Thoughts on the M1A?

[Gammon]

I have had an M1A for many years and love it. I use it a lot less now because an AR in 223 is a lot less expensive to shoot and most matches are AR friendly. With the increase in cost of ammo and components I don't even shoot the AR much any more; the rimfire conversion is a lot cheaper.

My next project was going to be an AR in 308. I have given up on that idea in favor of turning my M1A into an EBR. I realise that the current models of this rifle are expensive and heavier than they need to be, but I think that in time parts will be available to build an EBR for a reasonable amount of $ that won't weigh a ton. I prefer a piston system so why not use the M1A as the basis for this type of build vs the AR?

 

[KMM696]

I have had an M1A for many years and love it. I use it a lot less now because an AR in 223 is a lot less expensive to shoot and most matches are AR friendly. With the increase in cost of ammo and components I don't even shoot the AR much any more; the rimfire conversion is a lot cheaper.

My next project was going to be an AR in 308. I have given up on that idea in favor of turning my M1A into an EBR. I realise that the current models of this rifle are expensive and heavier than they need to be, but I think that in time parts will be available to build an EBR for a reasonable amount of $ that won't weigh a ton. I prefer a piston system so why not use the M1A as the basis for this type of build vs the AR?

I'm curious what you're looking to change on the M1A to make it an EBR. I ask because I've been a little way down this road and stopped. To my mind, the only thing my M1A was lacking was optics and a bipod. I tried a couple cheap receiver scope mounts, which (naturally) failed. The second one gave me just enough functional working time with the rifle to realize that even with a cheek pad, I didn't like the scope height at all. So, my next attempt was to drop it in a Troy MCS. Cleared up my optics issues immediately, and more than enough rail available for a bipod, BUIS, lights, lasers, cupholders and a kitchen sink. Worked great, but very heavy - even without the kitchen sink.

If I was still heading in this direction, I'd be looking hard at the Troy Battlerail for the M1A. It might still not be for me, as the original stock comb height still might be too low for me to be happy with optics on it. Since then, I built a 308 AR on a CMMG G3 mag lower, and a Fulton upper. I like the AR better, but let me emphasize that it's personal preference, not any failure on the M1As part. I also find the AR easier to work on - even in 308, it's mostly just assembly work.

 

[TomH]

Check out LRB, genuine forged receiver. They make one with a dovetailed rail mount also. Not cheap though!

 

[gunclinger]

I've seen the LRBs...sweet. Looks like a nicely integrated rail right above their M25 receiver (shown on the Tanker, the Scout Squad-style). And little touches like an authentic barrel with the selective fire switch cutout.

Eh, I'd be happy with a Springfield and $1000 left in my pocket for my first M1A/M14.

 

[Gehrhard]

There is something special about cinching into an M1A in prone, locking the front sight onto the target, squeezing the trigger, rocking and rolling with boat-tails going through black circles at hundreds of yards...

Yeah, why not!

 

[nyc71]

I like the M1A Scout so much that bought the SOCOM too.


"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety"- Benjamin Franklin