M1A or Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle AND AK-47/AR-15
- Thread starter checkmyswag
- Start date
To be fair to the M1A, that's not really the case. This is all the M-16 was ever originally designed to be.
It was never designed to be a match gun. It was never designed to be scoped. It was never designed for free-float hand-guards. none of that was ever "part" of the original design.
and how many springs did you have to replace to keep it operating? You replaced several barrels are were still operating the same recoil and extractor spring? How many extractors?
Same extractor. However I might add, I bought the rifle in 1977, I started shooting for the NG, and in the early 80s I left it with Gene Barnett (Barnett Barrels, and armor for the NGB MTU) who converted it to a Heavy Match. I assume he replased the op guide spring when he put in a match spring guide.
But since then I haven't replaced any springs, extractors or anything else excluding barrels.
No barrel is going to hold up with the amount of rounds I put through it. Same with the sling, after years of use the leather slings get stretched.
None of the other internals, bolt, extractor, etc have been replaced. AND IT STILL SHOOTS TODAY.
The trick to NM M1A/M14 is not to take them out of the stock. There is no need, every thing that needs cleaned can be cleaned without removing the action from the stock.
checkmyswag
New member
I think I have come to terms with liking straight stocked rifles. I'm not in AKs and did the black rifle thing in the military. So really I'm looking at mini-14 (for a 223 non AR rifle), M1A and Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle for my 308 rifle. Haven't heard much encouragement in this thread for the GSR. It's around half the price of the M1A as is the mini-14.
If you are looking for a "do all" rifle, then its hard to beat the M1A with it's semi automatic operation. It provides for much faster follow up shots and it's staggered column magazines hold more ammo.
The Ruger Gunsite rifle is still a fine choice, but it's more limited in it's capabilities thanks to being a bolt action. The Ruger will be easier and cheaper to scope, as it had a picatinny rail in place for a scout scope and the rear sight can be removed to mount a tradition scope.
I own both the GSR and a M1A.
- the GSR is light & well thought out...great to hike with
- the M1A is a heavy battle rifle that is also well thought out and reliable
Both are chambered in 308...more barrel options for different intended uses for the M1A.
I don't think I could recommend 1 over the other, barring felt recoil (bolt is obviously a little stiffer) and budget issues.
- the GSR is light & well thought out...great to hike with
- the M1A is a heavy battle rifle that is also well thought out and reliable
Both are chambered in 308...more barrel options for different intended uses for the M1A.
I don't think I could recommend 1 over the other, barring felt recoil (bolt is obviously a little stiffer) and budget issues.
checkmyswag
New member
I appreciate the folks who say, "go shoot all of them then choose".
You guys must have some wealthy and well armed friends.
Maybe if I shot a M1A I'd "get" it. They seem extremely popular though pretty expensive.
You guys must have some wealthy and well armed friends.
Maybe if I shot a M1A I'd "get" it. They seem extremely popular though pretty expensive.
I've owned a couple of M1As, Garands, AR15s, and bolt rifles, though not the GSR.
I think a big factor is whether you want to use optics down the road. If so, the bolt action and AR are better suited for that.
While I like the M1 family, I prefer the two gun approach for all around utility and convenience and cost. Anything for the M1A is going to cost a lot more than the AR or bolt. Mounts, parts, barrels, mags, ammo. And it will be heavier. Lots heavier.
The AR has excellent iron sights, is cheap to shoot and can have excellent accuracy. It is better suited for most home defense purposes. A bolt action, not just the GSR, is much lighter to carry in the hills, can shoot a wider range of velocities/ammo, and is cheaper and easier to scope and will be more compact as well. You won't need abunch of high capacity mags for the bolt since you would have the AR. You can get an accurate Savage bolt rifle with scope for a fraction of an equivalent M1A setup.
As a lover of the M1/M1A it pains me to say it. I think a bolt rifle and AR is a more handy, versatile, and cost effective combination. But if I only had an M1 rifle I could still be happy!
I think a big factor is whether you want to use optics down the road. If so, the bolt action and AR are better suited for that.
While I like the M1 family, I prefer the two gun approach for all around utility and convenience and cost. Anything for the M1A is going to cost a lot more than the AR or bolt. Mounts, parts, barrels, mags, ammo. And it will be heavier. Lots heavier.
The AR has excellent iron sights, is cheap to shoot and can have excellent accuracy. It is better suited for most home defense purposes. A bolt action, not just the GSR, is much lighter to carry in the hills, can shoot a wider range of velocities/ammo, and is cheaper and easier to scope and will be more compact as well. You won't need abunch of high capacity mags for the bolt since you would have the AR. You can get an accurate Savage bolt rifle with scope for a fraction of an equivalent M1A setup.
As a lover of the M1/M1A it pains me to say it. I think a bolt rifle and AR is a more handy, versatile, and cost effective combination. But if I only had an M1 rifle I could still be happy!
Tucker 1371
New member
M1A all the way, I've shot M16A2/A4s, M4s, AR15s, and some AKs and for me the only thing thats more fun to shoot than my M1A Scout is a belt fed weapon which are hard to come by for $1500 (ok more like impossible).
Best investment I've ever made in a firearm hands down.
Best investment I've ever made in a firearm hands down.
Don't forget to take a good look at the new Colt MT6700 (or a version by any number of other good manufacturers)
- 20" barrel
- long sight radius
- std peep / post sights
- removable carry handle / option to mount optics to the flat top
As much as I like the M14 / M1A, the one above will be terribly enjoyable, cheaper to feed and give less recoil.
- 20" barrel
- long sight radius
- std peep / post sights
- removable carry handle / option to mount optics to the flat top
As much as I like the M14 / M1A, the one above will be terribly enjoyable, cheaper to feed and give less recoil.
