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!!