Advice needed on basic Springfield M1A

[RBruce]

I'm looking for a shooter/plinker. Was issued a M14 back in the mid-1960s. How good is the basic Springfield M1A? are they reasonably accurate? I don't need a match rifle, just one which will shoot well considering my 70+ year old eyes. TIA for any advice or suggestions. --RBruce

Information

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[Buntlineguy]

I bought one a few years ago new in box. It had some issues and ended up blowing back end of receiver off. Problem was hammer broke and slam-fired. Springfield sent me a new replacement rifle which has worked flawlessly. I think the first one was just a rare case of one bad part. The M1-A is one of my favorites now. I would recommend it.
B

[A square 10]

have been well pleased with mine for over 10 years now , shop around tho they can be spendy compared to a garand

[jmoore]

Have had few problems with them. Only one was a 4 MOA or worse rifle.

[WarPig1976]

It had some issues and ended up blowing back end of receiver off.

Did anyone get hurt.? That's classic.!! Sorry our rifle blew up in your face,,, here's another one this ones good,, we swear.!!

[Bill Hollinger]

I've had my SA M1A for over 20 years and it is a fine rifle. It makes a ragged hole at 100 yards with 168 grain BTHP match ammo. I can do no wrong with it!

[Brian Dick]

I've been shooting one since 1978. It's now in M21 guise and on it's second barrel. They are great rifles.

[oldgrunt]

I have owned M1A type rifles since the late 80's. SA Inc is a great company who stands behind their product. I would recommend any M1A variant they make. I have an older one that is all USGI except for the receiver, and it shoots better than I can. I also shoot a SOCOM II that I stripped the bulky handguard off of. It is lighter weight, not quite as accurate, and really barks. I think you would be happy with any of them. Expect to pay 1k and up for a used one in good condition. New run around $1500.00 for the basic model M1A.
HTH,
George

[catman]

I've got an old Chinese copy, that I bought back around 1989-90, when they didn't cost so much . Never had a problem with it, functions flawlessly and it shoots great.
Chuck

[jmoore]

TIA for any advice or suggestions.

About the only thing I'd avoid or replace right off the bat on the new ones is the plastic stock. But that's easily done.