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Posted: 3/9/2017 10:29:54 PM EDT
[#1]
I like the M1a platform. I would look for an older M1a "preban" so you will have mostly GI parts if not all GI parts. It seems like the late 80's were a good time frame for the m1a. Prices have started going up on those guns. Good luck.
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Posted: 3/9/2017 11:38:37 PM EDT
[#2]
Never left. My first rifle.
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Posted: 3/9/2017 11:43:25 PM EDT
[#3]
I've got a standard one. It's a fun gun to shoot when I get the chance.
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Posted: 3/10/2017 2:02:00 PM EDT
[#4]
My Loaded model M1A from Springfield seems to be good quality. I haven't had any issues with it. I don't think they're using any GI parts at the point.
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Posted: 3/10/2017 2:20:15 PM EDT
[#5]
Yep.
Sold my Loaded a few years back for a nice profit. Went the .308 AR route for a few years, now back to the M1A I went with the Standard in walnut stock. Same as you, I kept all my mags and tools, as I knew I'd be back. |
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Posted: 3/10/2017 3:02:33 PM EDT
[#6]
Never left.
I shot rifleman at my first Appleseed with it. |
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Posted: 3/10/2017 9:15:12 PM EDT
[#7]
Bought a "Loaded" model a few years ago. No issues at all. No GI parts at all. Installed it a McMillan stock. I still recommend Springfield to my friends. LRB, Fulton, Smith Ent, are all a thousand dollars more than Springfield.
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Posted: 3/10/2017 10:33:57 PM EDT
[#8]
My non GI springfield has been 100% reliable with everything I have fed it, from old dirty ammo, to new precision stuff. With and without a silencer on it.
Just buy one and enjoy it. GI doesn't mean BEST... Just means it fits a standard that they wanted. |
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Posted: 3/10/2017 10:40:47 PM EDT
[#9]
For some unknown and stupid reason I sold mine but got it back soon after.
Made in 1990, I acquired at least 20 or more real GI mags (one I had for 50 years !), a GI fiberglass stock, an unused bayonet & scabbard, a GI bi-pod and an M14-E2 stock with all the hardware. I put the heavy walnut stock away. Trading an LAR Grizzly in .45 WinMag even up for it back when they were both about $700 or so. That Grizzly was awesome and accurate but just not too practical for me to punch paper with. Plus I trained with the '14 back in 1967 so it has some ties to me. |
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Posted: 3/10/2017 11:50:25 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Never left. My first rifle. Still have the one I bought in 1978. I don't shoot it much these days, but I still have it. |
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Posted: 3/11/2017 9:39:05 AM EDT
[#11]
Thanks for the replies guys, I think I'm going to thin the herd some and start looking again.
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Posted: 3/11/2017 7:52:38 PM EDT
[#12]
Back when FNFAL kits were plentiful and cheap surplus 7.62 was rolling around in the streets, I sold an M1A that had mostly USGI parts including a TRW barrel. The price for the M1A bought 3 FNFAL kits and receivers. I built them all and never once regretted the move. I liked that M1A, but at the time anti gun sentiment was clearly going against us and I wanted "more."
Two of the 3 FNs are exceptional shooters and I would put them up against any standard M1A for accuracy and reliability. The third FN is being converted to a Para and is a pretty typical 3MOA shooter. I want to add another M1A to the rack just because I want one and have always loved the rifle. It isn't a burning priority and unless I get an exceptional deal, that space in the rack will go unfilled. After all, I have 4 FNs and a Garand, so it isn't like I am gun poor. |
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Posted: 3/11/2017 8:04:02 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Never left. My first rifle. |
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Posted: 3/11/2017 8:28:22 PM EDT
[#14]
Never had one to get away from, so no. I much prefer the Garand over the M1A.
