hey guys i am maybe looking at getting a loaded m1a. any suggestions on accessories or tips on how to make the weapon operate at it fullest. i want to put my vortex viper scope on it. any mount suggestions also. i want to sell my one rifle first but i can't post on here yet. any other info would be great.
new to m1a
- Thread starter mowen
- Start date
Re: new to m1a
It will operate to it's full potential right out of the box.
You can scope it, sling it , stock pad it and it's still a 2-4 moa rifle.
It will operate to it's full potential right out of the box.
You can scope it, sling it , stock pad it and it's still a 2-4 moa rifle.
Re: new to m1a
well give smith enterprise a look for the base. i like it. check gas system for play and shim that if needed. be sure stock to action fit is tight. dont run heavy bullets or hot loads if ya wanna keep yer oprod right. otherwise game on.
oh and ignore all these 2-4 moa rifle turds. itll do better with love.
well give smith enterprise a look for the base. i like it. check gas system for play and shim that if needed. be sure stock to action fit is tight. dont run heavy bullets or hot loads if ya wanna keep yer oprod right. otherwise game on.
oh and ignore all these 2-4 moa rifle turds. itll do better with love.
Re: new to m1a
just gotta learn how much to hug it and squeeze it. i am trying to post everywhere so i can get my 100 post in to post my gun. gonna take some time
just gotta learn how much to hug it and squeeze it. i am trying to post everywhere so i can get my 100 post in to post my gun. gonna take some time
Re: new to m1a
sadlak or SEI for bases. DO NOT buy a SA base they are junk. and like stated above you can invest a small car into these rifles just to get to the 1MOA mark. if precision is your game and I have been down this road buy a AR in 308 that is half the price and shoots twice as accurate
sadlak or SEI for bases. DO NOT buy a SA base they are junk. and like stated above you can invest a small car into these rifles just to get to the 1MOA mark. if precision is your game and I have been down this road buy a AR in 308 that is half the price and shoots twice as accurate
Re: new to m1a
Okay, let's say you've got a new loaded M1A...
You'll need some tools to maintain it. Chamber brush, gas cylinder wrench & drills, bolt greaser, and castle nut pliers.
Get a can of Lubriplate 130-A. You've gotta keep it greased.
Buy Check-Mate (CMI) USGI issue magazines.
Order a USGI extractor, ejector, and springs. Just take the bolt to a gunsmith, and have him swap these out (that way you don't need to buy the bolt disassembly tool). These factory Springfield parts are NFG, so this will save you some trouble down the line.
Get a set of gas cylinder shims (here's where you'll use the castle nut pliers), which will tighten things up.
Might want to pick up a Sadlak gas piston and recoil spring guide as well (both optional).
Sadlak also makes a nice reinforced QD front sling mount, which is a great way to attach a Harris bipod.
I'd suggest a Bassett Machine Low Picatinny scope mount. You can take it on and off with little effort to use the iron sights, it'll fit the receiver properly, hold it's zero, and it won't break the bank. Cleaning and maintaining (properly) a M14 is a pain in the ass, and doing so with a scope and mount attached is even worse.
You'll want some kind of cheek riser too, if you're using a scope.
Look for a USGI fiberglass stock as well. Much better quality than what comes from the factory.
Get used to having a 4.5 pound trigger pull, and about half the accuracy of a good Remington 700.
All that aside, it's still one of my all time favorite rifles. One hell of a lot of firepower and fun to shoot.
Okay, let's say you've got a new loaded M1A...
You'll need some tools to maintain it. Chamber brush, gas cylinder wrench & drills, bolt greaser, and castle nut pliers.
Get a can of Lubriplate 130-A. You've gotta keep it greased.
Buy Check-Mate (CMI) USGI issue magazines.
Order a USGI extractor, ejector, and springs. Just take the bolt to a gunsmith, and have him swap these out (that way you don't need to buy the bolt disassembly tool). These factory Springfield parts are NFG, so this will save you some trouble down the line.
Get a set of gas cylinder shims (here's where you'll use the castle nut pliers), which will tighten things up.
Might want to pick up a Sadlak gas piston and recoil spring guide as well (both optional).
Sadlak also makes a nice reinforced QD front sling mount, which is a great way to attach a Harris bipod.
