Help me make up my mind!

CMEBoston

NES Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2010
Messages
3,328
Likes
2,972
Feedback: 11 / 0 / 0
Since I was a little guy I have had my heart set on an M1A walnut stock, scout squad barrel. My dad had one and I loved shooting that gun. So I've been saving up for one since getting my LTC. Then while in a local shop I pawed an H&K 91, and it falls within my budget. I know 30 rd mags are available for the H&K, and only 20 rd mags for the M1a. And I hope to have both in my collection at some point, but what do I get first?? I've read both are accurate as hell, both are quality, and I want both of them! Anyone own both guns that can give a comparison?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I would get the H&K but thats just because I have wanted one for I don't know maybe about FOREVER.
 
I am in the same boat as you I have wanted an m1a forever and I bought one. albeit used and you would never ever know it was used. I absolutely love this gun.. I say go for it!! I picked mine up for 1300 btw.. on top of it all the model was a commemorative edition all USGI parts the birch stock still has the auto selector cutout..
 
I have both types. I have an SEI NM M14 and I recently built an M14 on a new forged 7.62MM Firearms receiver with all H&R parts. I also recently go an HK91... 1981 vintage.
The M14s are more accurate and have less felt recoil due to their gas system vs the delayed rolled blow-back of the HK. They may also be a bit lighter.
The HK is like a Tiger II in its 'German-ness'. Some complain about the ergonomics. I have no issue with it.
Both have great sights. The M14s have far better triggers out of the box.
The HK gets pretty filthy inside due the DRB system but a real one (not a clone) will run all day being filthy.
Both are very reliable and are easily broken down for cleaning.
Magazines for both are available up to 100rd Betas but standard is 20rd for both.
I have the Nato big 3... M14, FAL and HK91. I feel the M14 is the best. The other two are tied. The FAL sights are the worst but it has a better trigger than the HK. The HK trigger is like dragging an anvil across a parking lot but can worked over to be decent.
So there... get both! ... then an FAL of some variant. I have an STG58

STG58
HK91 A3
SEI NM M14
IMG_0610.jpg
 
Last edited:
An actual HK91 is going cost a least 1K more than a new M1A - so if someone laid one of each on the table and said pick one, I would grab the HK based on that alone.

However, if we are talking a clone here (PTR etc), I would probably go with the M1A, based on personal preference. I respect the the HK design, but the ergonomics just don't work well for me (cocking handle, mag release, etc). Neither one has a chrome lined barrel, but in terms of mag capacity, I didn't even know preban 30 rounders here available for the HK?

One other plus of the M1A is SAI's great warranty.
 
An actual HK91 is going cost a least 1K more than a new M1A - so if someone laid one of each on the table and said pick one, I would grab the HK based on that alone.

However, if we are talking a clone here (PTR etc), I would probably go with the M1A, based on personal preference. I respect the the HK design, but the ergonomics just don't work well for me (cocking handle, mag release, etc). Neither one has a chrome lined barrel, but in terms of mag capacity, I didn't even know preban 30 rounders here available for the HK?

One other plus of the M1A is SAI's great warranty.

I'm planning the add the paddle mag release and an A2 or HK21 clubfoot stock to mine. Unfortunately the original paddle was deleted when the G3 was converted to semi auto. The A3 stock is cool and all but does suck to shoot with it.

I just noticed how well the M14 camo works on my table...[smile]
 
Last edited:
Advertised as a legit H&K, and I do plan on getting both. But now you have me wondering if it is in fact an H&K, price was around $1400 IIRC, most others I've seen online are $2000+.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Maybe they were 20 rounders, I didn't really notice and assumed they were 30.....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Advertised as a legit H&K, and I do plan on getting both. But now you have me wondering if it is in fact an H&K, price was around $1400 IIRC, most others I've seen online are $2000+.

Payed $2500 for mine. If the one you're looking at is a real HK is might be completely ragged out... might also be a heck of a deal. Do you know the date code on the HK?
 
No, I was kinda rushed out of the shop. Seeing the M1a next to the H&K sealed it for me though. Going for the M1a walnut stock 18" barrel as soon as I get my quarterly bonus. Especially if there are no 30 rd mags available for the 91. I also have considered an AR10, but hear mags are really expensive. the.223 doest really exite me too much so an AR15 is a bit further back on the list. Plus I reload and stockpiled 150gr fmj .308 bullets a while back and it takes a longtime to shoot them from a 30-06 Mauser......


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
No, I was kinda rushed out of the shop. Seeing the M1a next to the H&K sealed it for me though. Going for the M1a walnut stock 18" barrel as soon as I get my quarterly bonus. Especially if there are no 30 rd mags available for the 91. I also have considered an AR10, but hear mags are really expensive. the.223 doest really exite me too much so an AR15 is a bit further back on the list. Plus I reload and stockpiled 150gr fmj .308 bullets a while back and it takes a longtime to shoot them from a 30-06 Mauser......

When it comes time for a 5.56 Nato you could always get the HK91's little brother the HK93 [smile] Of course, they tend to be more expensive than the 91... I know, I got the 93 first...
 
i own neither, want both ( and the FAL) - I hear the HK/PTR's destroy brass upon ejection , true ?
And what does an M1a do to brass. ... ?

My father reloaded for his M1a, that's where I got all of my reloading equipment. And I have a bunch of .308 brass that is in excellent condition.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
i own neither, want both ( and the FAL) - I hear the HK/PTR's destroy brass upon ejection , true ?
And what does an M1a do to brass. ... ?
The HK does tend to ruin brass upon ejection but it doesn't matter. It throws it so far you don't really want to go looking for it. It's also good for pissing off your neighbors at the range.
The cases are usually dented as they impact the edge of the ejection port. A snap-on brass deflector solves the damage problem, the hike to find the brass and generally keeps the neighbors happy.
The M14 is pretty nice to brass.
 
Thanks for the responses guys, I am set on the M1a for the reloading aspect, when I wanna throw cases it will be out of an AKM and it will probably be steel.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Back
Top Bottom