Should I Get an M1A?

[Screwball 483]

Well, I kind of have a little extra disposable income, and considering going into the M1A realm. Been looking at them for some time, but when I've got close previously, something came up and I decided on something else.

 

If I do get one, it will be a Loaded (22"), in either black polymer or wood. Not likely going to put a scope on it, nor anything major (chassis, bipod, etc). I am also considering it in case something occurs related to bans in the future... as it is a rifle that my collection would fill out with.

 

With that being said, I have a wide collection of firearms. Well rounded with pistols and shotguns (can't think of any that I'd want to buy). Have a WASR, two ARs (one 5.56mm, and one a D/I .45), Beretta PX4, SKS, scoped Mosin Nagant, Mauser, scoped M1903, Springfield Trapdoor, a few .22s, a .30-30, and a Ruger .44 Deerstalker. I do have a rebuilt M1 Garand (Lithgow CAI build, that Shuff redid). I also just got into the .308/7.62x51mm, as I have an Ishapore 2A1 on the way to my FFL. Never was into the caliber, but have a box of XM80 on the way for the new rifle.

 

Now, I'm kind of torn with getting the rifle mainly due to those last two rifles. The M1A is pretty much an upgraded Garand. Having both likely going to be shot with iron sights, I'm going to have an identical rifle with a removable magazine (15 shots compared to 8). .308 and .30-06 are pretty close in performance, so I'm not sure how much more I'm going to get out of an M1A over the Garand. The Garand isn't going anywhere, and to be honest, I like the manual of arms with the Garand (I have the "ping" as my text tone on my iPhone [emoji41]).

 

The Ishapore gives me another rifle in the same caliber... but can stand by itself. The two can use the same stripper clips, even though I doubt I'll be running clips in the M1A (LULA and a few magazines). I'm probably going to keep this one, as it is a nice surplus... and I like that.

 

I'm figuring about $1,500 for the rifle. Then, I have to get magazines and a few odds/ends. I could find other uses for that money, such as my Ithaca project (just got the wood on, now function test and send the barrel in for cutting). It is kind of one of those purchases that you want to follow through, but if it doesn't go down... eh! Is it worth getting an M1A behind a Garand? Or does my WASR fill enough .30 goodness that I don't need a .308?

[JC_68Westy 1,024]

I have a standard loaded M1A and really like it.  I also have 2 M1 Garands.  The M1A is a really nice shooting and accurate rifle.  I say go for it if you want one.  I will have some 15rd mags for sale soon due to moving to a free state.

[MidwestPX 172]

I have a NM M1A that I inherited but it doesn't get shot much because I have other semi-auto .308s that do the job better while being lighter.  Additionally, they can be a little picky with ammo.  They certainly do not like hot ammo which tends to break or bend the op rod.  This leads me to labeling my some of my reloads "M1A safe"

[Dr.Jimmy Rustler 23]

I've looked into getting one multiple times, by the end of the day I always end up looking at AR10s however. 

 

 

AR10 does it cheaper, and is more accurate. 

[Old School 611]

Well, I kind of have a little extra disposable income, and considering going into the M1A realm. Been looking at them for some time, but when I've got close previously, something came up and I decided on something else.

 

If I do get one, it will be a Loaded (22"), in either black polymer or wood. Not likely going to put a scope on it, nor anything major (chassis, bipod, etc). I am also considering it in case something occurs related to bans in the future... as it is a rifle that my collection would fill out with.

 

With that being said, I have a wide collection of firearms. Well rounded with pistols and shotguns (can't think of any that I'd want to buy). Have a WASR, two ARs (one 5.56mm, and one a D/I .45), Beretta PX4, SKS, scoped Mosin Nagant, Mauser, scoped M1903, Springfield Trapdoor, a few .22s, a .30-30, and a Ruger .44 Deerstalker. I do have a rebuilt M1 Garand (Lithgow CAI build, that Shuff redid). I also just got into the .308/7.62x51mm, as I have an Ishapore 2A1 on the way to my FFL. Never was into the caliber, but have a box of XM80 on the way for the new rifle.

 

Now, I'm kind of torn with getting the rifle mainly due to those last two rifles. The M1A is pretty much an upgraded Garand. Having both likely going to be shot with iron sights, I'm going to have an identical rifle with a removable magazine (15 shots compared to 8). .308 and .30-06 are pretty close in performance, so I'm not sure how much more I'm going to get out of an M1A over the Garand. The Garand isn't going anywhere, and to be honest, I like the manual of arms with the Garand (I have the "ping" as my text tone on my iPhone [emoji41]).

 

The Ishapore gives me another rifle in the same caliber... but can stand by itself. The two can use the same stripper clips, even though I doubt I'll be running clips in the M1A (LULA and a few magazines). I'm probably going to keep this one, as it is a nice surplus... and I like that.