I'd suggest a Bassett Machine Low Picatinny scope mount. You can take it on and off with little effort to use the iron sights, it'll fit the receiver properly, hold it's zero, and it won't break the bank. Cleaning and maintaining (properly) a M14 is a pain in the ass, and doing so with a scope and mount attached is even worse.
You'll want some kind of cheek riser too, if you're using a scope.
Look for a USGI fiberglass stock as well. Much better quality than what comes from the factory.
Get used to having a 4.5 pound trigger pull, and about half the accuracy of a good Remington 700.
All that aside, it's still one of my all time favorite rifles. One hell of a lot of firepower and fun to shoot.
Re: new to m1a
thanks guys. i really love these rifles but after hearing about the accuracy not being that great i might be considering an ar10. i don't know yet a m1a is just fearsome lookin.
thanks guys. i really love these rifles but after hearing about the accuracy not being that great i might be considering an ar10. i don't know yet a m1a is just fearsome lookin.
Re: new to m1a
Mowen, I own a Springfield Armory M1A Scout model and a GA precision AR-10. Of the two the AR-10 is much more accurate, as it should be, but if I could only have one I would stay with the M1A. I really have alot of fun with it at the range and it has accompanied me on many a hog hunt. I have found that the reliabilty of my M1A has been 100% so far. I will add that the AR-10 lends itself much better to being scoped then the M1A in their stock form. I shoot my M1A either iron sights or with a Aimpoint Micro attached to the factory scout rail. I love shooting Iron sights and for me shooting a 1 1/2 - 2" group with irons at 100 yards is just as exciting as shooting a 1/2" group with a bolt gun. If you really want to have some fun, shoot water bottles at 200 yards with iron sights, nothing better.
Mowen, I own a Springfield Armory M1A Scout model and a GA precision AR-10. Of the two the AR-10 is much more accurate, as it should be, but if I could only have one I would stay with the M1A. I really have alot of fun with it at the range and it has accompanied me on many a hog hunt. I have found that the reliabilty of my M1A has been 100% so far. I will add that the AR-10 lends itself much better to being scoped then the M1A in their stock form. I shoot my M1A either iron sights or with a Aimpoint Micro attached to the factory scout rail. I love shooting Iron sights and for me shooting a 1 1/2 - 2" group with irons at 100 yards is just as exciting as shooting a 1/2" group with a bolt gun. If you really want to have some fun, shoot water bottles at 200 yards with iron sights, nothing better.
Re: new to m1a
Never buy a rifle solely for looks. It will work out about as well as marrying a girl for looks. Buy it because it can do want you want it to do. Then learn to make it do what you want it to. The most fearsome rifle you will ever see is the one that always hits what it is aimed at. And 99% of that rifle's fearsomeness will be the shooter behind it. That said, you gotta be able to look at the weapon in the morning, too!
Never buy a rifle solely for looks. It will work out about as well as marrying a girl for looks. Buy it because it can do want you want it to do. Then learn to make it do what you want it to. The most fearsome rifle you will ever see is the one that always hits what it is aimed at. And 99% of that rifle's fearsomeness will be the shooter behind it. That said, you gotta be able to look at the weapon in the morning, too!
Re: new to m1a
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jolly roger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Never buy a rifle solely for looks. It will work out about as well as marrying a girl for looks. Buy it because it can do want you want it to do. Then learn to make it do what you want it to. The most fearsome rifle you will ever see is the one that always hits what it is aimed at. And 99% of that rifle's fearsomeness will be the shooter behind it. That said, you gotta be able to look at the weapon in the morning, too! </div></div>
That makes me want to re-evaluate my firearms collection, and my marriage
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jolly roger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Never buy a rifle solely for looks. It will work out about as well as marrying a girl for looks. Buy it because it can do want you want it to do. Then learn to make it do what you want it to. The most fearsome rifle you will ever see is the one that always hits what it is aimed at. And 99% of that rifle's fearsomeness will be the shooter behind it. That said, you gotta be able to look at the weapon in the morning, too! </div></div>
That makes me want to re-evaluate my firearms collection, and my marriage
Re: new to m1a
Well, how much accuracy do you want? A remington 700 with a heavy barrel is a much more cost effective way to get small groups than a custom m1a or ar10.