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Posted: 3/12/2017 10:03:10 AM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
As the title says, have you come back to the M1A? If you could please weigh in on this and share some insight here. No I have a few of them, they just sit in the safe. I was big on them until I got a AR10. With the AR308s around they really are nothing more than nostalgia. If thats what your looking for, then get one, If you actually want to shoot with it other than slung up/ prone-stay away. |
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Posted: 3/12/2017 4:04:17 PM EDT
[#16]
I had a custom National Match M1A back in the late 90's because my shooting revolved around Highpower those days. I recently picked up a full size standard model and threw it in a USGI fiberglass stock and think it's great.
I also have 2 FAL's and a G3. The M1A complements them nicely and picking a favorite would be hard. |
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Posted: 3/17/2017 1:14:42 AM EDT
[#17]
I was originally pretty much into ARs. I then got the M1A bug because I wanted more power and range. I went down the M1A road pretty far. However, I recently reevaluated and went back to ARs being my primary. Still have the M1As, they are fun to shoot. Heck, they even feel great to shoot. However, at the end of the day, an AR does what needs to be done for me, better and easier than the M1A. YMMV.
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Posted: 3/17/2017 11:58:27 AM EDT
[#18]
I've been without for more years than I've owned them but I always go back. Have had my current one for a couple of years - no plans to sell. I know there is a large Chinese M14 crowd on this board, but I'm not one of them. When I want an AK, I look for Chinese. When I want an M14 semi-auto version I look for American. For me it's always a pre-ban Springfield Armory M1A with all USGI parts other than the receiver. I've owned many of these and never had an issue. Buy one of those and you will always be happy. Earl
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Posted: 3/18/2017 8:12:12 PM EDT
[#19]
Go back? Yes, I guess you could say that. I had an M14 in Basic and Germany before rotating to RVN and an M16. When I was discharged, I went without the type until 2011 when I finally talked myself into deserving a new Springfield M1A. I still love the platform as much now as I did when I shot my first large caliber semi-auto in Basic Training in 1967.
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Posted: 3/19/2017 8:36:48 PM EDT
[#20]
Never left... Bought my Super match in 1994 and still have it.. Going to use it again this summer to shoot service rifle.
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Posted: 3/21/2017 3:53:35 PM EDT
[#21]
My Scout Squad has been GTG since day one! No reason to let go of it.
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Posted: 3/21/2017 4:09:54 PM EDT
[#22]
"THE M14 OWNER'S GUIDE" BY Scott Duff and John Miller is full of good info on the M1a. A section of the book covers the inspection and selection of pre-owned rifles. The folks at Springfield may be able to provide you a list of serial #'s by date of manufacture.
Another great reference is Kuhnhausen"s manual on the .30 cal. service rifle. Hope this helps TG |
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Posted: 3/21/2017 7:06:27 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No I have a few of them, they just sit in the safe. I was big on them until I got a AR10. With the AR308s around they really are nothing more than nostalgia. If thats what your looking for, then get one, If you actually want to shoot with it other than slung up/ prone-stay away. |
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Posted: 3/21/2017 7:36:00 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No I have a few of them, they just sit in the safe. I was big on them until I got a AR10. With the AR308s around they really are nothing more than nostalgia. If thats what your looking for, then get one, If you actually want to shoot with it other than slung up/ prone-stay away. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
As the title says, have you come back to the M1A? If you could please weigh in on this and share some insight here. No I have a few of them, they just sit in the safe. I was big on them until I got a AR10. With the AR308s around they really are nothing more than nostalgia. If thats what your looking for, then get one, If you actually want to shoot with it other than slung up/ prone-stay away. I've got a mid-'80s Glen Nelson-built Super Match and a 1990 standard M1A with all USGI parts. I've thoroughly enjoyed both for decades, but the AR10 platform, or ".30-cal AR" platform as it's sometimes called, has them both beat hands down. From accuracy to ergonomics to ease of optic set-ups and upgrades, like triggers, the 7.62/.308 ARs will best the M1As all day, every day. That said, you should own an M1A if you want to ... ... By the way, save yourself some headaches and get it set up with USGI parts. Folks who claim their NON-USGI M1A runs fine have likely returned it under warranty two or five times just to get it running because the out-of-spec, for-shit commercial parts didn't hold up under hard use. 
