociraptor problem? Seriously, a quality 2-4 inch revolver in .38 spcl loaded with defensive ammo with a quality tactical hand light is sufficient. Don’t kill the neighbors kid when your 2500 fps rifle bullet goes through your sheetrock and vinyl siding or window and your neighbors window.
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12-31-2021, 12:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Baltimoreed11754
M1A, you have a velociraptor problem? Seriously, a quality 2-4 inch revolver in .38 spcl loaded with defensive ammo with a quality tactical hand light is sufficient. Don’t kill the neighbors kid when your 2500 fps rifle bullet goes through your sheetrock and vinyl siding or window and your neighbors window.
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Don’t underestimate the Velociraptor threat. Remember, they’ve been dead for over 70 million years, so we are really talking about Zombie Velociraptors.
——
Otherwise, I agree a center fire rifle isn’t required. Target identification however is critical as you don’t want to be shooting your 16 year old daughter in your own garage.
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12-31-2021, 02:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigwheelzip
Cool historical rifle to have, and heavy enough to offer an effective attitude adjustment with just a bump to the head.
Sent from my motorola one 5G using Tapatalk
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Don't forget the bayonet lug. A bayonet might me more practical in the dwelling defense roll.
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01-04-2022, 12:35 AM
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Fix bayonets. Home invaders inbound.
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01-14-2022, 04:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robertrwalsh
Unless you live in a house with bullet resistant walls I would say NO.
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Unless you NEIGHBORS live in houses with bullet PROOF walls I would say NO.
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01-14-2022, 04:18 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrmike7189
All ya need is a double barrelled shotgun!
-Joe Biden
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Yep, and all ya need to do is to go out onto the balcony and fire off a couple rounds!
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01-16-2022, 12:34 AM
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I like the M1A ..... Solid rifles that just don't fail. I have a short 16" Springfield "Thumper" that I wrapped in a GI walnut stock. That rifle is really fast handling and feels great on the shoulder. Being in kalifornia myself, the AR 15 rifles lose a lot of functionality. For a 5.56 the Mini-14 works well, but the need for Ruger magazines makes it less than desirable. I know that the .308 is overpowered for many applications, but I'd rather be on that end of things than suffer the alternative...
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01-16-2022, 01:22 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hank Dodge
I like the M1A ..... Solid rifles that just don't fail. I have a short 16" Springfield "Thumper" that I wrapped in a GI walnut stock. That rifle is really fast handling and feels great on the shoulder. Being in kalifornia myself, the AR 15 rifles lose a lot of functionality. For a 5.56 the Mini-14 works well, but the need for Ruger magazines makes it less than desirable. I know that the .308 is overpowered for many applications, but I'd rather be on that end of things than suffer the alternative...
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Thanks. My LGS is still out of stock on M1As, but they might get some in soon.
What's your accuracy like on your Mini-14? What year and/or first three digits of the serial number is it?
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01-16-2022, 01:26 AM
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In the house, no. For a threat you see coming down the street a block away, sure. But get it because you want it. That's plenty enough reason. But a 12 gauge pump is a good idea for the house.
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01-16-2022, 01:29 AM
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Thanks. I'm not in a duty to retreat state, but I can't envision a situation where I could legally shoot someone down the street a block away, as opposed to run home and barricade myself.
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01-16-2022, 08:13 AM
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Our MVPA is raffling a M1-A off in March at our Winter event. Have “ sold” about 10 ticket in a week, not really trying until I go to the range tomorrow, LOL
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01-16-2022, 09:23 AM
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A M-14 clone or a M-1 Garand for home defense? These are battle rifles. If you have a 500-600 yard killing zone all the way around your house maybe or need to shoot through walls to hit your target then yes.
In my house I will always use a handgun. Much more maneuverable in tight spaces.
If I have to use a long gun then my M870 with a nine shot capacity is my first choice ( OO Buck) Then comes a M4 style 556 mm, or a M1 carbine.
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01-16-2022, 09:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by giants1
Thanks. I'm not in a duty to retreat state, but I can't envision a situation where I could legally shoot someone down the street a block away, as opposed to run home and barricade myself.
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You do realize that was a bit tongue in cheek, da? 😊
To illustrate why a full size battle rifle might not fill the bill for in the house. I read an article once about a barricaded bad guy , who was shooting at cops from in a house and a cop put three rounds from a 308 HK through the house where he thought the bad guy was. No more bad guy. Good example of why big rifles might not be the best choice for a house gun.
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01-16-2022, 09:40 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sikacz
True enough. It is a hefty tool.
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Especially since it has that thing in the back that goes up........😊 Of course, you'd want that down for applying attitude adjustment...
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01-16-2022, 10:06 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RCL-09
Have 2 now, owned several over the years, shot many more, and I have never seen that.
What kind of accuracy out of the box are you seeing?
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In the late 80's I took my brand new, never-fired, standard M1a to a CMP-qualifying match a local gun club was sponsoring. I took second to a former member of the Sixth Army rifle team and shot the best target of the day.
