I've thought about the M1A scout's for a long time, and I may be making the move. I like the .308, the overall length, the ability to put a 2-7 power scope on or off without adjusting iron sights, history of the M1 & M14, etc. I just always liked the rifles and always have.
The model in particular that I'd prefer is this new tan version mostly because of what I'd consider to be a better recoil pad. Honestly though if it saved me $100 or more, I'd get the all black stock or even the mossy oak it's really not a big deal to me. Unless someone knows a good reason to chose one stock over the other that I'm not aware of, it'd be whatever the best deal is on them.
For mags, I'm always heard the check mates are the ones to get and they seem to be around $25 each online and that kinda sucks, but if they last forever then I'm ok with making the investment.
For ammo, I'm thinking I'd just run the cheapest I could find for plinking, put a stash of brass cased mil surp 150gr FMJ back for a rainy day, and I'd probably at least play with some match ammo at some point to see how much accuracy I could get out of the rifle.
At some point down the line I like the ability of putting a scope on with quick detach mounts when/if I get tired of iron sights. My plan would be to use the variable burris scout 2-7x scope since it also has a ballistic plex in the reticle and the lower and mid range power of the scope for near and far.
A lot of the ways this rifle looks to me just seems to make a lot of sense. With mags, ammo, optic etc it seems like a very useful package. With everything I've just mentioned in mind for any of you guys who have one of these M1A scouts do you see anywhere that I may be wrong on my expectations on the rifle? Do you have any recommendations like trigger jobs, upgraded parts, different stock or whatever? Anyone have a recommendation for a place to buy one or the mags for one?