M1A Mil Spec or Sprinfield Armory

[irondude]

For the longest time I have wanted an M1A pattern rifle. For whatever reason I am going to scratch this itch pretty soon.

The question is: Do I buy a Springfield Armory Super Match, or go with a Filton Armory or other Mil Spec build? 1.5 MOA is waht I am after. I also want it to be a solid, reliable rifle.

I don't have any experience with these rifles other that shooting about 50 rounds from a friends SA National Match. It was a blast.

[T2C]

A Springfield Armory Loaded rifle will often shoot 1.5 MOA out to 300 yards and farther with good ammunition. If you have the extra cash, the Super Match is a great rifle.

[irondude]

A Springfield Armory Loaded rifle will often shoot 1.5 MOA out to 300 yards and farther with good ammunition. If you have the extra cash, the Super Match is a great rifle.

Thanks T2C. Do you mean the loaded rifle will shoot 1.5" groups at 300 yards? Or 4.5" groups (1.5 MOA) at 300 yards. Sorry for the confusion. I think a National Match may be the way to go as a middle ground.

I am also wondering if a 1:11 barrel will stabilize 175 grain bullets. The Super match has a 1:10 twist baller. At 22" is may not matter that much.

[T2C]

I've fired 5" groups at 300 yards with a few M1A Loaded Models and Federal 168g Gold Medal Match. I've also fired considerably larger groups with one loaded model that I just could not make shoot well. It's luck of the draw. I've owned two M1A Standard Models that would shoot under 1.5 MOA or 4" at 300 yards with 168g Match. One had a Saco barrel and the other a barrel marked RTE. Unitizing the front band and gas cylinder does a great deal to improve accuracy in most cases.

The Super Match is a nice rifle and would be a good choice if you plan on shooting competition. The front band and gas cylinder are already unitized. It has a heavier stock and match sights from the factory.

Unless you are shooting past 700 yards, I would not bother with 175g projectiles.

[Hank6046]

Just my 2 cents...
I think that Springfield does a great job as a civilian rifle, and I will probably get one eventually. Having said that if I had the money or made the M14 style rifle a priority I'd probably head the Fulton Armory route. http://www.fulton-armory.com/M14-Rifles.aspx Not trying to dis-sway you away from Springfield, just trying to give you some options.

[Cagemonkey]

Just my 2 cents. But if I were going to get a M1A, I go for a PreBan Era Springfield w/GI parts of get the Fulton or Smith Enterprise with GI Parts. Don't bother trying to get better than 2.5 MOA or better. Its a losing proposition and is going to cost lots of money. M1A's/M14's weren't meant to be tack drivers.