the M1A and what i need to know

D

DUDE

New member
ok guys i'd like to git some info on the M1A, like how reliable or they, and where can i git good mags if i git one, and whats best AMMO for the M1A. now if i do git one it will be the Standard M1A with the Black Fiberglass Stock, and i'd like to know how good the Fiberglass Stocks or. so I hope you guys can help.

Thanks:)
 
Okay, since I got a springfield standard "loaded" model with fiberglass stock, and have taken it to the range precisely ONCE for breakin, I'm the resident expert (not).

But the black stock -

They use some surplus stock they have painted black. The paint on it is pretty awful - it rubs off easily. Still, I'm sure I'd be weeping if this happened to wood.

I'm glad I got the fiberglass stock though - I hear less to worry about wrt. taking care of it - you can't get into grief from oil seeping into it, etc. etc.


For the mags, I think there is no better place than http://www.cole-distributing.com . I only have their new ones (prompt service) but have heard that even their used mags look new. And their prices are the cheapest there is.

Ammo? Who knows.

Battler.
 
If you get a M1A, go for the one with the awesome tuned 2-stage trigger. My buddy got a "loaded" M1A (is a Springfield promotional package, where they bundle in tons of options for a low price), and his trigger was AMAZING :eek:

I'd heard over and over about how nice a well-tuned trigger could be, but I always thought "Yeah, whatever."

His M1A made me a believer!

As far as mags, with the "loaded" package, they gave him a coupon enabled him to purchase six NIB mags directly from Springfield for something like half the standard price.

I'm not sure what the current M1A promotional package entails. After the "loaded" M1A promotion ended, they then had a "reloaded" M1A promotion (just a pun on "loaded") which had a few minor variations. I looks like the M1A promotion is now called "new loaded".

You can get details at http://www.springfield-armory.com/index.html
 
Well, first of all, let's look at you "getting" an M1A, instead of "gitting" an M1A. Now that that's behind us, we'll talk about th subject at hand. My particular M1A is very reliable. I don't think I've ever heard of an unreliable M1A. That doesn't mean that it can't happen, but the good news is, is that Springfield has a lifetime warrantee, and if the rifle is unreliable, they'll repair it. The best ammo is up to your rifle,and no one can help you on that. However, a consistant powder charge/bullet weight/case capacity will go a long way toward good accuracy in any firearm. The "el cheapo" ammo companies put very little money toward being consistant, and therefore produce less than accurate ammunition. Federal Gold Match ammo is very consistant, and the 168gr. bullet is a favorite of many .308 shooters. However, one box (20 rounds) of Fed Gold Match at $22 will run you out of money pretty quickly. Perhaps it's time to give reloading a look. With reloading, you can manufacture your own match wuality ammo at a fraction of the price of off-the-shelf stuff. Basically, you'll shoot about 3 times as much with the same amount of money. I recently added up my component cost for .308 Win...I spend $225 per 1000 rounds of "match" quality ammo, whereas it would cost you $1100 for off-the-shelf "match" ammo. My press has been paid for with .45 acp reloadings for a while now, so that doesn't fit into the cost anymore. The fiberglass stocks are most likely old USGI stocks that have been refinished. They look really good, but smell funny. I'm sure that would go away with time. Fred's sells USGI stocks for $9 each (including hardware), but they're in desparate need of a refinish. I have bought several of these, and they make a fun and cheap side hobby. (I have a hobby that supports my hobby) Many folks consider the fiberglass stocks the alternative to glas bedding, since the fiberglass won't move in inclement weather. IF SA is using USGI fiberglass stocks and just filling in the selector notch, then they ouht to be very good stocks.
 
It's true, the fiberglass stocks are basically "painted" with a texture paint of some type. USGI fiberglass stocks are s**t brown...how do you think they turn it black? If you're really concerned with this, take a look at Fred's painted stocks and you'll see how nice they can look. Take a look here:

http://www.shotgunnews.com/members/fred/

I also agree on the "loaded" option, but since you specifically said "standard" I didn't say anything. The trigger on the "loaded" is worth the price diference alone. Cole's is the place for mags, for sure.

