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The AR-10 Versus The Springfield M1A!

Evil ATFEvil ATF Member Posts: 1,195 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited September 2001 in General Discussion
Forgive me Father, for I have sinned.I'm contemplating retiring my AK-47 from it's position as my Main Battle Rifle. Although I'm in an urban area where SHTF engagements would be limited to less than 100 yards, I'm concerned about the ability to make accurate shots at a distance. My wife just inherited two fine AK's. After careful consideration, I have narrowed the candidates down to the AR-10 and the Springfield M1A. Since I have almost no experience with these two rifles, your input would be appreciated. What would the pros and cons be for each rifle? I haven't decided yet whether I'll get the "Match Grade" version of either rifle. I'm leaning slightly to the M1A, since Springfield is having that special where you can buy a range-finding scope and rings for the rifle at a paltry $99 when purchased at the same time. Although, the pistol grip on the Armalite would make it easy to fire rapidly from the hip...
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Comments

  • LowriderLowrider Member Posts: 6,587
    edited November -1
    I went through Army basic training in 1968 with an M-14. These weapons are indestructable, absolutely bet-yer-life-on-it reliable and extremely accurate to 300 meters with open sights.They are also a little clumsy for real close-quarters fighting and a lot heavier than weapons like the AR-10 and AR-15.Prior to buying an AR-15 ( I never even got to fire one (M-16) in the Army), I always said that the M-14 (M1-A) was my weapon of choice when the SHTF. Now, after owning an AR-15 for a couple of years and getting very comfortable with it, I'm not sure I'd trade for the M1-A. I'd love to have one, but for street fighting it's pretty tough to beat the AR style of rifle.
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  • simonbssimonbs Member Posts: 994 ✭
    edited November -1
    How 'bout that Garand?
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  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    M1A is the civilian version of a very good combat tested rifle.Easy to work on and Very Reliable.Unlike Lowrider I think you should compare wts.I have 2 M1As with E2 pistolgrip stocks.The mount is OK but the scope you mentioned sucks for reliability.AR10s are commercial rifles designed by Armalite.They are noted for accuracy.They are not renowned for reliability and are not combat proven.cpermd[This message has been edited by cpermd (edited 09-17-2001).]
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  • beachmaster73beachmaster73 Member Posts: 3,011 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Evil...you will never beat that special that Springfield Armoury is running on the M1A with scope. The AR-10 is nice and feels good to the hand. It points well and comes into battery easily; but for a long range highly accurate combat weapon you would be hard pressed to beat an M1A even without the special good deal they are running. I have a matched out AR-15 as well as numerous match Garands, but recently I have taken to shooting a match M-14 almost exclusively. With open sights at 600 yards the longer sight radius that the M1A has over the AR does make for an easier shot. With a scope it's probably a wash between the two weapons, but with an M1A you can enter CMP high power rifle competition across the country and get the opportunity to sharpen your marksmanship skills. Incidently I'm still waiting to hear about your Garand that I know you purchased!!!! Beach
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  • JudgeColtJudgeColt Member Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    They are both fine rifles, but are very different.The M14 was America's shortest-lived battle rifle. It had a lot of problems early on, and suffered in Viet Nam due to swelling of the wood stocks from all the moisture.The current AR-10 is not a battle-tested rifle, but it is based on one, the original AR-10 of the 1950s, that gave birth to the AR-15/M16. The current AR-10 has been in production for several years now and has had the bugs worked out of it. Some people feel the larger scale of all the parts makes it more reliable than its smaller scale cousin, the AR-15/M16, due to the increased inertia of the bolt, etc..I do not think reliability under severe combat conditions would be an issue for a home defense rifle. How severe are the conditions under the bed?Magazines are the big plus for the M1A. M14 magazines are still available at fairly reasonable prices. While M14 magazines can be converted to current AR-10 magazines, and then can be converted back to M14 configuration, there is additional cost involved in the conversion. I prefer the feel of the AR-10, and I think the standard AR-10 is a bit more accurate than the standard M1A out of the box.Recent posts have been very unfavorable to the Springfield scopes, so the package price may not be the bargin it appears. If you want to "fix bayonets," you will have to buy an original AR-10 or a pre-ban M1A as none of the current production AR-10s or M1As will accept a bayonet. I have a three digit "Devine" M1A, an original Sudanese AR-10 (using a Central Kentucy Arms lower receiver) and an early current AR-10A2. Choosing either the M1A or the AR-10 is a bit like choosing one child over another. If forced to choose, I would select the AR-10. Let us know what you select.
