which M1A is worth getting?
Which Spingfield Armory M1A is worth getting:
M1A scout
M1A socom
M1A socom II
Depends on what ‘worth getting’ – what are you getting it for?
The vast majority of M1a’s Springfield has sold are used for NRA Highpower Competition, Military EOC (Excellence in Competition) match and CMP matches. These three competitions require the rifle be in ‘as issued’ condition. That means only the standard grade, match grade and super match grade are legal for competition. Each state had their own NRA Highpower Championship and then areas have Regionals……… and then there is also Camp Perry. You buy the Scout or SOCOM’s – you can’t use it at any of these events. Most people who buy an M1a as a survival rifle with better distance and power than an AR-15 usually learn about these match and join them…….. simply because it teachs them how to handle the rifle at 200, 300 and 600 yards.
The ones you have chosen are tactical rifles. They are great for short range tactical use – mostly with subsonic ammo fired from a suppressor. If you are not a member of an entry team or trained for it – and you don’t know how to make suppressed 308 or own a silencer – you are not going to be happy with these rifles on the range much beyond 200 yards, if that. (where the other M1a’s are good to 600 and 1000 yards)
Worse – the resale on the ones you have chosen is horrible. They are not a good investment. On the other hand – the standard grade, match, and super match increase in value about $30+ each year.
Kevin
M1A Scout Squad P 2