Why I Was Wrong About the Springfield M1A Tanker
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- Опубликовано: 15 сен 2024
- I, @JamesReeves, was skeptical about the Springfield M1A Tanker. I brought this nostalgia piece - this relic of the past that wouldn't be able to compete with modern rifles - to Thunder Ranch for review. Of course, Clint Smith, a man who grew up on the M!A, couldn't help but give his opinion on the rifle, too.
Is the M1A Tanker more than just memorabilia? Is it a capable rifle for home defense, hunting, or target shooting? At least with its classic looks, it'll turn heads at the range.
In this video, I'll talk about the M1A Tanker, including features, performance, and my overall impressions. I'll also answer some of the most common questions about this rifle.
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Damn it! Another rifle that i didn't know i needed...
I have the Socom 16 version and it’s awesome. I don’t think you’ll regret getting one.
I love the wood stock version. I would have it with a leather ching sling and a scout mount with a scout scope......
Great all around rifle.....
A 8.6blackout with a shorter barrel to be used with a suppressor in a EBR chassis with a 50 round drum magazine for the fully automatic version.
Polymer case ammo for weight reduction
❤
l grew up in Kentucky going to long range shooting match's starting round about 1957 and got very good.....l went to Vietnam caring the M-14 and it was the most accurate Rifle i have shot.....Thanks TFB TV you video's AMAZING.....
Shoe🇺🇸
Prepare to be disappointed Mr.Z. They have a cool vibe going for them, but tne current models I've tried are incredibly inaccurate. Every time you take it apart, it gets worse!
HK91/G3 for the win with a battle rifle.
Being that most people who don’t know guns see a wood stock and assume it’s not a people eater, made me heavily consider it.
that only makes sense if you are showing your rifle off to non gun owners. why are you doing that?
@@jason200912How about when your attorney is showing the jury.
@@Tiber808 sure that's useful but you could just buy wood furniture on your ar15.
Also the prosecutor would waste time mentioning you not using a handgun and saying a rifle would cause collateral damage. Then if you use a shotgun the prosecutor would try to say that you were doing excessive force like ww1 Germans did. Then if you use a handgun they'll just waste time talking about your magazine or fmj. And if you use fmj they'll waste time talking about you not using hollow points.
@@jason200912 And then if you use hollow points you're obviously trying to unnecessarily deal more damage...
@@enasnI99 yes
_"It doesn't shoot stuff. It shoots THROUGH stuff to get to stuff."_
I REALLY like this quote.
yuck
Makes no damn sense
Exactly what we are not supposed to do
There should be bumper sticker swag on TFB of great quotes.
@@metzidis Not in everyday civilian work, no. But if you were living in Ukraine and trying to shoot Russians ? Yeah. Thats what Clint was talking about.
Thank You for taking care of Clint. He is a National Hero!
Dude is an absolute Fudd though lmao
I don't hang shit off my guns. Irons. doesn't mean having a red dot isn't extremely advantageous.
My M1A Scout has been a joy, but I did have one issue with the trigger assembly during the first year. A piece of the hammer chipped and the whole thing needed replacing. Springfield jumped right on it and I had the free new assembly in no time.
Since then, perfection.
My dad was a Gilpin Country CO sheriff deputy from 65 to 86. He carried a tanker Garand in .308 in his patrol trucks. I still have the rifle. Dad passed a few years ago and i was amazed at how many of the local community responded with love and appreciation. He was always saying; "enforcement beings with education." He clearly was a just man who respected his community.
We need more education in schools in the USA. We on both sides of the isle keep voting for the same people who do nothing for most Americans but with the internet it’s all about culture wars and straight up propaganda on whichever fake news sight you watch be it cnn, msnbc, fox, newsmax, or whichever channel trump tells his cult is ok to watch lol.
Love mine, but the cost a lot of $
❤ great big thanks to your dad for his service! RIP Deputy
did you mean to say "begins" or is he calling the sheiffs office "enforcement beings"
@@caimancs2187 pretty sure everyone knows exactly what he meant. No need to be disrespectful 👎
"Do I need a bayonet lug? No, that's why I've got a rifle."
I swear no matter how much Clint I watch he still always manages to say something that makes me laugh with his simplistic, cold, truth.
Clint is great. Bayonet, why not? If I’m justified to shoot it, I’m certainly justified to stab it.
I still like the bayonet lug.I have a Springfield M1-a and a Rock-Ola M-14f ,both with wood stocks and bayonet lug for the Vietnam look. Love them both.🪖🙏🪖
Yeah but with the price of ammo, bayonetting a scumbag makes much more sense.
@@slappy8941Hahaha! You're not wrong!
Triangular bayonet wounds are impossible to stitch so I’ve heard…
I have a M1A loaded and love it. I learned to shoot on the M14 in the Marine Corps so there is the nostalgia that most Marines can't let go of. But I love everything about it. But once I saw the tanker on a magazine I just had to have one. I have not had one second of regret. It shoots like a dream. The recoil is modest. With iron sights offhand I can nail 6-in plates over and over again at 100 yd. That's the longest I have at the range I shoot at. And I'm 72 years old so that's saying something.
