Posted on 10/14/2013 7:56:14 AM PDT by Blueflag
Yeah, that would be a nice firearm, but ... a Springfield armory M1A averages about $1500 as a bare rifle on gunbroker.com.
Honestly looking for the right rifle to hunt with AND can apply rule 308 *IF* ever needed.
The Springfield armory M1A fits more of the Rule 308 scenario than the stalking in the woods model. AND there is a $900 bare rifle difference.
I can be convinced though.
A lot more than 75+- lawsuits as Remington makes you sign a none disclosure to settle the lawsuit. The fix for this trigger problem in the beginning was for $1.00 a rifle. Remington felt it would cost to much. Ruger on the other hand will recall a weapon with a problem right away. Bearcat pistol, Mark I pistol,P-85 pistol they send a box with postage and ready to return to them. Two to four weeks latter you get it back fixed with a free mag. So when sold did not lose any sleep feeling they were unsafe.
I hear ya. Caveat emptor.
I used to hunt in Alaska, now I live in the mountains of Idaho. I started with a blued Ruger .308 heavy-barrel varmint rifle in a walnut stock with a 3x9 variable scope. It weighed 11 lbs. ready-to-go. I was hunting near saltwater. Every night I wiped it down with gun oil. Every morning there were rust spots forming on the bolt and the barrel. That rifle lasted exactly one hunt.
If I had a current hunting rifle it would be a Ruger Hawkeye Compact in .308, stainless, 18” barrel, laminated stock, Weaver 2-7 variable scope that would weigh 7.5 lbs. with everything attached. Of course, I no longer own any firearms - I rely on fedgov to protect and provide for me...
Tasco contracted with Japanese optics maker Hakko to build an equivalent scope to the Leopold Mk IV. The USN then issued a contract for these scopes to make up for the shortage of Unertl scopes. Tasco offered the 10x42M Super Sniper on the civilian and law enforcement markets.
Tasco went bust and into reorganization, but there was an unmet demand for the 10x42M SS models. So, SWFA contracted with the manufacturer of the scope, Hakko, to build scopes exclusively for SWFA under the Tasco label. SWFA continues to market this quality scope for the bargain price of $399. I recommend it because: 1) outstanding optics, 2) positive adjustments that work with every click, 3) a reticle that's etched on the optical glass (goodbye broken or misaligned reticles), 4) nitrogen filled to keep the scope from fogging due to extreme temperature changes, 5) audible and tactile click adjustments, 6) side parallax adjustment and rear focus, and 7) extended screw-on sun shade.
This scope is a real winner and you get a lot of bang for your bucks. Here: http://www.swfa-ss.com/
You can pick up a nice M1A for less than 1200 bucks. They had them at Academy sports for that fo a standard model. There is a Px on the M14 forum where you can get some smoking deals on the m1a platform. There was an M1A national match with stainless barrel, 4 mags, cheek rest, hard case, and cleaning kit for sale a couple days ago for 1350$. They are deadly accurate rifles. Don’t buy one off gun broker, it will make you broker!! Lol. Good luck!
In these tough economic times, you may find one from a private individual. Estate sale-prior to the auctioneer appraising things.
I agree completely! Great scopes for the $!
From my personal experience I would lean away from the short barrelled Springfield M1As. I bought one because I thought it would be fun, but it shoots so poorly that it isn't fun at all. It literally patterns instead of grouping. I have a craptacular, beat up, brought back from Vietnam SKS that shoots better with surplus, berdan primed, Czech ammo, than my brand new M1A with Federal NM.
Hope you have some ammo in your garage because although you CAN buy guns ammo is a different story.
Would you call that a deer hunting scope or a Rule 308 scope? (just askin’)
Pick up a press and lay in supplies.
I get it about Gun Broker. They (M1A) are cheaper in my local range stock (used) as well. That’s just a reference.
The 700s and the Win 308s are looking more attractive per spec right now. I get it that the M1A is a better rifle.
As to rifle weight, a Model 10 with a 20-inch barrel keeps the weight down and overall length to 40 inches. Accuracy is not affected. The only improvement I'd make to the rifle would be the ability to take M14 magazines in 5 or 10 or 20 round capacity like the Parker-Hale M85 Sniper's.
I think you can get five round sporter magazines for the M1A.
If you are looking for a bolt-gun, either the Savage 110 or Remmy 700 topped with decent glass will do you.
But, why? You are already familiar with the AR platform, why not just step up to an LR-308/AR-10 offering and go with what you know? 300 yards is a chip-shot for either of the DPMS or Armalite .308’s. Barrel options, optics, triggers, furniture are just as varied for the .308/7.62x51 as they are for the .223/5.56x45.
Also, “patrol carrying” an AR on an extended stalk would be easier than doing the same with a full on bolt-gun/deer rifle. At least, from doing various types of field training on my own, I’d rather tote my AR than my Winchester.
Eugene Stoner’s little AR platform was originally designed around the .308 caliber round.
Just a few things to consider. ;-)
As for glass, depends on budget. If you can afford it, and are SERIOUS about it, US Optics/Nightforce/Leupold/Nikon. In that descending order. If not, find a decent Burris or “Cabelas” branded optic with the features you want and enjoy.
I do almost exclusively saltwater fishing for big fish like striper and bluefish. Surfcasting. Not bait & wait. I can’t eat freshwater fish, they are nasty. And no, I am not good at fishing, but I enjoy it, and constantly strive to improve my game.
Good luck with your fun! As long as you are enjoying it, that’s the key!
You can, I was giving you a hard time.
The brightness of the scope under early and late day conditions is exceptional. Resolution is very crisp. Cheaper scopes will not come close to the optical quality of this scope. Windage and elevation changes are positive and accurate; something not reliable with cheaper scopes.
If you are satisfied with less, that's OK. If you're wanting quality combined with ruggedness, the 10x42M is the one for you.
for later review
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