Re: opinions-convert M1a or switch to AR-10 platform
The M1A/M14, to perform accurately, must be expertly tuned by a trained gunsmith, while the AR, to perform accurately, may simply be assembled by the novice shooter or smith if he gets it all lined up properly. By luck or skill, the AR may then shoot well. Not too much unlike the modern bolt action rifle, the M1A/M14's action seats into a one-piece stock not alowing for free-floating of the barrel, uses an operating rod to transmit gas power to the action, and the one-piece bolt finds its way among its mating surfaces.
Commission a competent M1A/M14 gunsmith specializing in accurizing this rifle design. Then, and only then, will you be reasonably assured of a good shooting M1A/M14. This rifle was designed to be, and remains, a reliable battle field weapon of destruction. This rifle proved to be a reliable battle field weapon, therefore, this rifle is neither experimental nor theoretical. Historically, it worked, and with special accurizing techniques, this rifle may shoot well though the primary purpose for this rifle is a "battle-reliable rifle", not a precision-
reliable rifle, unless fine tuned to be one. Still, the trick to an accurized one to shoot well is THE AMMO. The ammo must be M1A/M14 intended. (see;e.g.; <span style="text-decoration: underline">Zediker</span>, Loading for the M14.)
Earlier in its evolution to develop into our current configurations, AR designs were unreliable. This was due to closer tolerances of parts fitment, and a more complex design, generally, at that time. When parts and spaces become smaller in guns cleanliness is next to Godliness. Comparing parts of these two platforms readily clear is that the older design's parts are larger, looser, fewer, allowing space for gunk and battlefield dirt a place to go, the alternative being little tolerance of space and junk, and consequently, failure to fire ultimately. Recall the fluted chambers of some HK semi-automatic and other rifles. The fluting isn't just to make groovey brass.
The AR designs do not rely on an action seating into a stock. Instead, the several-piece bolt/carrier assembly is contained within four bearing surfaces of its upper reciever allowing for a possibly more consistent breach lock-up than the older rifle design, the forearm allows for an accuracy inducing free-floated barrel, and no operating rod is used. Bore gas is directed directly into the bolt/carrier group via a gas tube which must be aligned with the carrier key unless mis-alignment of the gas tube strikes a carrier key edge and causes bolt mis-alignment with the bore.
These two firearm designs are distinctly different, concieved and constructed in different times and with different expectations. Ar's were designed to be more accurate than their predecessors. That's why they are more accurate. Fewer M1A/M14's among shooters mean fewer gunsmiths expert at accurizing them and hence the fees of the few who work on them is higher. Not just anyone can assemble an AR and make it shoot right, but a lot fewer can assemble, and then accurize, an M1/M14, and make it shoot right.
These two designs were never meant to compete with the other. The older gun is a professional shooter's firearm for the most part, but even a good shooting AR can be challenging for the novice shooter to fire accurately. I believe an AR will fail to fire more frequently, and break sooner, than the older designed weapon. But off the rack rifles of either design? These two pieces of fruit are not of the same species. One is a banana. The other is a pineapple. They're both good, but with different expectations, purposes and results.
Consider keeping the M1/A for a reliable defense weapon and acquiring an AR for precision shooting once the marksman's abilities exceed the performance of the former firearm. Not much of this sport is about economy of resources. Its all expensive. Also, I've been enjoying thinning the neighborhood pest population with an air rifle. Air rifle shooting is good practice requiring neither an afternoon at the distant firing range nor expensive ammunition and optics. And if you think they're cheap, check out a Daystate or similar Eastern manufactured air rifle. Air pistols are valuable training tools as well. My point is heavy recoiling, noisy, dangerous if not handled carefully big bore firearms are not necessary to the health and happiness of our male egos.
Consider too selling your rifle to an M1A/M14 smith or collector who has the need or desire for your particular rifle and proceed post-haste with acquiring a quality, tuned AR that will provide much shooting enjoyment for as distant as any non-professional marksman wants to shoot.
Enjoy this old video.
http://youtu.be/0acTn0Cvs4s