Rock on!
Semper Fi Marine
I'm Army, learned to shoot on an m14. Love at first sight and plan on getting this model. Cant wait! Army and Marines have great taste!!!
It's the same with Marines of the past, my father loved the '03 Springfields. He trained on in 1942 at Paris Island, was never deployed with it but landed on 4 Japanese Islands in course of his 4 year enlistment. It's one of the few WW2 era rifles I've never shot but it's still on my bucket list.
I have my own range out to 525 yards.i make hits with my National match offhand. Makes the scope guys crazy. Semper Fi
You are a true gentleman for gifting Clint that beautiful stock James.
It’s not just the destination but also the journey in life that makes our existence so amazing. Giving that stock to a good friend that brings joy and even greater appreciation of one another is priceless.
I always enjoy seeing the affection and respect on James' face when he's talking with Clint. When Clint says something funny James' face lights up like a kid at Christmas.
God bless you Mr .James Reeves for doing that for him. My Dad was there in 68" and went thru basic with the M-14 at Camp Pendleton as well.
I got my Springfield M1A Socom 16 about 4 years ago and I love it. Even my military friends can’t believe that the recoil is not that bad. It was one of my dream firearms and still happy that I got it and will never sell it.
same here
100% agree, I love my SOCOM 16. I served from 2000-2014 so I was trained up on M-16's and M-4's. The SOCOM 16 and Hellion are my favorite rifles now.
Very cool of you to give that stock to Clint! As said previously, he IS a national treasure and is a treat to train with.
Thank you for treating Clint so well. He's an Icon. Kudos!
I am so happy that James gave the stock to Clint! Springfield will definitely work with you on this and everyone will respect them for working with you. Great video Brother!
I just ordered an M1A Scout Squad rifle... I prefer .308 as a battle rd, and I just fell in love with the look of this rifle... Like Clint, I treasure the USMC nostalgia this gun brings.
The scout squad is the most balanced by far of the m1as. Also the best looking
Agreed, the muzzle brake is awesome on it. I’ve shot 1 Moa with hand loads.
I've owned the full length and the scout squad, sold em...... if you like 308 and want to use it in close combat ( by that i mean under 100 meters) the m1a is not ideal and will probably get you killed, it wasn't designed for that and shortening the barrel doesn't change that......i really wanted to like them really really really did, but if you want a 308 for what you're probably wanting one for.....a scar 17 is a good choice, i think the scar is ugly and the m1a ia a piece of art, but this isn't about looks
I have the SOCOM 16 (basically a more tactical version) and LOVE it! Incredible recoil and accuracy.
Same, as soon as I took mine out at the range I had people hovering around my like flies on shit, until I shot it and everyone ran because of the loudness lol
I have a SOCOM 16 too, not sure what the differences are, but it’s fun to shoot. Sound like the tanker has a 2 stage trigger?
@@Legatus2kx 100% can relate lol
I picked up a Socom with that first Ovid stimulus check. ...on consignment at a rural gunshop with 5 twenty round mags ,soft case and paperwork/literature for 1400. Unfortunately I didn't much care for the Kryptec Highland camo so I had it cerakoted in black multicam (top handguard stock black) and found a great condition ready to go Boyd's walnut stock at a gunshow here in Kentucky....options options. I left the top rail where it was and added a Vortex scout scope and took her deer hunting....successfully. It's hands down my favorite rifle.
What is the difference between the SOCOM 16 and the Tanker? Trying to figure that out now.
AH-HA! Okay, so the Tanker is a subvariant of the SOCOM 16 that has the walnut stock. It's the cheapest variant of the SOCOM 16 - wait until my wife finds out how much money we saved!
You're a class act James! Love to see buddies taking care of each other like that, I'm sure that Clint really appreciated it too!
I have both the M1A loaded and the Socom 16. Love both, but the Socom is my go to. I just love the look of these M1a and the firepower is a show stopper!
I like the socom as well, but which one recoils more though?
Does it require lots of maintenance as well?
Only rifle I regret was my socom 16, but man, that stock was beautiful.
@@tombrown5508 Why do you regret the Socom16 bro? I got one about a year ago and have been wondering if I should sell it or not.I haven't shot it. What's up with the socom 16 that you regret?
@@B.W.Broom-xc6gsI read it as he regrets selling it.
Something wrong with a guy that doesn’t like wooden stocks
I don’t like wooden stocks. Only because I have had one fall apart getting rained on. But I think the look far better than plastic.
I absolutely love my scout squad 18 inch model. I took it shooting with my dad one time and he fell in love as well as it was the rifle he qualified with in the military as well. I've had my eye on the "tanker" since it was released but that pricetag has held me back 😢
Yeah...I'd like their SOCOM model (I think that's what it was, like the Tanker but with a camo synthetic stock). But man are they pricey.
The nicer the nice, the higher the price!!!!
