Armory Sponsor
Posted: 10/28/2007 7:35:48 PM EDT
|
I have a little scratch saved up for some new toys. My original plan was to buy a SA TRP and a Dillon 650XL. After talking to some buddies I realized I could buy a pretty nice rifle for what I would have in these and still be able to buy some really nice glass for it. And I have a Dillon 550 anyway, which I can easily get by with. I have been eyeing M1a's for a long time now, but have always thought they were somewhat overpriced. I had an RRA LAR8 on order but have since given up, after waiting for over a year. I then considered building an AR10 but I just don't like some of the asthetics on the rifle, especially the handguard on the longer barreled models, as well as the cost difference between them and a standard AR. I have been looking all over the internet for the past couple days and haven't been able to pin down an idea on how accurate M1a's are. Some talk of 3-4moa on the standard rifles, which is unacceptable to me. I looked at the loaded models, but have been able to find no data on accuracy. The match model seems to be moderately priced but again, I really would like to now how accurate they are. I plan on scoping this rifle probably with a Leu Mark 4, or Nikon tactical, something in the variable 14x range. I have a scoped AR that shoots sub MOA, and would expect that much out of any rifle I plan to spend over $1500 on. Can anyone give me an honest estimation on how accurate the different M1a's are? Any ideas or opinions would be greatly appreciated. |
|
+1 My bedded M1a with leopold tactical shoots about 1.25", most shots are less than an inch clustered together but it always has a shot or two opening out to about 1.25". If you feel the need for less than that you really need a bolt gun. The standard GI type rifles with surplus ammo are good for 2.5-4.5 inches in my experience. It is afterall a battle rifle, I don't recall the exact max allowable group at a hundred for the M14 but I'm thinking up to 6 inches is within spec. |
My MK14 Mod 1 (top) will shoot moa and the Crazy Horse MK14 Mod 0 (bottom) will shoot sub-moa. That's with Portuguese surplus . . . It gets better with match ammo  The Mod 1 has a chrome lined standard profile barrel and my Mod 0 has an unlined medium heavy barrel Both are 18.0" and chambered for M-118 LR. The SAGE EBRs are proven accuracy enhancing stocks. HTH ~  |
| Honestly with what you asking for ... Stick with the AR. I love the M14 but the AR has advantages in the MOA shooting game. I would personally get an accurate build of a M14 ( Just because ) . But that me. I'm shoot and collect as much for the history, as anything else. Like I said ' thats me ' . The AR is extremely hard to beat on the paper range.IMO Cheers Wardawg |
|
Why does an M1A have to be sub moa? What makes you choose that requirement? And do you mean at 100 yards or further out. I'm just curious. I mean, 2 MOA at 1000 yards is 20". Is that not good enough? I'm not claiming the M14 can do that but I don't quite get your requirement. What kind of varmints are you going to hunt with your M1A? Regardless, they are capable. I will admit the AR platform is probably more accurate per se. They are the rifle of choice by High Power Shooters and seem to dominate the sport. If that's why you want it to be sub moa, then by all means. Get another AR. But you already have one. So, it sounds like what you buy you don't really need, unless I'm mistaken. And all I can say is the M1A / M14 is a fine rifle that is a combat proven weapon system. They are currently and in the past used in DMR or sniping type roles in the military and are capbable of real good accuracy. I've only shot sub moa with mine but I've never invested in a great mount and rings. But, 3-4 MOA is what I'd call service rifle accuracy. With the irons. Rack grade rifle, surplus ammo, and irons can usually achieve this with not too much trouble, if the nut behind the trigger does his part. Add to the equation someone who takes care of what ammo his barrel likes, or handloads and scopes it with decent equipment, a rack grade rifle will shoot better than this. And throw in some upgrades on the rifle system itself and it will shoot a little better than previously mentioned. It's not much difference than any other good rifle system out there. Except for it's 20 rounds of .308 in a package that is unlike anything else. It's your choice. |
|
When I talk about sub moa I'm talking about 100yds. I target shoot, and hunt way more than I plink, this is the reason that the gun would be immediately outfitted with optics. I hunt prairie dogs and coyotes out to ranges in excess of 500yds, and sometimes with prairie dogs closer to 1000 on rare occasions. Granted I don't expect to hit these targets at such extreme ranges, but I would like to think if I do my part there is a good sporting chance. I hunt and target shoot from a prone position on the ground, almost exclusively, always with a Harris bipod and sometimes a bag in the rear. I understand that the M14/M1A was made with irons for a reason and is one of the main reasons I asked in this forum, after searching far and wide for accuracy info on the rifle. I have a Rem PSS, a VSF, and VLS, that are all tack drivers, and can shoot far better than I am capable of. I also have a BM varminter special that can be shot by even the most inexperienced off a bipod with excellent results. These rifles have pretty much spoiled me to the point of wanting sub moa. Hell, even my m4 wanna be with an aimpoint is better than 2-3 moa with plinking ammo and a sandbag at 100yds, and I'm sure it would do even better with a scope on it. The role for this rifle will mainly be a target role, but also be used to hunt coyotes, deer, and prairie dogs once or twice a year. Basically, I need a semi-auto .308. If the M1A doen't fit the bill, I will look elsewhere, but I figured I'd ask, mainly because I love the way the gun looks. I will not however have over $2k tied up in a gun that can't outshoot my $900 BM varminter, I just can't bring myself to do it. Given unlimited resources I'd just buy a SA M21. I appreciate all the responses  |
|
M1A Standard-harris bipod, Khales 6x scope, Leupold MKIV rings, Smith enterprise mount. Took it out today to the range- British radway green 150GR. FMJ- 3 MOA, Federal American Eagle 150GR. FMJ- 1.5MOA, Federal Gold Match 168 Gr. BTHP- 1.5MOA Id like to try out the Black hills ammunition as well. But for a standard M1A that is not bedded with a 6x scope, im pretty happy with my results so far. I believe everyone that has an interest in these rifles SHOULD get one.... I like them more than an AR15. And the .308 round... cant go wrong, highly reccomended! |
Your bolt guns are going to be more accurate, almost for certain. And they cost less. You gotta want to buy an M1A. I still don't see where the need is. You have everything you need now to do what you do. At least according to your post. Personally, I think the M14 shines in the DMR type role. Or if you need / want a combat rifle with a little bit extra punch than an M4. It's only up to you if you want to see how accurate it can be. And there is no other rifle like it. |
| I agree with what JJREA has stated. If your looking to spend $1000 -$1200 and out shoot a BM Varmiter special Look else where. I love the M14 rifle. I know what it can do and what it normally won't. It can be made to shoot sun MOA but not for the money your talking about. It is , what it is...... Don't even try an FAL either. But maybe a G3 clone like a PRT with a scope might get you there in the money rang your talking about. The scope mount is going to cost ya though. Pricy for a good one ( Real Deal ) . Good luck WarDawg |
Armory Sponsor