As gun-savvy dudenals use to say back in the '80s: "Ask the man who owns one." 
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Posted: 3/21/2017 9:08:06 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Folks who claim their NON-USGI M1A runs fine have likely returned it under warranty two or five times just to get it running because the out-of-spec, for-shit commercial parts didn't hold up under hard use. USGI is also the lowest bidder in many cases. Doesn't mean the best. Forged parts are always stronger, but there are some parts that don't need to be and will work fine. Mine has been decently taken care of. I use them and get them smokey hot. They still get cleaned and lubed (more than one, and not one of the 3 I own is a usgi parts gun). Sooo... as always YMMV. |
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Posted: 3/22/2017 8:02:35 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My M1a Scout with AAC suppressor has seen about 8K in ammo since 2013. Runs like a champ. Never had to replace anything on it. It's still in it's original form, all original parts EXCEPT the flash hider / castle nut has been replaced, and it's also had a gas nut front sight installed to keep the irons on it. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Folks who claim their NON-USGI M1A runs fine have likely returned it under warranty two or five times just to get it running because the out-of-spec, for-shit commercial parts didn't hold up under hard use. Also, who did the work on the barrel? ADCO? Thanks. 
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Posted: 3/22/2017 6:56:17 PM EDT
[#27]
Still have mine, 81 vintage. All GI except the receiver. I have this rifle, plus 2 FALs, and a G3 clone built from a parts kit and PTR receiver. I like it the most out of the 4. I have no real interest in the 308 AR, so the M1A will be my go-to 308 for now.
Jason |
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Posted: 3/26/2017 5:15:26 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Folks who claim their NON-USGI M1A runs fine have likely returned it under warranty two or five times just to get it running because the out-of-spec, for-shit commercial parts didn't hold up under hard use. 
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Posted: 3/26/2017 6:57:41 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Hmmm, I may not run mine hard, but 2,400 rounds a year for the last few years is a pretty steady run without any issue. The extractors admittedly have issues and probably could be exchanged "if" the SAI one breaks. I do have a Garand extractor as a back-up if this one pops. The only GI item is the selector "kit" I cut up and installed on the stock. Oh, and the magazines too. http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff403/smoothy8500/firearms/Match%20photos/2016%20600yd2_zpsws2l6y0b.jpg Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Folks who claim their NON-USGI M1A runs fine have likely returned it under warranty two or five times just to get it running because the out-of-spec, for-shit commercial parts didn't hold up under hard use. http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff403/smoothy8500/firearms/Match%20photos/2016%20600yd2_zpsws2l6y0b.jpg
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Posted: 3/27/2017 4:40:36 AM EDT
[#30]
HA- I've never left it and no plans to do so. I want to add to it if anything with a short Socom in a Vltor stock or the new CQB version
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Posted: 3/28/2017 12:43:11 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Okay, now you've got me REALLY curious .... What specific AAC can are you running?, and on what mount set-up? Also, who did the work on the barrel? ADCO? Thanks. No barrel work was done. It came as a 18" barrel and I put the AAC suppressor mount on the barrel after removal of the OEM barrel nut and comp that comes on the M1A scout. Runs like a champ with 50 rd drums. 25 rd mags and 20 rd mags. Isn't ammo picky at all either. It runs what I stuff into it, as long as it's stamped 7.62x51 or 308 WIN |
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Posted: 3/28/2017 8:17:29 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
AAC 7.62SD 18T (older style) No barrel work was done. It came as a 18" barrel and I put the AAC suppressor mount on the barrel after removal of the OEM barrel nut and comp that comes on the M1A scout. * * * Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Okay, now you've got me REALLY curious .... What specific AAC can are you running?, and on what mount set-up? Also, who did the work on the barrel? ADCO? Thanks. No barrel work was done. It came as a 18" barrel and I put the AAC suppressor mount on the barrel after removal of the OEM barrel nut and comp that comes on the M1A scout. * * * |
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Posted: 3/28/2017 6:02:48 PM EDT
[#33]
I got my M1A the day after Christmas '97. Never sold it and I shoot it every so often
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Posted: 3/28/2017 6:54:52 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have AAC's SDN-6 and a couple of spare 7.62 51-t mounts. That's why I asked. Thanks. |
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Posted: 3/28/2017 7:03:10 PM EDT
[#35]
I like my Norinco.