Well, how much accuracy do you want? A remington 700 with a heavy barrel is a much more cost effective way to get small groups than a custom m1a or ar10.
Re: new to m1a
As stated above it would be more cost effective to build a AR10 or bolt for precision shooting. I have the scout version as well and enjoy shooting with plain old irons. But to each their own.
+1 for SADLAK mounts. there are currently 3 for sale on this forum
As stated above it would be more cost effective to build a AR10 or bolt for precision shooting. I have the scout version as well and enjoy shooting with plain old irons. But to each their own.
+1 for SADLAK mounts. there are currently 3 for sale on this forum
Re: new to m1a
As mentioned in an earlier response, do not buy based on looks. Base your rifle purchase upon what you need and/or want the rifle to do. You will need to do some research to see how each weapon system will fill those needs and wants. If pure precision is what you are after, a bolt gun is probably your best bet. If semi-auto capability is a requirement for you then you can start to entertain the .308 AR or M1A platforms. Precision shooting with a semi-auto can be a bit tricky, especially for a newer shooter. As others have mentioned you can get to 1MOA wth the M1A, but be prepared to dedicate a lot of time and money in order to get there. If you simply want a battle rifle with more than acceptable accuracy, then the M1A is a safe bet.
As mentioned in an earlier response, do not buy based on looks. Base your rifle purchase upon what you need and/or want the rifle to do. You will need to do some research to see how each weapon system will fill those needs and wants. If pure precision is what you are after, a bolt gun is probably your best bet. If semi-auto capability is a requirement for you then you can start to entertain the .308 AR or M1A platforms. Precision shooting with a semi-auto can be a bit tricky, especially for a newer shooter. As others have mentioned you can get to 1MOA wth the M1A, but be prepared to dedicate a lot of time and money in order to get there. If you simply want a battle rifle with more than acceptable accuracy, then the M1A is a safe bet.
Re: new to m1a
I've owned a number of M1A's over the years, still have 2. None of them shot as badly as 4". Every one I owned with good Lake City or Portugese ammo was in the 1.5"-2" class. With 168 SMK's 1.25-1.5" sometimes better. My Devine TX Match Grade will consistantly shoot under 1" @ 100 yards with 168 grain SMK handloads.
I've owned a number of M1A's over the years, still have 2. None of them shot as badly as 4". Every one I owned with good Lake City or Portugese ammo was in the 1.5"-2" class. With 168 SMK's 1.25-1.5" sometimes better. My Devine TX Match Grade will consistantly shoot under 1" @ 100 yards with 168 grain SMK handloads.
Re: new to m1a
I am using the SEI mount on my Crazy Horse M14 EBR-RINM-SEI SASS ... it's rock solid.
I am using the SEI mount on my Crazy Horse M14 EBR-RINM-SEI SASS ... it's rock solid.
Re: new to m1a
I got my M1A in 1977 and have been shooting for over thirty years in High Power & 1000 yard service rifle matchs. Until I started reading these post I didn't know it was such a lousy shooter.
Guess I'll have to turn it into a lamp.
I got my M1A in 1977 and have been shooting for over thirty years in High Power & 1000 yard service rifle matchs. Until I started reading these post I didn't know it was such a lousy shooter.
Guess I'll have to turn it into a lamp.
Re: new to m1a
edit: for scope/accessory mounting check out the troy battlerail, a friend of mine has one on his and it is awesome if you want to keep the standard stock. The downside is that it's 300something bucks
Whatever you do don't get one of the cheap springfield etc mounts, I had one of those on mine and it didn't work very well.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: H2O MAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sub MOA accuracy from the M14 is a rather easy thing to achieve these days and it's really not that expensive.
The key ingredients: SAGE EBR + QUALITY PARTS + CASH + SEI </div></div>
So buy a ~700$ stock, "quality parts" so that's another 1500-2000$, and then throw more money at it. Not expensive at all hahahaha.
edit: for scope/accessory mounting check out the troy battlerail, a friend of mine has one on his and it is awesome if you want to keep the standard stock. The downside is that it's 300something bucks
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: H2O MAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sub MOA accuracy from the M14 is a rather easy thing to achieve these days and it's really not that expensive.
The key ingredients: SAGE EBR + QUALITY PARTS + CASH + SEI </div></div>
So buy a ~700$ stock, "quality parts" so that's another 1500-2000$, and then throw more money at it. Not expensive at all hahahaha.
