Springfield Armory - M1A - opinions needed - I think I'm in love.

W

Warm Bore

New member
Hello all,

Just handled my first M1A from Springfield Armory at my local shop. I think I'm in love. Been trying to decide on my first battle rifle (I'm mostly a pistol guy). I think this might be the one. Anyway, I need your opinions. They had three versions two full-size, one with wood stock and one with synthetic stock. They also had the Scout version. It had a shorter barrel but had a scope rail mounted. It was also $200 more. The standard versions were $1200. Is this a good price? Is this a good rifle? Should I get, Scout version or standard version? Wood stock or synthetic stock? Good and bad reviews appreciated.

Thanks for all the help,

Warm Bore
 
I saw the synthetic for a grand flat at a gun show. A dealer I know who charges +10% was charging $1100, so the $1K one was pretty much at cost.

Scout version - dunno.

If you think you're in love now, just wait until you shoot it. . . . .


Battler.
 
That's a pretty average price around here for a standard model, at least for the wood stocked one...the synthetic stocked one should be $100 less. However, for arond $1200-$1250, you can get a synthetic stocked "loaded" model...it would be worth the extra $$$.

There are a lot of detractors of the Springfield M1A. Not here, but on the M14/M1A Collector's Forum. They badmouth the M1A all the time...however, so far I'm pleased with mine. I had something wrong with mine and Springfield is taking care of it under warrantee. I'll post everything that's happened when I get it back (3 weeks I'm guessing) The bottom line is that Springfield has been really great with me on this (and on a SA pistol) return, and they do a great job. You may have to send the rifle in because of a problem, but it'll be fixed without argument for your lifetime. that's what I like about Springfield.

I thought the Scout was cheaper?
 
skip the scout model and get the loaded version. With the loaded version, you'll be able to compete in CMP/NRA service rifle competitions, if you so desire. Also the scout model will have a LOT more muzzle blast.

Love my M1A.

M1911
 
M1A

Warm Bore,

The M1A is one of the finest rifles ever made. An excellent reproduction of one of the greatest battle rifles ever produced! Last Thanksgiving I had to choose between an HK SL8-1 or a Springfield "loaded" M1A, both priced in the same ballpark of 1300~1400 bucks. I opted for the HK due to SB23. It wasn't till a little more than a year later that I purchased a used "loaded" M1A as a Christmas present unto myself. I like the H&K and absolutely have no regrets, but after shooting MY own M1A I found myself asking a single question. "How on earth could I have lived so long without one?"

I have a few other rifles, but there is just something about the M1A. No matter how you sheath this rifle, fiberglass, walnut, birch, wood-laminate, it'll amount to the same...beauty. Mine came with a NM walnut stock which I absolutely love, very thick in dimensions and beefy througout. However, I opted to purchase two brown GI fiberglass stocks from "Fred's M14 Stocks." The fiberglass is a lot tighter, and I have noticed that my groups tightened up. I plan to scope the rifle with a Tasco SS10x42 and ARMS#18 mount. Hopefully, after the optics I'll be able to wring more accuracy out of her.

$1200 is the going rate for a standard M1A, but I think you could do better. That is, unless you absolutely cannot wait to purchase that M1A then go for it!

Enjoy your future M1A!
Jim
 
Kind of a mix

The M1A's have new receivers, and depending on which model you buy, and when it was assembled by Springfield, Inc, they'll have either new reproduction or original USGI parts. I don't know if they put USGI barrels on any of their models anymore, but if you get the National Match or Loaded model it will be fitted with a select Douglas/Krieger/[insert barrel manufacturer here]. Otherwise they've started to manufacture their own parts, to include bolts, triggergroup components, etc. Owners of M1A's here at TFL can give you a better idea of what the parts breakdown is on their guns. I passed up a Springfield, Inc, M1A because of a badly out-of-spec receiver a few years ago, and instead built a rifle on a USGI H&R M14, medium-weight barrel, and Armscorp M14NM receiver. I have had no problems with my setup, although I'm certain had I held out for a better finished Springfield M1A receiver, it would have worked just fine, too. I chalk it up to somebody having a bad day in the QC department, it happens to the best of manufacturers...
 
I'm an M1a fan from way back, however, it was only a couple of years ago that I got my first. Mine is set up as a bush rifle with a BM-59 folding stock. The "Scout rifle" would be comparable in size and weight I assume.
I'm very happy with mine, it's got great handling features and I don't consider the muzzle blast or recoil to be a problem at all.
Either way, buy what appeals to you and ENJOY! You won't regret it.
 
I got a Standard M1A with a synthetic stock for myself just before Christmas. Paid $1,011 for it at a local gun shop. (Brand-spankin' New.) A very awesome rifle.

The "New Loaded" version may be worth it. It's around $200 and you get an air gauged medium weight national match barrel in either stainless or chrome moly, national match components such as national match trigger assembly, national match front sight, and national match flash suppressor.

For some reason, they put a national match front sight on my standard rifle. I'm not complaining.

I should have paid extra for a wood stock, then purchased a synthetic from http://www.shotgunnews.com/members/fred/pages/Fredspagesindex.html The rough textured coating on the black synthetic stock from Springfield seems to chip off very easily.

The best deal on M1A/M14 magazines I've found is at http://www.cole-distributing.com/

A good scope mount for the M1A is expensive! (about $150 to $200 !!!)

