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12/16/2002 9:56:52 AM EDT
Looking to buy a Springfield M1A soon. I wanted to get some honest-to-goodness thoughts on the rifle (and it's variants). I was looking at the "Squad Scout" version, mostly because I'm a small framed guy and I appreciate the shorter barrel. All comments are welcome. Thanks in advance.

Also, looking at the "Loaded" Springfield Operator in a blued finish. No, I don't want a Colt, or a Kimber. Already own a Para...(C6.45 LDA)
12/16/2002 10:08:30 AM EDT
[#1]
I picked up a loaded M1A with a NM SS barrel in 1996 or 1997.  This weapon was perfect right out of the box.  Picked up a bunch of extras including the scope mount.
Mounted a cheap scope and zeroed it.  Using Fed Match ammo would consistantly shoot 0.5 MOA.
I never have had any problem.  The scope mount is finikie, and you must check the tightness of the locking nut often when shooting.
Excellent iron sights
I found it to be an excellent weapon, superior to any FAL, and it will give a bolt gun a run for its money.
DA
12/16/2002 10:18:37 AM EDT
[#2]
I have always wanted an M1A and this past year I finally got one.  I decided to get the standard M1A with the unissued GI stock.

I can't tell you how pleased I am with the rifle.  I agree 100% with Darkangle, mine has also been flawless and the iron sights are great.  Just the feel and sound the rifle makes gets me going!!  I did at one time have a Gunsouth FN-FAL import and the M1A feels and shoots better, but is is bigger.

I am not condidering getting a scope mount and scoping the rifle for deer hunting.  Of all the guns I own, without a doubt, my M1A is the one.  My only regret, I did not get one sooner!!!  Now if I can only figure out how to swing getting the SS M1A "Loaded" with Laminated stock :)
12/16/2002 10:21:01 AM EDT
[#3]
EDIT FOR TYPO:  I am now considering getting a scope and mount...
12/16/2002 11:40:38 PM EDT
[#4]
I too wanted a M1A, more than life itself it seemed. Then I bought my AR-10 & all of the sudden I saw the light! Recoil is minimal, accuracy is incredible.

This is by no means a slam on the M1A, I still hope to someday own one. I have a Garand, Carbine & AR-15 so I need the M1A to fill in the gap in service rifles I own. >gg<

But I in no way regret buying the AR-10 before the M1A.

As for the Springfield 1911, I have a basic govt model. First thing I did was have the gunsmith replace the shitty two-piece barrel with a good Wilson barrel. Shoots like a NM gun now.
12/17/2002 2:25:54 PM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:

As for the Springfield 1911, I have a basic govt model. First thing I did was have the gunsmith replace the shitty two-piece barrel with a good Wilson barrel. Shoots like a NM gun now.



What do you mean by two-piece barrel? My little Para strips down almost exactly like my H&K USP, with the addition of the barrel bushing. It's not like the *gasp* Charles Daly I USED to own. (Thank goodness I got rid of that one at a decent price.) Just curious as to what you mean.
12/18/2002 10:00:54 AM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:

What do you mean by two-piece barrel? Just curious as to what you mean.




As I understand it, SA takes their barrels & welds them to their chamber sections. The result is less than perfect alignment.

A one-piece barrel is exactly that & thus alignment is much much better.

FWIW, Brownells sells SA barrels for $65 or so. A "good" Wilson, Nowlin, etc. barrel goes for $150 & up. One almost always gets what one pays for, IMO.
12/18/2002 10:09:54 AM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:
I picked up a loaded M1A with a NM SS barrel in 1996 or 1997.  This weapon was perfect right out of the box.  Picked up a bunch of extras including the scope mount.
Mounted a cheap scope and zeroed it.  Using Fed Match ammo would consistantly shoot 0.5 MOA.
I never have had any problem.  The scope mount is finikie, and you must check the tightness of the locking nut often when shooting.
Excellent iron sights
I found it to be an excellent weapon, superior to any FAL, and it will give a bolt gun a run for its money.
DA



DA--Do you find the M1A too heavy?  Did you order it directly from SA, or did go through an FFL?  I've been torn between the M1A and a bolt action for a year now.
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