@@wisemencompany Does the rifle go bang? Yes? Then, it’s a good rifle. Does it have a magazine? Yes? Then, it’s better than a traditional bolt action rifle. No one is saying that it’s an “end all...be all” firearm. No gun is a “one solution for every situation” platform. If you were in the military you would know that.
I've noticed that every time a new caliber comes out, everyone jumps on it until the next thing comes along yet 308 rifles keep coming out and so does the ammo. I think at the end of the day 308 will still be popular like 45acp and 7.62x39.
We stick to 7.62 NATO because we have a massive manufacturing and supply mechanism built around it, and already built so many guns based off of it. It's objectively inferior to a handful of 6-6.5mm rounds.
@@NPS69 270win is flatter and has more energy and less wind deflection than 6.5creedmoore yet everyone jumps in with hype. There are dozens of calibers that are better at long range than the 6.5 rounds so for long range precision it would make since to go with something better but for like an m1a, 308 is good at defeating barriers and within the ranges designed for those rifles, there is no difference. You are trying to compare the wrong things here
@@The_PotionSeller once again. Comparing the wrong things here. We are talking about perfomance in relation to job. If you are a long range shooter then a long action is better but for a light portable battle rifle 308 beats 6.5creedmoore due to it being better at defeating barriers
I carried the M14 while I was deployed. I hate when target shooters talk crap about this rifle...this thing rocked on and on in some of the worst conditions. It's combat tested and proven. Accurate, reliable, and will put a target down, one shot, one kill. It is kind of heavy compared to other service rifles, but it has a specific role. I've cleared rooms with it in a pinch, but the M4 is definitely the go to for that situation. But for ranges of 100m and beyond...it's a demon. I will ALWAYS love this rifle. It saved my ass more times than I can count
The difference is, your military issue M14 has the proper forged receiver, and the Springfield doesn’t. You really have to go LRB for a good M14 pattern rifle.
Two tours in Iraq, as a sniper, I had AR10-SASS, m24, M16-M4, Barrett , they all went back to the armory. The m14-m21 was my go to rifle, and it never let me down
No doubt! Full agree, I love that platform…I don’t get the “Not That Great” at all from his video header… Before I accept that rifle is a 3 moa at best, I would want to be sure the shooter is not the 3 moa issue! Maybe try a magnified optic and get it out of room clearing mission mode, then check back with a video.
OEF DM and the the EBR did me well. I mean it's still served longer than the M16/M4 family and tells you something. Does it have it's downfalls? Yes. Does every other rifle have it's own downfalls as well? Yes.
I carried the M14 in the Marine Corps, I put many many rounds down range, I’ve lugged it up mountains, and slept in hides with it, it’s a tried and true weapon, it’s very accurate and reliable, the 308 is a magnificent round, it’s heavy, and has a loud report, but a great rifle.
I agree. My whole childhood I pretended my Mini-14 was a M1A. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it as a kid and would stare at pics of it for hours. Finally got one around 1998. It's still the one rifle that I would give up all my others for.
Just got my first M1A yesterday. Waiting on a Banish 30 gold can for it! Hope to have her within 6 months but it doesn’t look good from what I hear these days.
I dunno, there's a lot of new platforms for it lately. And the army's new program is effectively reviving battle rifles with new tech, just 308 ain't the round... but a civilian version will likely be in 308. (Like the sig mcx spear)
@Nicholas Rodriguez tell what to them... I'm not anti 308. I specifically said the army is reviving the battle rifle concept. They're currently doing advanced testing on 3 competing designs for rifles that are select fire, short, less than 10 lbs, and which fire 3 different competing versions of hybrid/lightweight cartridges that all shoot a 6.8mm bullet over 3000 fps using high pressure technology via fast powders in short barrels and pressures up to 80,000. But they're just high-tech battle rifles using the same short action dimensions, same magazines and same chamber size that was originally developed for the 308 in various cold war battle rifles. But these new rifles are more comfortable in full auto, are feature rich and are designed to defeat lvl 4 armor. I was rooting for the textron design... and I'm still a fan, but I'm more fond of the sig design every day. A civilian version would be 308 compatible.
@@8166PC1 from the ground up this project has tried to avoid the pitfalls of past programs, and they're already invested a great deal, and procured a large number of weapons. Final testing is already involving large numbers of weapons with troops. And IMHO, the GE gun AIN'T gonna win. It's a very flawed bullpup design in many ways and both the sig and textron guns have decisive advantages over it. Not to mention both ammo types for the sig snd textron guns seem better in some way. And between sig and textron, textron is a weird side quantum leap in gun design... it's very disconnected from the private market, and while it has key advantages and might even show real weight and cost savings eventually, initially it's a far riskier venture. But unlike prior efforts to try 6.8 spc or 6.5 creedmoor or 6.5 Grendel (or now 6mm arc) the new 6.8 program is designed to use larger framr rifle format SBRs, or shorter carbines (like a 12" scar h) with extremely high pressures to achieve penetration on lvl 4 armor from near-peer combatants. This is a must the army MUST have a solution to, and a 338 lapua or 300 winmag dmr isn't going to be enough in a peer to peer firefight. You need something of a tie breaker on the infantryman level. That's the entire point of the program. Unlike the 90s or early 2000s programs which were scratching an itch that slightly better ammo fixed (the inadequacy of 5 56 as a stopper, or range problems in Afghanistan). The only REASON the army might choose to abandon this project is if the downlow side project they're enjoying with the 6mm arc proves effective in a carbine to defeat lvl 4 armor with the right bullets. And I doubt this going to be achieved in a testably adequate way. The arc isn't designed to be in an infantryman rifle and would run into gun changes that are at least as significant as why they abandoned the 6.8 spc or Grendel... mags... bolts... reliability at high round counts, etc. Yes it's a nice happy medium wonder bullet, but it wouldn't appear to push pills fast enough to beat lvl 4 even at close range without changing the AR platform significantly or beating it up. Remember they abandoned running massively hot-rodded 5.56 because it beat guns to hell, and the results on target were promising but not quite the brass ring. That's why this time they want a whole new platform. Something from the ground up where the ammo and gun are made for each other and it can hit these performance objectives without pushing the envelope, all while trying to keep weight and recoil manageable. AND NOTE, Sig has said that EVEN if they're passed over, regardless of that they're going to sell the 277 fury round in a demilled manner, and the mcx-spear in a civilian legal manner. They're NOT going to throw their investment away, and this is tech that has a direct impact on the large format semi auto private sector. It's far better for hunting than a smaller platform AR, but it reduces recoil and allows for hotrodded cartridges, so diversity of game, range, etc, are all available in theory. It's a win win no matter what.
@@ravissary79 They can't defeat level 4 armor without Tungsten, because the rounds do not move fast enough to overcome it that way. The rounds they're testing are basically the equivalent of a 270 short magnum, which the rifles themselves won't end up being adopted on a large scale for several reasons
Not every gun has to be “the ultimate self defense or service rifle”. Or even useful or practical for that matter. Some guns are just fun to shoot or collect. I never understand why anyone bashes a particular gun or caliber. I think your setup on that Socom 16 is great.
@@randylahey2242 Two people behind solid bricks behind bricks at 200 yards apart and one has 5.56 and one has the .308, who is winning that encounter? Rhetorical question. 500-yard iron sight no scope guns will never be junk, 99 percent of the population can't even make that shot but the weapon can. Especially this premium spectacle you are witnessing. M-14 is still in service to this day. literally 2024 for a reason.
@@brooktech7869 lol the mosin nagant has been in service for twice as long and to this day, does that make it not a junk gun? You are clearly the kind of person who thinks anything military = good when the reality is anything military = made the cheapest way possible by the lowest bidder who bribed enough. And for your silly scenario the reality is the person with a drone firing hellfire missiles from above will win. It's not 1945, combat has changed and battle rifles are obsolete. Get with the times boomer.