I don't think I've ever noticed a selector notch in an SA stock, so either they're filling them in, not using USGI stocks, or I'm wrong...could be any of those.
 
don't tell me that there are only 3 guys here with any info on the M1A, plz tell me any good info you may have guys.

Thanks:)
 
I got a "loaded" M1A about a year ago. Mine has the wooden stock. It is an accurate and dependable rifle. Cole was selling new Us Army magazines so that is what I am using with good results.
The trigger pull is excellent. The only feature I don't like is the small apreature on the National Match rear sight. While it works well for shooting at bullseye targets in good light it is too small for all round use. I may have it drilled out to match the aperature on my M1 GarandA
 
Hard Ball, to what diameter do you plan to open the rear peep? When I've handled M1As, I've have the same thought. I've sorta thought about drilling and tapping the peep "blade" to handle the standard Lyman/Williams peep inserts.
 
Thanks for the info on the M1A guys. now do any of you have any info on the M1A Scout Rifle, see the M1A or the M1A Scout will be a replacment for my AR-15 that i have now, so i need a Rifle that is light, but i'd still like to git a .308 so i hope you guys can help with some info on the M1A Scout.

Thanks:)
 
I bought my second M1A a month ago. I ordered the loaded package like my first one. I no longer have the first rifle thats how I got the second rifle plus a AK-47 and $100.00 boot. But anyway I have the black glass stock and find no problem with it at all. This gun shot better out of the box than the first one did after it was broke in. I had a few malf's but this was due to my handloads. This rifle did not like the same load the first one did. Had to make some adjustments. As far as magazines, US GI is the only way to go. If you buy the loaded package which I strongly recomend. Do not fall for the scam on the loaded coupon they List mags for $89.00 and discount them to you for $59.99 this is no deal at all. Cole is the place to get your mags.This is what I ordered with my coupon. the 6x40 Govt scope(which will be backordered)the third generation scope mount, the one inch rings that go with it I got the case and the leather match sling. Look the coupon over well you might do better at gun shows on some stuff. Ammo my rifle likes IMI match, Hirtenburger as far as milsurp ammo. If you want to reload I've had good luck with this load Winchester case,Winchester LR primer. 41.5 grains of IMR 4895 under a Sierra 168 grain HPBT MatchKing bullet. I will answer any question that I have the answer to just ask. Also stop thinking about buying an M1A and just do it. You will never be sorry.
 
DUDE, I have a "loaded" M1A and a standard M1A. If I could only afford one I would go with the standard model then change out the commercial made parts to USGI parts as funds allowed. Do not buy magazines from anybody but Cole Distributing. I have bought several from them. Best prices. My personal recommendation is to go with the "As New" for $36.95 each.

The match tuned trigger on the loaded M1A is awesome but I think you will be very happy with a USGI trigger group. I have converted most of the parts on my standard model to USGI. Very nice.

I also recommend getting a gas cylinder wrench and combo tool from http://www.fulton-armory.com and a gas system cleaning tool from http://www.brownells.com Do not try to take the gas cylinder plug off without the gas cylinder wrench. If the plug is on tight you could cause the gas cylinder to become loose on the barrel. Put a National Match front sight on the standard M1A as well.

HTH
 
Cole's is he magazine hardware store.

Go with the cheapest mags cole's sells and you will be happy. I bought 6 of them and they are great. The finish is a little worn in a few spots, but they work great and I have no complaints.

I bought the Loaded M1A with a nice wood stock and have since ordered a nice synthetic stock from Fred's and painted it camo. Now quit messing around and go buy the darn thing!

m1acamo1.jpg
 
Dude,
just a tidbit. You mentioned a scout rifle. My M1A is not in the stricktest definition of the word, however it works for me. My M1A is somewhat customized and sports a 20" barrel. Additionally, it wears a BM-59 folding stock, very light and handy, with the full power .308 battle cartridge to boot. Just something to consider.
 
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