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01-16-2022, 01:04 PM
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To just destroy a target there is probably nothing better than the M1A available in the civilian market. The M1 Garland and the M14 are the two US service rifles that have no equal if you want to destroy something.
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01-16-2022, 01:24 PM
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.308/.30-06 bad idea for many reasons.
You need more than one gun.
Ruger 10/22 with return to zero detachable scope should be one or both of them. Use it with standard velocity ammo that does not have the ballistic “ crack “ that will give your position away.
Keeping a low-profile and not drawing unnecessary attention to yourself is a must.
Be the “ Gray Man “ that blends in with crowds and goes unnoticed. Folding stocks on the 10/22’s will make them easier to hide under a loose fitting jacket or in a pack.
Having a spare gun or two and more magazines and ammo stashed somewhere will be handy if you are forced to surrender the one you have on you at a checkpoint of some kind.
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01-16-2022, 01:31 PM
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A big and expensive-looking gun can get you killed because someone wants that big and expensive-looking gun.
An old .22 or shotgun, not so much.
A short bolt action .22 like the CZ Scout would be very low profile and very useful.
Remember, you are not going to be engaging in long drawn out gun battles with multiple adversaries if you want to live or avoid being wounded.
In an urban environment a 50 yard shot would be a long one.
Never underestimate the power and effectiveness of a few well-directed .22 LR bullets.
Last edited by smoothshooter; 01-16-2022 at 01:38 PM.
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01-16-2022, 04:44 PM
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For home defense in any average size home a shotgun with a 18-20" barrel and buckshot would be a more appropriate practical and cost effective choice. As Grayman50 recommended a former LE shotgun is easy to come by at a fair price. Being the S&W forum how about I recommend a police model S&W M-3000. Said to be as good if not better than a vintage Remington 870.
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01-16-2022, 04:54 PM
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This is my main house shotgun if needed. I taught a USMC Combat Shotgun Course with it.
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01-17-2022, 11:11 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by giants1
I'm planning ahead for future gun purchases and am interested in an M1a, both as a momento of my father's service during WW-II (albeit an M1 Garand in 30.06) and for self-defense. Plus, they just look cool! I also don't have a main battle rifle.
However, I'm struggling with the M1a for self-defense and wanted your thoughts.
I'm an urban dweller with houses on either side and no plans to bug out to rural areas in an SHTF scenario (but we all know what they say about plans).
I've seen some YouTube videos and read SHTF posts about the benefits of having an M1a in .308, but pretty much it seems only for hunting and sniping/counter-sniping at a distance. I understand that those cartridges are REALLY loud indoors, particularly when muzzle breaks are installed, as is the case with Springfield Armory M1a sold in California, where I live. That and over-penetration of the .308 from what I understand makes the M1a/.308 not ideal for home defense.
As to self-defense at a distance, say counter-sniping (which the LGS suggested), I'm thinking that hiding well and/or getting out of the situation would be the better strategy vs. counter-sniping, or just using a scoped AR-15. I realize that there's only so much one can do, preparing for more likely scenarios is better, and that it's impossible to prepare for every scenario; I'm thinking that counter-sniping would be highly unlikely, the 1990s Balkans civil war notwithstanding.
What are your thoughts?
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As an M1A and M1 Garand owner go with a more modern rifle like the Remington 700 or a M14 clone. We are talking about 80 year old guns where the metal isn't as good as it once was and war necessitated ammo that was loaded below spec.
If you do buy one I would recommend getting a hand loader and producing your own reduced load non corrosive ammo to ensure the integrity of the gun. sure some might say it'l fire modern 308 fine... up until it bananas a barrel, bends a rod or worst case fails in the chamber like a reenactment of Kentucky ballistics.
Me personally, i got a 280$ Savage 308 II and added a decent scope and a really decent mount. I replaced that **** stock that causes the gun to lose 0 with a more reliable stock that seats the barrel well. I also own a few 5.56 AR's, a blackout AR, AK and PS90 so if things hit the fan in city I have not just a firearm for myself but for my friends too
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01-17-2022, 11:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Whackywheels
As an M1A and M1 Garand owner go with a more modern rifle like the Remington 700 or a M14 clone. We are talking about 80 year old guns where the metal isn't as good as it once was and war necessitated ammo that was loaded below spec.
If you do buy one I would recommend getting a hand loader and producing your own reduced load non corrosive ammo to ensure the integrity of the gun. sure some might say it'l fire modern 308 fine... up until it bananas a barrel, bends a rod or worst case fails in the chamber like a reenactment of Kentucky ballistics.
Me personally, i got a 280$ Savage 308 II and added a decent scope and a really decent mount. I replaced that **** stock that causes the gun to lose 0 with a more reliable stock that seats the barrel well. I also own a few 5.56 AR's, a blackout AR, AK and PS90 so if things hit the fan in city I have not just a firearm for myself but for my friends too
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The old military rifles were well made. I have never seen a military rifle let go using the proper factory ammo. All the guns that I have seen that were screwed up were after shooting reloaded ammo. My Garand was made in July 1944 and holds a two inch group at 100 yards, would probably do better if I tailored some ammo for it. The group below was shot from a Swedish CG-63, a Swedish target rifle with iron sights. The receiver is dated 1902. Will your rifles do that well?
