[Screwball]

Being the forum subject, it is safe to say you guys have a good background in the design. I'm making this thread because I'm really considering going with an M1A, but don't want to invest if it really isn't going to be a big difference to my collection.

If I get one, it will be a new Loaded version (22") with either black polymer or wood stock. Not going to mount an optic, nor doing anything major (chassis or alike). Pretty much, it will be an iron sighted range gun.

I have a decent size collection. Have ARs, M1903 (USMC sniper reproduction), and a Springfield Trapdoor carbine. Two guns that are related to this decision are my Garand and Ishapore 2A1. The Garand, for obvious reasons, will be a similar gun to the M1A. It is a longer ranged battle rifle in a very similar caliber. The Ishapore is my newest surplus rifle, and my first in 7.62x51mm. I obviously stock .30-06 for the Garand and M1903, but will be stocking .308 now with that rifle (I don't reload yet, and likely not until I move into a bigger house). Not going to be buying .308 just for the M1A, since I'm going to hang onto the 2A1. The Ishapore uses the same stripper clips as the M1A, but I doubt I'll be loading it like that too much (it will be a few magazines and a LULA).

The one consideration I'm having is the state I live in; NJ. Not conceivable for me to move due to work/girlfriend's work. Magazine capacity here is 15 rounds, so all magazines will be either that or below... which does stink not being able to toss in a 20 rounder. Christie isn't a great governor, but for the next 15 or so months, he will be keeping out a reduced magazine ban (likely going to be 10 if the democrats get in... and that is likely). So, I have some time between then and now.

Do you guys feel an M1A has any positives over a Garand in my situation? Caliber is more/less identical, just can shoot more diverse ammo choices than the Garand. It will be a pretty much identical package, in regards to shooting, only exception being the 8 round clip verses a 15 round magazine. Garand makes that cool ping, which I currently have as my text tone. I have a few other things I can use $1,500 on, including a few smaller gun projects, but I wouldn't want to not be able to get one in the future and kick myself in the butt for it. Not really looking at other .308 guns, either.

Thanks for taking a look.

 

[KurtC]

I'm in NJ as well. Got rid of everything but M1A's. RNGR2 15 round mags are perfect for prone shooting.

A wood stocked Loaded model will be slightly more accurate and easier to shoot than the polymer stocked version, although the polymer stock and a stainless barrel is great in the current heat and humidity.

Shop around the web before dropping your cash in a local shop. There are some great deals right now if you look in the right places. You can often find a Loaded for the price of a Standard, or a National Match for the price of a Loaded.

 

[Buelligan]

If you don't buy one, don't come back!

Just kidding. You can come back, but just be quiet if you don't buy one.

Just kidding again.

You should buy one, though.

 

[Buelligan]

The Ishapore uses the same stripper clips as the M1A....

Well you have to buy one now if you already have the stripper clips.

 

[Gladiator0719]

One M1A/M14 is good, a "Standard", with a walnut or Synthetic stock M1A/M14 is available, then buy two more in whichever full size barrel(22") config you'd like. that way you'll have spares for parts and extra rifles in general. Always buy in threes when you can....

 

[Screwball]

Shop around the web before dropping your cash in a local shop. There are some great deals right now if you look in the right places. You can often find a Loaded for the price of a Standard, or a National Match for the price of a Loaded.

Thanks. I really haven't asked dealers for quotes yet. I looked on Davidson's, and puts the rifle price at around $1,700 out the door. Saw a few around $1,300 to $1,400 on GB, which still will be a lot less with transfer fees.

Loaded works fine.

If you don't buy one, don't come back!

Just kidding. You can come back, but just be quiet if you don't buy one.

Just kidding again.

You should buy one, though.

Yea, I originally joined when I first was interested. Just like FN Forum and HK Pro... both of which I'm a member on and don't own those firearms (was going to get a Hi Power, but opted for a CZ75; I also refuse to pay HK prices, but did a LEM install on my father's USP Compact... my .45 AR does use USC magazines ).

I like forums where I can get a lot of insight.

