My 2 cents -- Get a Garand while you still can at a reasonable price. Actually you can get 3 NICE Garands for what you will pay for the M1A1 assuming you are purchasing a new Springfiled run of the mill M1A1. Loaded right, the '06 will do what the .308 will do with today's powders and bullets.
OK - now that I have finished pushing the Garand. The M1A1 is a great rifle - just a Garand with a box magazine in my opinion - so it ranks 2nd best. I own an M1A1 Scout - longer barrel than the SOCOM - but shorter than the regular M1A1. I was looking for an M1A1 when I ran across the Scout and just could not pass the deal up. I have often thought about changing out the barrel with a regular National Match barrel. Actually I posted the possibility of doing this on the M14 boards and almost everyone suggested I leave it alone ... several offered to trade me their regular M1A1s for my Scout. I do like it even though I do not shoot it much. It is a very capable battle weapon and interesting to load for and shoot. I have actually been able to develope some cast boolit loads for it. For those of us who actually like the "military" stuff, an M1A1 is a must for the collection; after a Garand has been added.
CMP has some M14 stock sets on sale now for $35.00. I ordered one and received a NEW one with all the metal attached .. Great buy if you want a wood stock.
It all boils down to personal preference. Even with the M1A1, there are a couple different types to select from -- type barrel, finish, wood, etc .... If you want an M1A1, go for it!! --- just get a Garand first!!!!! :lol:
OK - now that I have finished pushing the Garand. The M1A1 is a great rifle - just a Garand with a box magazine in my opinion - so it ranks 2nd best. I own an M1A1 Scout - longer barrel than the SOCOM - but shorter than the regular M1A1. I was looking for an M1A1 when I ran across the Scout and just could not pass the deal up. I have often thought about changing out the barrel with a regular National Match barrel. Actually I posted the possibility of doing this on the M14 boards and almost everyone suggested I leave it alone ... several offered to trade me their regular M1A1s for my Scout. I do like it even though I do not shoot it much. It is a very capable battle weapon and interesting to load for and shoot. I have actually been able to develope some cast boolit loads for it. For those of us who actually like the "military" stuff, an M1A1 is a must for the collection; after a Garand has been added.
CMP has some M14 stock sets on sale now for $35.00. I ordered one and received a NEW one with all the metal attached .. Great buy if you want a wood stock.
It all boils down to personal preference. Even with the M1A1, there are a couple different types to select from -- type barrel, finish, wood, etc .... If you want an M1A1, go for it!! --- just get a Garand first!!!!! :lol:
