M1A?

[DCM8513]

If you were going to purchase an M1A, which model would you get and why? The 18" or 22" barrel version. Thanks.

 

[Colt556]

I guess like most firearms purchases it would depend on what you wanted to do with it. I have both and like em both. The Super Match is an excellent rifle for target and long range shooting and the Scout is great for plinking, casual target shooting and for SHTF scenarios. The Scout is much easier to handle and carry in the field as well.

 

[223 Gunner]

Both if you can swing it.

 

[singlesix]

22 because length does matter ... seriously .. 22 because I'd shoot long distance open sight and I like the longer sight plane.

 

[sig1473]

Forgot one. 16" Socom.

 

[DCM8513]

so how much difference in accuracy between an 18" and a 22" say out to about 500 yds? If its not much id think the less weight would be ideal.

 

[SaintsNSinners]

Socoms are commercial junk... they look nice but very few USGI parts...

Go for older serial numbered M1A's.. you want USGI parts..

check this link towards the bottom to find out what parts might be in your M1A

M1A rifle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[SaintsNSinners]

so how much difference in accuracy between an 18" and a 22" say out to about 500 yds? If its not much id think the less weight would be ideal.

Also if your close by to the southside I have a 22'' EBR you are more than welcome to try out

 

[pokersamurai]

In my mind, the M1a is not a gun I would use to clear a building with. However, It is a rifle I would use to take a long rang precise shot.

So in my opinion I would get the longest barrel I could for the increases sight radius and velocity, both of which will help downrange performance.

 

[KillStick]

I prefer the 22 but I also prefer the wood stock call me old school like that.

 

[red_zr24x4]

From what I've read the 18" is actually the best one to get. Having said that, I've got a standard (22") in a wood stock that I wouldn't get rid of.
As far as the GI parts, you have to get one before about 1990.
Check out M14 Forum - M14 Forum for M14 M1A Rifles for anything you want to know about the M14/M1A platform

 

[clayshooter99]

My opinion is the minimum to start with is the "loaded" model, not a lot more money but several upgraded features and parts.

 

[sig1473]

Socoms are commercial junk... they look nice but very few USGI parts...

Go for older serial numbered M1A's.. you want USGI parts..

check this link towards the bottom to find out what parts might be in your M1A

M1A rifle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hmmm....that is strange because my M1A Socom II came with USGI parts including the trigger housing. That is kind of bad information to pass along if it isn't true.

 

[DCM8513]

If I were to get the 18" version and not like it, can u easily buy a 22" barrel and swap them out?

 

[Thumper]

Hmmm....that is strange because my M1A Socom II came with USGI parts including the trigger housing. That is kind of bad information to pass along if it isn't true.

True mine has some GI parts also.

 

[Colt556]

If I were to get the 18" version and not like it, can u easily buy a 22" barrel and swap them out?

A barrel change would require a gunsmith or a person experienced with the platform. Not something a kitchen table gunsmith can do. I took the plastic stock, scope mount and cut hand guard off my Scout and put the rifle in a nice oiled walnut stock with matching hand guard. Now to change out the flash hider and it'll be done.

 

[sig1473]

If I were to get the 18" version and not like it, can u easily buy a 22" barrel and swap them out?

You could but it is not going to be easy unless you have a LOT of experience working on M1As.

 

[edporch]

If you were going to purchase an M1A, which model would you get and why? The 18" or 22" barrel version. Thanks.

The good old basic M14 rife is hard to beat!

For my FIRST ONE, I'd buy the full length 22" barrel, and do my best to buy one that has AS MANY USGI M14 parts as possible.

You'll likely have to look for a good used one, as the new ones tend to have commercial parts in them.

 

[Redtbird]

Here's what mine looks like with an M-14 stock, and a milspec flash suppressor and a USGI sling on it.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=6791&pictureid=27245

 

[red_zr24x4]

My opinion is the minimum to start with is the "loaded" model, not a lot more money but several upgraded features and parts.

That just depends, My wood stock standard came with a NM front sight and a NM flash hider.