For every other situation, I am reaching for the far superior ergonomics of an AR15. The only justification for my M1A's existence is to reside in the trunk of my POV's. For mounting optics or any other precision role, there are far better choices. M1A's work OK as simple, rugged iron or possibly RDS sighted rifles of limited long term accuracy potential, kind of like a big AK. The only reason I continue to own M1A's is that they are still 'legal' and not restricted as 'assault weapons' under CA's asinine laws (unlike AR's, AK's, FAL's, etc.). The poor safety location on an M14/M1A is MOST definitely an issue for demanding LE tactical use, especially for entries/CQB-in fact, it pretty much makes it a non-starter for those missions. In this era, I FAR prefer an AR15 in 5.56 mm or 6.8 mm, but it was interesting to see how well the old dog (both the rifle and me) could run and it was a lot of fun! One area that could be an issue on M14/M1AвЂ™s is the safety location-this is a huge liability concern for an LE rifle. The rifle fired 500 rounds of 155 gr Hornady AMAX with no failures to feed or function. I was surprised how well things went-dumping 20 rounds into a stationary head size target at 100 m was easy, close in CQB drills and shooting on the move went well, and some scenario based tests (including simulated one arm injuries) posed no problems. The young studs were giving me a hard time about my old 'musket'.until we started shooting. Last time I shot a SWAT course with iron sights was back in 2000 with a Colt 6520 carbine. However, instead of using an optic equipped 6920 like normal, I chose to run an old school, iron sighted, CA civilian legal, 18' M1A that had all the crappy SA parts replaced with USGI ones. Two years ago after teaching my section of the course at a SWAT carbine school presented by a large PD here, I decided to stick around and run through the rest of the day's drills and tests with the students. Again, Smith Enterprise and Fulton Armory are good sources. Mounting optics is a bit harder than on an AR15/AR10 type rifle. Buy 3 of them, so that at any given time you can have one that shoots well, one for training, one that is being re-built. M1A's can be made very accurate if you spend a lot of money.but they don't stay accurate very long. If you do decide to get an M1A/M14 clone, make sure you send it to someone like Smith Enterprise or Fulton to have all the current manufactured poor quality parts replaced. I've seen more M1A and M14 clones break recently than I care to contemplate-particularly the SA M1A SOCOM's in fact, I've yet to see a M1A SOCOM make it through a multi-day carbine course without breaking. For a variety of reasons, I have sold almost all my M1A's-I only kept two lightweight 18' SA M1A's in simple GI brown stocks and I'll get rid of those as soon as I move out of CA. Back when I shot Hi-Power, I had a lot of match grade McMillan stocked M1A's, both iron sighted and with optics (they were heavy beasts). The first rifle I shot expert on after getting commissioned in 1986 was an M14. So, what are you looking to do with it? That will go a long way towards where you want to look, and the features you'll want on your rifle. chambered non chrome lined Wilson barrels like Springfield, they use Krieger chrome lined 7.62 NATO chambered Criterion barrels. They are extremely well built, using premium commercial parts and GI where they can.

LRB are forged, and are about as highly regarded as they come.

Both Springfield and Armscorp are cast, the original M14 receivers were drop hammer forged like the M1 Garand.ДЇulton Armory uses Armscorp receivers branded Fulton. The earlier M1A's were built using their commercial receiver and mostly USGI surplus parts, and they have a much better reputation.ДЄrmscorp also makes a commercial receiver, which a lot of knowledgeable M14 guys prefer over the Springfield if they're going to go with a cast receiver.

This is mainly due to the fact that they ran out of USGI parts about a decade ago, so all their rifles are commercial grade. Springfield Armory has a somewhat spotty reputation on current M1A's. Are you wanting a clone of the USGI M14, a heavier barreled target rifle, a custom build DMR (designated marksman rifle), a shorter barreled carbine type? They wanted to call it a M14 but ATF wouldn't allow it when they were introduced, so they went with M1A.ДЇirstly, you need to ask yourself what you want to use the rifle for. The M1A is the semi auto M14 variant that Springfield Armory Inc.

M1a socom cqb malfunction