Wanted:  full-length, GI contour barrel, so that it will accept Aftermarket Scout mount.  Must be able to accept GI sights and flash suppressor/bayo lug.

Current BBL on SM M1A is too heavy, and will not accept Scout Scope mount.  I cannot use iron sights reliably from this point onwards, so I need optics, and so a new barrel to support same.  GI contour of new barrel is essential to support aftermarket Scout scope platform.  I have some experience with similar platform mounted on M1 Garand, so I know it's GTG for me.

High Quality bbl is desired.  I'm aware of trade-offs with plain steel/chrome lined/stainless barrels.  Installation will be done by experienced local gunsmith, or can send rifle away for installation.  Am sort of Favoring SS barrels at this point.  The re-barreled rifle will not be shot in competition.

Price IS a consideration; I want to pay the least possible amount for the most I can get, as we all do.  I know this will not be cheap, but I don't want to spend more than I need to, either.

So, your suggestions, and links, please.  And thank you in advance!

I will definitely look into your suggestion; thanks!

I have no spare bolts, so the chrome-lined barrel is out, unfortunately.  This perhaps explains my interest in Stainless steel barrels, in lieu of chrome-lined barrels.

I believe the replacement of the Heavy Match bbl with a GI-contour bbl would be significantly less that buying another rifle.  All of the parts that I can identify on my rifle, excepting receiver and barrel are USGI, and with very low usage.  Everything works properly, so I'm not interested in buying another M1A and seeing what happens.  I understand your point, and hope you can see mine as well.

OTOH, I could just dis-mount the barrel, and have the section that is too wide in diameter (won't accept Scout Scope mount) turned down on a lathe.  That would probably be the simplest and least expensive option of all--if it's possible to do.  I'll ask the gunsmith.

I'm awaiting a response from Ultimak, the better of the two M1A Scout rail mfrs (on account of the rail surface being lower) as to whether or not this proposal is possible.  Will advise.

After the barrel is turned-down, and certified GTG, I just might have the M1A barreled action and the barreled action for my Scout M1  Garand sent off for cryo-treating. I'm a big fan of such (I know it's controversial) on account of the benefits I've seen after cryo-treating my pencil bbl Mini-14.  The Mini, after cryo-treating, does NOT string shots due to barrel overheating.  I can say that for a fact.  Of course, some other corrective measures may need to be made to have a reliable 2 MOA pencil bbl Mini-14, but that is a topic for another thread.

I appreciate your comments, and thanks!