 

I'm figuring about $1,500 for the rifle. Then, I have to get magazines and a few odds/ends. I could find other uses for that money, such as my Ithaca project (just got the wood on, now function test and send the barrel in for cutting). It is kind of one of those purchases that you want to follow through, but if it doesn't go down... eh! Is it worth getting an M1A behind a Garand? Or does my WASR fill enough .30 goodness that I don't need a .308?

 

Why do you NEED an assault weapon?

[Screwball 483]

I will have some 15rd mags for sale soon due to moving to a free state.

If I pull the trigger on it, I'd be interested.

 

I have a NM M1A that I inherited but it doesn't get shot much because I have other semi-auto .308s that do the job better while being lighter. Additionally, they can be a little picky with ammo. They certainly do not like hot ammo which tends to break or bend the op rod. This leads me to labeling my some of my reloads "M1A safe"

Roger that on the weight. Figured I'd end up with an 8-9 pound rifle. Not going to be a rifle I'm traversing 100 of miles on foot with. My 5.56mm AR is more of a lighter carbine... but my .45 AR is sub 6 pounds.

 

Didn't hear about hot ammo before with M1As. Did hear it with the Garand, which is why I only use M2 loads for it (have a box or two of heavier Remington loads, but that will be used with my M1903). I don't reload, so would I be fine with factory 7.62x51mm? Are we talking hot, as in variation in pressure with some .308 (with thicker case)? Or actually reloaded hot, which would be for bolt actions?

 

I've looked into getting one multiple times, by the end of the day I always end up looking at AR10s however.

 

AR10 does it cheaper, and is more accurate.

True, but I'm more interested in the platform than just a semi-auto .308. If I don't get the M1A, not really looking at a different rifle. I'll have that 2A1, so I'll have something that fires .308.

 

I'm really considering it as it would be another US rifle that I'd have. Would have some type of example of each battle rifle up from the M1903 (don't have a Krag, and won't since it is such an expensive cartridge).

 

If the AR10 had a standard pattern, I'd might be interested. But I have two ARs, so not really on my radar.

 

Why do you NEED an assault weapon?

If I got into guns for needs, I doubt I'd have the collection I have currently.

 

I consider myself an average gun owner, wanting to get one of everything. [emoji41]

[njJoniGuy 2,131]

If it was me in your (enviable) position, I'd take the money you are considering putting toward an M1A and put it towards a reloading setup (Dillon 550 or 650) to hedge my bets on future ammo availability.

 

You've got a very nice collection, as listed, but when you run thru your supply of factory ammo, you've got some expensive clubs and bludgeons there. An ammo factory, as it were, will allow you to stay behind the trigger for the duration, as long as your component supply (another place to invest your 'extra disposable income') holds up.

[BullzeyeNJ 104]

Consider getting the Scar 17 in 308 over the M1A. Its more money yes but I like mine alot more then the M1A I had and prefer it over my AR10 anyday. Lightweight, accurate, reliable, low maintenance, and less recoil then an M1A. Mags can be blocked to 15 rounds or just buy 10 rounders.

[Screwball 483]

If it was me in your (enviable) position, I'd take the money you are considering putting toward an M1A and put it towards a reloading setup (Dillon 550 or 650) to hedge my bets on future ammo availability.

I would have done so already, but really don't have space available in my current home. I'm hoping to step up in the next few years, and likely will set money aside prior to that.

 

Consider getting the Scar 17 in 308 over the M1A.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the recommendations, but I'm not looking at rifles other than the M1A. I'm just looking for opinions on whether it is worth it when I have a Garand... especially when I'm likely going to leave it without optics.

[Rob0115 1,105]

Sure if you have the money and like them.  

[MidwestPX 172]

If I pull the trigger on it, I'd be interested.

 

Roger that on the weight. Figured I'd end up with an 8-9 pound rifle. Not going to be a rifle I'm traversing 100 of miles on foot with. My 5.56mm AR is more of a lighter carbine... but my .45 AR is sub 6 pounds.

 

Didn't hear about hot ammo before with M1As. Did hear it with the Garand, which is why I only use M2 loads for it (have a box or two of heavier Remington loads, but that will be used with my M1903). I don't reload, so would I be fine with factory 7.62x51mm? Are we talking hot, as in variation in pressure with some .308 (with thicker case)? Or actually reloaded hot, which would be for bolt actions?

 

True, but I'm more interested in the platform than just a semi-auto .308. If I don't get the M1A, not really looking at a different rifle. I'll have that 2A1, so I'll have something that fires .308.

 

I'm really considering it as it would be another US rifle that I'd have. Would have some type of example of each battle rifle up from the M1903 (don't have a Krag, and won't since it is such an expensive cartridge).

 

If the AR10 had a standard pattern, I'd might be interested. But I have two ARs, so not really on my radar.

 

If I got into guns for needs, I doubt I'd have the collection I have currently.

 

I consider myself an average gun owner, wanting to get one of everything. [emoji41]

You should be okay with factory loaded 7.62x51.