Springfield M1A - Need opinions

captnmo

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Minuteman
Oct 19, 2008
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Fort Lewis, WA
I've been eye-balling getting a Springfield M1A mostly for the collector's value and thinking I'd like to do some competition shooting with it. Maybe for outdoor hunting, but probably only in good weather so I'm leaning toward the walnut stock.

But I don't know a lot about the difference between the standard, loaded and natonal match models...other than the price. It seems the loaded models are in between the standard and national match, but would they be good for competition? And what are the advantages of having a stainless barrel over parkerized? Are the national match models worth the wait?
 
Re: Springfield M1A - Need opinions

Yes... Wrong section. But, in my opinion the SuperMatch has the most "real" improvement over the rest having a "double-lugged" receiver. I think the "Loaded" has a NM Barrel and the NM is Bedded as well.

Oh, and the .308 AR type rifles are inherently more accurate.
 
Re: Springfield M1A - Need opinions

I have a M1A loaded and love it. I would like to get an ar10 also, but I just got a rem700 .308 so I'm good on the .308's for a while. But for the M1A, it's a great rifle I have had no issues with it. The NM looked like The only difference was the sights.
 
Re: Springfield M1A - Need opinions

Before deciding to buy a rifle why not do some actual homeswork and do some reading on Springfields website which will tell you what is what. Then you can come here with better questions of what confused you from their website.
 
Re: Springfield M1A - Need opinions

The only real advantage you will see related to the rear lug on the supermatch is longer bedding life. The national match rifle will be every bit as accurate and probably $600 less. I've had a loaded and a supermatch and compared them to the standard and the national match. If you're looking for one for collector value, any will do. If you want one for highpower comp, get ready to get spanked by an AR. If I ever buy another, it will be a national match. There are many custom builders that put a better gun together than the supermatch when you get in that price range. (when I bought my supermatch, they were $1600 - not $2500)