Talk me into getting the Springfield M1A Standard or Loaded model

[Fulcrum]

I'll give you my perspective having used a "Loaded" model and later upgrading to a "Supermatch." Shot plenty of other friends' standard models to compare.

Weight and balance: The loaded is about 4-5 ounces more than standard. The extra 5 ounces is the heavier barrel, but it is just 2-3 inches more right in front of the receiver. This is more in the center of the rifle-not at the end of the barrel. The weight is still in the center of balance of the rifle so it doesn't make it "nose-heavy".

Match vs standard barrel: The standard barrels are made by the same mfr as the loaded barrels, the same blanks, just a different profile-no difference in steel nor rifling. No special "match barrel" enhancements. The standard shoots just as well. The medium weight barrel doesn't enhance or tolerate heat build-up that much better than standard.

Triggers: The so-called "NM" enhanced trigger isn't really any better or smoother than the standard. You want a really good trigger? Send it to Ted Brown, Fulton Armory, Smith Ent, etc, about $85-100 for a true trigger job that you will feel the difference.

Sights: Rear sights are the same 1/2 MOA windage, 1 MOA elevation clicks. Front sight of the Loaded is a NM: slightly thinner than the standard. Works great if shooting NRA SR target bullseye, since the front sight is exactly the same width as the bullseye at 200-600 yards for 6 O'clock hold. Regular sight is perfectly fine for regular shooting.

Thanks for that insight from someone with experience.

 

[joefrank64k]

Another (possible*) option: Wait for the CMP M-14s. Actual USGI rifles. CMP says they will be ~$2k. Best deal in town.

M14 Announcement - Civilian Marksmanship Program

Announcement. By special authorization, the CMP is pleased to announce the future availability and sale of surplus M14 rifles. Prior to sale, the rifles will be modified to be permanently and irreversibly semi-automatic rifles. The modified semi-automatic M14s will be fully compliant with CMP...

thecmp.org

* I say ‘possible’ because it’s unknown if CMP will remove the flash hiders for CA customers to avoid the CA AWB.

 

[smoothy8500]

Another (possible*) option: Wait for the CMP M-14s.

Yes, keeping an eye on that. We probably will have to use one of our CAguns middleman FFL's to get it here.

I figure it might be a while till I get one. When the 1911's came out it was a couple years of the lottery to get one. But after the initial rush, there's no waiting for the 1911's. A lot of interest for the M14's, just have to decide if you want an M1A now or wait two years for the Christmas rush to die down for an M14....

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

I want a walnut Scout Quad.

 

[joefrank64k]

Yes, keeping an eye on that. We probably will have to use one of our CAguns middleman FFL's to get it here.

I figure it might be a while till I get one. When the 1911's came out it was a couple years of the lottery to get one. But after the initial rush, there's no waiting for the 1911's. A lot of interest for the M14's, just have to decide if you want an M1A now or wait two years for the Christmas rush to die down for an M14....

I got lucky on the 1911s. I got one from the initial lottery, and another from the second batch.

I wasn’t thrilled with my first one - Service Grade, RR slide/frame with heavy park. It went back in the hard case unfired by me. I’m still not sure what to do with it, haha!!

Second one was much better - Field Grade, Colt slide/US&S frame w/original finish. Exactly what I was looking for. Though it’s still in it’s hard case unfired my me, haha!!

Hoping for good luck once they open orders for the M-14s!!

 

[Fulcrum]

Get an LRB M25

Wow. I just looked at this, and they are $$$! I like that receiver for the scope mounting, but it's way too much money for me.

 

[Fulcrum]

For anyone who mounted a scope on your Springfield M1A at the receiver, not scout mount, how did you do it? What mount did you use? Were you happy with it?

 

[Mannyy]

No one needs an M1A, but they sure are cooler than most other battle rifles out there (IMO).

View attachment 267449

Mhm same reason why I want a MK14 EBR.

 

[davethebull]

Mhm same reason why I want a MK14 EBR.