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01-17-2022, 01:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AJ
The old military rifles were well made. I have never seen a military rifle let go using the proper factory ammo. All the guns that I have seen that were screwed up were after shooting reloaded ammo. My Garand was made in July 1944 and holds a two inch group at 100 yards, would probably do better if I tailored some ammo for it. The group below was shot from a Swedish CG-63, a Swedish target rifle with iron sights. The receiver is dated 1902. Will your rifles do that well?
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Do you fire brand new ammo or older surplus? the Surp ammo is fine to shoot, I'm talking about firing new ammo. The modern smokeless powder just burns hotter than it used to and the older techniques for how the barrels were made just don't hold well to modern ammo chamber pressure. Personally I want my M1's to be handed down to the kids so I handload to ensure the rounds don't exceed chamber pressures. I also don't use surplus because I don't feel like dealing with the corrosive ammo every time I take it to the range. I also check headspace when I'm doing a deep clean/safety check as the older WW era M1's have an issue with headspace wear/throat erosion.
I will agree that an improperly reloaded round with improperly seated/budging primer will cause an out of battery explosion from the floating firing pin. It's far less likely if you know what you are doing that of an over-pressure round.
As I said before some people have the opinion that modern ammo is fine and I have my opinion. At the end of the day its your firearm so don't be surprised when you fire that 245th bullet that makes the chamber go crack from a 80+ year old gun.
I ended up getting a March 1943 Springfield. Original barrel, Re-armored once in May 1964. RWA Bolt is the only part that isn't matching but the WWII M1's it was common for them to change out parts in the field to make them more reliable.
Last edited by Whackywheels; 01-17-2022 at 01:07 PM.
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01-17-2022, 01:59 PM
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With out reading 80 plus responses I'll wager the overall consensus is that .308/7.62 NATO is way too much cartridge for an urban home defense weapon and that an M1A is way too large a rifle to be toting around the house. I bet that sums it up.
For the record, an M1A was my go to "battle rifle" for many years. It's gone but not forgotten.
But there won't be sniping and counter sniping in the urban environment unless we have a civil war. Otherwise, the sole concern is criminals, and shotguns and short rifles are the choice, and handguns, of course.
But if you want an M1A because you like it, sure, go ahead, they're fun!
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Last edited by ISCS Yoda; 01-17-2022 at 02:04 PM.
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01-17-2022, 02:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda
With out reading 80 plus responses I'll wager the overall consensus is that .308/7.62 NATO is way too much cartridge for an urban home defense weapon and that an M1A is way too large a rifle to be toting around the house. I bet that sums it up.
For the record, an M1A was my go to "battle rifle" for many years. It's gone but not forgotten.
But there won't be sniping and counter sniping in the urban environment unless we have a civil war. Otherwise, the sole concern is criminals, and shotguns and short rifles are the choice, and handguns, of course.
But if you want an M1A because you like it, sure, go ahead, they're fun!
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I have a Saiga 12 w/ 20rd drum For "Home Defense"
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01-17-2022, 02:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Whackywheels
Do you fire brand new ammo or older surplus? the Surp ammo is fine to shoot, I'm talking about firing new ammo. The modern smokeless powder just burns hotter than it used to and the older techniques for how the barrels were made just don't hold well to modern ammo chamber pressure. Personally I want my M1's to be handed down to the kids so I handload to ensure the rounds don't exceed chamber pressures. I also don't use surplus because I don't feel like dealing with the corrosive ammo every time I take it to the range. I also check headspace when I'm doing a deep clean/safety check as the older WW era M1's have an issue with headspace wear/throat erosion.
I will agree that an improperly reloaded round with improperly seated/budging primer will cause an out of battery explosion from the floating firing pin. It's far less likely if you know what you are doing that of an over-pressure round.
As I said before some people have the opinion that modern ammo is fine and I have my opinion. At the end of the day its your firearm so don't be surprised when you fire that 245th bullet that makes the chamber go crack from a 80+ year old gun.
I ended up getting a March 1943 Springfield. Original barrel, Re-armored once in May 1964. RWA Bolt is the only part that isn't matching but the WWII M1's it was common for them to change out parts in the field to make them more reliable.
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I shoot U.S & Danish surplus ammo and new manufactured ammo that falls into the specs for the M1 Garand. What is an RWA bolt never heard of the manufacturer. Springfield, Winchester, H&R, and International Harvester, I have heard of .....is it an aftermarket?
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01-17-2022, 05:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AJ
I shoot U.S & Danish surplus ammo and new manufactured ammo that falls into the specs for the M1 Garand. What is an RWA bolt never heard of the manufacturer. Springfield, Winchester, H&R, and International Harvester, I have heard of .....is it an aftermarket?
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I meant WRA. It was a typo.
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01-17-2022, 10:38 PM
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WHEN YOU REALLY NEED IT............Anything on hand that goes bang is a good choice.
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