C'mon, guys, you've GOT to help me!

S

Steve Smith

New member
I'm really stuck, and there's a huge gun show tomorrow. I want either a Springfield "loaded" M1A or an Armalite AR-10A4. I want it for long range shooting (scoped) and I want it to be very reliable, too. If I could be assured that the AR-10 would be reliable, I'd get it, as I like it a little better, but I'm not sure. This is so hard!
 
My personal preference would be the M1A because I like that style better then the "AR" look. Both are sweet shooters. What do you consider "long range shooting"?
 
Had the same problem awhile back (nice problem to have :) )tring to pick out a semi auto battle style rifle. Lucky for me my rifle club has many kind members. After asking lots of questions and can of ammo firing a few different style rifles I picked....Does it matter? You say you like the AR-10 alittle better;get it. Just make your choice after doing as much hands-on research as possible. Really I ended up with a M1A. Less costly mags(5,10,20rds) than some,great iron sights, easy to change stock(wooden,glass,match,folding and pistol grip) easy on/off scope mounts and a very good shooter even in its basic form. The great truth about the choice you face is that it is really hard to get a bad rifle if you stick to the main stream builders (no Fed Ord M14s etc). Have fun shopping and take your time. Don't let the money burn a hole in your pocket.

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Be careful what you ask for..You may get it.
An unloaded pistol is a paperweight.
 
Potential for accuracy and maintaining accuracy is far easier and greater with the AR-10 type action.

First, it is a gas impingement action. Since it has fewer operating parts than the M14 system, there are fewer parts which must behave consistently. Simply put, fewer things to ruin harmonics. Second, with exception of the Front Sight mounting unit (which is necessary for the gas tube), the barrel is pretty much free floated. On the M14, you're always going to have to contend with the fit between the stock and (hopefully unitized) gas cylinder assembly. While the M14 has a one piece stock (greater stability than a two piece design), this is offset by the nature of its material if it is wood (wood swells and is affected by humidity). The AR-10 is simply an easier gun to service and shoot.

Another problem with the M14 is that isn't the easiest target rifle to upkeep. Bedding can become worn and it may require rebedding. There is also some dispute whether it is better to field strip it after each range trip (and thereby torque it down afterwards to a set poundage) or clean it in its assembled form.

Don't get me wrong. The M14 is a wonderful rifle. It just isn't optimal for a target gun. A major advantage enjoyed by the M14 over the AR is magazine cost.

Now, if I had the $, I would have bought an SR-25 or AR-10. Now, both can't be had in Kali. :(
 
i went with the M1A because my friend let me fire his and he always talked about how relible these are. they are very very fine weapons and built tough, not to brag but i have fired over 3000 rounds through mine with no malfuctions. usally at a shooting session i will shoot 150-200 rounds.
good luck with what ever you chose.
 
Fewer moving parts which affect the operation. No gas piston, op rod, op rod spring, op rod spring guide. Op rod is critical to lockup, unlocking, timing on M1. Gas Piston must fit and can affect op rod's operation.
 
I love my M1A. Shoots really good and I haven't had any problems. With it. I think like everyone says, no matter which way you go, you will be happy. If you are looking to avoid potential Assault Weapons bans, you might want to go with the M1A.
 
Frontsight! - I have both M1A and AR-15 type firearms. I've never fired an AR-style firearm in .308, but don't see why there would be any disadvantage as compared to the .223 caliber.

My M1A is match-built on a custom graphite/kevlar stock, aluminum bedding, krieger barrel, match sights, trigger, op rod and reamed/tuned flash hider. I'm able to place 2.5 to 3 inch groups with Federal Match 168 grainers at 300 meters with iron sights, bench rested - and seriously, I'm not that great a shot!

I really find pleasure in both of my firearms, so I recommend you go with what makes you happy. Either will do.

Noban

[This message has been edited by Noban (edited September 08, 2000).]
 
Since you are definitely going to use a scope, go with the AR-10, whichever flat-top upper you prefer. I have an M-14 clone but use only the match grade iron sights that came with it. I don't really like the M-14 scope mounting systems and believe you'll be better served with the AR style rifle.
 
riverdog brings up a good point about scope mounting systems. The aluminum Springfield Inc. ART II scope mount system isn't good (AL walks) and about the best there is is the steel Brookfield Precision mount. I haven't seen the Brookfield clones (one by Smith Enterprise and I think there's another by Enterprise Arms) and can't comment on them.

Trouble is that the Brookfield costs about $225! Further, once it's mounted, you shouldn't remove it. Scoping on a flat top AR-10 is a much easier proposition (and less costly).
 
Get both! :D

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John/az
"When freedom is at stake, your silence is not golden, it's yellow..." RKBA!

See The Legacy of Gun Control film at: www.cphv.com

Do it for the children...
 
I've had them both and the M1A is gone because of scope mount problems and the trigger assembly that your not supposed to remove very often as it is the weak link in the gun. The AR10T may be the answer.

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"In my opinion, anyone pushing through anti-gun legislation is a bloody traitor and should be sent up for treason" N.H. Stuart
 
I'ld go with the M1A - mostly because of the AR designation in the nomenclature of the other rifle...
Also - the SR-25 is while similar to the AR10, can offer you some more options.

Other rifles in this class:
FAL, HK 91.

Between all the above - I'ld go with an FAL from DSA. Talk about options! That and with the money you save on these other rifles you can put into a better scope.
 
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