M1A Discussions

[C.H.U.D.]

isnt a M1A .308

 

[SSGSAD]

C.H.U.D. Yes I believe it is !!!!!

 

[Lex Concord]

isnt a M1A .308

In a nutshell, that depends.

M14s, the full-auto capable original, were chambered in 7.62x51 or "7.62 NATO", but most folks (including Springfield Armory) use the calibers interchangably. I know they used to chamber them specifically in 7.62 NATO, but I seem to remember hearing that they are now a true .308 (since the early '90s or so).

If you want the full techno-geek break down on the differences from some guys who have forgotten more about the M1A than I will likely ever know, check out Walt Kuleck and Clint McKee's takes over at Futon-Armory.com.

That said, I did a double take as I am one of the few people I know that frets over such differences (surprised, right ).

 

[Cemetery-man]

I believe all the ones I looked at at the LGS were .308. Almost picked one up. Had the money, had the rifle in hand but opted for an AR 15X instead.

 

[x10]

M1a's are a whole nother passion While the AR pops along the m1a lets you know when it goes off and lets you know when it hits,

If you are looking and its too good of price it probably is too good, there are some parts guns out there, Norinco's are some of the brands looked down upon for the receiver stretching over time and rounds

 

[wabash]

some M1A's were made in other calibers. saw a .243 M1A for sale once

 

[Barry in IN]

SA catalogged them in .243 and .358 Winchester in the mid to late 80s. I've seen a few .243s, but no .358s (which would be very neat, I think). I'm pretty sure there were some Super Match models made in .243, which would give you a heavy barrel.

I would think just about anything based on that case would work- .260 Rem, 7mm-08, etc, just like Garands have been made in .270, 338-06, 35 Whelen, etc with a barrel change (and other calibers with more work).

 

[wtfd661]

M1A in .308 is definitely on my must buy list in the future.

 

[Leadeye]

Bought mine in 1980. A fine rifle.

 

[M107]

I have 2 M1A's and both are .308. Several years ago they made them in one or two other calibers I think but right now only offer them in .308

 

[MinuteMan47]

I've got a SOCOM 16, .308 - One of my favorites! But a step up would be a REPR !

 

[turnandshoot4]

You know minuteman47, that is why I am selling one of my M1A's. I love the rifle platform too much to sell both, but I want taht REPR pretty badly.

 

[MinuteMan47]

Yeah, with a price tag upwards of $4k I would really have to pinch pennies for a LONG time.

 

[bigdaddy1427]

I have a friend that has one in .260, and it a tack driver. Mine is a factory built Springfield National Match from the mid 80's. It only has about 500 rounds through it, and is still as nice as the day it was made. It does not have the rear bedding lug or the big, heavy stock.

 

[Lock n Load]

Here is the standard reply from SAInc concerning ammo in their M1As:

We would recommend 168 grain Federal Match or Black Hills ammunition for the best accuracy.
You can use .308 factory ammunition made to SAAMI spec.
You can also use 7.62 x 51 military surplus ammunition with the NATO stamp on it.
You can use anywhere from 147-180 grain ammunition – nothing over 180 grain.
Thank you for your interest in Springfield.
Enjoy the day!
Best regards,
Patti Boyer
Customer Service Rep.
Springfield Inc.
800-680-6866, Ext. 8924
Email: patti@springfield-armory.com

You can also email Patti for info. on your SAInc M1As based on the serial #....

My M1As all get a steady diet of mil-spec 7.62mm or my handloads.

 

[kedie]

I have an M1A Standard. I've fired both 168gr .308 and 147gr 7.62NATO with no problems.

 

[tenring]

I had my standard worked over by a Master Armorer from Crane, very accurate with 175SMK, but use surplus 173 gr. M72 bullets [have a bunch of those] for fun shooting, load to the old M118 MV.