.308 is nice and still a valid cartridge. In order to push out to 700 yards with 5.56 you need specialty ammo. You can do it with .308 ball ammo and still have plenty of energy on target. 6.5 creedmoor does outperform .308 with bucking the wind and has less drop. But unfortunately 6.5 creedmoor doesn't have as many affordable ammo options currently. Plus .308 is so widespread coming across ammo is a lot more common. Things may change but I believe .308 is here to stay.
Also, 308 won't burn out your barrel like 6.5 will. Considerably longer barrel life is a good trade-off for having to aim just a bit higher at distance. But that's just me.
People talk so much trash about the M1A. At the end of the day anyone lucky enough to own one is absolutely blessed. People just find anything to argue, complain, nit pick, and debate about. What works for one man may not work for the next man. At the end of the day pick your poison and be happy.
I personally have had no problems with my experience shooting my Springfield M1A. As far as accuracy goes, my M1A groups 1/2MOA bench rest match ammo. I've never liked reviewers that blame the gun for their shooting skills. Every man owns a football, but we all can't throw like Brady, right?
It's absolutely not a platform with known and documented accuracy issues. Accuracy issues going back to shortly after it was adopted by an ordinance department that made sure it would succeed by any means. They also aren't known for needing to be rebedded on a regular basis to maintain accuracy.
308 will remain. The cool kid calibers have extreme barrel life issues. 308 barrels will last 10k plus rounds with factory ammo. 6.5 will last maybe 2k. It's purely an accuracy cartridge as is all the 6s are. This fact alone will allow 308 to always have a place.
I think what people love about this is that it’s not about the efficiency but the feel. It’s loud , it’s heavy. It just feels like you’re holding testosterone in your hands. I’ve never felt that with an AR/AK Scar etc Great Video btw ! Amazing presentation
I own an old M1A built by Springfield Armory using a mix of surplus USGI parts (Winchester Barrel, HR trigger, TRW bolt, etc…) and a newer Scout Squad that was tuned by Smith Enterprises. Both are great rifles. Like any other platform, it has its plus and minuses. It’s a reliable platform and it does what it’s built to do.
I saw a great Vietnam story where I believe a marine sniper used an m14 variant with a star light scope dropped in alone and repelled loads of Viet Congo coming across a river. To save a downed ally from a chopper crash. Try to find the story I’m on about it’s incredible heroism. I wish I remembered the guys name. He at least deserves remembering. His name was Ed Eaton (edited)..
I think I saw that story on the history channel. But I recall he was on the chopper that went down so the rifle lost its zero from the crash. What they said was he had to see where the rounds were hitting in relation to the crosshairs and that's how he held it down until air strikes came in.
@@_JEBUS yeah that’s the story. It was a little vague in my mind but yeah that’s him. The guy he saved is trying to get Ed recognition for his actions. Even Medal of Honor talk. Not sure if he was though. Can’t find much on Ed Eaton. If anyone finds anything new on him send me a link please.
I got so heavily invested in the .308 and the 5.56, back in the mid 80's, that it would be insane for me to try and switch to some other caliber, now, times and the ammo situation being what they are! I have one standard M1A and am still glad that I bought it, back in the mid 80's! The .308 round has served me well all of these years and I see no reason to abandon it now! Nice M1A SOCOM, that you have! I've never had the chance to shoot one of those models. I've shot the Scout/Squad model, back when they still called it the M1A Bush Rifle! Anyway, great video, brother! Take care!
I have a Socom 16, awesome firearm and so much fun to shoot. Accuracy is relative, 2-3 moa as delivered, match rifle no, hog rifle good, use as intended, CQC yes, fun next level👍
I personally love this platform. VMI still trains cadets on it and I was no different in my tenure. Yeah, it’s a bit chonky but you get used to hauling it around the woods. Yeah, the reloading process can be a bit funky at first but with practice comes proficiency. Yeah, it can be a bit more difficult to customize than your typical AR platform. Even with these things being said, it’s a reliable, beefy battle rife that hits like a hammer at 500 yards. It’s mean, old, American, and a classic that I trust to defend my home.
It's difficult to find semi autos in .308 right now. I see the creedmores and the other oddballs everywhere. I don't know if it's because they're making more of them or they're not selling as well. The .308 is a great round for most people that use it. Super long range, custom rifle, competition shooters will do their own thing no matter what. The .308 will outlast these "Fad" rounds.
.308 seems a classic that's here to stay. It's a proven caliber and it's cheap to run and widely available, even here in New Zealand. I'm not experienced with the .308 but as my first hunting rifle, I still was drawn to buy the caliber. And so I have... 🤷
Yeah, I see a lot of this on the internet. Well, my experience field cleaning twice, single component cleaning once and putting 4K M80 7.62 NATO down range: 0 jams 0 slam fire 0 ejection and cycling issues Dead accurate when zeroed at 100 yards. Great trigger, comfortable rifle. I've no clue what everyone's beef is with M1A SOCOM-16 7.62, but I will say Barrett aside, near every AR-15 I've fired has jammed, cycling and ejection issues. Anderson, Stag, Alexander Arms, Rock River, S&W, Daniel Defense, Ruger I've had malfunctions with all of them, Barrett Rec-7 was the only AR that gave me perfect performance. So, hate all you want, my M1A SOCOM-16 has never malfunctioned from 4K+ M80 7.62 NATO rounds.
Why does everyone try and mod the m1a into an M4 and then complain that it doesn’t do what an M4 does as well as an M4? That’s like taking a 69 chevelle cutting it in half and complaining it doesn’t handle like a motorcycle.
A Rifle that has a very high cool factor and IMO even a "go to" rifle in certain niche situations. Therefore I added a SOCOM 16 to my personal inventory.
I really enjoyed your thought process on the approach to the build, I agree the weight is pitfall 1 and keeping the weight down by not adding a ton of upgrades is a wise decision. My socom 16 is still completely stock and I’m going to use this as a template to build mine. Thanks for the stripper clip mount tip! Didn’t know that existed
Truly appreciate your style of videos. The training or match type of shooting during the vid is a good way to show the interaction between the shooter and the gun. 👍
“Obsolete” is always a relative term in firearms. 2 JMB designs are still serving our military today. I wouldn’t edc a Colt SAA but it’ll kill a man (or beast) the same way it did in 1873. I have an M1a and 1911 that have modern features that enhance them for modern defensive purposes.
Spot on review. As to your 308 question; there are billions of surplus 7.62 ammo worldwide so I don’t think we’re ever going to have a problem feeding the weapons that fire them. Thanks.
Truly I have no desire to own an AK. The only reason I want an AR is because they are trying to ban them. In my eyes an M1A is the cats meow. Great vid.
Jean Garand was a freakin good engineer, thank you Jean for your contribution to this country by giving us the M1 Garand and the M14. And thank you too Quebec, cause there’d be no M1 Garand and M14 without Jean Garand, and there’d be no Jean Garand without Quebec!!! 🙏😇
Yeah, kind of funny that 99% of M1A owners think Springfield Armory INC had something to do with the design but it was really the US Armory in Springfield Mass. and the people that worked there that modified the Garand into what is now called the M14. There is no connection with Springfield Armory INC , just a clever guy who knew using the name of the US Armory would help him fool people into buying his rifles made from military surplus parts.
I have a couple M1As and pretty much agree with everything you said. They are just fun to shoot and reliable as a baseball bat. Definitely more accurate, ergonomic and easier to accessories platforms out there but a wood stock plane jane M1A has a special place in my heart. Lol
308 isn’t going anywhere lol. Especially with the interest in making guns shorter and smaller. 308 is easily the best short barrel preformer of any of the full power rifle cartridges
@@BloodEagle. okay? how is that a bad thing? "yOu WaNt ThE bEsT PeRfOrMiNg CaLiBeR" like yes, yes I do. and Ryan considering how the Army is dropping it, and soon after the Marines will too, .308 will lose popularity as people experience better, more modern calibers, and go the way of the 30-06. Whether its 6.5 or 6.8 or 7mm that fills that void it won't matter. Technology improves, gear evolves, cry about it.
