Any M1A users out there

BillyFun · Apr-19-2009, 07:51 AM

Just bought an M1A SS National Match 7.62mm with all the rails, etc (tomorrow is my birthday). I haven't shot it yet.

I'm looking for some comments on a scope for it. I'm thinking Leupold 4.5X14 Tactical. Any input?

Are there any other M1A owners out there? Positive or negative comments (about the gun)?

Thanks,
Bill

**Surfdoc** · Apr-19-2009, 09:25 AM

Your going to love that piece. Used one in the military! Only question I have is where can ya get the 7.62 rounds?

umoa · Apr-19-2009, 03:08 PM

the only one bad i've heard about it was about the receiver blowing up in someone's face due to microfractures or something. But I think that is the only case.

Other than that, i'm looking to get one soon. You'll have fun with it for sure.

BuonaForTuna · Apr-19-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfdoc

Your going to love that piece. Used one in the military! Only question I have is where can ya get the 7.62 rounds?

I was thinking the exact same thing. Thats a 5.56 round and I dont know of any barrel conversions that allow you to shoot a 7.62 round on the M1A. The scope you have chose is a good one and you should be fine with it. I as well have used those as well as a great many others when in the service.

BillyFun · Apr-19-2009, 06:49 PM

Just to clear things up, it's an M1A Springfield, which is a civilian version of the M14 and both are 7.62mm. Both have always been 7.62. Mine is the National Match, so the tolerances are tighter, the iron sights are better, SS barrell, etc.

I'm in Texas, so even though 7.62 ammo is available, although in very short supply, it's close to $550.00 for 400 rds of Lake City ammo. Even though it's US made, that's not anywhere close to match grade ammo.

I'm really looking forward to shooting it. I used an M14 when I went through Marine Corps Recruit Training and qualified at the range with the M14. We switched over to an M16 just before I went overseas. I used to be a decent shot with the M14 out to 500 yards with iron sights. That was a long time ago when I could see without glasses, weighted a few pounds less amd was a little more flexible.

BuonaForTuna · Apr-19-2009, 06:55 PM

$550 is no that bad to be honest with you. Each round for the Remington 700 series was about $125 or so for me out here in california, and thats a 30/06 version. So its about right. Either way Bill it seems as though you already have the experience you would need with one, springfield makes great weapon systems really clean and smooth. I own/ed alot of the handguns the XD 9 XD45 micro subcompacts and I will say I am extremely pleased with their products so have fun with it! And that again the scope you mentioned is good, im used to the old military steiners myself.

rdrrm8e · Apr-19-2009, 08:53 PM

Here is mine. I've put some coin into it. Unitized gas cahmber, crowned barrel, trigger work, Match operating rod, Harris pivoting bipod, scope extensions. Sweet gun. Built by Evans in Orange. World class M1 builder.

BillyFun · Apr-20-2009, 07:01 AM

Chuck - Very nice! What kind of glaess do you have on it?

Bill

riverplayer · Apr-20-2009, 08:49 AM

I purchased an M1A NM a few months ago and shoot .308 no problem. The argument will go on forever about 7.62 verses Winchester .308 but the gun shoots fine. Little or no case stretch after fire forming the brass and the reloads action just fine.......

Good luck with your new gun, you are going to LOVE that thing! Oh ya, keep it clean....

rdrrm8e · Apr-20-2009, 09:24 AM

I "Cheaped out" on the scope. I bought a Tasco Super Sniper from somebody on the boards here.

Not an illuminated reticle $1300.00 Leupold....but it works well. Let's face it, nobody is shooting back at me.

Tasco Super Sniper 10x42M

Oh yeah...the rings are as important as the scope. The cheapo rings will loosen after only a few rounds. I think I spent $200.00 on the rings. I will try and look up what I bought.

Steel Leader · Apr-20-2009, 10:12 AM

m1's are 7.62 or .308. My cousin has the socom and it is a AWESOME rifle, I wish I could afford one of those beautys.

Baja Dreamer · Apr-20-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuonaForTuna

I was thinking the exact same thing. Thats a 5.56 round and I dont know of any barrel conversions that allow you to shoot a 7.62 round on the M1A. The scope you have chose is a good one and you should be fine with it. I as well have used those as well as a great many others when in the service.

WTF?

The M1A is, and to my knowledge always has been, 7.62x51mm NATO.

Perhaps you were thinking M16 which is 5.56?