Springfield M1A comments

[rockquarry]

There was a big craze on M1As here in Vegas about 15-20 years ago. No idea what kicked it off, or the PSL craze that followed it, except that PSLs were much cheaper back then.

My buddy has (had? I'll have to ask) one, but I don't think it has been fired in years. I recall he said it was heavy, recoiled a lot for heavy gas-operated gun, and a it would be a bear to fit a scope. I'll try and remember to ask him about it.

Another former coworker had the 16" version, and his only comment was that it was LOUD. He was always accessory mad so he probably doesn't do your kind of shooting.

Yes, 16" is not enough barrel for a .308. I can't imagine the blast. Not for me.

 

[bobsguns]

I don't have a "boat to float". I shoot everything but semi-autos, mostly accurate bolt-actions. I also do a good bit of cast bullet work. While accurate, my ARs didn't shoot quite as accurately as my New Ultra Light Arms rifles, my heavy barrel .308s, my .222s and maybe a few others. "Mag dumps" at close range (or any range) have no appeal for me, nor does overheating a barrel. ARs can be fired faster than bolt-actions, but I have little need or want for fast. The AR I prefer over my other two is the A4 version with fixed stock, 20" barrel, and aperture sight. Just can't see the alleged advantage of a 16"(?) barrel on a long gun. I found ARs to be "niche" guns rather than versatile ones.

I tried about ten factory ammos right after purchasing my Colt ARs. Aside from two expensive match ammos, I found the bulk stuff to be a waste of time and money if you want something accurate. My handloads have been far better. For those who like to shoot cheap factory bulk ammo or handloads lacking adequate load development with accuracy being a secondary factor, ARs may be among the best choices, though I do know mine shot accurately with the right handloads.

 

[rockquarry]

I bet you get invited to all sorts of parties..............................

As a matter of fact....sold my boat in 1975.

 

[TheTinMan]

I ordered an M1A Scout in November of 2008. To my surprise, it came in February of 2009. It took some fiddling and handloads to consistently get 1 MOA. A good friend is a Marine (retired), and he insisted that it was the ultimate “battle rifle”. I like the rifle for what it is but frankly prefer an accurate bolt action or an AR-10 that has so many more options for optics mounting and accessories.

In addition to the Springfield Armory M1A, I also have an LRB M25 which has scope rails built into the receiver with a high quality match barrel. Again, great for what it is but heavy. It is significantly easier to build an accurate AR-10.

 

[67tempest]

My older brother had one built by SA in the late 70's using all NOS GI National Match parts, beautiful rifle. When my older brother got bored with it my father ended up with it. My younger brother got it when my father passed. I told my brother if he ever decided to part with it I'd buy it from him, he gave it to me. I'm now the fourth member of the family to own it, it's to nice of a rifle to let it go. I would never sell it and it will end up with one of my grandchildren when I pass.

 

[Muley Gil]

I have an early SOCOM version. It's a good shooter, even with the 16" barrel.

 

[Harv 24]

Gotta have pics...I would not want to carry it all day, but it still makes me smile when I shoot it.

10 rds of 147 gr Hirtenburger ball off the bench. I bought that ammo in the 90's when you could get a 1000 rd wooden crate for $200 shipped. it was early 80's ammo. Still shoots great.

 

[Bayou52]

Here’s my M1A story in a nutshell:

Bought a National Match in 1988. Was self-employed at the time and never got around to using it.

Receiver is Springfield and bolt is marked “TRW” on the top. Never loaded it, fired it or even removed the trigger tag which is still attached. Will just continue to keep it in the box for now!

Lee Emerson published an article about rifles in the serial number range of the one I have:

"042201 to 063000 This is the serial number range that I refer to as the Golden Age of the M1A. The receiver design had fully matured by this time. The receivers were hand finished by the original designer and master craftsman, Melvin Smith. Springfield Armory, Inc. was awash in USGI parts during this period. Thus, factory built standard model M1A rifles in this serial number range were built with a very high USGI parts count."

I'm still going to hold onto it. It's like an old friend...

Bayou52

 

[ajaxinfinitum]

I was inquiring about Springfield M1A's. Are these not considered decent rifles?

Absolutely!
M1A/M14 National Match 22", M14 Scout Squad 18".; M14 Tanker 16".

Be aware of what is behind your target! Deer and Elk have been shot through.

1975, the M14, the Garand and the 8mm Mauser are my first long range rifles,what I learned to shoot with at 12,000 ft. Uintahs. A MAG 11/Force recon Marine uncle was my instuctor.
At the age of 7, the iron/wood butts were a real turn off...why and when, I fell in love... with my mother's .243!

 

[Blueandnickel]

Bought a National Match and a Socom II about fifteen years ago. Never got around to shooting either one. Par for the course.

 

[walkin' trails]

I don’t own one but have fired a few. They mane a NM version chambered in 6.5 Creedmore. That one is an absolute sweetheart to shoot. Not that .308 recoil impulse is all that bad in an M1A, but the 6.5 is even more pleasant.

