Looking at getting a M1A

[Alaskapopo]

Was thinking about getting an M1A Match rifle for my collection to use in three gun for heavy metal (heavy tac irons) division. I have been hearing conflicting things on Springfield Armory quality of late. Should I worry?
Pat

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[vintage hunter]

Let's just say they don't make 'em like they used to. I looked over a new M1 A match rifle in a gun shop last fall and was not impressed with what I saw.The bolt rattled around in the reciever, the op rod track was very sloppy and the trigger pull was quite gritty and a little on the long side. The one I have I got 12-13 years ago, it's had several thousand rounds through it and I've had nothing but good service from it, but don't think I'd buy one of the one's currently being made.

[Buntlineguy]

My Springfield that I bought about 1 1/ years ago blew up in my face. The hammer had broken and the next round fired while the cartridge was not in the chamber. I was hit in the head with the (plastic) forestock and the back of the receiver came off. Luckily no injuries. The good news is that Springfield replaced it at no charge. A close inspection of the metal revealed inpurities in the metal. If you decide to get one, I would get an M-14 hammer from Sarco and put it in. It is a good shooter, though, and I am going to keep it.
B

[jmoore]

I would get an M-14 hammer from Sarco and put it in.

Really??? The last batch were all cast "bits o' nastiness". From roughly October 2011. Did use one for experimentation, but it's not hardened like the GI or Springfield Inc's hammers...

I've been running cast Springfield parts (except for bolts, which they quit casting) for ages with no dramas. Whilst SAI has produced some duds from time to time, they do take care of their customers from what I've heard. Never have required their services, yet, though!

(Why do folk love cast Ruger firearms but hate anybody else that uses the same technology, often farmed out to Ruger?)

Here's a lightly modified SAI cast hammer that's been running for many thousands of rounds:



Couldn't leave well enough alone, so here's the same evil cast hammer as it is in a rifle today;





Well over 1/2 of this cast hammer is gone, but it still keeps going...

[Alaskapopo]

I am going to get a SCAR heavy instead I think. I don't want a .308 rifle blowing up in my face.
Pat

[jmoore]

Oh, good grief!



Have a nice day getting 17s mags.

Quite frankly, it doesn't matter what you get IF the controls are well laid out for you, and the thing runs. I still prefer the M1/M14 layout.

[HILLBILLY-06]

I had an older Springfield Armory M1A from the 1980's. It also had a couple thousand rounds through it as well, and no problems at all. I noticed one thing about it, over time that I thought was strange, It did have the Steel G.I. flash suppressor and Bayonet lug. Well after all those years of cleaning, unscrewing the castle nut and lock screw, I asked Springfield if they could send me a new one, mine was getting warn out looking. Well the P.O.S. new cast metal flash supressor they sent me, went right back to em' with my letter of disgust. I just kept the old one on there and never gave it another thought. It was still on there when I got rid of her a few years ago. It still was a great rifle when I let it go, and do often miss it when I'm at the range. A very proud Vietnam Vet has it now, Low serial number and all. I wish I kept my Bayonet though, I didn't realize how expensive those things are for the real McCoy.
So where ever you are, U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, Springfield Armory, Srl #018143, I miss you, wish we could be together again, you were my favorite rifle of all time. I still remember every trip to the range, and how jealous my friends were. "Keep em' in the 10 ring" ... your old pal Dave.

[jmoore]

The crazy thing is that for the price of a FN SCAR 17s, you can get an M1A completely full of GI parts, a fancy stock (bedded if you like), and all sorts of accessories, including mags. And an M1A has good sights for long shots. Had one out today at 600yds- with that horrible cast hammer.



Heck, if you want a SCAR, do it. I did. And still the M1As get more trigger time.