@@A_Qwynide That's not correct. 308 and 6.5 are very comparable when your talking about 600 meters or less, 6.5 only starts out shine 308 when your talking about the very end of the line at long range distances, around 800 to 1000 meters and more.
That’s a nice looking rifle, even at 10 lbs and with the ported barrel the recoil is significant especially when you’re used to the standard 16” 5.56 mid length barrel. Though I’m not in the market for one of these rifles, I do like to watch and learn. I also liked Garand Thumb’s tribute build of the Delta M14 in Blackhawk Down.
If I am not mistaken the .308 was built as a bush rifle. Made to punch through brush and take down deer, it's a slow round but can punch through and hit it's target. The .308/762.51 is a trued and proven round. I have owned a standard M1A and now own a scout, they may not be tack drivers but being able to know what I shot will not be standing. Just my 2 cents
In 2007 I purchased a M1A SOCOM and just a few years ago I sold it. This is why: I tried repeatedly to get this rifle to work for me and I just couldn’t. The rifle itself works great, heavy mainspring, amazing rotating breach block, gas return system, XS front sight post, muzzle brake, on and on. Here’s the problem, with this rifle, you need to have your face and your eyes as low to the bore of the rifle as possible, like way down there. If you are lined up behind the iron sights, you’re good, hold on tight, squeeze trigger, enjoy. The moment you use any sort of red dot, hologram dot, scout scope, magnified scope, night vision you have to elevate your head and your face up, away from the bore of the rifle. You can shoot this rifle with some slop at 100-200 yards and hit 55 gallon drums no problem all day long. The moment you lay down and try to hit 300 yards, you had better have an amazing cheek weld that works for you. With some optics only the tip of my chin was touching the stock. So now I am putting together Victor cheek risers and other such stuff to get my face to smear into position like it should, like it does with the iron sights. It was never bulletproof or pretty. Co witness sights like my M4? Never. “See-thru” rings or Picatinny rails? Yes, they are out there, GGG makes an excellent forward rail for this, but you’re elevating your face. In my opinion the best rear Picatinny rail set up was from ARMS. But again, it is over the rear sight, and there’s no co witness ever. When I bought this rifle the AR-10 was not a thing. The AR-10 is a dream fit in comparison. Nose on the charging handle and you can look at iron sights flipped up thru a red dot sight, lower 1/3 or actual co witness. The AR-10 has every modern butt stock available to entertain whatever build you want. And with an AR-10 you shoot it just like an M4, standing up, face up, eyes out, looking around. The M1A/M-14 is/was a great rifle. If I shot the Garand first I would think the M1A or the M-14 was pretty cool. But I didn’t. I shot the M-16A2 first with fully adjustable front and rear iron sights, the M-16 is nearly recoil less, and the box magazines slide up into position. The M1A is like flying a bi plane, it’s cool, it’s lethal, it’s nostalgic, but it’s last war’s rifle, not this war’s rifle. For those interested, it’s not that difficult to outfit an AR-15 and an AR-10 exactly the same. Drop in a good aftermarket trigger and it’s just getting better. I truly enjoyed the M1A SOCOM, it was a 2-3, maybe 4 Minute Of Angle rifle. Fun to shoot and swing around, great truck gun or ranch rifle, great pig gun in Texas. But unless you WANT TO BUY a piece of history, I would steer clear of the M1A and just buy a 7.62 MM AR rifle. I purchased everything I could to make that rifle work. I even bought a SAGE E.B.R. stock for it. The M1A shines with zero optic on it. So long as you keep your face and your eyes as low to the bore as possible, this rifle will impress. My Two Cents. 😎✌️
What you're saying makes a lot of sense. I did notice how high the scopes were from the barrel line. And wondered about that. Like so many rifles, some simple factory engineering would/could solve many of these problems. A simple stock option for dedicated scope users for example...But everything is about dollar bills, and this business seems to be struggling in general with tighter margins and increasing public disapproval. If I bought one I'd be tempted to just keep the iron sights.
My M1A (base model) is shockingly accurate. Unbelievably so, I litterally didn't believe it and put it to the test, just under MOA. I haven't fired my SOCOM very much, but when I have shot it I don't recall being super impressed or disappointed, but I wasn't even checking that out when I did.
One of the reasons it was pulled from front line service in Vietnam was that It was supposed to replace several different weapons but never fulfilled that role. That, along with the weight, recoil, difficulty of control on full auto (M14) and the weight of the ammunition made it the shortest lived battle rifle in US history.
Yet until we withdrew it was still being used in Afghanistan (and before that Iraq) by U.S. military. After my Barret M82A1 the M-14 was my weapon of choice all throughout Central and South America.
Schuster adjustable gas plug will take off a lot of the recoil, lessen wear on the parts that hit each other, and mitigate a lot of that fireball. Also Smith Enterprises makes an excellent muzzle brake that reduces the recoil further still, making it recoil, with those two enhancements, only about twice as harsh as a .223...mine is Mr. Thundermaker 🤣
The (my) Socom 16 is a beast! It may not be for everyone, but the rifle is extremely reliable, battle tested and trusted in any element...this is one HECK of a firearm!!!
I picked up a used socom for a grand out the door. Stripped it cleaned and lubed it. Reassembled and put 2 shots almost touching at 50 yards. Light enough recoil. Sounds like a 105 howitzer. Kick ass.
Most M1A's and almost all M14's aren't capable of sub moa accuracy. You'll really need custom work to achieve that reliably. The DM/sniper versions used by the military aren't rack grade M14'S.
The only military m14 capable of sub 1moa accuracy was the xm21/m21 and the m25 variants designed for sniping. We are talking rifles that have been glass bedded, gas tubes unitized, have match grade barrels installed and shoot match grade ammo. My m1a standard shot 3.5 moa (5 shot) with m80 ball ammo. That meets the military’s standard for a basic m24z but you can accurize these things. Switching to 168gr smk gold medal match ammo brought it to a 2.5 group. I unitized the gas block and installed a nation match guide rod and it shoots 1.25-1.3 moa now. 9 shot groups with the smk loads is still sub 1.5 moa. Thats 12in at 800 yards. Plenty enough to constantly hit torso size targets.
A great gun is the gun that you are familiar with the manual of arms and are proficient with. I have a socom 16 and love it. And personally for me it is an intermediate range rifle and If I am in the situation to have to use it I prefer the hydrostatic shock energy that it will dump into the body when compared to some other rounds that my firearms are chambered in.
I've absolutely loved mine. Thing digs holes anywhere I point it. Relatively easy to work on (although ironically if you're not careful it's a finger eater just like the garand). All I have on mine is a dialed in ACOG, bipod and Magpul sling and she's ready to roll anytime any place.
As a newer scout squad owner, I love it. Wood stock and Iron sights. Hasty crouched and only 2 shots to smoke a 2 liter at 240 yards. So, yeah. It’s a workhorse. Not for everyone at 9 pounds. But has great knockdown power. As I told the wifey, it’s better then the 5.56 for more “hardened” targets.
For sure; he can't have shot it that much for the switch to still be working. I have a Burris 2-7x on that rail (12in+ relief) and it's been surviving...no electronics though.
@@hooeydog no complaints so far in regards to it surviving the heat/concussions, however it is a bitch to get zeroed; I actually had to cant the scope inside the rings to achieve zero and still have room to adjust. Use Burris signature rings with the plastic inserts. Zero the scope with the rings inserts in, remove the screws for the rings and apply blue locktight, retighten to appropriate inch lbs, and re zero.