What the hell…buy it! You only live once and you can’t take the money with you when you croak💀
I love my Socom 16. Can’t seem to find that quad rail that Springfield had on their snow Camo edition. I have looked on eBay and all over the inter web. Can’t seem to locate one. Damn fine rifle though.
M1A’s we’re my dream gun when I was a young teen.
@@d7dun1010
I appreciate the Sylvester Stewart reference!
Ive had one of these newest pattern tankers for about a year now, its not my first m1a. I too find it very pleasant to run, great balance especially when stock out of the box. The troubles come when you start mounting optics other than red dots, there are a few great light weight ways to mount a dot. My eyes however dont work with them and mounting any other optic on this firearm I feel adds too much weight to an already heavy boy. I run mine with a springfield synthetic stock & rubber butt pad and can fire all day without pain. I love mine but I definitely understand the hate for them too. Im also a fan of SEI’s parts and development of the m14, any part of theirs for these rifles gets a huge thumbs up. James start your build at SEI.
Also just wanted to add to stay away from pistol grip style tactical stocks. Stay with the traditional rifle pattern.
A 8.6blackout with a shorter barrel to accommodate a suppressor would make a great home defense rifle for room clearing from what Mr. Smith was stating about ear protection
Do they make an EBR - Enhanced Battle Rifle stock version of the Tanker ?
@DroppingBombs4ever you just buy the ebr chassis and put the tanker in it. That will be my next move but the ebr chassis is heavy. Im running a delta p design front end on mine so i can run a can and I finally got a sadlak extended mag release (they were oos for months) and an sei bolt catch/release.
I never heard of the tanker model. How is it different from the scout or socom
@@danielduron6131the only difference from the Tanker to the SOCOM is the wood stock.
I have the Scout version with an18" barrel and the SOCOM 16 CQB. Both are awesome and I've never had an issue with them. Springfield makes a mounting bracket for the M1A and I mounted a Leupold Mark 4 on my scout for hunting. You might want to check with them for your mount, instead of an aftermarket mount. It's solid, mounts on the side and it also slides down into the stripper clip attachment to triangulate the mounting so it doesn't move. You just won't be able to use stripper clips to reload the magazine. I'd show you a picture of my setup, but I can't attach a picture to this comment
If you want optic mounting options, go with the M1A SOCOM 16 . I found one used for around $1100 new at the same store was $2100 . Previous owner had put some rounds thru is but kept it in a safe for sure and kept up the PM on it .
If that’s the one with the scope mount on the barrel, the heat will eventually cook an optic. SEI makes a much nicer scope mount
And, they're stupidly heavy-no thanks.
@@PatousMcGillicuddylift more son
I just bought my socom 16 about a month ago. Absolutely love it. A little pricey at $1900 but mine came with 8 20rd mags and 1 10rd mag so it was well worth the price.
Can't say enough good things about this rifle.
Would really like to have one.
I paid I think you got a great buy if the clips are us not chinese I paid 300 for 6 clips 10 yrs ago
How's the accuracy?
@@HDSMEmagazines*
New or 2nd hand? Wondering if they come from the factory with 8 mags.
Wood and Steel, Brother!!! They shaped the world. Loved this review. Definately in the Top Ten. You got me when you changed out that stock. Happy Birthday to Clint. Now, there is another excellent rifle added to the soon to own list.
Actually, I was searching for Clint's wisdom this morning, found some older vids. And now, there is a brand new one with him talking about one of his favourites with James! I am a happy man and this day is a good day 🤩 Thank you very much!
I loved my M1A, I still miss it 26 years later! The optics mounting issue was what ultimately made me sell it. I've just never seen an acceptable solution. Sweet rifle though, and it does have some rockin irons!
P.S. I absolutely love that you gave Clint the stock! That makes me happy :)
One of the greatest sniper in ww2 didn't need optics and he killed hundreds of russians with his rifle. If you are trained well with a single weapon, all you need is the iron sight.
@@dredgewalker a sight is better than irons thats just a fact, he would have killed more with a sight. "you dont need it" okay? and i dont need the rifle either.
LRB Arms M25
it's not a rifle designed for an "optic"....that ruins the rifle. It's like putting a glass optic on an old Winchester 94 lever action....an abomination.
@@evanward9739 That's not my point. The point is a well trained marksman will always be effective with or without a scope. Also he didn't want to give away his position be ause of the glint that the scope emits. He probably would have been detected and killed if his scope gave him away givem how he was the primary target of the russian army
Wow! You made so noble and chivalrous act, bro! A true gentleman for gifting old man that beautiful stock.
Expensive and exceptional choice for those of us living in CA/NY/MA etc.. When the choices you've got for a legal semi-auto rifle are a Ruger Mini series, some Kel-Tec garbage, a castrated AR variant, the unicorn AK hunter/sporter, or Springfield M1a it's not a super hard choice (if you've got the cash).
All valid points. Another option for CA residents that meets the criteria is the FN49. Mine was an Egyptian contract gun, shoots 8mm Mauser. Very accurate with good iron sights and barrel.
