Springfield M1a

[wcd]

Thoughts and opinions please. I am in the process of researching a new long gun purchase. For me I am not a fan of the AR platform So that does not leave a whole lot of choices. So I am looking at the the M1A and are wondering if there is much difference in the functionality of the different models available? At present I am kind of leaning towards the shorter barrel model. As much as I really hate to support any company that is located in IL it does not seem as if there are any other options out there. If you have an M1A please share any information that might benefit a first timer.

Thanks

 

[trailboss]

I too am not an AR fan, but it is a simple design and I like simple.
If I ever got an AR it would be a 308
I like the socom version of the M1a
The M1 is a very heavy weapon com paired to the AR.

Due to cost of ammo, several months ago I wanted a new long gun.
I got a mosin nagant , cheap gun and cheap ammo. And a blast to shoot.

 

[Spartan]

The first rifle I got accustomed to was the M-14 - high school ROTC about 40 years ago. But the first rifle I got used to actually using was the M-16A1 in the USMC infantry.
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Operating either rifle is natural to me but I prefer the heavier caliber. I have AR's in 5.56X45mm, 6.8X43mm and 7.62X51mm. I also have the Springfield Armory SOCOM-16.
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The AR-10 doesn't offer much in terms of lighter weight. Price is about the same. I usually pick the SOCOM over the AR - but I'd say that is mostly a personal choice.
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One debateable benefit of the SOCOM : I like short weapons for road trips - something I can stuff into a tennis racket bag so they don't scream "GUN" when I'm checking into a hotel and look almost too cheap to bother stealing. I bought a wood M-14 stock which had been modified with a BM-59 Alpine stock - the tube buttstock folds to the side. The SOCOM in that is an extremely handy little gun with a huge bite.

 

[kmh]

I salivated over an M1a this afternoon. Great looking weapon. If I hadn't bought a S&W M&P AR10 yesterday I would own one today. The AR10 is a sweet shooting piece.

 

[Crazy bird]

I've always wanted a M1A , so one day the Wife said to me how come you don't have a battle rifle and I said WHAT ? She said I should get one I said OK ! Got the Socom 2 and I'm glad I did ,shots awesome @ 100 yard never a problem . I take it out of the case @ the range and people swarm around it ,people say it's heavy but using it a lot not a issue for me @ all .