M1A or BM59 - AR15.COM

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - M1A or BM59

Posted: 6/21/2017 10:05:11 AM EDT

which one to snag?
please advise.

Posted: 6/21/2017 11:50:48 AM EDT

[#1]

You talking BM59 with the happy fun switch? Cuz if so, then get the happy fun switch.

The difference is that a BM59 is basically an M1 in 7.62x51, with its full-barrel-length gas system that takes a detachable magazine.

M1A is a semi M14 with its shorter gas system and operating rod.

Posted: 6/21/2017 2:26:56 PM EDT

[#2]

I'd love to own a BM59, but magazines for the M14/M1A are cheaper and easier to find.

The M1A uses a short-stroke White gas cutoff and expansion system and the BM59 has a long-stroke gas system like the Garand. The M1A has a roller on the lug that engages the operating rod, which was developed to prevent bolt "freeze". The BM59 does not. I doubt data is available to prove one is more reliable than the other. I'd probably go with the M1A because it is more common and parts are more readily available. The BM59 is unusual, though, which makes it cool.

Posted: 6/21/2017 2:30:49 PM EDT

[#3]

You will have less headaches going with the M1-A and warranty support from Springfield Armory.

Posted: 6/21/2017 10:57:37 PM EDT

[#4]

M1a is the easy choice . The BM-59 is cool and not as common

Posted: 6/22/2017 2:17:06 AM EDT

[#5]

The M14 has an improved operating system over the BM-59/Garand. Between a Springfield Armory Inc. M1A and a BM-59 (especially with pistol grip stock), I'd take the BM-59. Really would need to know pricing to make the right call. M14 mags are definitely less expensive.

Posted: 6/22/2017 9:38:36 AM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:
The M14 has an improved operating system over the BM-59/Garand. Between a Springfield Armory Inc. M1A and a BM-59 (especially with pistol grip stock), I'd take the BM-59. Really would need to know pricing to make the right call. M14 mags are definitely less expensive.

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Mags for either gun don't need to be replaced often if at all. It's a one time expense.

Posted: 6/25/2017 9:22:27 AM EDT

[#7]

YMMV, and it depends what you want.

BM59 parts are readily in supply right now, and while the mags are more expensive, they're not that much more. BM59 mags are one of the few mags more robust than M14 mags. Additionally, the parts out there are true mil-surplus. As a kicker, many BM59 parts are shared with the Garand, or are slightly modified from the Garand.

Not that it really matters, but if it does to you, a BM59 can be made from a USGI forged receiver, but pay attention to the manufacturer to be sure of what you get.

Personally, I think I prefer the BM59 to the M1A especially when my experience has been dotted with various nitpicky M1A issues that color my perception. Then again, mine has the happy switch,

Posted: 6/25/2017 3:30:16 PM EDT

[#8]

I would take several M14 clones over an M1A.

The BM59 would indeed be something special, so it's up to you.

Posted: 6/25/2017 5:04:18 PM EDT

[#9]

Parts are currently abundant.

Posted: 6/25/2017 7:29:45 PM EDT

[#10]

BM-59....

Posted: 6/25/2017 7:58:39 PM EDT

[#11]

Can't make up your mind. Get a BM14 The look of a BM59 but use M14 magazines.

Posted: 6/27/2017 1:22:33 AM EDT

[#12]

It looks like they increased the price but SARCO was running a sale on the BM59 mags, 10 for $250 which gets them in the ballpark of most M14 mags. I have both a preban all USGI (but the receiver of course) M1A and a BM59 (one of the recent James River Armory receiver guns from Classic. If I didn't have either - I'd probably look for a preban M1A with all USGI parts first, but the BM59 is way, way cool. I have a BM59 paratrooper folding stock on mine. If you have the money, best answer is to get both! :)

Posted: 7/7/2017 8:25:36 PM EDT

[#13]

I picked up one of the JRA BM 59 builds from Classic on their Memorial Day Sale. The rifle looks almost new, fit and finish are top notch!

Posted: 7/7/2017 9:25:47 PM EDT

[#14]

Posted: 7/8/2017 6:30:31 PM EDT

[#15]

Get an M1 Garand in 7.62/.308.

You can thank me later.

CMP .308 M1 Special.

Posted: 7/8/2017 7:33:37 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:

Get an M1 Garand in 7.62/.308.

You can thank me later.

CMP .308 M1 Special.
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo166/agtman/HRA-3.jpg

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That's a fine looking "upgrade account to host pictures"

Posted: 7/9/2017 2:18:38 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

Get an M1 Garand in 7.62/.308.

You can thank me later.

CMP .308 M1 Special.
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo166/agtman/HRA-3.jpg

View Quote

I purchased an M1 in .308 from CMP 2 years ago.I love it,great shooter.Completely refurbished,new barrel and stock.