You should also thoroughly explore http://www.fultonarmory.com/

Good luck!
 
warm bore
welcome to the .308 class of guns. if you think you have a tough decision now just wait!!
first the m-1a then another then perhaps an fn, or an armalite ar-10. or a h&k91..
owning a few of the above mentioned, one thing that is a big plus (at least for me) is that you could feed the m-1a garbage ammo and it will not miss a beat. oh yeah like my neighbor said after shooting one of my m-1a's (a polytec with gi parts)"you know i think i really like this gun"!! then he tried the scout with a red dot.....
 
You say a POLYTECH....I am out of here. Last one I saw came NIB with a rusty barrel and a cracked stock.
I would run fast at the mention of Polytech.

[Edited by Karsten on 02-09-2001 at 06:42 PM]
 
Polytech

jimc, you made mention that your Polytech has been outfitted with USGI components. I was wondering how well it runs? I've heard that the Polytech receivers are dimensinally correct and are forged. Many build these up to be excellent shooters. I was would like to know how you like your Polytech/USGI rifle.

Thanks,
Jim
 
Welcome to the brotherhood!!

Wait till you shoot it! Nothing like a good 30 cal recoil to improve my mood.

Have an M1A at Fulton's since Jan 00. I know they're busy, (which hopefully means their reputation is warrented), but I'm expecting a SERIOUS tack driver by the time I get her back. I've been told it's worth the wait!

You should also check out m1-m14@topica.com Lots of really good info about M14's and very little BS. They have really good moderators, (like here), and some helpful posters, incl Walt Kuleck, and periodically Clint McKee.
 
Be Careful they are Adictive

I will only warn you that once you get one (a standard), then you need another (stainless barrel standard), and soon you will HAVE to have a SuperMatch. But after the SM, you will need a NationalMatch just to compare and make sure the money you spent on the SM was worth it over the NM. Then, you will become curious about just what a enhance grade will do compared to the SM & NM and you will need one of them. Finally after nearly filling the safe with M1A's, you will decide you just have to know if the M-21 M1A is better then your SM. This is where I am today. A safe full of M1A's and I still need another.

Becareful of that first one, it is a steep slippery slope, but I have loved every inch of the ride.
 
karsten
i can well afford to "play". i also own an ar-10 by armalite does that qualify me or should i only own a stoner or knight's? one thing about your post i don't see any mention of which m-1a gun you own, just your comment's
i will put money where my mouth is. my standard grade polytec will and can out perform most (i say most) standard grade if not even some of the upgraded packaged s/srmory guns. perhaps you are not that familer with them. and you should do some reading, they are one of the best (forged) not cast like s/armory receivers on which to build a competition gun off of. don't believe me check it out for yourself. www,gunandknife.com then go to the m-1a/m-14 page and ask. i will let anyone shoot mine to disprove your coment. take the blindfold test. 1)s/armory and 1)polytec. tape off the reciever so you cannot see any writing. place both guns on a bench (your choice of rest) let someone else shoot both guns (open sights) then look at the targets!
if you read my post i also own a s/armoty scout as well. oh yeah to really get your goat. i also own a vepr, now there is a gun that also can keep up with, as well as out perform the m-1a (anytime you want to compare)
duke of lawnchair
i had a gunsmith (who is also an instructor at the smith school out here) do an upgrade for me.
using a brand new trw bolt assy he handlapped it to the receiver as well as using a trw oprod. and he also installed a flash hider which he reamed to NM specs, and hooded my rear sight. i had laying around a nm trigger group which went in as well. eventually a med. weight barrel from kreiger etc will be installed. as a little side note here. the majority of "performance guns" that the students, in that school, like to build off of for hipower rifles are built off of the polytec receiver for the reason of overall quality. and one of the guys who shoots hipower matches here and consistently places in the top 3 favorite .308 is done off a polytec!!
YES THERE ARE SOME OF THEM OUT THERE WHICH DO HAVE "SOFT BOLTS" and can cause headspace/safety issues. but unless you own one or have shot one don't knock them until shooting one.
if i can figure the pic posting and get my coworkers digital camrea i will one day post pic's of my lowley poly with targets!!!
 
There is a good discussion thread now on the Frugal Squirrel board. Go to the Survival Weapons forum at Frugal's and click on the post "M1A."

In a sentence, buy the standard model M1A with synthetic stock then replace any commercial parts (except receiver) with USGI. You will never look back.
 
There's nothing wrong with a Polytech after it's been built, from what I've seen.

BTW, on mine, its a "Loaded" but it's being upgraded to a NM model at SA..full length glass bedding (Marine Tex), unitizin gas system, and the rest of the mods. Can't wait to get it back!

Also, I didn't mean to say anything "bad" about hte M1A...I love mine..I ws jsut saying that on different boards, they get different reactions. Here, everybody loves them becaseu we're all shooters...on the M1A/M14 collector's board (http://www.gunandknife.com/cgi-bin/boards1/m1aconfig.pl) they talk a lot of trash about them because they're not USGI...pardon me.

I really love my M1A.
 
Another vote for the M1A. Mine's a standard, walnut stock, preban with the evil bayo lug. I've never looked to see what the parts mix is, as it has always worked just fine.

For me, at least, it's the perfect semi-auto.

-ric
 
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