I am now unable to avoid and resist the urges I am having for an M1A.

Now especially seems to be a good time to get one as SA is offering their 6x40 military scope and mount for $99.

Question is which one?

I do not shoot matches (yet) but want the best I can reasonably afford.

Anyone got any experience with the loaded packages as compared to the next step up to NM models?

The loaded packages look pretty good and I have seen them run around 1400-1500 but is the NM really worth it to someone whose needs are only made up of want rather than necessity?

Was really thinking about the MA-9222 (walnut, carbon steel barell) w/ some NM upgrades.

Have you ever shot one?

xkill,

Just a personal opinion.  I have both a SA M1A and an Armalite AR10.

If you want to shoot iron sites get the M1A.  If you want to use a scope get t he AR10.  The M1A is simply not designed to give the proper cheekweld for scope use.

James

PS - For me it is AR10 all the way.

Actually, no PeaShooter, never shot one.

I shoot an early SA M1 Garand and an Inland M1 Carbine but have only done a lot of looking at, reading about and fondling of the M1A.

Never seen anything I did not like about teh M1A though.

Do you ask from a + or - standpoint?

Well? to be honest.
I have one, and I cant shoot it well. I think it kicks like a Mule. at least what I think a mule kicks like[:D]   I have softer shootin 308's that  I shoot better with. Its the only one that I get bruises with also?
" I know? technique I know, I know?" But thats just me I guess?
Jimmy is right also, cheekweld sucks with a scope, chinweld is more like it. I only shoot it open sights now.

The American Military uses scoped M14s.
The Israli Army uses them.
You can get different stocks that have a high comb and provide excellent check weld.
Take a look at the new Hathcock M1A from
[url]http://www.springfieldarmory.com/prod-rifles-m1a.shtml#f[/url]