Re: new to m1a
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Until I started reading these post I didn't know it was such a lousy shooter.
Guess I'll have to turn it into a lamp.</div></div>
Same here. Guess I can take apart the woman's leg lamp and retro it to work with my rifle.
Here's the thing... you're on a site that caters to people who want to shoot teeny tiny groups. If that's what you want from a rifle then the M1A may not be for you. If you want a reliable semi auto that can be tuned to get good groups, then the M1A may work for you. I guess the real question is, what do you expect out of the box?
I had an LR-308, sold it to fund something else. My custom built LRB M25 isn't going anywhere though. I'm even considering having it buried with me I like it so much. It's a different animal from the AR, you either like it or you don't.
As for scope mounts, Bassetts get really good reviews and don't cost as much as many others. Worth a look.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Until I started reading these post I didn't know it was such a lousy shooter.
Guess I'll have to turn it into a lamp.</div></div>
Same here. Guess I can take apart the woman's leg lamp and retro it to work with my rifle.
Here's the thing... you're on a site that caters to people who want to shoot teeny tiny groups. If that's what you want from a rifle then the M1A may not be for you. If you want a reliable semi auto that can be tuned to get good groups, then the M1A may work for you. I guess the real question is, what do you expect out of the box?
I had an LR-308, sold it to fund something else. My custom built LRB M25 isn't going anywhere though. I'm even considering having it buried with me I like it so much. It's a different animal from the AR, you either like it or you don't.
As for scope mounts, Bassetts get really good reviews and don't cost as much as many others. Worth a look.
Re: new to m1a
MOWEN,
I purchased a loaded M1A, walnut/blue two years ago. It way WAY WAAAAYY exceeded my expectations out of the box!!
Bagged on a bench with some Magtech 150gr and my iron sights I get 1.5" - 2.5" groups. Now, I'm no sniper or sharpshooter. Magtech is not match ammo. Soooo, I don't know how much better you need than that for plinkin'? I can still hit 1-quart Gatorade jugs filled with water at 100yds first try.
You said "operate at it fullest", but I'm guessing, much like myself. . . WE the shooter need to operate at our fullest before the rifle should be upgraded too much. Please don't take offense to that as I don't know your shooting abilities. But. . . I've been shooting for 25 years and I know about .002% of the sport!
Don't get me wrong, I've spent money on some stuff because I thought it was cool, tacticool, and even thought some of it was useful etc. This hobby will do that to you. A fine balance between want OR need, passion OR reason, money in wallet OR no money in wallet, right time/place OR day-late/dollar-short.
But believe me, the M1A loaded is a fine piece of machinery out of the box. Get some ammo, buy a spotting scope, a couple bags to rest the rifle and the tools as mentioned by other previous to my post, and you'll have a freakin' hoot with that rifle!!
-G45
MOWEN,
I purchased a loaded M1A, walnut/blue two years ago. It way WAY WAAAAYY exceeded my expectations out of the box!!
Bagged on a bench with some Magtech 150gr and my iron sights I get 1.5" - 2.5" groups. Now, I'm no sniper or sharpshooter. Magtech is not match ammo. Soooo, I don't know how much better you need than that for plinkin'? I can still hit 1-quart Gatorade jugs filled with water at 100yds first try.
You said "operate at it fullest", but I'm guessing, much like myself. . . WE the shooter need to operate at our fullest before the rifle should be upgraded too much. Please don't take offense to that as I don't know your shooting abilities. But. . . I've been shooting for 25 years and I know about .002% of the sport!
Don't get me wrong, I've spent money on some stuff because I thought it was cool, tacticool, and even thought some of it was useful etc. This hobby will do that to you. A fine balance between want OR need, passion OR reason, money in wallet OR no money in wallet, right time/place OR day-late/dollar-short.
But believe me, the M1A loaded is a fine piece of machinery out of the box. Get some ammo, buy a spotting scope, a couple bags to rest the rifle and the tools as mentioned by other previous to my post, and you'll have a freakin' hoot with that rifle!!
