M1A or AR-10? Which platform would you buy?

[223 Gunner]

As most of the others have said M1A!

 

[Substance-P]

I would have to agree with the M1A over the Ar-10.

On a recent hog hunting trip, some of my buddies brought their AR-10s and a couple brought M1As scout versions.

We had no problems with the M1As, we had one of the guys have some issues with his 10. Neither was particular light, but the scout was easier it to handle than the 10.

 

[SSGSAD]

M1A

I have an AR-15 .223 of course, and I want an M1a, I am military, so
just totally LOVE the M1a, there are many different ones to choose from,
but it is your choice.
Just search M1a in your search engine, and there are almost as many choices of M1a's as there are cars to buy..... Happy Hunting...

Let us know what you buy....

 

[r6vr6]

I like the AR platform, so personally I'd go with a LaRue OBR.

 

[Zoub]

So, the big question is: would you go with a Springfield M1A or an AR platform in .308?

Open sights, M1. If using optics, I would go AR platform.

I have a friend who is adding a .308 lower to his product lineup. First ones are off the mill and being tested. Compatible with DPMS. I am going that route once his testing is done.

For a cheaper banger, I like my 16" Saiga .308 with scope but the factory sights SUCK.

 

[Robert Richardson]

I myself prefer the Fal but, if I had to chose between the M1A and the AR10,I would go With the M1A.Just the cost of the AR10 magazines is a big turnoff.IMO the M1A has more pats that are readily available and the rifle is one of the best in design and it is a proven piece.

 

[chraland51]

I have a SA MIA loaded, a DPMS .308LR, a Savage 110LE and an FN FAL. All are great weapons and all are fun to shoot when I occasionally find the time. The first one that I would grab to defend myself with would probably the FAL with the MIA being the second even though the FAL is probably the least accurate of the four.

 

[haldir]

I love my M1A NM(thanks WTF). I heard Nugent one time saying if he was only allowed one gun it would be an AR10. For a guy that has probably shot more rifles than many of us have ever seen is probably saying a lot.

Depending on how much you want to spend there are other M14 choices than SA that might be better quality.

Before you buy a Socom I would suggest you think what you want one for and try one out. I was reading a discussion today concerning how a lot of people that get Socoms end up trading for Scouts.

 

[smokenfire10]

I believe the M1A is a great choice, but both are nice platforms. I have a M25, The White Feather, and I love the weapon. Great shooter and great investment.

 

[fireball168]

I recently sold my M1A that I'd had for years. Decided I needed to pick up some spares - then realized they either weren't available at all, that which was available was of questionable heritage & quality, and/or the basic "parts kit" I wanted for spares exceeded the value that I paid for the rifle initially.

I've had bad experiences with Armalite AR-10's and will no longer consider them.

Currently - I'd go DPMS LR-308, or one of the variants - POF/Larue/CMMG/Iron Ridge, etc.

Parts are plentiful, priced right and MANY of them interchange with standard AR-15 bits.

My experiences:



M1A/M14

• For the purposes of this, we'll look at a Springfield Standard $1400 +/-
• Look long and hard for one with as many GI parts as you can find
• If a standard model will shoot better than 2" @ 100, be happy
• Replacement parts have went through the roof since 2002
• It isn't unusual to see complete bolts at or near $300
• It isn't unusual to see complete trigger groups at or near $200
• It isn't unusual to see GI gas cylinders at or near $200
• Rebarreling isn't something most can do on their own
• Haven't seen a complete GI parts kit in years for under $750
• Decent magazines are generally $25+
• Springfield production over the last few years seems of questionable quality, although their warranty is excellent (you generally get GI replacement parts)

G3

• The only "clone" I would consider is the PTR $1050 +/-
• If a standard model will shoot better than 1.5" @ 100, be happy
• Completemilitary parts kits are anywhere from $150-$500 depending on manufacturer and/or country of origin
• Individual parts are availabile and relatively inexpensive
• HK produced aluminum magazines can be found for less than a $1
• Barrel replacement and/or headspace adjustment is generally possible for most with mechanical aptitude
• Hard to beat based on magazine and replacement parts availability and price

DPMS/KAS/M110/Larue, etc.