I like your attitude towards the weapon, I'm considering buying one...the way you described the feel of it sold it. Good job. I'm not looking to compete, I'm looking to devastate targets. :-D Followed.
My Scout's takin a darn good beatin and is still effective out to 1000yrds after 18k through the tube. Definitely do need a new barrel swapped in. Have one, but still doin my 20k test Lol The M1A is a very solid weapon overall, and being in 308, just makes it all that much better as 308 is probably the most popular and common rounds out there...and is quite well effective in whether you get cheapo ball or super match. And, unlike most all these big boy special new calibers...308 can reach 1000yrds whether you're rockin a 12.5' or 26' pipe. Not many rounds can say that! 308 will still be widely popular the next couple hundred years!
@Jones Nope, standard original MP5a1 with nothing on it. The Navy models with polymer lowers weigh less by a bit, but the originals were 9.25lbs. The SAS 80's fabulous version kitted out with claw mount, optic, and Maglite was over 11lbs. That's the reason they shot so well, no recoil at that weight, and the smooth roller lock system. Same with the original UZI's, pick one up, thay are heavy, around 9lbs also. Kids today have no idea how lucky they are with the current crop of 5-6lb SMG's, and plastic mags. An old load out of an original MP5SD, claw mount, optic, light, and eight steel mags wasn't all that much different than a basic M4 (with all the cool kid crap) load out weight. In fact the M4 might be lighter.
I will straight out admit that I haven’t pressed play yet but I didn’t want to forget: What mount are you using paired with which optic ? Thank you very much
Facts. People talk so much trash about the M1A. At the end of the day anyone lucky enough to own one is absolutely blessed. People just find anything to argue, complain, nit pick, and debate about. What works for one man may not work for the next man. At the end of the day pick your poison and be happy.
It’s been two years and I’m still waiting for this dude to show me any rifle on the planet that’s the end all be all. Strikes me as a people love this so I’m going to shit on it with no real concrete issue. Lol it’s a great rifle. But any rifle choice must fit your rifle needs. There is no perfect everything rifle.
I shoot steel in local matches with 6.5 because of all the reasons everyone else does. But if that steel were person sized and shooting back, I'd want 308 immediately
M14/m1a’s just plain look bad ass. I have a .308 that arguably does everything better than an m1a but i still find myself checking out vids and contemplating getting one.
Love my scout. Is it the most accurate or best at everything. No, but it eats everything I put through it, doesn’t vary a lot from ammo to ammo, and I’ve never had a dry strike, failure to feed or fire. It just works
1. Thank for the detailed optic set up. 2. 308 won't go anywhere for a very long time for many reasons, military use & one of the most popular calibers for decades so there will be a demand until those guns are all but scrap metal. Yes it's taking a back seat at while people search for the new age 308 but even after they find it the cartridge won't totally be replaced. Honestly it'll probably still be around when the military standard issue is a laser rifle
3 MOA! Think you might want to rethink your optic mount. I rented an old, barely cleaned beater from a range and shot 1.25 and 1.6 MOA groups with 2 different ammo types. (One was Federal 150 gr, forgot the other one.) And that was with iron sights.
308 will never go away!! I do have AR's in 6.5 Creed, 6.5 Grendel, & 6mm ARC but I always go back to my .308's do to knock down power. Now the other calibers are accurate but what alot of people can do with their 6.5's and 6mm's I can do with my .308. I used it in the ARMY and I know what my go to .308 rifle will do. Like the old saying says "Fear the man with only one gun".
I think the 308 is making a resurgence in SBRs and pistols. My LMT LW13.5 rifle is 7lbs, it chronographs a 149gr at 2500fps. I wasn’t a 308 guy until I bought my LMT, I fell in love with the caliber.
I've got a 13.5" barrel I need to get pinned and welded. The Smith Vortex puts it at exactly 16". With a crush washer(pretty flattened out) it is at 16 1/16". Thinking of sending it to ADCO, all the gunsmiths in my area take a month and charge too much.
Nice mods👍 Have one of these myself. Have an RMR mounted on an American Defense QD. With the Kley-Zion pick rail for the Sage EBR system. In place of the stripper clip guide. Magpul AFG contoured onto the polymer stock. Replaced the front sight. With a .062 NM front sight from the Scout Squad. Standard peep rear to replace the huge ghost ring rear. Then an adjustable kydex cheek riser.
I very much enjoy my M1A tankers. I have two of them, both identical and with Walnut stocks. I keep one of them in my personal truck and I keep the other one in my Ranch truck.
The m14/m1a is one of those firearms that I always "want" but never buy... the closest I came was a couple weeks ago, but I found one of my guns that is above the m14/m1a on the want list.... the m1a is great, and it has nostalgic classic American rifle points that add to the want list.... but the cast versions from Springfield always have qc issues.... and the forged Fulton armory and bula armory rifles are scar 17 prices.. and the m1a isn't a off the shelf 1 moa gun... really it's hard and expensive to make a m1a shoot better than 2 moa. And the socom version is bad ass, but everytime I was going to buy one, I was like "maybe I should just buy a fullsize GI version"... idk I feel like pretty much every other "battle rifle" (fal, g3/ptr91, ar10, ect) all pretty much out perform it out of the box for cheaper....
You don't talk to it's dad. It tells your dad its taking you out and what time you might be home.
Hahaha!!
@@wisemencompany Are you shure you got the mount from Botach?I went to the site and couldnt locate it.
@@wirelessone2986 positive
@@wisemencompany Found them
@@wisemencompany
Does the rifle go bang? Yes? Then, it’s a good rifle. Does it have a magazine? Yes? Then, it’s better than a traditional bolt action rifle. No one is saying that it’s an “end all...be all” firearm. No gun is a “one solution for every situation” platform. If you were in the military you would know that.
I've noticed that every time a new caliber comes out, everyone jumps on it until the next thing comes along yet 308 rifles keep coming out and so does the ammo. I think at the end of the day 308 will still be popular like 45acp and 7.62x39.
We stick to 7.62 NATO because we have a massive manufacturing and supply mechanism built around it, and already built so many guns based off of it. It's objectively inferior to a handful of 6-6.5mm rounds.
@@NPS69 270win is flatter and has more energy and less wind deflection than 6.5creedmoore yet everyone jumps in with hype. There are dozens of calibers that are better at long range than the 6.5 rounds so for long range precision it would make since to go with something better but for like an m1a, 308 is good at defeating barriers and within the ranges designed for those rifles, there is no difference. You are trying to compare the wrong things here
@@justink654 I have a 270 and 6.5 creed, can confirm, 270 is my go to.
@@justink654 270 is a long action, its asinine to compare it to compare it to a short action caliber
@@The_PotionSeller once again. Comparing the wrong things here. We are talking about perfomance in relation to job. If you are a long range shooter then a long action is better but for a light portable battle rifle 308 beats 6.5creedmoore due to it being better at defeating barriers
I carried the M14 while I was deployed. I hate when target shooters talk crap about this rifle...this thing rocked on and on in some of the worst conditions. It's combat tested and proven. Accurate, reliable, and will put a target down, one shot, one kill. It is kind of heavy compared to other service rifles, but it has a specific role. I've cleared rooms with it in a pinch, but the M4 is definitely the go to for that situation. But for ranges of 100m and beyond...it's a demon. I will ALWAYS love this rifle. It saved my ass more times than I can count
Kill
No it didn't
The difference is, your military issue M14 has the proper forged receiver, and the Springfield doesn’t. You really have to go LRB for a good M14 pattern rifle.
@@dubvuchyea502 Interesting take...however, my actual first hand experience begs to differ.
@@dmitrykarkov4747 Fulton Armory has a very nice selection. High quality
Two tours in Iraq, as a sniper, I had AR10-SASS, m24, M16-M4, Barrett , they all went back to the armory. The m14-m21 was my go to rifle, and it never let me down
Same
No doubt! Full agree, I love that platform…I don’t get the “Not That Great” at all from his video header… Before I accept that rifle is a 3 moa at best, I would want to be sure the shooter is not the 3 moa issue! Maybe try a magnified optic and get it out of room clearing mission mode, then check back with a video.
