I looked on this forum for a bit and decided to sign up. Some great info here. Picked up a mid to late 80's M1a back in 97. Shot it for a bit, installed a gen 3 springfield scope and fiberglassed in a cheek riser. Been very happy with it since. Just recently I traded off a 700 5r for a socom 16. I am looking to build up the socom into an ERB either by doing close to what smokinbear has done or picking up a Vlotr stock. I installed a Troy hand guard and am waiting on the scope to come in. It will be a work in progress.
Anyways there is some great info here and look to building up and becoming more knowledgable on the M1a platform.