I’m thinking of getting an M1A, does anyone have any better ideas, I need semi-auto, preferably external magazine. Also has to be able to hold a magazine of 6 rounds or less (for hunting)
I would personally get an SR25 pattern gun. Either LaRue OBR, LMT MWS, or one of the KAC guns.
The M1A/M14 is an sorely outdated design, and wont hold accuracy like the above guns will. If you buy an M1A (Springfield) they are commercial guns, and you would want to upgrade the internals to USGI parts anyways. Mags are no longer an issue with the SR25 pattern guns with the Magpul magazine among others, and you get the same basic operation as the AR15 as well as some parts commonality like stocks, triggers, rail guards, optics, etc. The M1A/M14 was a decent gun but there is a reason it barely had any service history in the US mil as the general issue rifle. After the AR pattern gun came out they were relegated to storage facilities, basic training, and sold to foreign governments.
Heavy barrelled FAL? FN FNAR? I believe they have 5 round mags for the FAL, unsure of the FNAR.
50.0 configuration FALs “should” have practical accuracy to 500 Meters - mine do anyway (~1.5 to 2 MOA). Not all pieced together from worn out parts kits will, however - it often takes a new lower to get rid of upper to lower receiver slop, plus surplus barrels are an unknown until you try them. The NIB surplus lowers are long gone, so good luck there.
A “heavy barrel” FAL would be about as practical as tits on a bore hog due to the excessive weight.
what are your caliber requirements, if any?
What is your budget?
M1A/M14s are not what they used to be. Most commercial manufacturers like Springfield(this is NOT the same Springfield that made the 1903) are not very well made or durable. Most M14 builders will tell you that the only way to get a good M1A/M14 is to build it from GI parts. Unfortunately, the supply of GI parts is diminishing and a good GI build will run you at least $2500 before you add anything to it.
A 500+ yard semi auto .308 that is reliable and durable isn’t cheap. You’re looking at a $2k base model, then another $1k for a decent optic. Factor in accessories and ammo and you have one expensive investment on your hands. The Knights Armament SR-25 is a good one. A heavy barrel DSA FAL or G3/HK 91 is also a good option.
If that is a little steep for you, consider if you really need the rifle to be semi auto. A quality bolt action rifle like a Remington 700 will run you about $800 for the rifle itself. It will generally outshoot any semi auto on the market.
+1 on the bolt gun. Look at Accuracy International (AICS) rifles or stock for Rem700 actions, Tac-mod, JP Enterprises, McMillian, and some others all have magazine feed options, up to 10 rounds in .308.
Save money on the rifle and put it in glass!
Nothing wrong with Springfield M1A’s . the weapon will hit at 500 plus yards if you do your part .
Buy one and shoot the hell out of it . I’m not going to get into a pissing contest with the Gasser boys , but why buy a gun that shits where it eats ??
An M1A with money poured into it might shoot as well as a stock .308 AR. That is after you spend twice the amount of the stock AR’s price.
Good lord… Your comment shows the depth of your knowledge.
Wha???
What are you referring to?
he’s referring to the DI system. and he’s a cheeseball for it.
It doesn’t shit were it eats if he would look at the carrier it has 2 gas exhaust ports that vent the gases out side.
A stock M1A will barely cut it but inside 3-400 yards, a lot will depend on your skills and the ammo you select. Don’t expect a tack driver.
Agreed.
Nothing wrong with Springfield M1A’s . the weapon will hit at 500 plus yards if you do your part .
Buy one and shoot the hell out of it . I’m not going to get into a pissing contest with the Gasser boys , but why buy a gun that shits where it eats
That all depends on the shooter’s skill and his level of acceptability. An M1A will have to be turned into a a totally match grade weapon system to get the degree of accuracy most folks expect. A tremendous amount of coin to invest in the following, all National Match parts: barrel, iron sights, trigger, stock, sling, match ammo, and an excellent scope if he planned on using one and IF an individual had years of precision shooting behind them, maybe one could obtain the accuracy. And that’s a huge IF.
I’ve fired quite a few matches out to 1000 yards, but that’s out of a match grade race gun, all tricked out and finely tuned by the folks at the USAMU. There are way too many problem hurdles to get that expectation for the average person.
Damn , silly me pointing out a fact . .
Ever thought about what the 2 holes on the side of the bolt carrier are for?
I do it all the time with a rack grade Springfield with an SAK barrel . Its easy , all ya got to do is shut up and shoot .
So much M4 being the best forum on the net …bunch of DGI Koolaid drinkers .
HHMMMM , off GASSING . Hence shitting where it eats . :rolleyes:
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