Short barrel M1A, Scout vs. SOCOM?
I want to buy a shorter barrelled M1A, such as the Scout or SOCOM. Especially seeing the behavior of some New Orleans residents, the importance of a hi powered rifle at home cannot be understated. Any thoughts on which one would be better? My home range is 150 yards max., I don't anticipate shooting at further ranges.
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I would go for the scout......22in bbl?...not too long but better than 16in for accuracy/velocity purposes
imay not know it all.....but at least I know that!0 -
I'm a fan of M14-clones, but I don't see a great advantage in the short barrelled versions. They are not a whole lot shorter or lighter than the standard size rifle. If you haven't handled/fired a standard size M14-clone, I recommend that you do that.
In any case, the place where the M14-clones really shine is on targets at 150-300 yds. If there is ever a breakdown in social order where you live, no civilian will ever be taking shots at that distance. 100 yds & less will be the usual combat distance, & an
AR-type rifle would be fine at that range. You can save even more money with an M1 carbine; with a 30 rd mag in the rifle, you will never feel vulnerable.
Neal0 -
Thanks for the info
Neal, unfortunately I live in CA. No AR's or AK's and I like the .308 round. Like the original post, I know I will not have a real need beyond 100 yds. In addition, a shorter, lighter rifle, with a compensator may be easier for my wife to handle.0 -
One other thought, any suggestions of optics for the scope mount? I have the money to spend in the right situation. 0 -
nmeyers has the right idea...you might want to consider the Ruger Mini-30....big mags available, cheap ammo, and fine for anything within 200 yds. Small compact, and (I believe, since I live in NV) still legal in CA. Maybe not the big mags, but if it all goes to hell in a handbasket, the police will not be worrying whether you have a 10 round mag or more or less....you will either be a criminal or a hero, and nothing in between... 0 -
I have been working rescue and restoration in the New Orleans area.
Yes, you do see folks on both ends of the spectrum.
Yes, I do carry a handgun.
No, do not believe all you see on the news media spots.
Although they provide a service, they twist some things outside of the facts. I have come to believe they are one of the biggest battlefield enemies we have.
BUT, on your post. There are advantages to the different 'versions' of the rifle. It will depend on your personal choice. The GI version I had now belongs to someone I do not know (hence my ID). I really liked that rifle, but now have a SOCOM. In restoring my 'collection', my rule of thumb is that any auto loader is for realtively 'short range' use. For 200 yards or more I have decided to look to bolt action weapons.
As mentioned, try to shoot both before you decide.
ENJOY !
If we do not hang together,
We will most certainly hang separately.0 -
While I haven't actually fired the Springfield M1A Scout or SOCOM, I think either would be an excellent choice for the type of situation you're concerned about. I do have a good bit of experience with other similar weapons systems I can share. I presently have: a Springfield Armory M1A NM with 4-14X Springfield scope; 3 custom built FAL's; a DSArms SA58 Paratrooper with Leuopold 1.75-6X scope; a Colt Match Target Match HBAR; a Colt Match Target Competition HBAR with Leupold 3.5-10X scope; a Bushmaster XM15 carbine with Leupold MK4 QCT 1-3X scope; AK's; as well as some other long range rifles.
From my experience, you won't lose too much in either accuracy or trajectory by going from a 21" barrel to a 16" or 18" barrel for shots under 300 yards, all else being equal. You will gain a lot in maneuverability and speed of handling though.
While the .223/5.56 NATO weapons are accurate and fun to shoot, I much prefer the .308/7.62 NATO weapons system for extra punch they deliver at all ranges. The .308's are still easy to control, and will be much more accurate and powerful than the 7.62x39 weapons like the AK's and Mini-30's.
My personal favorite for a defensive weapon would be something like my DSArms SA58 Paratrooper. It has an 18" barrel, and folding stock. With the 1.75-6X scope, at low power you can get on target about as fast as with open sights, but at higher magnification it is still accurate enough to make precise hits out to 300 yards or so. I think the optical system you use makes a much bigger difference than the length of the barrel on your weapon.
As far a Sprinfield Armory goes, they make a fine quality product. I would suggest getting one chambered for 7.62 NATO rounds rather than one with a .308 Match chamber. With the 7.62 chamber, you will be able to use military surplus ammo rather than the more expensive .308 commercial rounds. This would give you the ability to shoot a lot more and get much more familiar with your weapon.0
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