In MA you can still get full featured AR, but that pre 1994 rifle is over 2600 beans, and it's a Colt Sporters/HBAR/possibly large trigger pin, sear blocked....🫤
This M1A tanker is definitely less expensive than any AR you can find in MA.
@@warrenharrison9490 definitely not cheaper than a fightlite SCR if you can find one in stock for MSRP
Given those choices I’d probably go for the M1A1 also.
I own an M1A SOCOM II, first rifle I ever bought for myself. I’ve made a few modifications to slim in down a bit from that front under rail. She reaches out to 800m easy. Love her so much. It’s always special when I leave the AR at home and take her out to the range.
Same! Love mine. First rifle as well. Socom CQB. But was also forced to buy the original stock for use in California. It's still very good, but I do prefer the CQB stock.
Please stop… you’re going to make me pick one up 😪. Held one at my lgs and had to fight not buying it on the spot
@@Shackleford_Rusty
I'm not trying to be a jerk, but it's hella fun.
It was my first rifle. Went up to Calibers in Albuquerque New Mexico and tried out an AR15, AK, and the M1a. The first shot with the M1a sold me. It reminded me of my drive in a Ford Shelby GT500. Just mean and loud and fast, feeling every gear shift in the gut.
I don't care if it's 1" MOA or 10' MOA etc.
The Shelby GT500 won't win an F1 race, but it's fun as hell to drive.
Same for the M1a. It just brings much joy to everyone who's fired it.
I'm liking what I'm reading, I bought a Socom16 over a year ago and have yet to fire the dang thing. I've been wondering if I should sell it and get an AR10.
@@B.W.Broom-xc6gs I guess that'll depend on your needs for accessories etc.
I just liked the feel of the M1a. The bolt. The operation. The trigger. It's all so simple.
I guess an AR 10 could be your thing. Nothing wrong with that. But ARs are weird for me due to my really terrible eyesight and glasses. The M1a is just so nice to iron sight as well as where everything sits with a low scope and my natural cheek weld.
The M-14 was the only firearm I qualified with in the Navy, spending a day on the range in Subic Bay in the blistering sun tropical sun, as the Corpsman providing first aid , with the First Class Gunner’s Mate for the USS Lockwood in 1984 or 5. No medical emergencies but I should have brought sunscreen 🥵
I got to hold a Springfield M1A yesterday and it’s one of the best weighted, most evenly balanced so that the rifle’s weight was easy to handle, most comfortable rifles I’ve ever held. For context, I’m 6’3” with large hands.
I purchase the 18” scout version with the walnut stock. Fricken amazing!!
@@stephenhenderson4419 awesome!
I have had mine for 2 years now and I still love it. No regrets would recommend.
Thanks for this great video. When I joined the US Army in September of 64 this what I went though basic with. Arriving in Vietnam in April of 67 I was assigned to a Helicopter Assault Company and flew as a gunship door gunner. Since I carried a hand held M-60 machinegun and seldom carried the M-14. Everyone was hot to get a CAR-15 except me. My M-14 had the fast shooter selector and one day I felt the need to try it out. Shooting left handed ( I'm right handed) I leaned out the door and just as I fired off a burst the pilot banked hard to the right. Blade tips went down and muzzle went up. Two hole thought he blade and a late night for me helping the maintenance crew repair the damage. Also had two but the pilots two cases of beer. Really hated turning it in when we got M-16s. I very seldom even carried it and never fired it in 2-1/2 years. Later had a minigun in the right door but that's for another time. And just so you will know I do have a real military M-14 less the after market receiver. Friend of mine built Camp Perry competition M-14 Service Weapons for a number of people. I did a allowed welding procedure for all of the guns he built. He set a bucket in he corner and as he went though all of the used surplus parts parts he would save them for my rifle. One day he walked in and handed it to me and it is a shooter! My son now owns it and will never sell it. When my friend died his father called me and told me if I ever wanted to sell it he had plenty of people wanting to find one of his rifles. Thanked him and told him what he already knew what I would say. If I wasn't so old I might be tempted to buy one of those Tanker rifles. They are great shooters for sure!
I love my Scout Squad with the 18" barrel. Pretty soft shooting and I know if I need it, it will work and it will be VERY effective. I prefer open sights to optics even though my 71-year-old eyes are not what they used to be; I can still hit what I aim for. Yes, they are expensive, but I feel like I am getting my money's worth for sure. Great revies and welcome to the club!
76 here and I really like shooting the Socom 16 with the irons.
I bought a SOCOM2 17-18 years ago and I still love it, loud yes, cannon yes, who wouldn’t love that?!?
SOCOM2 is the same rifle as the tanker except has Al removable accessory rails and a synthetic stock, for $10 at a local gun show I found an original M-14 walnut stock.
Fulton armory has a wide selection of M1A parts
I have had my SOCOM-16 for over 10 years and have thought about doing many different upgrades but it works perfectly AS-IS! I think you will find that once you start hanging a bunch of "stuff" on this rifle you will lose the balance and feel that is so natural to this weapon system. Good luck with whatever you choose.