What would be your first choice optic with a budget of less than $2k ?
@@randyhiggins4086 I thought I was the only one who had issue with the video header. #OIFVETERAN #OEFVETERAN
OEF DM and the the EBR did me well. I mean it's still served longer than the M16/M4 family and tells you something. Does it have it's downfalls? Yes. Does every other rifle have it's own downfalls as well? Yes.
The 45/70 is still around, the .308 isn't going anywhere.
Lol
@@johnpierce4778 EXACTLY
either is 5.56 nato
Both are still capable at ranges most of their shooters aren't.
Amen to that!!! Delta should use a nice 45/70 ammo!!! Old school stopper
I carried the M14 in the Marine Corps, I put many many rounds down range, I’ve lugged it up mountains, and slept in hides with it, it’s a tried and true weapon, it’s very accurate and reliable, the 308 is a magnificent round, it’s heavy, and has a loud report, but a great rifle.
The M1A will always have a special place in my heart
Dont know what it is about this rifle but it is just damn sexy
I agree. My whole childhood I pretended my Mini-14 was a M1A. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it as a kid and would stare at pics of it for hours. Finally got one around 1998. It's still the one rifle that I would give up all my others for.
Hell yes love it
Damn right!
Just got my first M1A yesterday. Waiting on a Banish 30 gold can for it! Hope to have her within 6 months but it doesn’t look good from what I hear these days.
.308 is going the path of .45acp. It's not going anywhere, and some people will always prefer it.
I dunno, there's a lot of new platforms for it lately.
And the army's new program is effectively reviving battle rifles with new tech, just 308 ain't the round... but a civilian version will likely be in 308. (Like the sig mcx spear)
@Nicholas Rodriguez tell what to them... I'm not anti 308. I specifically said the army is reviving the battle rifle concept.
They're currently doing advanced testing on 3 competing designs for rifles that are select fire, short, less than 10 lbs, and which fire 3 different competing versions of hybrid/lightweight cartridges that all shoot a 6.8mm bullet over 3000 fps using high pressure technology via fast powders in short barrels and pressures up to 80,000. But they're just high-tech battle rifles using the same short action dimensions, same magazines and same chamber size that was originally developed for the 308 in various cold war battle rifles.
But these new rifles are more comfortable in full auto, are feature rich and are designed to defeat lvl 4 armor.
I was rooting for the textron design... and I'm still a fan, but I'm more fond of the sig design every day. A civilian version would be 308 compatible.
@@8166PC1 from the ground up this project has tried to avoid the pitfalls of past programs, and they're already invested a great deal, and procured a large number of weapons. Final testing is already involving large numbers of weapons with troops.
And IMHO, the GE gun AIN'T gonna win. It's a very flawed bullpup design in many ways and both the sig and textron guns have decisive advantages over it. Not to mention both ammo types for the sig snd textron guns seem better in some way.
And between sig and textron, textron is a weird side quantum leap in gun design... it's very disconnected from the private market, and while it has key advantages and might even show real weight and cost savings eventually, initially it's a far riskier venture.
But unlike prior efforts to try 6.8 spc or 6.5 creedmoor or 6.5 Grendel (or now 6mm arc) the new 6.8 program is designed to use larger framr rifle format SBRs, or shorter carbines (like a 12" scar h) with extremely high pressures to achieve penetration on lvl 4 armor from near-peer combatants.
This is a must the army MUST have a solution to, and a 338 lapua or 300 winmag dmr isn't going to be enough in a peer to peer firefight. You need something of a tie breaker on the infantryman level.
That's the entire point of the program.
Unlike the 90s or early 2000s programs which were scratching an itch that slightly better ammo fixed (the inadequacy of 5 56 as a stopper, or range problems in Afghanistan).
The only REASON the army might choose to abandon this project is if the downlow side project they're enjoying with the 6mm arc proves effective in a carbine to defeat lvl 4 armor with the right bullets.
And I doubt this going to be achieved in a testably adequate way. The arc isn't designed to be in an infantryman rifle and would run into gun changes that are at least as significant as why they abandoned the 6.8 spc or Grendel... mags... bolts... reliability at high round counts, etc. Yes it's a nice happy medium wonder bullet, but it wouldn't appear to push pills fast enough to beat lvl 4 even at close range without changing the AR platform significantly or beating it up.
Remember they abandoned running massively hot-rodded 5.56 because it beat guns to hell, and the results on target were promising but not quite the brass ring.
That's why this time they want a whole new platform. Something from the ground up where the ammo and gun are made for each other and it can hit these performance objectives without pushing the envelope, all while trying to keep weight and recoil manageable.
AND NOTE, Sig has said that EVEN if they're passed over, regardless of that they're going to sell the 277 fury round in a demilled manner, and the mcx-spear in a civilian legal manner.
They're NOT going to throw their investment away, and this is tech that has a direct impact on the large format semi auto private sector.
It's far better for hunting than a smaller platform AR, but it reduces recoil and allows for hotrodded cartridges, so diversity of game, range, etc, are all available in theory.
It's a win win no matter what.
@@ravissary79 They can't defeat level 4 armor without Tungsten, because the rounds do not move fast enough to overcome it that way. The rounds they're testing are basically the equivalent of a 270 short magnum, which the rifles themselves won't end up being adopted on a large scale for several reasons
No...
.40 S&W was an answer to a question no one asked.
.308 is the answer to nearly all of life's questions. So, no. Not going anywhere.
As far as 308 and 40 going away as Mark Twain said "news of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. "
LOL, well said!
.40 still works. And as long as USPSA power factor is a thing, that cartridge will have a specific niche.
There is 5k ish .40 cal rounds in my basement to feed 4 pistols and 2 ARs chambered in it. So it's not leaving my arsenal anytime soon.
@@alistair8915 I thought I was the only one
What do u mean going away 308
Not every gun has to be “the ultimate self defense or service rifle”. Or even useful or practical for that matter. Some guns are just fun to shoot or collect. I never understand why anyone bashes a particular gun or caliber. I think your setup on that Socom 16 is great.
@@anthonyarcher7268 - Exactly. Let them choose all the new calibers, and leave some more widespread calibers to us poors.
It’s not bashing it, it’s just stating fact. It’s a junk gun, doesn’t mean you can’t like a junk gun - the U.S. army did for quite a while.
@@randylahey2242 Two people behind solid bricks behind bricks at 200 yards apart and one has 5.56 and one has the .308, who is winning that encounter? Rhetorical question. 500-yard iron sight no scope guns will never be junk, 99 percent of the population can't even make that shot but the weapon can. Especially this premium spectacle you are witnessing. M-14 is still in service to this day. literally 2024 for a reason.
@@brooktech7869 lol the mosin nagant has been in service for twice as long and to this day, does that make it not a junk gun? You are clearly the kind of person who thinks anything military = good when the reality is anything military = made the cheapest way possible by the lowest bidder who bribed enough. And for your silly scenario the reality is the person with a drone firing hellfire missiles from above will win. It's not 1945, combat has changed and battle rifles are obsolete. Get with the times boomer.
.308 is nice and still a valid cartridge. In order to push out to 700 yards with 5.56 you need specialty ammo. You can do it with .308 ball ammo and still have plenty of energy on target. 6.5 creedmoor does outperform .308 with bucking the wind and has less drop. But unfortunately 6.5 creedmoor doesn't have as many affordable ammo options currently. Plus .308 is so widespread coming across ammo is a lot more common. Things may change but I believe .308 is here to stay.
Also, 308 won't burn out your barrel like 6.5 will. Considerably longer barrel life is a good trade-off for having to aim just a bit higher at distance. But that's just me.
