I've got a SA standard. I've added the recoil buffer (~$5 I think), mags (~$10 to $15 each), Vortex flash hider from Smith Enterprises (~$60), SEI Hk style front sight/gas lock (~$35), Leupold VX-II 3-9x40 (~$300), and the crown jewel of scope mounts, the SEI Crazy Horse 7" extended see-thru version, part #2008 (~$below retail), which by the way, is the only one I know of in civlian owned hands, which is marked "Property of USAF". (I'm active AF, but it's on my privately owned weapon.) All other mounts will not be marked as such, I got the last of a run made for USAF Pararescue.
Anyways, long story short, get the M1A. If you can afford the LRB, I say go for it. Or a Fulton Armory. I've had no problems with mine, but I would have bought more if I could afford it.