I would love one too. But for now I am happy with the Blackfeather.

 

[Ryan Gosling]

For anyone who mounted a scope on your Springfield M1A at the receiver, not scout mount, how did you do it? What mount did you use? Were you happy with it?

Bula xm21 has machined pic sections, sadlak scope mounts, arms #18 mount, extended top rail scout mounts. Quite a few options but ive heard the best reports from the sadlak mounts

 

[sonofeugene]

Loaded. It’s only 200 more.

 

[Ktm45]

For anyone who mounted a scope on your Springfield M1A at the receiver, not scout mount, how did you do it? What mount did you use? Were you happy with it?

I did and I used a Sadlak. It’s very solid and their customer service is very good. The mount is solid if you follow instructions well. On a funny note it’s a garbage in garbage out kinda thing. Never had an issue once. Also buy the national match spring guide. They are always sold out so keep checking. It is much smoother charging.
That being said I personally like shooting my M1a with iron sights better. Right now my scope and mount are sleeping in my safe

 

[Markbsae]

For anyone who mounted a scope on your Springfield M1A at the receiver, not scout mount, how did you do it? What mount did you use? Were you happy with it?

I have an M1A loaded and used the one that has a single bolt on the left and goes into the dovetail left open from removing the clip guide. It was a piece of but worst of all way too high. I took it off and shot irons for a good day and liked that better. It hits 400 yards all day long if you know what you are doing. It's the best iron sight rifle I own.

 

[Fulcrum]

Bula xm21 has machined pic sections, sadlak scope mounts, arms #18 mount, extended top rail scout mounts. Quite a few options but ive heard the best reports from the sadlak mounts

A receiver with machine pic sections would be ideal, but they all seem very expensive. From what I’ve seen online, the Sadlak and arms #18 seem the most popular. Sadlak has a lot of versions.

I did and I used a Sadlak. It’s very solid and their customer service is very good. The mount is solid if you follow instructions well. On a funny note it’s a garbage in garbage out kinda thing. Never had an issue once. Also buy the national match spring guide. They are always sold out so keep checking. It is much smoother charging.
That being said I personally like shooting my M1a with iron sights better. Right now my scope and mount are sleeping in my safe

Sadlak seems pretty well-regarded online. I wish I could use the irons, but my eyesight doesn’t do well with irons. It’s too bad because the rifle is really made for irons, not optics.

I have an M1A loaded and used the one that has a single bolt on the left and goes into the dovetail left open from removing the clip guide. It was a piece of but worst of all way too high. I took it off and shot irons for a good day and liked that better. It hits 400 yards all day long if you know what you are doing. It's the best iron sight rifle I own.

Do you know who makes that mount? Sounds like one to avoid.

 

[Tere_Hanges]

For anyone who mounted a scope on your Springfield M1A at the receiver, not scout mount, how did you do it? What mount did you use? Were you happy with it?

I just have the crappy steel Springfield Armory mount that sits high enough that I can still use the irons on my M1A Scout. I only use a Burris TAC30 variable 1-4x illuminated optic without any cheek riser. I think the cheek risers look bulky and stupid. It works for what I want it to do. If I need more magnification, I'm using my AR or bolt gun. My M1A National Match just has iron sights as intended. But I've wanted to get a Sadlak mount to replace the factory Springfield mount.

 

[mbuss101]

Kinda late to this convo but I would highly discourage you from going to M1A route. I’ve owned a socom 16, scout, and a loaded model and had issues with all of them. Different years and decades of manufacturing as well so I highly doubt a “bad batch” is the culprit. If you’re dead set on a M1A though you’d be better off saving a little bit more money and going the Fulton Armory route. As well waiting until scotus gives a decision on AWBs would be good because that opens up the market a little more in that regard.

I’m a sample size of 1 but I gave up on 308 gas guns a while back after having issues with DSA, PTR, and Springfield Armory. God clearly wants me to stay with 5.56