People talk so much trash about the M1A. At the end of the day anyone lucky enough to own one is absolutely blessed. People just find anything to argue, complain, nit pick, and debate about. What works for one man may not work for the next man. At the end of the day pick your poison and be happy.
No. It sucks
10 and counting! Very blessed indeed!
I personally have had no problems with my experience shooting my Springfield M1A. As far as accuracy goes, my M1A groups 1/2MOA bench rest match ammo. I've never liked reviewers that blame the gun for their shooting skills. Every man owns a football, but we all can't throw like Brady, right?
Exactly. Guns are like cars, if you can't drive, it doesnt matter if you have a Porshe. I also shoot sub moa with m118 ammo in my M1A.
It's absolutely not a platform with known and documented accuracy issues. Accuracy issues going back to shortly after it was adopted by an ordinance department that made sure it would succeed by any means. They also aren't known for needing to be rebedded on a regular basis to maintain accuracy.
Maybe me, but with good ammo I'm around 2 moa.
@@JohnDoe-nf7up 99% of M1A shooters won’t shoot enough to have this issue.
Boomer ha ha ha
308 will remain. The cool kid calibers have extreme barrel life issues. 308 barrels will last 10k plus rounds with factory ammo. 6.5 will last maybe 2k. It's purely an accuracy cartridge as is all the 6s are. This fact alone will allow 308 to always have a place.
I see so many used 6.5 creed more rifles for sale...guessing it wasn't that cool new thing they thought it was!!!
most new rifles this year are 308
They test m24s out to 20,000 rounds and they still met their accuracy requirements. Which was .350 m.o.a.
I think what people love about this is that it’s not about the efficiency but the feel. It’s loud , it’s heavy. It just feels like you’re holding testosterone in your hands. I’ve never felt that with an AR/AK Scar etc
Great Video btw ! Amazing presentation
I own an old M1A built by Springfield Armory using a mix of surplus USGI parts (Winchester Barrel, HR trigger, TRW bolt, etc…) and a newer Scout Squad that was tuned by Smith Enterprises. Both are great rifles. Like any other platform, it has its plus and minuses. It’s a reliable platform and it does what it’s built to do.
I saw a great Vietnam story where I believe a marine sniper used an m14 variant with a star light scope dropped in alone and repelled loads of Viet Congo coming across a river. To save a downed ally from a chopper crash. Try to find the story I’m on about it’s incredible heroism. I wish I remembered the guys name. He at least deserves remembering. His name was Ed Eaton (edited)..
I think I saw that story on the history channel. But I recall he was on the chopper that went down so the rifle lost its zero from the crash. What they said was he had to see where the rounds were hitting in relation to the crosshairs and that's how he held it down until air strikes came in.
Take a look at Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock. I believe that is who you are looking for.
@@legaleagle123 I know who Carlos hathcock was. He was great too. I was on about Ed as in Edward Eaton. Thanks for comment back though.
@@_JEBUS yeah that’s the story. It was a little vague in my mind but yeah that’s him. The guy he saved is trying to get Ed recognition for his actions. Even Medal of Honor talk. Not sure if he was though. Can’t find much on Ed Eaton. If anyone finds anything new on him send me a link please.
Also go easy on me. I’m British so my knowledge on firearms is very slim and not first hand.
I love my SOCOM so much that I still watch videos of it, even though I already own one
I got so heavily invested in the .308 and the 5.56, back in the mid 80's, that it would be insane for me to try and switch to some other caliber, now, times and the ammo situation being what they are! I have one standard M1A and am still glad that I bought it, back in the mid 80's! The .308 round has served me well all of these years and I see no reason to abandon it now! Nice M1A SOCOM, that you have! I've never had the chance to shoot one of those models. I've shot the Scout/Squad model, back when they still called it the M1A Bush Rifle! Anyway, great video, brother! Take care!
You are correct .. There is NO reason, the M14/M1A platform is a fine weapons system that will be around for a very long time ... Carry on !
Bought my M1A Bush (green box) in 88 and its put venison on my table every year since. Fine rifle, fine catrige, whats not to like?
I have a Socom 16, awesome firearm and so much fun to shoot. Accuracy is relative, 2-3 moa as delivered, match rifle no, hog rifle good, use as intended, CQC yes, fun next level👍
Would you say Socom is better than scout squad for range shooting?
Sitting on my back porch in Wesley Chapel sipping some coffee, pulled out my phone and saw this....ahhhhh yes.
"Florida Man" on porch.... legend
Wesley Chapel sounding off!
"Liked" bc of wesley chapel 🤙
dc Florida sounding of
Greetings from Wimauma Fl!!!
I personally love this platform. VMI still trains cadets on it and I was no different in my tenure. Yeah, it’s a bit chonky but you get used to hauling it around the woods. Yeah, the reloading process can be a bit funky at first but with practice comes proficiency. Yeah, it can be a bit more difficult to customize than your typical AR platform. Even with these things being said, it’s a reliable, beefy battle rife that hits like a hammer at 500 yards. It’s mean, old, American, and a classic that I trust to defend my home.
So does The Citadel.
So does Norwich lol.
@@rapboy117 I am glad to be in good company.
VMI is a great girl’s finishing school.
It's difficult to find semi autos in .308 right now. I see the creedmores and the other oddballs everywhere. I don't know if it's because they're making more of them or they're not selling as well. The .308 is a great round for most people that use it. Super long range, custom rifle, competition shooters will do their own thing no matter what. The .308 will outlast these "Fad" rounds.
I got lucky with a socom 16 that shoot 3/4 MOA. Didn’t expect it but now she will be with me for the rest of my life.
.308 seems a classic that's here to stay. It's a proven caliber and it's cheap to run and widely available, even here in New Zealand.
I'm not experienced with the .308 but as my first hunting rifle, I still was drawn to buy the caliber. And so I have... 🤷
I sold my socom and got a full size 22 inch. Won't look back. M1A for life! Real man's fire arm.
Yeah, I see a lot of this on the internet. Well, my experience field cleaning twice, single component cleaning once and putting 4K M80 7.62 NATO down range:
0 jams
0 slam fire
0 ejection and cycling issues
Dead accurate when zeroed at 100 yards. Great trigger, comfortable rifle. I've no clue what everyone's beef is with M1A SOCOM-16 7.62, but I will say Barrett aside, near every AR-15 I've fired has jammed, cycling and ejection issues. Anderson, Stag, Alexander Arms, Rock River, S&W, Daniel Defense, Ruger I've had malfunctions with all of them, Barrett Rec-7 was the only AR that gave me perfect performance. So, hate all you want, my M1A SOCOM-16 has never malfunctioned from 4K+ M80 7.62 NATO rounds.
Why does everyone try and mod the m1a into an M4 and then complain that it doesn’t do what an M4 does as well as an M4? That’s like taking a 69 chevelle cutting it in half and complaining it doesn’t handle like a motorcycle.
"Use the right tool for the right job"
Everyone has their own preference, use what you good with.
A Rifle that has a very high cool factor and IMO even a "go to" rifle in certain niche situations. Therefore I added a SOCOM 16 to my personal inventory.
If I could only find one.
@@jimbosammy4255 I know my reply is 2 months late and you might have bought one already but Palmetto State Armory has them on sale right now.
Just got an S/A Tanker. Love it never selling it. The mechanics of it are almost zen like. Not as accurate as my AR10, but what a blast to shoot!
I really enjoyed your thought process on the approach to the build, I agree the weight is pitfall 1 and keeping the weight down by not adding a ton of upgrades is a wise decision. My socom 16 is still completely stock and I’m going to use this as a template to build mine. Thanks for the stripper clip mount tip! Didn’t know that existed
Truly appreciate your style of videos. The training or match type of shooting during the vid is a good way to show the interaction between the shooter and the gun. 👍
“Obsolete” is always a relative term in firearms. 2 JMB designs are still serving our military today. I wouldn’t edc a Colt SAA but it’ll kill a man (or beast) the same way it did in 1873. I have an M1a and 1911 that have modern features that enhance them for modern defensive purposes.
