I am m1a shopping and wondering what kind of accuracy improvement I can expect in a "loaded" over a standard or a National Match over a loaded.

quote:

Originally posted by sam626:
I am m1a shopping and wondering what kind of accuracy improvement I can expect in a "loaded" over a standard or a National Match over a loaded.

STD=2.5moa loaded=2moa NM=1-1.5moa scout=3moa socom=3moa

I would say ditch is pretty close on his numbers.

A scout I have shot a lot is under 2 MOA, but the 2 SOCOM's I was able to shoot a bit were more like 4 to 5 MOA.

Federal 168gr Match shoots good in even a standard M1A.

Of course, accuracy will improve with handloads, there are also a number of modifications one can do to improve it even further. My last post was a generality.

quote:

Originally posted by ditch:
Of course, accuracy will improve with handloads, there are also a number of modifications one can do to improve it even further. My last post was a generality.

And it was very accurate, IMHO.

Sam

Let me add that over the years I have fired several different versions of Springfield M1A's and with the exception of the SOCOM all have shot very good.

I think the ultimate full size carry gun would be a Match, with the regular contour barrel.

When you get into the medium and heavy match barreled guns they get pretty heavy to tote around, but they do shoot good.

My favorite 308 Battle rifle is an H&K 91...

But in todays world the M1A is the much better choice due to avialibility of spare parts.

Had my first Springfield Armory M1A in the mid 70's and it was a match version and shot very well, went through two barrels on it and never had a failure, something over 10,000rnds. For High Power matches, not that popular anymore, but still a fine rifle and some still prefer them. True mil spec parts for the M1A's are scarce these days and hear reports that Springfield Armory, Inc. is using more and more imported parts.
If I were to buy a new one today I would definitely take a look at what Fulton Armory has to offer for they do very nice, quality builds. Can't say for sure all of their parts are original, but you can bet that whatever they use is correct and of highest quality. The owner and staff approach fanatical status on building their guns and some custom builders of bolt guns, doubles, etc. won't be of any better build quality. As for accuracy, I observe both brands being shot at matches and for informal shooting and both shoot well and pretty much what has been said before, with the right loads. Personally I have never seen one of whichever mfg. not shoot quite well out to the 600yd line and even beyond.