Help me choose a rifle...

[Cossey]

So I'm looking for an M1A. I've talked about getting one for a while, so I figured I'd grow a set and go for it. Only issue is I don't know which one to get.

I'd like to have the ability to reach out to 800yds (in due time, prolly not possible w/ current skill level), and I'm not sure which model would be suitable for the feat. I'm ruling out the Socom/Socom II due to 16" barrel. Scout Squad is questionable w/ an 18" barrel. So I'm thinking Loaded or possibly a National Match. I'd also like to be able to mount a scope on it. Any ideas? Used is an option if I can find one as well.

I'd get a Remington 700, but I want semi-auto, and I've had an itch for a Springfield M1A for too damn long to not be scratched.

[ape_nutty8]

With all the money your going to spend on a fully loaded m1a I would rather get a custom 700. There way more accurate and you can customize it to what you want for the same cost..... But if you really have your Mind set on the m1a you should get what you want.

[meketrefe]

Cossey,
If you were going to get a 16" I would look into the saiga 16". I sold the socom II and bought another saiga a couple of years back.
For 800 yards I recommend at least 20" for some 168/175 grainers.

[plater1]

I've had several over the years including a super match I still have. If you have the money to burn, go for the national match with a ss barrel. Or if it was me, get the 9103 standard and spend the money you saved on a case of federal gold medal in 168gn (my super match loves that load). Either way they both can outshoot the the fool pulling the trigger.

[bpipe95]

Kmusack wrote a post about that platform a year or so ago. I would search for the post and take it all in, then decide if that is the platform that best fits your needs. Especially if you plan to put an optic on it.

[Cossey]

Yea, I just read his posts about it and try we're both enlightening and disappointing at the same time.


Are there any consistently accurate .308 semi-auto firearms that'll accept a scope easily and not weigh a ton?

[Evild]

Was just thinking about M1A's the other day, I've wanted one since i first saw one when i was a little kid, never could afford one, still can't. Some day tho.

[bpipe95]

Yea, I just read his posts about it and try we're both enlightening and disappointing at the same time.


Are there any consistently accurate .308 semi-auto firearms that'll accept a scope easily and not weigh a ton?

You recently stated that you like the AR platform, why not build an ar10 or lr308? It will be more expensive than a basic ar15 esp if you use good parts but good parts are critical. Or you can buy a new generation GAP10, the range reports they are getting are shockingly positive.

[OscarWhiskey2]

The M1-A (M-14) is America’s romantic battle rifle much like the M-1. Is it the best we ever developed, no. I run a Super Match SS from Springfield Amory with open sights, using a sling and get into the Gumby shooting positions, I tend to look for the bottle of Advil when I’m done, my body is getting old but love shooting it, always puts a smile on my face. If you are after a .308 gas gun for precision work it will be expensive, George at G.A. Precision as mentioned probably makes one of the better ones. Without looking into it myself for models also look at Knights Armament.

If you go with an M1-A, get a match or super match and run it like it was designed, open sights. The case extraction cycle is very violent that’s why guys like it, it does chew brass up pretty good. Mine with handloads watching (not chamber pressure) but rather operating rod pressure is right around 1 MOA.

[Cossey]

You recently stated that you like the AR platform, why not build an ar10 or lr308? It will be more expensive than a basic ar15 esp if you use good parts but good parts are critical. Or you can buy a new generation GAP10, the range reports they are getting are shockingly positive.

It's a possibility. I had an LR308, the only issue was that it weighed 15lbs lol. I'd ideally have the rifle around 10-11lbs so it'll be nice to shoot standing as well. I didn't have me LR308 to check accuracy at a distance though, only shot it to like, 50yds.


An M1A most likely is out of the cards for now. I love the design and look of the rifle, but I want something with glass optics on it. I'm contemplating an AR platforum, or possibly going to a 6.5 Grendel upper. One of the reasons I'm liking a .308 is because 1) ammo is plentiful, just in case and 2) I have 300rds of Hornady TAP 168gr in my office right now sitting in a box on the floor.

[bpipe95]

If you want to reload, and don't mind making comprimises then a 6.5g in an small AR pattern might be the way to go for you.

A 308 patern AR would offer more proven choices than the specialty calibers offered in the small AR15 platform.

I am just starting a 308 pattern ar build for myself. So far so good...

[Holdover]

My heavy barrel DPMSPanther LR 308 is a freaking tackdriver out of the box. and it weighs around 9lbs. ALL 308 semi autos are going to be in that 9-12lb range. 9lbs isnt bad. DPMS makes the 6.5 but only in the longer 24 inch barrel which is fine for benching , but heavy to lug around. If you buy the 308 LR you can always get the 6.5 upper from DPMS too, or vicea versa.

I had an M1A loaded I sold. Solid, Beutiful rifle,but didnt shoot the way its supposed to shoot in my opinion. To upgrade it to shoot the way its supposed to would cost me some bucks . SO if you do go with a M1A go with the supermatch . then your pretty much done.

And I have 5 20 rd M14 preban mags for sale if you do.

[Cossey]

After much consideration and advice from meketrefe, I've decided on a rifle finally.

Remington 700 SPS Tactical in .308.

I got it for $600 from Bud's, which is more than $100 less than LGS are asking if they even have them.

Ordering all the optics tonight, including a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP scope.

So good gun, good optics, and good optics mounting for less than the cost a Springfield M1A NM.