Springfield M1a

[xHUSKERx]

So I have been in the market for a 308 semi auto from some time and have been holding off on buying because i cant decide between the ar platform or the m1a. I love the m1a because of its history and the overall look, so I cam across a deal from a local shop and I want some thoughts on it.

Slight used m1a "loaded edition" (said only 1 box through it)
scope mount
10 mags
and he will install the mount and scope i have
Price: 1500$

this is making me want to buy the m1a with this kind of deal..thoughts?

 

[Dennis The B]

I own both platforms; M1A National Match (ca 1990), and a Panther Arms LR308. Both are great rifles. My favorite platform, however, is the M1A. Not for any sentimental, or esthetic reasons, but because it's a slightly better platform for my purposes. The LR308 does have a slight edge in accuracy, but I'd hate to have to choose.

 

[Cyrano]

I have a match grade M1A. My scores went up a bit over the National Match Course (highpower), when I switched from a Winchester M70 target in 308.I don't have a 308 caliber AR, but my M1A is posibly the most ergonomic rifle I own. It's a joy to shoulder and shoot. I have a Colt M4 carbine, it's nowhere near as ergonomic.

 

[Bob R]

I have a IDF Sniper M1A and an Armalite AR10. If I were going to get rid of one of them, the AR 10 would be the one to go.

bob

 

[Cdog]

The M1A platform is classic walnut and steel. Nothing matches the feel of the M1. The AR, well it's just another AR ain't it?

I've owned several of both, loved both, and yes detested both at one time or another.

I'm a handloader and the M1A is rougher on brass than anything short of an H&K that I've ever owned. If you're planning to load for your next .30 cal. do your homework.

I now own only two AR platform selfloaders. Case life is excellent. Both use the LR/SR25 platform. Their performance and accuracy are superb. Another bonus, reliable magazines are very affordable for this platform.

The AR ain't got the class of the M1A, but for many like me they're just a more sensible choice.

 

[dmar]

That sounds like a good deal to me. The 10 mags and scope mount add a lot of value to the deal. I believe just the rifle would be around the $1,500 price point. The "Loaded" is a nice set up; an accurate and good quality rifle.

 

[Haldir]

I also have an M1A and a .308 AR (M&P 10). The M1A is just a joy to shoot.

 

[oneflycowboy]

I have a L1A1, G3, DPMS LR308, and a M1a (SOCOM 16)

The M1a is rugged and versatile. Magazines are plentiful for the M1a.

Resale value is good as well.

 

[islamoradamark]

i think its a good deal

 

[JDW250]

I wouldn't be afraid of making that deal. The only problem with my M1A is I don't shoot it enough. Mmmm, what should I do today on my day off?

 

[ACP230]

I have had a Springfield M1A for quite a while.
It's the most consistently accurate rifle I own.
It was a match shooters spare rifle and has had some
bedding done.
I did my best shooting in NRA Highpower matches with it.
If I was in the market I would go for the deal you have found.

I loaded match and practice ammo for it and did not find it real hard on brass.

 

[Bat Guano]

Love mine but iron sights don't work for me anymore. Went to an optic on the M1A but it added considerable weight and the ergonomics are not great then. Currently working up an M&P10 which has promise.

I found the M1A no different to load good ammo for than the M1, and no harder on brass.

Great rifles.

 

[Cdog]

Google search M1A brass life.

Case head separation can be expected after three or four loadings.

Yours may be an exception, but I started retiring brass after three firings from any M1A.

 

[zzzippper]

You can get one new on GB for $1399 but you have to figure in shipping and transfer. But I it might indicate that you can do better locally.

I love the M1A but have never scoped one. I can't afford an AR platform.

 

[BigBill]

The prices on the M1a/M14 has gone up so much lately. I been wanting for one for a while.

I was browsing and found an awesome deal on an orginal Chinese norinco m14S for $750. With some free trades I had I was OTD for $371. It appears to be shot but very little. I repairid the loose OP rod guide block using the 620 cylindrical picture and repinned it with the next larger pin.
I picked up the national match OP rod spring guide and the wolf heavy duty OP rod spring. She headspace on the low side so now it's ready to test fire.
The chrome lined bore and chamber look excellent. The receiver is made from 5100 forged steel. I picked up a scopemount and bushnell scope that has the bullet drop compisation out to 500 yards when we dope the scope so there is no error.

If I like it I may do a complete build with a forged receiver with all the Goodies in the future. I always wanted a tricked out one.

My new Russian Izmash Saiga in 308win with a 16" barrel using surplus south African 308 ball ammo will shoot 1 1/2" groups @ 100 yards constantly with no scope benchrested. For the $289 NIB price tag that's not too shabby. This brand new Russian ak/akm rifle is no joke.
The Russians focused on making the saigas the most accurate of the ak/akm rifles. The saigas are a tad more accurate in 223 & 308 than the Russian calibers are. They think it's the design of our brass case. This one will get no scope. But my 22" barreled Saiga in 308 will be scoped with the same bushnell BDC scope my m14 has.

The BDC option takes the guess work out of the longer shots. You use a range finder and dope the scope.

My CETME G3 in 308 was accurate but I hated the charging handle.

I don't care for the AR platform. I can't own one here anyway.

I lived the Saiga with moly and it smoothed out the action and the trigger feels awesome. It feels like a more expensive gun. The Saiga is a great buy. It's a "brand new Russian ak/akm rifle" not someone's butcheeed rework. I refused to own the used battered, poor fitted ak' s.
When I seen the brand new Russian made ak/akm I jumped on them.