"It's heavy"
Laughs in M1A, scoped, wood stocked National Match rifle....
Right at 14 lbs.
Ahmen. I have a standard with a big ass scope on it. This guy can cry me a river.
It's not a gun for manlets!
@@TheGosslings it's a gun for the 1940s
*laughs in molot vepr*
@@TheGosslings nah I can handle one just fine standing around 5'8
I think garand daddy is dropping a m1a video this week. You would think it’s made by olight.
Hahaha yeah so weird on the timing.
You talking about lisp daddy?
Hahah.
@@kyledanger45 how dare you.
@@kyledanger45 lisp is sexy
Spot on review. As to your 308 question; there are billions of surplus 7.62 ammo worldwide so I don’t think we’re ever going to have a problem feeding the weapons that fire them. Thanks.
If it’s chambered for 308 you can’t shoot 762. If it’s chambered in 762 nato u can shoot 308
@kevin pierson u are correct.
Sold all my ARs still have my 16. It just speaks to me.
Ben: it was this or an ak...
Me: spits out coffee in rage
Bahaha
Imagine Brandon Herrera's reaction.😂
Truly I have no desire to own an AK. The only reason I want an AR is because they are trying to ban them. In my eyes an M1A is the cats meow. Great vid.
🤣🤣
Jean Garand was a freakin good engineer, thank you Jean for your contribution to this country by giving us the M1 Garand and the M14. And thank you too Quebec, cause there’d be no M1 Garand and M14 without Jean Garand, and there’d be no Jean Garand without Quebec!!! 🙏😇
Yeah, kind of funny that 99% of M1A owners think Springfield Armory INC had something to do with the design but it was really the US Armory in Springfield Mass. and the people that worked there that modified the Garand into what is now called the M14. There is no connection with Springfield Armory INC , just a clever guy who knew using the name of the US Armory would help him fool people into buying his rifles made from military surplus parts.
I have a couple M1As and pretty much agree with everything you said. They are just fun to shoot and reliable as a baseball bat. Definitely more accurate, ergonomic and easier to accessories platforms out there but a wood stock plane jane M1A has a special place in my heart. Lol
308 isn’t going anywhere lol. Especially with the interest in making guns shorter and smaller. 308 is easily the best short barrel preformer of any of the full power rifle cartridges
6.5 Creedmoor literally outperforms .308 at every distance
@@A_Qwynide cool, it still won't take over .308.
@@A_Qwynide and there will eventually be a new round that will be better than 6.5 needmore and y'all will drop it to go jump on that wagon too.
@@BloodEagle. okay? how is that a bad thing?
"yOu WaNt ThE bEsT PeRfOrMiNg CaLiBeR" like yes, yes I do.
and Ryan considering how the Army is dropping it, and soon after the Marines will too, .308 will lose popularity as people experience better, more modern calibers, and go the way of the 30-06. Whether its 6.5 or 6.8 or 7mm that fills that void it won't matter.
Technology improves, gear evolves, cry about it.
@@A_Qwynide
That's not correct.
308 and 6.5 are very comparable when your talking about 600 meters or less, 6.5 only starts out shine 308 when your talking about the very end of the line at long range distances, around 800 to 1000 meters and more.
That’s a nice looking rifle, even at 10 lbs and with the ported barrel the recoil is significant especially when you’re used to the standard 16” 5.56 mid length barrel. Though I’m not in the market for one of these rifles, I do like to watch and learn. I also liked Garand Thumb’s tribute build of the Delta M14 in Blackhawk Down.
If I am not mistaken the .308 was built as a bush rifle. Made to punch through brush and take down deer, it's a slow round but can punch through and hit it's target. The .308/762.51 is a trued and proven round. I have owned a standard M1A and now own a scout, they may not be tack drivers but being able to know what I shot will not be standing. Just my 2 cents
In 2007 I purchased a M1A SOCOM and just a few years ago I sold it.
This is why:
I tried repeatedly to get this rifle to work for me and I just couldn’t. The rifle itself works great, heavy mainspring, amazing rotating breach block, gas return system, XS front sight post, muzzle brake, on and on.
Here’s the problem, with this rifle, you need to have your face and your eyes as low to the bore of the rifle as possible, like way down there. If you are lined up behind the iron sights, you’re good, hold on tight, squeeze trigger, enjoy.
The moment you use any sort of red dot, hologram dot, scout scope, magnified scope, night vision you have to elevate your head and your face up, away from the bore of the rifle.
You can shoot this rifle with some slop at 100-200 yards and hit 55 gallon drums no problem all day long. The moment you lay down and try to hit 300 yards, you had better have an amazing cheek weld that works for you.
With some optics only the tip of my chin was touching the stock. So now I am putting together Victor cheek risers and other such stuff to get my face to smear into position like it should, like it does with the iron sights. It was never bulletproof or pretty.
Co witness sights like my M4? Never. “See-thru” rings or Picatinny rails? Yes, they are out there, GGG makes an excellent forward rail for this, but you’re elevating your face.
In my opinion the best rear Picatinny rail set up was from ARMS. But again, it is over the rear sight, and there’s no co witness ever.
When I bought this rifle the AR-10 was not a thing. The AR-10 is a dream fit in comparison. Nose on the charging handle and you can look at iron sights flipped up thru a red dot sight, lower 1/3 or actual co witness.
The AR-10 has every modern butt stock available to entertain whatever build you want. And with an AR-10 you shoot it just like an M4, standing up, face up, eyes out, looking around.
The M1A/M-14 is/was a great rifle. If I shot the Garand first I would think the M1A or the M-14 was pretty cool. But I didn’t. I shot the M-16A2 first with fully adjustable front and rear iron sights, the M-16 is nearly recoil less, and the box magazines slide up into position. The M1A is like flying a bi plane, it’s cool, it’s lethal, it’s nostalgic, but it’s last war’s rifle, not this war’s rifle.
For those interested, it’s not that difficult to outfit an AR-15 and an AR-10 exactly the same. Drop in a good aftermarket trigger and it’s just getting better.
I truly enjoyed the M1A SOCOM, it was a 2-3, maybe 4 Minute Of Angle rifle. Fun to shoot and swing around, great truck gun or ranch rifle, great pig gun in Texas. But unless you WANT TO BUY a piece of history, I would steer clear of the M1A and just buy a 7.62 MM AR rifle.
I purchased everything I could to make that rifle work. I even bought a SAGE E.B.R. stock for it. The M1A shines with zero optic on it. So long as you keep your face and your eyes as low to the bore as possible, this rifle will impress.
My Two Cents. 😎✌️
I just hockey taped up the comb of mine to raise it up so that i could get a good cheek weld on mine. 😆
What you're saying makes a lot of sense. I did notice how high the scopes were from the barrel line. And wondered about that. Like so many rifles, some simple factory engineering would/could solve many of these problems. A simple stock
option for dedicated scope users for example...But everything is about dollar bills, and this business seems to be struggling in general with tighter margins and increasing public disapproval. If I bought one I'd be tempted to just
keep the iron sights.
The scout squad 308 is excellent. Springfield makes great stuff
My M1A (base model) is shockingly accurate. Unbelievably so, I litterally didn't believe it and put it to the test, just under MOA. I haven't fired my SOCOM very much, but when I have shot it I don't recall being super impressed or disappointed, but I wasn't even checking that out when I did.
I like that setup. I'm looking to buy an M1A .
One of the reasons it was pulled from front line service in Vietnam was that It was supposed to replace several different weapons but never fulfilled that role. That, along with the weight, recoil, difficulty of control on full auto (M14) and the weight of the ammunition made it the shortest lived battle rifle in US history.
