Anybody have any experience with these two M1a variants? I am thinking the Socom 16 would be extremely loud with the muzzle break and short barrel, but it just looks so bad ass!
I bought the SOCOM-16 while unsuccessfully looking for a Scout Squad…If you just want “badass”, the I suppose the SOCOM-16 is it. However, as much as I love mine, I would also love to have the extra 2" of barrel found on the Scout Squad. I’ll be needing a new barrel at some point soon and will likely have it re-barreled to 18"… Unless you suppress it, the .308 is loud no matter what. The SOCOM-16 is no exception - it will rattle your skull. It does however have a very effective brake and both Troy and SEI make after-market brakes and flash suppressors… the SOCOM-16 with iron sights is fairly limited to a CQB role, as the wide Trijicon front blade and wide rear aperture all but cover a target out beyond 200-yards. Add optics and especially a stock like the Troy MCS and things change pretty dramatically…
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=48416&highlight=scout
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=12046&highlight=scout
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=4058&highlight=scout
I was considering a scout squad for the same reasons. I feel like the 18" barrel is the ideal length for the m1a’s. What kind of groups are you currently getting out of your SOCOM?
scout.
I really like the Scout. At some point I will get around to buying one
Hoploethos,
Do you have one? What kind of groups are you getting?
dp0350,
Do you have one? What kind of groups are you getting?
Yes. Had several.
It’s sub MOA. (18" Kreiger M80HT by SEI)
Wow, very nice. How do you like the bipod, its the one by Smith correct?
TangoDown
Scout, for sure.
Here are some pics of my, sadly now sold, LRB M25 / SEI Crazy Horse guns… I miss em’.
Very nice. What optic mount did you use on them, the SEI?
Scout Squad definately. It’s not a carbine.It’s a 800 meter rifle. Don’t make it something it’s not.
One of the best features of the LRB M25’s is that the optic mount is built into the receiver itself.
As a Socom16 owner I will tell you to go with the Scout without hesitation. The Scout will do everything the Socom will but do it better. The Scout will still be capable of making 500 yard + shots, you will have longer eye relief, and 100% parts commonality with the M14. While the Socom16 is about 3 inches shorter overall, if you are wanting a CQB weapon, there are better options out there than a 7.62 battle rifle.
The 18" M1A trumps 16" like there’s no tomorrow, but the new (16") LMT 308 rocks the world? Excuse the hyperbole, but I really don’t understand why there isn’t more demand for the new 308 ARs to be offered in 18" instead of 16". 
Very nice, I like the idea of the integrated Picatinny rail. Did you buy the guns complete from LRB or have them custom build at Smith?
Amen.
Trying to shoe-horn an M14 variant into a CQB role is like using a pick-axe as a deep-fryer.
I agree with trying to use an M14 in a CQB situation. I prefer an 18-20" barrel even on bolt action 308’s. The 18" scout does seem to make the M14 a little more maneuverable.
nice LRB blasters