• For the purpose of this I'm using a AP4 DPMS for comparison $1200 +/-
• If it shoots over a 1.5" group @ 100, something is wrong
• Fire control group parts are all AR-15 common bits
• Take down pins, bolt catch retainer, buffer and spring are all unique
• Gas system parts are all AR-15 common bits
• Furniture with the exception of handguards/float tubes = AR-15
• Replacement bolts $150
• Replacement complete bolt carriers $275
• Rebarreling can be done by practically anyone
• For that matter - fitting the barrel extension, chambering the barrel and setting up the gas system could be performed by most anyone who paid attention in high school machine shop in the 80's or before.
• Magazines - $25+, some are of dubious quality.
• If and when the Magpuls are released, and working properly, this may be hard to beat for me.

FAL

• For the purpose of this I'm using a DSA STG-58 $1250
• If it shoots under 2.0" @ 100 yards, be happy
• Complete parts kits are readily available, although getting more expensive $250+
• Rebarreling isn't that difficult, some special tools and parts required
• Magazines are available, but getting more expensive $15+
• Hard to beat if you like the ergonomics

AR-10

• My experiences were poor, perhaps not fair to review it.

 

[bigcraig]

If your nostalgic, get the M1A.

If your want the premier .308 battle rifle, get a FAL. Or if you prefer HK, get a G3.

If I were to be personally buying a .308 SA rifle, it would be the LaRue OBR, but then again, I am a member of the LaRueminatti.

 

[Farmritch]

M1A Aka M14

 

[jim.a]

I would buy the AR 10 better gun

 

[buzz815]

I have both but I prefer the M1A. The AR has optics so it is more accurate. The M1A I have was built in 94 and has mostly TRW and Winchester parts. I carried an M1A for 18 months in Vietnam. It took a lot of abuse and didn't always get the care and cleaning it needed. It always went bang when I needed it to go bang. The one I have now is a terrific rlfle and I have had no issues with it.

 

[milltech]

I owned an M1A once. Paid $800.00 for it at the Indy 1500 show. I fired hundreds apon hundreds of rounds through it without a glitch.

 

[BloodEclipse]

M1A in a Scout.

 

[Bill B]

Which platform are you more comfortable with? I love the M1/M14/M1A rifles, but am more familiar and comfortable with the AR type. I would buy the AR.

 

[Slow Hand]

M-14/M1A's are great rifles, I've had two. They can be very accurate, but require some specific work as to bedding etc. Scope mounting is not cheap for them. Well, let's say good scope mounting is not cheap. Like many M1A owners i wnet cheap the first time around and was dissapointed. A Smith Enterprises or Sadlak scope mount is about the only way to go, and they are as much as a decent scope themselves. I'm thinking hard on buying an AR-10 stryle rifle right now. I thinkt eh AR is so much more ergonomic and they are usually pretty darn accurate out of the box. Scope mounting requires only a proper set of rings, allowing you to put more money into the scope or mags, ammo etc.

I think you'll be happy with either rifle, it just dpepends on which you prefer and what exactly you want to do with it. I'd take up that offer to shoot both and see which one is more to your tastes.

Doug K

 

[one more]

Both Rifles are nice, The FAL's are also nice. I like the M1A/M14 type rifles. If you do not know, Smith Enterprises Will have their new receivers for sell soon! Do not have a price yet but they will not be cheap!
Also M-14Parts,com has complete kits for $1295.00.
Man I need to get a inventory of my M14 parts and get some of them listed on here!
The Springfield would be a good way to go. But a Smith Enterprises receiver with a USGI parts kit would also be great$$$

one more

 

[offroadking208]

imho, the AR-10 looks pretty sweet. but if you want something thats obviously survived the tests of time then the M1 is the way to go. I think you give up capacity with the M1, but you have better reliability. its a tradeoff