-G45
Re: new to m1a
The M14/M1A platform is a great platform that has it's own unique charm and quirks. Remember it is a battlerifle and out of the box will typically display that level of accuarcy. Although, with minor (or major) modifications the accuarcy can be greatly improved. It essentially boils down to how well do you want it to shoot, and how much are you willing to pay for that experience. As others have stated dependent on your intended use, other platforms may be a better choice.
If you do proceed with the M1A one of the best resources for information on the internet is the M14 Firing Line forum. Two books I would also reccomend you get are The M14 Complete Assembly Guide and The M14 owner's guide and match conditioning instructions.
As for accessories and parts I am partial to Sadlak Industies. I have been very pleased with their products. I have their scope mount, National Match Guide rod, and NM gas piston for my M1A. Although they are not the only quality vendor servicing the M1A platform. Best of luck.
The M14/M1A platform is a great platform that has it's own unique charm and quirks. Remember it is a battlerifle and out of the box will typically display that level of accuarcy. Although, with minor (or major) modifications the accuarcy can be greatly improved. It essentially boils down to how well do you want it to shoot, and how much are you willing to pay for that experience. As others have stated dependent on your intended use, other platforms may be a better choice.
If you do proceed with the M1A one of the best resources for information on the internet is the M14 Firing Line forum. Two books I would also reccomend you get are The M14 Complete Assembly Guide and The M14 owner's guide and match conditioning instructions.
As for accessories and parts I am partial to Sadlak Industies. I have been very pleased with their products. I have their scope mount, National Match Guide rod, and NM gas piston for my M1A. Although they are not the only quality vendor servicing the M1A platform. Best of luck.
Re: new to m1a
mowen, you can expect to reduce your groupings by half just by installing a standard M1A in a SAGE EBR chassis.
Mike Peterson (Builder here and over on The M14HDW Forum) shares his experience:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The M14EBR-RI is built with rack stock Code A M14s right out of Anniston AL.
Each one is shot for group prior to it being shipped out to the troops to verify
that it will shoot less than 1.5 MOA.
So far our average is under 1 MOA with 5000 rifles built.</div></div>
It has been my experience that the SEI / SAGE EBR combo is even better.
.
mowen, you can expect to reduce your groupings by half just by installing a standard M1A in a SAGE EBR chassis.
Mike Peterson (Builder here and over on The M14HDW Forum) shares his experience:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The M14EBR-RI is built with rack stock Code A M14s right out of Anniston AL.
Each one is shot for group prior to it being shipped out to the troops to verify
that it will shoot less than 1.5 MOA.
So far our average is under 1 MOA with 5000 rifles built.</div></div>
It has been my experience that the SEI / SAGE EBR combo is even better.
.
Re: new to m1a
Buy a case (or two) of match grade ammunition; shot it, then contemplate changes.
Good luck
Jerry
Buy a case (or two) of match grade ammunition; shot it, then contemplate changes.
Good luck
Jerry
Re: new to m1a
thanks again guy, i guess i didn't give the rifle credit where its due. i have shot bolt guns and 2 ar's but nothing compares to an m1 to me. i haven't shot one yet but my cousin just got a loaded m1a and i am anxious to try it. like i said i am use to getting under half with most of my bolt guns and i might be expecting more then i am capable of with this weapon. i am still thinking hard about getting a loaded one. i ain't gonna be doin no 1000 yrd shooting because i don't have this distance available to me. so even if i shoot it at 1.5 that will be plenty good enough.
what i ment about perfoming at its best is just helping me make no mistakes to get it to malfunction when i might need it most or add on's that will help it funstion better so i don't screw something up. i am good at that sometimes. what are the loaded m1a's going for these days?
what i ment about
thanks again guy, i guess i didn't give the rifle credit where its due. i have shot bolt guns and 2 ar's but nothing compares to an m1 to me. i haven't shot one yet but my cousin just got a loaded m1a and i am anxious to try it. like i said i am use to getting under half with most of my bolt guns and i might be expecting more then i am capable of with this weapon. i am still thinking hard about getting a loaded one. i ain't gonna be doin no 1000 yrd shooting because i don't have this distance available to me. so even if i shoot it at 1.5 that will be plenty good enough.
what i ment about perfoming at its best is just helping me make no mistakes to get it to malfunction when i might need it most or add on's that will help it funstion better so i don't screw something up. i am good at that sometimes. what are the loaded m1a's going for these days?
what i ment about
Re: new to m1a
is there any certain type of ammo that you can't run in them due to pressure of bullet weight?
is there any certain type of ammo that you can't run in them due to pressure of bullet weight?
