is the socom16 an advanced m14?

[m1garand071]

can i get an opinion or a few opinions on the springfield socom16 rifle. it looks like a real advanced m14 with power to spare.

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[jmoore]

It is "fancy". But not advanced. In fact it takes a fair amount of work to make them as generally useful as the slightly longer versions. If you are willing to invest some time and effort they can be fine. It seems most folk end up "losing" the wraparound rail attachment thing for other solutions, BTW.

[Neal Myers]

It seems to me to be the solution to a problem that doesn't exist. If the idea had value, you'd would think that at least 1 law enforcement agency would buy them.

The M14-type rifle represents a huge improvement over the M1 rifle. The short barreled versions of the M14-type rifle offer what? A couple of inches shorter? Who cares? Just a marketing strategy to sell more product.

Neal

[browningautorifle]

A couple of inches shorter?

It's something neat for the high speed crowd. Everything has to be a carbine...

[.45s r best]

I have one of the earlier Socom's that I purchased in 2008. To me at least, they appear to be of a little better quality than the ones manufactured today. I purchased it on a whim because I like M1A's and I like carbines. At first I was a little disappointed in it. However, as I got used to shooting it, I have come to enjoy it and I am glad that I have it. I have a red dot sight on it and I typically shoot it out to the 100 yards. Accuracy at this range is pretty good, I have not tried it further than 100 yards so I cannot say how accurate it would be. As far as operation, I have had zero problems with it. Again, I like it and I have no regrets that I purchased it. However it is my opinion that it takes a little getting used to shooting and it may not be for everyone. By the way, it is L-O-U-D loud! While you may enjoy shooting it, the guy next to you may be real happy when you are gone!

[retiredpara]

Imho, it is superior in some applications.
Anyone who has carried the M14 type rifle in thick brush can appreciate a shorter version. I hunt with mine. Excellent in dense underbrush. Accurate at longer ranges as well. Killed a fine buck this past year at 194 yards. Designed for .mil applications to be used for CQB, and provide superior long range accuracy/energy at distance.
As Jmoore mentioned, many remove the handguard/rail. It is heavy, and I don't need it. I dumped the stock and put it in a USGI fiberglass stock to save a bit more weight. It also is a bit more svelt in the wrist, and allows me a better grip.
It is loud, and belches a bit of flame that will cause a bit of delay on second targets in low light. Easily overcome with training.
I recommend it.

[.45s r best]

I have seen pictures of Socom 16's where the fiberglass stock was replaced with a walnut stock and handguard. Has anybody seen a Socom like this? Any idea who sells walnut stocks for this rifle?

[browningautorifle]

Try Boyd stocks... Boyds: SPRINGFIELD M1A STYLE 1 STOCK WALNUT (FINISHED)

[.45s r best]

Thanks for the info! I will check it out.