Sometimes less is more
You shouldn’t tac out this rifle. It’s like puttting tits on a bill.
A true work of art, that will plant freedom seeds with reasonable accuracy. The M1A Tanker is one of my favorite rifles to own.
I walked in to my LGS about a year or so ago and it just stood out on the rack amongst all the other rifles they had and knew I had to have it. I love this gun, love the way it looks, shoots and respect it demands. Have never had a malfunction. I did eventually mount an optic on it to help my old eyes. This was one of my better investments.
I have a SOCOM 16" M1A Scout with a black kryptek stock, mounted with a Burris 2-7 scout and I absolutely love the hell out of it. Great video!
Same here, I love it. It's not something I shoot all the time but I'm always happy when I do. Worth it and I have no plans on selling it.
I did the same thing; made it into a scout rifle
ruclips.net/video/BZWUJOggQ6s/видео.html
Have you had any issues maintaining zero on the optic? I have not mounted anything on mine yet and am concerned about the scout mount.
@@harryholmes5ify fries most electronics I've been told; I'm using a non powered Burris 2-7x, been terrific
I have a socom 16 with the Burris 2x7 scout scope also. I also installed a m4-72 muzzle brake. Love it.
My dad has one of these rifles and every time I’ve taken it out with him it’s been dead accurate. He absolutely loves it and had wanted one for many years. He got it in July of 2020 and it’s ran reliably every time.
Nice! I have had my M1A Standard and National Match rifles for years and will never sell them. The perfect scope mount for these rifles does exist. It is made by Bassett Machine in Texas. No modification is needed, and it will not shoot loose!
Great video and thanks for sharing your experience. My first and only rifle I have owned is the m1a scout. I shot a lot of different AR platforms and it was just not clicking for me. I decided to go between the "tanker" and original with the scout as it was able to cut back on some overall length and weight while also keeping more long range operation in mind. I decided to go with the Burris Scout 2-7x zeroed at 300 yards for my optic (I wanted to be able to use the stripper clips which are a lot of fun) with a 45 canted red-dot for anything I want to hit within 100 yards. Very happy with the rifle especially using when IMI M118LR ammunition as I am able to maintain sub-moa performance and reach out to 700 yards accurately. I did put in some work into the rifle with shimming, upgrading a few parts to "match grade", and I do throw on an archangel stock if I want to add more accuracy. I use the rifle for everything, at the range, camping, hiking, and after 3000+ rounds its still running strong.
James: Very generous and thoughtful of you to give that beautiful stock to your Shooting Sensei. Bravo Zulu!!
I've got a jungle carbine 303 Enfield....and more or less the feedback when it was built was the same 😂 kicks hard, lots of muzzle flash and it has wondering zero issues.
But man, these days its a hell of a lot of fun to shoot.
I bought an M1A SOCOM 16 back in 2010 for $1475 because it had an optics mount and not a side bolt on one. I love this gun, its fun to shoot and very light on the recoil. Oh, but if you are standing next to me while shooting, your teeth will hurt.
Got the same gun in 2013 and later got the archangel cqb stock. It actually have a slight but noticable improvement to accuracy plus it let me add a foregrip and a weapon light.
I was in Army basic training in 1961. We were issued M1's and went to the range and qualified . Then they took up those rifles and issued the M14's . We got to go back to the range again to qualify which we all liked. I saw some combat with that rifle and I really liked it . More ammo is always good .
Respect for giving Clint the wood stock. I like both the Tanker because of the wood stock, but also the look of the Socom 16 with the black polymer stock but not the adjustable one, I want the fixed stock. It'll be a hard choice but probably decided by which one I can find when the time comes to purchasing one. Either way I'd be happy.
I am an M1A fan. My first was a standard 22" barrel rifle with some national match features and a walnut stock. Then I purchased the 18" barrel Bush Rifle (pre-Scout, no forward optic mount, standard flash hider). Then the 16.25" SOCOM 16. I enjoy shooting them all but the Bush Rifle is my favorite if I had to pick one.
Great advice...thx....what was looking for in here,,a comparison of the 3.
I highly recommend a Sadlak scope mount. They are much better than that crappy SA mount. Also replace the spring guide with a Sadlak National Match Spring Guide. Another upgrade I recommend is replacing the Gas Cylinder with a Fulton Armory NM gas cylinder with welded front band and a Fulton Armory polished NM gas piston. FYI the gas cylinder is stripped so you will need to order a Spindle Valve Pin (buy a few of these as they are a pain to install), a Spindle Valve spring, and lastly the Spindle Valve itself. If you want an adjustable gas system you can also buy a Schuster M1A SOCOM gas plug.
Bassett makes a quality mount as well
As a Garand nut, I've always had a soft spot for this style of system. Though I always underestimated the Mini 14 honestly, comparing it to the much better AR platforms. However, after getting some run time on with the Mini 14, I've dramatically changed my mind on it. Great platform.
As someone with 4 ARs of varying types and a Mini 14, M1A, and Garand...I wouldn't even describe the AR platforms as "much better", just different.
