M1a or M4 with magnetic for SHTF

[hoopharted]

i love my M1a but i feel the M4 with steel core covers all the bases and much better

[Renegade04]

Ask yourself these questions. Which weapon would I rather be toting around for a lengthy period? Which weapon is it more likely that I will be able to carry more ammunition on me and it not be a huge burden? Personally, my SHTF weapon is my M4A1 SOPMOD Block II clone. If I have to resort to fighting from a fixed position where I have a long range of sight, I have my KAC SR-25 Match (w/ factory Mk11 Mod 0 conversion). I would not want to carry around a .308 of any kind for a SHTF weapon.

[Milspec78]

I have a true m4 and m4a1 clone,the m4 with a ta31,and the a1 with a 512 eotech and chopped carry handle for the iron sights,both with kac ras and surefire m951’s.neither is very lightweight,but it seems the m4 with the government profile 14.5” is much lighter and would be my go to.i wonder what the weight difference is between the m1a and my clone of a late 90’s m4?
My m4 weighs 9.1 pounds with the m951 and an unloaded surefeed 30 round magazine,blue force gear sling and an arms mount under the ta31.

[556BlackRifle]

Ask yourself these questions. Which weapon would I rather be toting around for a lengthy period? Which weapon is it more likely that I will be able to carry more ammunition on me and it not be a huge burden? Personally, my SHTF weapon is my M4A1 SOPMOD Block II clone. If I have to resort to fighting from a fixed position where I have a long range of sight, I have my KAC SR-25 Match (w/ factory Mk11 Mod 0 conversion). I would not want to carry around a .308 of any kind for a SHTF weapon.

Well said and 100% spot on.

[Devildawg2531]

i love my M1a but i feel the M4 with steel core covers all the bases and much better

I found my M1A less accurate and less reliable and heavier than my M4 ish rifles. If I felt I needed a 308 I would choose one of the more modern platforms. M1A wouldn't be my choice in any situation now except as a fun range gun.

[hoopharted]

im in agreement , i was on another board and a fella said it would be a M1a , and i didnt understand his logic

the scenario proposed you were out the door and were allowed one weapon of your choice , anything from a sling shot to a sniper , something that we as civilians would have within reasonability

i love my M1a , but i also know its limitations a faults , my big argument with him was fatigue as stated here , and M4 will most likely be outfitted with the widest range of possible needs , if someone is snipering from beyond 300 yards the M1a isnt going to be the equalizer , if inside a 100 yards mobility is going to kill you

if you are using steel core it will make up for the punch the M4 gives way to the M1a

[AndyLate]

~SNIP~

if you are using steel core it will make up for the punch the M4 gives way to the M1a

I don't agree with this statement. I would say the ability to penetrate cover is a pro of the 7.62 that does not overcome the weight penalty it incurs. I would rather run bonded expanding than steel core ammo to have more consistent results on target anyway.

Andy

[Stickman]

i love my M1a but i feel the M4 with steel core covers all the bases and much better

Which platform encompasses a higher level of training for you?

Personally, I probably have 10k+ through the M1A (and variants) platform. However, that pales when compared to the hundreds of thousands of rounds I have, and the much much higher level of tactical training that I have with the AR15/ M4 platform.

Another factor to consider is the overall amount of support equipment I own for various platforms. With the AR15/ M4 series of weapons, I can perform armorer duties and diagnose, then repair issues all day long. I have never able to accumulate 1/10th of that same support for anything M14/ M1A related (actually far less than 1/10th).

My personal compromise involves the AR10 family for roles where a heavier weapon is needed than the 5.56 caliber.

[Stickman]

I don't agree with this statement. I would say the ability to penetrate cover is a pro of the 7.62 that does not overcome the weight penalty it incurs. I would rather run bonded expanding than steel core ammo to have more consistent results on target anyway.

Andy

We need to also remember that if penetration is the driving factor, and nothing else matters, the 7.62x39 cheap steel core ammo punches holes pretty nicely. Its not perfect by any stretch, but it has a price tag that support training and shooting with ease.

[CPM]

Your ammo will run out. Your weapon will break. I don’t know of many people with 7.62 or M1A parts to spare.