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  • kimberkidkimberkid Member Posts: 8,858 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would go with the M1A, hands down, The NEW AR-10 is a cheap imitation of a "Battle-field Tested" weapon. If you want to take a close look at how they are made any why so cheap when compared to a Stoner SR-25 look here: www.biggerhammer.net/stoner/ The M1A, as previously stated are practically industructable, and have been used in competition for over 20 years, I haven't seen an AR-10 in competition yet. While its true the Springfield scopes are crap, you can always sell and pocket about $200 or more. The 2nd generation mount alone runs about $125.The only advantage to the AR-10, is the pistol grip ... IMHO
    GUN CONTROL: If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention!kimberkid@gunbroker.zzn.com
    If you really desire something, you'll find a way ?
    ? otherwise, you'll find an excuse.
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  • Evil ATFEvil ATF Member Posts: 1,195 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well, I'm definately leaning hard towards the M1A because of the scope package (it may not be the best, but how can you go wrong for $99 with a range finder built in?) and the overall look/feel of the rifle. However, due to my extensive love affair with the AK-47, I've gotten quite used to that damned pistol grip. There isn't a feeling in the world like tucking that shoulder stock under your armpit and letting fly with a few dozen rounds. This is the reason I'm looking at the AR-10. I want the power of the .308, but the versatility of an AK. You can see my dilemma. As far as using it as a home defense weapon: CaCKle!Even I'm not THAT crazy! No, I'd use it for an all-around weapon. Hunting, I'd finally get into some CMP matches, and it'd also be my SHTF rifle. Call me crazy, but I believe in being prepared for anything. P.S. Where's the best deal for buying new or surplus .308 in bulk? Best prices on match ammo as well?
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  • Evil ATFEvil ATF Member Posts: 1,195 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    P.P.S.Beach:I haven't forgotten my promise, don't worry! The Garand has been put on hold. I had no idea babies could poop that much. I'm glad I quit smoking, because it gave me an extra $100 a month to spend on diapers!I'm just looking for "the one". As soon as I see a smokin' deal on a high-quality Garand, I'll jump on it.
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  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    RememberM1A with E2=PISTOLGRIP stock
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  • Evil ATFEvil ATF Member Posts: 1,195 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    SWEET GOD ALMIGHTY!!! www.cabelas.com/texis/scripts/store/+/CatalogDisplay/displayPOD/CabFALL1998/CabFALL1998AAArAB/XA672Q How can I afford to shoot EITHER rifle!?
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  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Plan on 16-17 cents a round for Hirt.Can sometimes get to 14 cents on others.cpermd
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  • joe4348joe4348 Member Posts: 49 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Evil-Have you considered an FN. You can put together an excellent STG-58 kit gun for under $600. Not a bad gun and plenty of parts available. Used mags are $6 or less and it has been combat proven.
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  • kimberkidkimberkid Member Posts: 8,858 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Evil,Maybe its time you took a serious look at reloading!I can load 168 grain Sierra HPBTM (match quality ammo) that shoots well under 1" at 100 (because its loaded just for that rifle) for about 16 cents a round ... Plus now you'll have time when the baby is sleeping or whatever, and you cant go anywhere ... might as well be productive and hone the craft...
    GUN CONTROL: If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention!kimberkid@gunbroker.zzn.com
    If you really desire something, you'll find a way ?
    ? otherwise, you'll find an excuse.
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  • beltfedbeltfed Member Posts: 690 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    ATF I would highly recommend BOSTON'S GUN BIBLE by boston t. party almost 800 pages he rates all main battle rifles and light carbine rifles. Such as ak's and ar's. Plus many other guns and equip. Bought mine thru FRED'S MILTARY M14 RIFLE STOCKS for 20.00 instead of 28.00 trust me it's a gotta read.
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