ARs are better for guys that like modularity and customization. Stocks, optics, grips, handguards, accessories...you can make them into literally anything you want for nearly any purpose for very reasonable prices.
The Garand-style action rifles are better for guys that like the classic look and feel, prefer iron sights, and that sweet, sweet action. Their triggers are usually great right out of the box as well.
Both style of rifles function exceptionally well. I like them both, for very different reasons...I'll always be a sucker for the Garand action, the sound they make, and a perfect walnut stock, but there's also something about buying every part individually and piecing together your own rifle exactly the way you want it which is what I've done for all the ARs. I also enjoy how the ARs let me experiment with modern optics a lot more easily.
My recommendation for everyone? Get both.
I've had an M1A NM for a long time and will never let go of it. Just bought a Scout Squad variant and absolutely fell in love with it. I guess I need to look at the "Tanker" now too. lol.
On my Socom16,I have mounted the Burris 2-7x 32 Scout Scope which is working out very well. The supplied forward picattiny is well suited for the scout type scope, and helps these old eyes with down range shots.
If you can find a Blackfeather RS chassis, I think that's the way to go. As far as scope mounts, Sadlak and Smith enterprise make solid mounts
^ this!
I have the 18” Scout Squad with wood stock and it’s been great. It’s just a fun gun that I’ll occasionally take deer hunting for me but it could serve as a heavy DMR if someone wanted too. I used a SADLAK airborn mount to put a Trijicon Credo 2-10x.
used m14 in us navy as part of shore party/ boarding party team. Mine was a full auto vesion with the fiberglass stock. great gun,just a real pleasure to shoot
Went out shooting today (09.04.2023) and my buddy showed up with two of his friends. One of them (Mike) had this rifle with a 20" barrel. I shot it, came home, and watched this video.....I'm hooked! Beautiful rifle, gorgeous wood, and recoil is nice!
I got a scout squad with the 18" barrel a few years back. I wasn't super inspired and I wasn't an M1A-is-the-best kind of guy, I just wanted a .308 and I've always liked the M1 heritage. But when I got it, I really took to it. The wood stock is beautiful and nicely balanced. I was going to put a scope on it, but the M1 irons are so nice that I thought it would be a shame to and left it as is. Those sights are really terrific and I think I could connect pretty far out just using them. The trigger is superb; super crisp and the rifle stays rock steady. I really love the M1A--I find that whenever I go into the safe for something else, I can't resist taking it out, racking the action and dry firing it once or twice. I'm not going to say it's the most practical choice, but damn it's fun to shoot.
Qualified with a M14 September 1969 Camp Pendleton. Great weapon, Keep it tucked tight to your shoulder when firing and you ride with what little recoil present. A long time favorite.
I got to fire the Springfield Armory Tanker in 2020 during SHOT Show. It had minimal recoil compared to any .308 rifle. It is fun to look at, hold and shoot. The M1A Scout Squad, with an 18 inch barrel, is in the same category for me and it's easier to mount an optic onto the scout picatinny rails.
I actually took my M1A out of its polymer stock and dropped it into a beautiful wood stock from Boyd's. As far as optic mounts I would suggest you look at Sadlak Industries' mounts. If you want to keep it light weight I would stray away from the temptation to get a Sage EBR. McMillan makes a pretty nice stock offering for the M1a that might interest you though.
The Scout Squad M1A version is also a super sweet shooter!
As for Optics in an urban environment, I have a mount that replaces the rear peep with a co-witness Trijicon RMR. Super sleek and very nice optics solution I find for the shorter M1A
Thats not co-witnessed. You basically have a ghost ring sight if the RMR stops working.
I love those M1A's got my first Loaded full size model in the early 90's. Added a B-Square scope mount and some good glass, she is a badass tack driver. Currently Im very close to getting the Socom16. Great review sir I understand Clints love for such a great American piece of hardware.
I've been watching TFBTV long enough to know it takes more than a Sputh West ticket to sway Jame's opinion. Even if it were to Thunder Ranch. It would take at minimum a bottle of fine bourbon, a couple of new pairs of short shorts, and a second Sputh West ticket to Ram Ranch.
I bought the Socom 16 with a synthetic stock. Aside from light striking every so often, it shoots great. Looks identical to the tanker
I think the SOCOM-16 and the "Tanker" are the same thing.
The Socom16 has that small length of picatiny on top of the barrel. Besides that and the polymer stock everything's the same, barrel length, flash hider, tritium in the front post. Springfield had to specially design that cheese grater lookin flash hider for the 16.25 barrel. I've got one, had it more than a year and have yet to shoot the dang thing. 😒
@@B.W.Broom-xc6gs thanks 😊
Just found your channel and I like it! Your sense of humor is right on point. I watched the video as I am about to buy a Springfield M 1 standard loaded on walnut stock to go with me M1 garand. I don't care about the weight or the length, its freakin awesome. My uncle carried one in Viet Nam and said he had to tie it to himself at night when he slept as some other GIs tried to steal from him for one simple reason, its a freakin .308 and one shot did the job. Oh and that comment about "a greased up set of teets" had me reeling thanks I replayed that part like 3 times.
