Looking for a new Supermatch M1A used

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PlumberCharlie

Inactive
I don't mind buying new, but I thought someone might have certified SM M1A, they might want to pass on that would be taken to expert open site NRA.
Im a beginner, but her and I will get there.
 
Don't want to discourage you, but if you're looking on making it in high power these days you should go to the AR.

Don't get me wrong, I got my distinguished badge with the M1A, but now days they are as rare as hens teeth in Service Rifle Matches.

You can get a target grade AR for about 1/3 to 1/2 the price of an used M1A.

I got mine in '77 as a standard grade new for $295. I was shooting for the Guard so their Armors converted it to a Super Match on the Governments dime and still shoot it today, but my White Oak AR Service rifle is easier and cheaper to shoot.

I love the M1A/M14, but you just don't see them in the winner's circle now days
 
I have 3 M1 Garand National Match rifles. I have a current production Springfield M1A National Match. Two of the former are for sale but not the latter. They are not cheap. I have a standing offer of $7k for the pair of Garands if I decide to sell them.
 
Looking for a new Supermatch M1A used.
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Dude, if it's a "used" SM M1A, then by definition it can't be a "new" SM M1A.

That said, my SM is a mid-'80s build by Glenn Nelson for Springfield Armory. Back in those days, you had a real experienced former mil armorer putting the SMs together.

Old but obligatory pic below. I've since removed the mount & scope, and shoot it with the irons.



Mine's got a heavy-weight Douglas barrel and uses TRW parts (like the bolt). Serial # 0384XX dates to July '86. The barrel also has "SM" stamped on it. NM front & rear sights. The trigger has no creep in the take-up and the let-off is best described as a "glass-reed" break. Nice wood too, although it's acquired some dings and scratches.

On sites like GunJoker, Glen Nelson-era SMs are going for well north of $3000. Last one I saw, the seller dude wanted something like $3300-$3400. Serial # on his SM was slightly higher than mine. Was definitely shot too. Probably saw an a$$-ton of Match use.

Don't know if he got the price he was asking.
 
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If you have your heart set on being a 1980's Highpower re-enactor, find a NM. The price difference will buy you a modest pile of good ammo (or reloading gear). It's a pound lighter, isn't so poorly balanced, and is much closer to a decent general purpose rifle whereas the SM is pretty much a one-trick-pony.

Watch gunbroker and m14tfl.com. Get a decent round count or throat erosion (TE) measurement; lots of high mileage rifles out there. A match barrel will start losing the edge at 600yds in the 4000-6000rd range, maybe a little more for a cut barrel like the Kreiger.
 
Just about any full size version of the M1A can be made to shoot. Don't necessarily pass on a rifle simply because it's not a supermatch. One of mine started life as a parts kit. Finding a used rifle with low round count may also be difficult. A low serial number receiver might be a premium but the latest versions are good. It should be remembered that they can be upgraded. A good M1/M14 armorer can make even the plain jane rifle shoot. Enjoy whatever you end up with. They're one of the finest rifles on the planet.
 
even if it has a high round count its no big deal, you can get good match barrels pretty reasonable and they aren't hard to put on.

I've shot the crap out of mine when I was shooting for the Guard, and working for my Dist.Badge.

It's serial number is 0068XX. It was originally a standard grade but as I mentioned it was converted to a SM by Gene Barnet (Barnet Barrells) when he was an armor for the NGMTU.

Its been shot a lot, but the only thing I replaced was a few barrels and some stretched out slings.

The puppy still shoots.

M1A%20_1_.jpg
 
I got a Colt Competition CSR/CRX with bull barrel in 5.56 assembled in Austin, TX. Cost right at about $1,000. They are made for competition and bare the Colt name.
 
Thanks for the response

I ended up purchasing a Marlin .22/ no scope. Took it to the 100 yr. range here in Garland, TX( the guys workin were very hospitable and friendly..informative, but were quick to refer to a specialist on some questions) and had a blast... with the help from a guy named Jeff( lettin me know it had elevation adjustment) I was able to hit the bullseye quite a bit.The problem I was having w/ the .22 is the blade for the site is too thick..at a 100 yrds. it covered the bullseye completely..couldnt even see it.. lol/ also spent a little on a Remmington .45 1911 R1..very smooth handgun..seems to be very nicely tight, but not too tight..fun gun to shoot. Thanks guys..gonna walk first..:)
 
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