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Posted: 3/29/2017 11:23:47 AM EDT
[#36]
I don't understand the issue with the weight of the M1A to most young folks. Millions lugged the M1 all around the world in WWII and Korea and found it perfectly acceptable; even comforting. Millions of us trained with the M14 and lugged it miles and miles in training. The weight never bothered us either; it was a Battle Rifle, not a toy. I was 5'9" and 145lbs in the Army and could lug my M14 some 18 miles on a march in one day without complaining because the 50lb pack and all the other stuff we had was what bothered me, not the rifle.
Then the M16 comes out and everyone suddenly thinks they are too weak to lug a true Battle Rifle into battle. They want the puny, plastic, toy because it's light for their weak arms and legs. I had that same M16A1 in RVN in '68/'69 and it was a joke after my M14 in training and Germany. Thankfully, my main weapon was my M2 50 at my Tank Commander position on my tank and I only had to use the 'plastic fantastic' when going to Saigon on pass or during a ground assault heading to my tank. When the shit hit the fan in the 25th at Cu Chi, no one was thankful for that tiny, plastic toy. They wanted real firepower so as a group they would 'spray and prey' with their heads down until the real firepower arrived. |
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Posted: 3/29/2017 8:22:21 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't understand the issue with the weight of the M1A to most young folks. Millions lugged the M1 all around the world in WWII and Korea and found it perfectly acceptable; even comforting. Millions of us trained with the M14 and lugged it miles and miles in training. The weight never bothered us either; it was a Battle Rifle, not a toy. I was 5'9" and 145lbs in the Army and could lug my M14 some 18 miles on a march in one day without complaining because the 50lb pack and all the other stuff we had was what bothered me, not the rifle. Then the M16 comes out and everyone suddenly thinks they are too weak to lug a true Battle Rifle into battle. They want the puny, plastic, toy because it's light for their weak arms and legs. I had that same M16A1 in RVN in '68/'69 and it was a joke after my M14 in training and Germany. Thankfully, my main weapon was my M2 50 at my Tank Commander position on my tank and I only had to use the 'plastic fantastic' when going to Saigon on pass or during a ground assault heading to my tank. When the shit hit the fan in the 25th at Cu Chi, no one was thankful for that tiny, plastic toy. They wanted real firepower so as a group they would 'spray and prey' with their heads down until the real firepower arrived. Granted I was a SAWgunner but no one ever asked for less rounds or more weight in the infantry. The M14 incorporates both. As a private citizen I'd be pretty OK with my M1 but I'm not in Fallujah |
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Posted: 3/29/2017 9:40:17 PM EDT
[#38]
Hmmmmmm, I was seriously thinking of getting rid of my M1A, but this threads has me rethinking that decision!!
Mine was bought on Sept. 10th, 2001 and it went right to the local M1 guy for a bunch of work. NM sights, bedded stock, and probably other stuff I can't remember!! It's a bad ass rifle, and I beat a bunch of guys using high dollar scopes at a silhouette match using open sights. I shot it so much, I wore the finish off the stock in a couple of places. I've also used it in 3-Gun matches a couple of times. Not the ideal 3-gun setup, but it worked!! To the guy that said it would fall apart, and need to go back to SA 5 or 6 times, I would like to disagree. The action on mine is 100% the way it came from SA. Never been back for warranty work once. |
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