God I love Clint. Thank you James and Clint for keeping my love of pump shotty's and j-frame revolvers alive. While also taking into consideration more modern designs but still giving credit to where credit is due to the classic designs.
Perfect all around rifle. Have put a bunch of rounds down range and have had no issues at all. They shoot fantastic
I've been a huge M1A fan for as long as I can remember my personal rifle I ended up using a sage industries ebr chassis which even though it does add a bit of weight I appreciate the modularity, as far as anyone new to the M1A a great starting point if you are looking to dive into the customization is Fulton armory they have just about anything you could need all in one spot.
They’re not practical rifles anymore though man. A nice AR 10 is way better and cheaper. Even a dsa FAL is. It’s a nice classic but I mean ?
@@timkc1638 oh I dont disagree I just like them. Ive got Ar 10s as well so by no means am I saying the M1A is better or worse
I bought one a few months ago. I live in Connecticut so I’m limited with my choices and it’s one of the few semiautomatic 308s I can buy. It shoots well and looks amazing with the wood stock. I like the fact that it has good iron sights so I didn’t have to put one on and sight it in. To be honest I like the lack of a picatinny rail, it just does not look good on some guns and this is one of them.
I have the SOCOM 16 but wanted the tanker for the wood stock but "settled" for the 16 to pair up next to my loaded M1A. The pair are my absolute favorite rifles to pull from the safe and take to the range.
I was introduced to the M16 in 1968 at age 18. I think it grows on you.
I have had the socom version since about 2005 that version has an optic mount directly mounted to the barrel. It always gets positive attention…at the range full of AR15s it’s like a classic muscle car at a sport bike show. I shot mine one handed on my first outing with it as well🤣
What optic do you use on it? The way the rail is curved a bit I couldn’t fit regular optics on it
@@danielduron6131 I had an aim point comp ml3 in an arms mount I have since. Hanged to a red field scout scope….I plan on switching the rail for an ultimak
Gee, TANKS a lot for the GARAND opening.
(I’m not a dad)
I had looked at the Tanker but settled on the Scout Squad. Still just as beautiful and super accurate and I have a Pic rail forward for a future long eye relief scope. Right now I am quite happy with the stock sight. And yes, the brake is loud, especially indoors...LOL.
I had a Scout myself. I had a Burris 2-7 scout scope. Too be honest I didn't like any optic solution I tried with the gun.
Bar none one of the best rifles in my collection. I love my m1a loaded in an archangel stock with a 1x10 LPVO I can easily smack targets out to 1000 yards. These are just classic rifles and In my opinion they are the muscle cars of the gun world. Happy Birthday Clint
Watching history, current, and future at the same time. Excellent video👍
I've owned a socom 16 for well over a decade. Great shooting rifle. Tried the wood but I personally like the original fiberglass better. Never had an issue in all the years I've owned mine and I'm rough on it. I don't think I've ever cleaned it. Runs like a champ. Great trigger. Very accurate. I believe quality GI mags are a must have. I really enjoy your stuff, the comedy and honesty are always spot on. If you wanna test your tanker you are more than welcome to come kill some pigs with me in East Texas some time!
I will never understand people who don't clean their guns; it's not that hard. Take care of your stuff, and it'll take care of you.
GI or SA mags are good to go. The bodies on Promags and other 'knock offs' are made of thinner steel and I've had them bind up pretty good.
Agree about the stocks too!
Sadlak makes an optic mount.I have it and use it. I also lapped my barrel to increase accuracy and ease of cleaning. Mine is a stainless steel barrel with NM and USGI trigger and NM spring guide. I love mine and it is accurate as all get out. I can shoot accurately and quickly out to great distances.
2:52 I don't think for a minute that giving you a Southwest flight would make you inclined to give them a positive review. However, I imagine they could elicit a positive review if they also gave you a Burger King crown.
And a suitcase full of booty shorts
As a former NRA Highpower Rifle competitor and a 40 year owner of a Springfield Armory M1A I have a love for the M1A. The M1A is a Wonderful rifle that Always Runs. In over 40 years of shooting I’ve NEVER had a malfunction and the rifle is Very accurate. The M1A has some shortcomings though as mentioned mounting a scope properly on one is a Very difficult. I’ve tried several scope mounts and found the Sadlak scope mount to be the best by far. If you were to insist on a scoped the rifle I would buy a AR10. As far as ammo the M1A is very picky on the type of ammo you feed it as well as the burn rate of powder used in reloading. If you stick with 150 gr M-80 ball or the equivalent you will have no problems. Feed it the wrong ammo (bullets heaver than 168 gr or powder with a burn rate slower than IMR 4064) and you will break the operating rod. Besides this if you want a iron sighted battle rifle that is accurate reliable dependable and is easy and a joy to operate the M1A has no pier.