Re: new to m1a
I would say get a GI web sling (M-1 and M-14 issue) and learn how to use it as a marksmanship aid. That helps a lot when trying to shoot the rifle to it's fullest potential.
The best money you could spend on it is to buy a GI web sling, at least 1 extra mag, and a couple battle packs of ammo, and take it to an Appleseed marksmanship clinic and learn how to properly shoot it with the iron sights from field positions. www.appleseedinfo.org. THey will show you how these rifles are meant to be shot. They shoot the original Army Qualification Test that M-1s and M-14s were used with in the service. It is a lot of fun, and you will walk away with much more solid fundamentals.
Enjoy it! They are great rifles. Oh, and I bet you that thing will do 1 MOA with match ammo or good handloads if you know what you're doing with it. Hell, my Standard gets around 1.2 MOA with surplus ammo. These guys who are only getting 2-4 MOA out of them don't know how to shoot.
I would say get a GI web sling (M-1 and M-14 issue) and learn how to use it as a marksmanship aid. That helps a lot when trying to shoot the rifle to it's fullest potential.
The best money you could spend on it is to buy a GI web sling, at least 1 extra mag, and a couple battle packs of ammo, and take it to an Appleseed marksmanship clinic and learn how to properly shoot it with the iron sights from field positions. www.appleseedinfo.org. THey will show you how these rifles are meant to be shot. They shoot the original Army Qualification Test that M-1s and M-14s were used with in the service. It is a lot of fun, and you will walk away with much more solid fundamentals.
Enjoy it! They are great rifles. Oh, and I bet you that thing will do 1 MOA with match ammo or good handloads if you know what you're doing with it. Hell, my Standard gets around 1.2 MOA with surplus ammo. These guys who are only getting 2-4 MOA out of them don't know how to shoot.
Re: new to m1a
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mowen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">is there any certain type of ammo that you can't run in them due to pressure of bullet weight? </div></div>
Using bullets over 180 grains tends to create high port pressures that can be bad for the gas system. Best to stick to 175 grains and lower, they'll do all you'll really ever need to anyways.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mowen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">is there any certain type of ammo that you can't run in them due to pressure of bullet weight? </div></div>
Using bullets over 180 grains tends to create high port pressures that can be bad for the gas system. Best to stick to 175 grains and lower, they'll do all you'll really ever need to anyways.
Re: new to m1a
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mowen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">nothing compares to an m1 to me. i haven't shot one yet</div></div>
LOL get some trigger time before you plunk down your hard-earned cash on one. Get a feel for the rifle, the recoil, the trigger, and then decide if you can live with that or not.
Personally, I didn't really like the one I had but I probably should've kept it anyways. I have a garand with the correct sling and bayonet, an m1 carbine with the same, it would have looked good in the safe next to them.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mowen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">nothing compares to an m1 to me. i haven't shot one yet</div></div>
LOL get some trigger time before you plunk down your hard-earned cash on one. Get a feel for the rifle, the recoil, the trigger, and then decide if you can live with that or not.
Personally, I didn't really like the one I had but I probably should've kept it anyways. I have a garand with the correct sling and bayonet, an m1 carbine with the same, it would have looked good in the safe next to them.
Re: new to m1a
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mowen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">is there any certain type of ammo that you can't run in them due to pressure of bullet weight? </div></div>
Avoid off the shelf .308Win hunting ammo which is typically too hot (high port pressure)for the M1A gas system. This article will best explain the nuances of the M1A gas system. Stick with 7.62 NATO surplus if possible for now.
http://www.zediker.com/downloads/14_loading.pdf
Port pressure discussion starts on Pg 10 FYI
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mowen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">is there any certain type of ammo that you can't run in them due to pressure of bullet weight? </div></div>
Avoid off the shelf .308Win hunting ammo which is typically too hot (high port pressure)for the M1A gas system. This article will best explain the nuances of the M1A gas system. Stick with 7.62 NATO surplus if possible for now.
http://www.zediker.com/downloads/14_loading.pdf
Port pressure discussion starts on Pg 10 FYI