Posted: 8/13/2017 9:25:53 PM EDT

[#18]

BM-59 for the win.!!!! I have had both and prefer the BM-59 hands down, much more accurate, of course you cant mount optics as of yet but iron sights only it wins every time for me.

Attached File

Posted: 8/14/2017 7:44:48 PM EDT

[#19]

Nice Rifle. I have the JRA build from Classic and it is very accurate. even with my aging eyesight!

Posted: 8/18/2017 11:58:42 PM EDT

[#20]

Getting interested in a BM59 myself and thinking about what to sell to free up money-one question though-wasn't there a BM59 variant in .30-06 or am I wrong? Local gunshow seller used to haul around one of the old Santa Fe builds, and I could swear that one was .30-06 and not .308. Ever since the parts kits started flowing I haven't seen mention of a '59 in '06.

Posted: 8/19/2017 8:07:55 AM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:

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My latest fun gun.

Attached File

Posted: 8/19/2017 12:54:15 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
Getting interested in a BM59 myself and thinking about what to sell to free up money-one question though-wasn't there a BM59 variant in .30-06 or am I wrong? Local gunshow seller used to haul around one of the old Santa Fe builds, and I could swear that one was .30-06 and not .308. Ever since the parts kits started flowing I haven't seen mention of a '59 in '06.

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There was no 30-06 BM59. You might be remembering a Garand Tanker, but there would be no magazine on that. I know there was a gunsmith or two in the past that made 30-06 mag fed Garands using BAR mags.

Posted: 8/19/2017 1:15:59 PM EDT

[#23]

I remember finally finding a BM-59 mag at a show for $90. I was so happy to have 2 mags.

Posted: 8/19/2017 1:47:09 PM EDT

[#24]

I would love a BM-59. Need one of those fancy receivers Fluffy gets.

Posted: 8/19/2017 2:06:33 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
You will have less headaches going with the M1-A and warranty support from Springfield Armory.

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FSA

(Fuck Springfield Armory) They can shove that rifle up their ass. I'm still pissed at them. BM59 all day.

Posted: 8/19/2017 8:52:14 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:

There was no 30-06 BM59. You might be remembering a Garand Tanker, but there would be no magazine on that. I know there was a gunsmith or two in the past that made 30-06 mag fed Garands using BAR mags.

View Quote

I'll have to track down the seller and ask him. I know he had the rifle labelled as a BM59, it was the typical Santa Fe receiver, marked "made under license from Beretta". It did indeed have a detachable magazine, and I seem to remember a nearly unmodified Garand gas system with a Swiss cheese looking muzzle device about 2" long. Beyond that, I'm either misremembering or he has something mis-labelled(not that that has ever happened at a gun show).

ETA-after a bit more googling the Santa Fe wasn't a true-to-pattern BM59-it was a cobbled together hybrid of tanker Garand and BM59. Makes sense they'd make some in .30-06. Maybe they used modified BAR mags.

Posted: 8/20/2017 11:54:36 AM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:
I remember finally finding a BM-59 mag at a show for $90. I was so happy to have 2 mags.

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Sarco has them for 50. Still not cheap but not that bad

Posted: 8/20/2017 3:36:56 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sarco has them for 50. Still not cheap but not that bad

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I remember finally finding a BM-59 mag at a show for $90. I was so happy to have 2 mags.

Sarco has them for 50. Still not cheap but not that bad

I got mine from the Stock Emporium for 40 something a piece. I got 6.

Posted: 8/20/2017 3:53:11 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sarco has them for 50. Still not cheap but not that bad

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I remember finally finding a BM-59 mag at a show for $90. I was so happy to have 2 mags.

Sarco has them for 50. Still not cheap but not that bad

Nope thats just fine for posting pics on gun forums and social media.

Beyond that, fuck that.

Posted: 8/20/2017 3:53:35 PM EDT

[#30]

Both very solid systems, the Italian design as noted has very well-made magazines. The way I saw it, I built a semi-M14-type in 1993, and another one two years ago, and expect to again next year or the year after that-- but the BM-59 kits haven't been here long and won't be here much longer, and then they'll be the rifle you wish you'd gotten-- and you will still be able to build or buy an M14-type. Pay your money and take your pick.

Posted: 10/6/2017 8:44:57 PM EDT

[#31]

While the BM-59 is a fascinating gun, I can't really recommend a JRA one.

Posted: 10/6/2017 9:04:42 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
While the BM-59 is a fascinating gun, I can't really recommend a JRA one.

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After reading several reports of sloppy receiver markings and iffy receiver finish I had the money available and couldn't do it. Maybe if I could actually see one firsthand and decide if I'd be happy with what it looks like. Add that to the fact that I prefer the E model, and the only way to get it is buy a kit and receiver(from whatever source) and have it built. JRA said they have no plans to offer the E model-even though Classic has them listed.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - M1A or BM59

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