I carried the M1A "Scout" for many years as a patrol rifle in a rural area. I moved mine to a USGI fiberglass stock and handguard (dumped the barrel mounted optic cooker rail) and replaced the front sight and brake with a NM sight and flash hider. I did that to address the issues pointed out here - even the 18 inch gun is atrociously loud, and the wide sight blade made it less precise than it could be. I never had problems with mine, and still enjoy shooting it. It has a NM guide rod and piston and I shimmed the gas system now, and it shoots straighter than I can most of the time.
I have been looking at building an M1 myself, and Smith Enterprise seems to keep popping up on the top of my list for internals. As far as stocks if you want something more modern with rail space Vltor makes a more modern stock. But if you don't mind waiting and want something more traditional McMillan. I know for our generation the M1A1 seems like antiquated technology, but antiques can still hurt. Good luck and great video
The AR isn't much younger than the M-14/M1a
VERY cool gesture to give that stock (which IS stunning) to Clint. 👍😎 I love the M14 in general, but I think the Scout Squad is the perfect compromise between the long Std. rifle and the short and loud "Tanker." My Scout Squad is my ranch rifle here in So AZ...where you don't know if you'll be defending the ranch and livestock from mountain lions or Cartel smugglers. 😵💫 My wife has an AR...but the .308 M1A is a man's rifle. 😂😉
I think Springfield, at this point, is obligated to let Clint keep the stock.
Best mount for the M1A is 100% the sadlak mount. They have multiple materials they make them out of. I had issues with the springfield mount too, and once I went sadlak everything was fixed, it's DEAD solid.
I did the work on my buddy's to fit one of those into a Sage stock. Moving more of the weight forward and giving it adjustability was amazing. By far, the smoothest 308 I've ever shot.
I've always loved the M1A and purchased a loaded model with a stainless steel barrel. I do love it but then they came out with the Scout Squad model and I much prefer that version. I love the wood stock but I think my next M1A will be synthetic stock to cut a little more weight off. My current go to back woods rifle is currently a Savage scout 308 but if I can get the M1A scout it's most definitely replace it.
I went with the scout, and it's a good rifle just with irons. But maybe I'll have to give serious thought to a scout scope.
Was waiting for this to be released immediately after the diss 😂.
What are you talking about?
I have over forty years owned several”tankers” in both 308 and 30-06 both in m1 and m1a
Only thing I am struggling with is setting up the rear sight on mine. Thank God for RUclips and the M1A experts all over.
My first M1A was a scout squad 18" absolutely love the gun. I'd recommend the same set up. Run a standard GI or polymer stock, BA cheek riser, VLTOR full length rail system, and a Trijicon 3.5x acog on larue qd mount. Great set up. Add a light or PEQ on the side rail to finish it off. Hope you enjoy it. FYI, I currently am up to 7 M1A/M14 rifles including a juggernaut tactical rogue and a LRB Arms Mk14 EBR Mod 0
I have had a socom 16 since 2015 and still really enjoy it. Mounted a 2-7 Burris scout scope to remedy the thick front sight.
Did the same.
Could the standard M1A front sight be an easy replacement for the wide front?
@@kentwilliams3326 yes it could. I may still end up doing just that in the future but I chose a magnified optic.
I don't have a Tanker, but I do have the Socom 16. I went ahead and slapped an Archangel CQB stock on in which actually improved accuracy (as they claimed). It was a small but noticeable increase and it let me hang a light and laser and tactical Easy-Bake Oven off the front. The Socom 16 also comes with a forward position rail that let me mount a scout scope on it super easy. There are some further upgrades you can get, like a Sadlak guide rod to up the performance even more. I'm not a crack shot but someone who proper training and experience could easy reach out as far as James said in the video, 600-700 yards is not beyond the rifle's reach.
Same here...but searching like Indiana Jones for the holy grail to get a Sage EBR stock and a Black Arrown Op guide rod.
I'm not sure that I could even see a man sized pop-up (or stationary) target at 800 yards. I was in the NYARNG and we never trained at ranges longer than 400 yards with the M16A1 in the 80's, and I had real problems picking up the 360 yard + popups, let alone getting hits with a front post that more than covered it.
The only time I ever spent on a Marine Corps 500 yard range was familiarization fire day at Pendleton when I was in Navy boot camp (RTC NTC SDiego) in 1970, shooting the 7.62X51 rechambered M1 Garands they had. The Navy didn't put a lot of stock in training future nuclear plant operators in rifle marksmanship, and in my 12 years in submarines, I had only one day of firing the M14 we carried on the boat out into the Med for giggles.
I've had my M1A tanker for about six months now. I feel the same way about the stock that Clint does. I just smiled and admired it the first time I held it. Yes it's heavy and maybe not the most comfortable gun to shoot, but on the fun factor it's an 11! I'm using the iron sights that came with it. Also, I have yet to run any .308 through it. 7.62X51 works really well. I've used, Winchester, PMC, and some battle pack ammo and all have worked great.
That stock swap is exactly why I want to grab me a Tanker. I have a Delta 14 Chassis that I can customize all kinds of ways and want the short barrel for that and then put the wood on my M1A standard. Great vid!!