[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Socom 16 Range Report

Posted: 5/1/2010 5:56:53 PM EDT

So this is my first time shooting on the M1A platform. I recently bought a Socom 16 off the EE and had the chance to take it out today. I'm not an outstanding rifleman or sharp shooter, so I wasn't expecting to dominate the range with this gun. I was torn between getting a full length M1A or the 16" version. This is my only .308 gun, so i figured either or right now. It came with a walnut stock which I immediately mounted to the rifle. I like the thicker feel to the grip and overall look over synthetic.

The target in the pic is a small silhouette type, with about 20 or so rounds of ammo downrange, sitting at a bench, off hand, It looks like there are a few 5.56 holes there under the 10 ring. I had the stand placed about 35 yards out. I don't do a lot of iron sight shooting, so this platform is a definite learning experience for me. The Socom front sight feels very chunky, and I may try to swap it out for a set of NM sights to help out with better distance shooting.

I do love the size and maneuverability of this gun, it would seem to be a beast in a close quarters or urban type of fielded use. I was expecting the recoil to be pretty sharp, with the large cartridge, but it really wasn't bad at all. I'm sure the weight of the gun helps out with that. The recoil wasn't snappy or punchy at all, it felt like a solid and firm push into the shoulder. While standing, I could feel my upper body being swayed a bit. A buddy of mine had his AR pistol next to me on the line, and this gun was just as loud, with a felt shockwave radiating when fired. I had a set of cheap ear muffs on and it didn't bother me at all.

Overall, I'm glad to own it, I've really been wanting a fighting rifle in .308 and this is the first pick in the journey. I'd like to try an AR-10 build, and maybe a FAL to see which one I like the best. Next on my list may be a standard length M1A to compare between the two. The biggest "con" on the M1A platform for me is the difficulty of adding optics without all of the extra effort involved, cheekweld, mount, etc... However the Sage stock is starting to whisper to me, so who knows???

The blurry pic with the lighter is for scale.