Always buy in threes when you can....

I would love to, but two problems...

First, I don't have that kind of money... just a lowly member of L/E. If I did have a good chunk of change, wouldn't have even asked the questions in this thread.

Second, already running out of safe room as it is. With the Ishapore, I got a Ruger .44 Carbine (old one with the four shot tube) and a Mossberg Silver Reserve II Sport ("needed" a clay gun). I might get one M1A in the safe... three, my girlfriend would shove in a place that the sun doesn't shine.

 

[Laughlintr]

I have had my SA standard in a wood stock since March, been real happy shooting with irons fun to bench rest it and very fun off hand also. I plan on hunting with it this fall with 5 round mags. Hope to put another one like the one in my profile on the wall with it.

 

[MuppetMeat4Me]

I bought a loaded. I liked it, stock, or with an Archangel (which I've been told isn't actually a JAE, but I just look at pictures on here if I have an urge ) stock and a scope. It plays nice with different types of ammo I've fed, it, and when I hold it right, it seems to shoot fairly well, though I haven't had a chance to take it out far enough to get 100+ yards with both a straight line between me and the target without trees, and nothing behind the target I wouldn't worry about destroying

But, yeah, I really dig it

I say yes!

 

[Pvt. Joker]

Sounds like you have put some thought into this so I would say YES, buy one.

I would look for a nice used rifle just to save some cash, there are some great deals out there if you want to buy from a private owner and do the FFL to FFL transfer thing.

I recently picked up a SA M1A standard, walnut stock for $1200.00 in like new condition with about 200 rounds down the pipe. I do reload and off bags at 100 yards holds a 4" group. Thats OK but I can do better when I tweek the load a bit.

As far as comparing to an M1 Garand there are quite a few similar design traits. That being said I have owned many Garands and competed with them after NM mods were completed. They were great rifles UNTIL I bought my first M1A that was from the "Golden Years" at SA when most if not all parts were USGI. That rifle shot 2" groups prone at 100 yards back when I could see better than I can today ( 12 years ago).

Many may not agree with me but the M1A/M14 beats the Garand hands down, at least for me.
The old war horse M1 is one of the greatest rifles ever produced and is iconic in that respect with all the history behind it. I still love them.

I'm 61 and I have shot and owned many, many types of military rifles.

IMO the M14 is a cut above the rest for this ole man.

God only knows what this next election may bring so get one while the gettin is good and learn to reload, it don't take that much space.

It all depends on your priorities. BIGTHUMPUP


Joker OLIVEHELME

 

[Magnumdood]

Why, YES, of course!

In my opinion the M14 is the greatest battle rifle ever made available to our troops. YMMV

So, to answer your question, YES, everyone should have at least a standard M1A. I just bought my 4th one. Unfortunately, the other 3 were sold. I regret ever selling ANY of the firearms I sold. Five years ago I resolved never again would I sell one of my firearms to fund yet another custom project. I'll just have to keep track of my pennies and wait a while until I have the money needed to buy what I want.

 

[Magnumdood]

Why, YES, of course!

In my opinion the M14 is the greatest battle rifle ever made available to our troops. YMMV

So, to answer your question, YES, everyone should have at least a standard M1A. I just bought my 4th one. Unfortunately, the other 3 were sold. I regret ever selling ANY of the firearms I sold. Five years ago I resolved never again would I sell one of my firearms to fund yet another custom project. I'll just have to keep track of my pennies and wait a while until I have the money needed to buy what I want.

 

[Powerkicker]

Everyone should always get a M1A. Multiple times even. This is sound reasoning none can deny and continue to be taken seriously.

 

[BLACKTAIL 8541]

Only you can decide if it is right for you and will enhance your collection. Me personally. I can not imagine my safe being without at least a couple. They are not shot as much as I would like these days. But they are still one of the first I reach for when I want to have fun and relax.

 

[Buelligan]

Everyone should always get a M1A. Multiple times even. This is sound reasoning none can deny and continue to be taken seriously.