 

[DixieRanger]

Bought one long ago. Love it. Put on a GI fiberglass stock and GI sling. As a buddy called it 'a manly riflle'. Used in 'Iron Man Matches over the years. Bought lot of surplus ammo when NATO countries lerifle. Also picked up lot of military mags and during the '94 ban made a handsome profit at gun show. Put the walnut stock back on along with proper leather sling. Great rifle...

 

[TheTinMan]

M1A Scout 18” barrel. Ultimak rail (SAI rail stinks) with Leupold FX II 2.5x scout scope. The scope is so low I have lower 1/3 co-witness of the sights.

 

[cowboy94916]

I bought my 1st M1a a Standard grade with a match barrel in 1984 a pre golden era gun. I started shooting Service Rifle matches at that time and got hooked. I shot it for two years and returned it to Springfield to be rebuilt and upgraded to national match, with a Kreiger barrel.
While it was off to Springfield I aquired a friends National match that was a golden era gun lightly used. You always need a backup. About the same time, my gun dealer takes in another Standard grade, golden era gun, surprize, it followed me home.
Needless to say, another one followed me home during the golden era, this time a Supermatch with a Douglas barrel which I shot till I broke a roller on the bolt. While it was being repaired at Springfield, I had them rebarrel it to a Kreiger. I never got to shoot it after it came back. I aquired a postban supermatch in 2000, while my first was at springfield being repaired. I shot these rifles in competition achieving Master class. I was just about to reach high master, when i suffered a back injury in 2003 ending my competition days.
I sold my second national match back to the friend, who had sold it to me. My original National match went to a young shooter just starting out, as did my second supermatch. I still retain my standard loaded m1a and my krieger barreled supermatch, as yet unfired since its return. I am hoping one of my kids or grandkids takes up highpower and would want to use it.
Harv 24 is 100% correct on the Hirtenburger surplus ammo. Back in the day it was cheap and accurate. I fired many 1000's of rounds in matches on reduced course matches and at the shorter ranges across the course. I think I have about 200 rounds left. Wish i could find a lot more for similar reasonable prices, havent looked in a long time.

I really loved the Springfield M1a and the customer service was and is superb. You can't go wrong with one.

 

[dsf]

Still the greatest service rifle extant, IMO. What impressed me most about the rifle in 1969 Basic Training was is between-the-hands balance akin to a fine shotgun. Making a target rifle out of it with heavy barrel and oversize stock spoils that, so consider what want out of it before buying. The stock 22" barrel remains the best length for an all-around field gun, and you won't have any problem hitting at 600 yards with a stock rifle. I competed with them on Army teams until I retired and have built or rebuilt several. Their reputation has diminished since Chinese rifles appeared, but the guy who can do magic for you with todays' available parts is my friend Ron Smith of Smith Enterprises.

Home - Smith Enterprise

Leader in weapons upgrades for over 40 years

www.smithenterprise.com

A Unertl on a M1A - opposites do attract!

I've had a few M1As from Springfield and always found the extractors a problem. The one in the Scout version was honestly unfinished and didn't work from the 1st shot. M14 or Garand extractors correct that, but it's disheartening to need spare parts on a +1K rifle.

 

[4896worker]

Bought a national match in 2002 . Good 1.5 inch gun . Took it dear hunting once shot two dear at a lasered yards. I would have not shot at such a long range but had practiced out to 400 yards.
The gun was heavy lots of respect for guys who had to carry it with all their other equipment in the military.

 

[KurtC]

I've owned several dozen over the last 40 years. Have 4 at the moment. I take care of about a dozen for local shooters, so I usually keep spare parts on hand.

Register over at m14forum.com

That's where most of us hang out.

 

[Dave Haynes]

When I arrived at my unit in VN 5/66 they handed me a box with a brand new H&R M14 with the switch, I qualified expert with the M14 in basic and had been a shooter of military rifles as a civilian. The M14 fit like a glove, One magazine with the switch on satisfies your curiosity and you'll never use it that way again. They are beautiful rifles and have an added bonus of being able to beat a man to death in no time.
They are very accurate and function clean or dirty without fail. I'd give my eyeteeth for that weapon now.

 

[REParker]

Can't speak about the military version or the Match version, but I like the SOCOM16 very much! Planned on it for feral hogs, which never became necessary, but I still like the way it shoots and appreciate its accuracy, as well as it's handling, being short and maneuverable. You could do way worse.

 

[S&WGunnut]

This is of no help to the inquiry, but I can't pass this up. I have a Super Match M1A built by Champions Choice. I worked up a load and the final result was a 1/4" group at 100yds. Three rounds 2 holes. I still have that target but retired from Hi-Power after not being able to hold a can of beer...I think they called it tendonitis. I have enjoyed this thread, lots of good stuff here.