M1A Scout Accuracy

[Slowdive]

For those of you who own one, what kind of accuracy are you getting out of the box w/ match grade ammo?
I've heard mixed reviews. I'm interested in one, but w/o barrel lapping, glass bedding and some trigger work some people are getting pretty big groups.

I'm researching an autoloading .308 that is "handy" that can shoot 2.0 to 2.5 MOA, but I'm not really interested in doing alot of work to get it to shoot that way.

I define handy as less than 10 lbs (the M1A Scout is on the edge here) and no longer than an 18" bbl.

 

[widnerkj]

My brother has one. And it shoots better than I'm able. I believe you would be happy with it. I have a standard M1A and I actually like the scout a little more.

 

[mike93lx]

You only want 2-2.5 MOA out of the box? You'll to get that with just decent surplus ball ammo, let along match quality ammo.

I don't own an M1A but have shot a few and never had an issue with accuracy.

 

[PatMcD]

I would expect a non-bedded M1A (any barrel length) to group match ammo around 2" at 100yds.

 

[Slowdive]

You only want 2-2.5 MOA out of the box? You'll to get that with just decent surplus ball ammo, let along match quality ammo.

My dad has a M1A National Match (not glass bedded), I consider it a 1.5 MOA gun with my best 168gn SMK handloads. I figure a short non-match barrel would add another 1" to the groups. My AR10T is free floating and is a MOA gun with that same ammo.

I would expect a non-bedded M1A (any barrel length) to group match ammo around 2" at 100yds.

Think it'll hold 6" or 7" at 300? This is the primary reason I'm considering the Scout (18"bbl) vs the SOCOM (16"bbl).

 

[FPrice]

I just recently added a used M1A Scout rifle to my battery and it seems to be in fairly good shape. I think I have it dialed in 50 yards, now I need to keep walking it further out to 200 yards (the limit on my range).

However, over on the M14 Forum I am hearing that some of the newer rifles seem to have some problems and need to be tweaked perhaps a little more than older versions. I had to move my front sight a bit to the left to get my shots centered. And the mag well seems NOT to like the 10-round mags I have whereas my older loaded M1A has not problems with them.

 

[PatMcD]

My dad has a M1A National Match (not glass bedded), I consider it a 1.5 MOA gun with my best 168gn SMK handloads. I figure a short non-match barrel would add another 1" to the groups. My AR10T is free floating and is a MOA gun with that same ammo.



Think it'll hold 6" or 7" at 300? This is the primary reason I'm considering the Scout (18"bbl) vs the SOCOM (16"bbl).

Out to 300yds, I don't think the barrel length is going to have much influence on the accuracy. More will depend on the sight radius (if shooting irons).

Contrary to popular belief, a M14/M1A gone over by somebody who knows how to match-tune one, is still only a 1-MOA rifle with very good handloads. I have shot 5-rds into 1/2" with mine, but that's not repeatable. 10 groups of ten shots each; it's not going to be any better than 1 MOA. That's plenty good for what it's intended.
Take all the match-tuning tricks out, and I think my initial 2 MOA expectation is optomistic.

 

[Slowdive]

Thanks all...I really appreciate your input.

I think that it's possible to get a 2 MOA gun out of the box, but certainly not guaranteed. There are things I can do to fix that...but I'm not sure I have it in me at this juncture. I really want one, b/c I think they are really cool and I think the platform would be fun in a carbine. However from experience, I quickly lose interest in guns I don't perceive as accurate. That's a big risk to take on a $1400 rifle. I may still do it...I think these rifles have character.

I'm always my own worst enemy on these type decisions

 

[AllaSnackbah]

do it, you'll love it. i have so much fun shooting mine iron sights its a blast.