My plan is just to have multiple spares of every single part of my rifle. The most expeditious way to do that is to buy them all pre-assembled, so I may as well do it that way.

Sound reasoning.

 

[Harleystoo]

Pm sent

 

[mb3]

If you don't buy one, don't come back!

Just kidding. You can come back, but just be quiet if you don't buy one.

Just kidding again.

You should buy one, though.

Lol!
I have a small collection of old battle rifles and my M14s does round out the collection. I wouldnt be too concerned about not being able to load a 20 round mag. Most of the time when I am at the range I usually only load ten rounds anyway. I actually bought ten round mags and use them for bench work. I wouldnt hesitate to buy an M1a.

 

[noob14s]

Being the forum subject, it is safe to say you guys have a good background in the design. I'm making this thread because I'm really considering going with an M1A, but don't want to invest if it really isn't going to be a big difference to my collection.

If I get one, it will be a new Loaded version (22") with either black polymer or wood stock. Not going to mount an optic, nor doing anything major (chassis or alike). Pretty much, it will be an iron sighted range gun.

I have a decent size collection. Have ARs, M1903 (USMC sniper reproduction), and a Springfield Trapdoor carbine. Two guns that are related to this decision are my Garand and Ishapore 2A1. The Garand, for obvious reasons, will be a similar gun to the M1A. It is a longer ranged battle rifle in a very similar caliber. The Ishapore is my newest surplus rifle, and my first in 7.62x51mm. I obviously stock .30-06 for the Garand and M1903, but will be stocking .308 now with that rifle (I don't reload yet, and likely not until I move into a bigger house). Not going to be buying .308 just for the M1A, since I'm going to hang onto the 2A1. The Ishapore uses the same stripper clips as the M1A, but I doubt I'll be loading it like that too much (it will be a few magazines and a LULA).

The one consideration I'm having is the state I live in; NJ. Not conceivable for me to move due to work/girlfriend's work. Magazine capacity here is 15 rounds, so all magazines will be either that or below... which does stink not being able to toss in a 20 rounder. Christie isn't a great governor, but for the next 15 or so months, he will be keeping out a reduced magazine ban (likely going to be 10 if the democrats get in... and that is likely). So, I have some time between then and now.

Do you guys feel an M1A has any positives over a Garand in my situation? Caliber is more/less identical, just can shoot more diverse ammo choices than the Garand. It will be a pretty much identical package, in regards to shooting, only exception being the 8 round clip verses a 15 round magazine. Garand makes that cool ping, which I currently have as my text tone. I have a few other things I can use $1,500 on, including a few smaller gun projects, but I wouldn't want to not be able to get one in the future and kick myself in the butt for it. Not really looking at other .308 guns, either.

Thanks for taking a look.

M1A is a lot better than the Garand, I would still suggest an AR though because they always seem to be the first ones that the gun banners go after. Old wooden M1As seem to fly under Democrat radar.

 

[mic52]

If you have the bone I would for sure invest in a M1A. Soon if you do. I would do it here too as guys from time to time let go some deals that will one day be history. Alot of integrity here in this Forum and it's always reflected in the PX as well. Insofar as any advantages Garand vs M1A/14 is the gas system is of better design in the M1A/M14 platform, at least for ME it is though parts for the Garand are le$$ than USGI for the M1a which can really set you back for quality where it can be found these days from a dwindling fast pool of what's left. Second to purchasing out of the PX here maybe G/Broker as long as seller's rating is high in number and 99-100% and offers a 3 DAY INSPECTION PERIOD. Those with USGI parts too if you plan on keeping it in the family like me and passing it on to kids and grandkids. I simply can't see these prices staying as low as they've been. Good luck which ever way you go Screwball. For me the M14/M1a platform is next to the Garand the finest Main Battle Rifle EVER conceived let alone built. Both, magnificent mechanical engineering the way it once was in America and will hopefully once again be.

 

[XXIV Corps]

Should I Get An M1A?
Thanks for taking a look.

Yes.

DI5

 

[Cracker Larry]

You probably should get 2, while you still can.