That and it was more expensive than the Mattel M-16
Yet until we withdrew it was still being used in Afghanistan (and before that Iraq) by U.S. military. After my Barret M82A1 the M-14 was my weapon of choice all throughout Central and South America.
308 is "if it aint broke don't fix it" kinda round
in low light, the SOCOM shoots a 3-1/2 foot flame out of the barrel. I named mine The Dragon.
Schuster adjustable gas plug will take off a lot of the recoil, lessen wear on the parts that hit each other, and mitigate a lot of that fireball. Also Smith Enterprises makes an excellent muzzle brake that reduces the recoil further still, making it recoil, with those two enhancements, only about twice as harsh as a .223...mine is Mr. Thundermaker 🤣
Named my Socom 16, Mjolnir (Thor's Hammer)
The (my) Socom 16 is a beast! It may not be for everyone, but the rifle is extremely reliable, battle tested and trusted in any element...this is one HECK of a firearm!!!
Thats a sick m1a setup
I picked up a used socom for a grand out the door. Stripped it cleaned and lubed it. Reassembled and put 2 shots almost touching at 50 yards. Light enough recoil. Sounds like a 105 howitzer. Kick ass.
.308 is one of the best all around cartridges. If you can't shoot sub MOA with any M14/M1A then you need some serious range time.
Most M1A's and almost all M14's aren't capable of sub moa accuracy. You'll really need custom work to achieve that reliably. The DM/sniper versions used by the military aren't rack grade M14'S.
Lol standard M1As aren't 1MOA rifles. That's just not how these cold war era battle rifles were made.
- M1A owner.
The only military m14 capable of sub 1moa accuracy was the xm21/m21 and the m25 variants designed for sniping. We are talking rifles that have been glass bedded, gas tubes unitized, have match grade barrels installed and shoot match grade ammo.
My m1a standard shot 3.5 moa (5 shot) with m80 ball ammo. That meets the military’s standard for a basic m24z but you can accurize these things. Switching to 168gr smk gold medal match ammo brought it to a 2.5 group. I unitized the gas block and installed a nation match guide rod and it shoots 1.25-1.3 moa now. 9 shot groups with the smk loads is still sub 1.5 moa. Thats 12in at 800 yards. Plenty enough to constantly hit torso size targets.
A great gun is the gun that you are familiar with the manual of arms and are proficient with. I have a socom 16 and love it. And personally for me it is an intermediate range rifle and If I am in the situation to have to use it I prefer the hydrostatic shock energy that it will dump into the body when compared to some other rounds that my firearms are chambered in.
The m1a is a beast
I've absolutely loved mine. Thing digs holes anywhere I point it. Relatively easy to work on (although ironically if you're not careful it's a finger eater just like the garand). All I have on mine is a dialed in ACOG, bipod and Magpul sling and she's ready to roll anytime any place.
You were worried about "cooking" the RMR on the forward rail, curious how the light switch will take the heat long term. Concerned?
I touch on that in the video
As a newer scout squad owner, I love it. Wood stock and Iron sights. Hasty crouched and only 2 shots to smoke a 2 liter at 240 yards. So, yeah. It’s a workhorse. Not for everyone at 9 pounds. But has great knockdown power. As I told the wifey, it’s better then the 5.56 for more “hardened” targets.
Knockdown power? I think the test video by the channel L1A1 disproved that
What scope mount website name. Very nice set up
Question, what was the scope used on the socom?
You're going to melt that pressure switch, unless you're just larping. GG&G makes a rail section forward of the sling mount for a bi-pod/light.
For sure; he can't have shot it that much for the switch to still be working. I have a Burris 2-7x on that rail (12in+ relief) and it's been surviving...no electronics though.
@@Ewetoobizknotseys I'm going to do the same. I was concerned with the conductive heat factor, how is it working out?
@@hooeydog no complaints so far in regards to it surviving the heat/concussions, however it is a bitch to get zeroed; I actually had to cant the scope inside the rings to achieve zero and still have room to adjust. Use Burris signature rings with the plastic inserts. Zero the scope with the rings inserts in, remove the screws for the rings and apply blue locktight, retighten to appropriate inch lbs, and re zero.
I am 2000+ rounds past having mounted and zeroed the scope, and it is holding zero.
@@Ewetoobizknotseys I have warne rings, same set up (with the Burris) on my GSR. Great scope with no problems.
My wife just got me a Springfield Armory M1A scout for Valentine's day. 4 20rnd mags and 2 10rnd.
Best wife ever haha
WOW, Treat her like a queen ! 👍
@@StevenSmith-pt8rz oh I do. She is my best friend.
.308 is sticking around and so is it's older brother .30-06 (versatility of loads is too good, if you reload your own ammo, .308 lacks that)
That gun is very pleasing aesthetically.
I like your attitude towards the weapon, I'm considering buying one...the way you described the feel of it sold it. Good job. I'm not looking to compete, I'm looking to devastate targets. :-D
Followed.
I bought this exact rifle from Palmetto state armory back in November. Just copied your setup with the Aimpoint ACO. Thank you!
My Scout's takin a darn good beatin and is still effective out to 1000yrds after 18k through the tube. Definitely do need a new barrel swapped in. Have one, but still doin my 20k test Lol
The M1A is a very solid weapon overall, and being in 308, just makes it all that much better as 308 is probably the most popular and common rounds out there...and is quite well effective in whether you get cheapo ball or super match. And, unlike most all these big boy special new calibers...308 can reach 1000yrds whether you're rockin a 12.5' or 26' pipe. Not many rounds can say that! 308 will still be widely popular the next couple hundred years!
How hard is a barrel swap
Really slick mounting system, was not aware of this until your video. Thank you!!!
Drawback: 7.62x51, weight 8lbs.
Me: 😅 MP5, 9mm, 9.25lbs, empty.
It's all relative brother.
@Jones Nope, standard original MP5a1 with nothing on it. The Navy models with polymer lowers weigh less by a bit, but the originals were 9.25lbs. The SAS 80's fabulous version kitted out with claw mount, optic, and Maglite was over 11lbs. That's the reason they shot so well, no recoil at that weight, and the smooth roller lock system. Same with the original UZI's, pick one up, thay are heavy, around 9lbs also. Kids today have no idea how lucky they are with the current crop of 5-6lb SMG's, and plastic mags. An old load out of an original MP5SD, claw mount, optic, light, and eight steel mags wasn't all that much different than a basic M4 (with all the cool kid crap) load out weight. In fact the M4 might be lighter.
I will straight out admit that I haven’t pressed play yet but I didn’t want to forget:
What mount are you using paired with which optic ?
Thank you very much
Sage international 1913 rail.
Thank you
The reason why you dislike the M1A Rifle is because you never made it your own; customize it to make it your battle rifle.
Facts. People talk so much trash about the M1A. At the end of the day anyone lucky enough to own one is absolutely blessed. People just find anything to argue, complain, nit pick, and debate about. What works for one man may not work for the next man. At the end of the day pick your poison and be happy.
It’s been two years and I’m still waiting for this dude to show me any rifle on the planet that’s the end all be all. Strikes me as a people love this so I’m going to shit on it with no real concrete issue. Lol it’s a great rifle. But any rifle choice must fit your rifle needs. There is no perfect everything rifle.
I shoot steel in local matches with 6.5 because of all the reasons everyone else does. But if that steel were person sized and shooting back, I'd want 308 immediately
Why exactly? If you shoot steel better with 6.5 that's a better indicator of 6.5 getting you the W in that fight.
I have one of the old Socom 16's with the rail system. Such a good looking platform. However lucky to shoot into four inches at a 100 meters
M14/m1a’s just plain look bad ass. I have a .308 that arguably does everything better than an m1a but i still find myself checking out vids and contemplating getting one.
Get the Scout or Loaded and you'll never go back to your other rifles ...
Stan Nelson the scout squad has been calling my name
Love my scout. Is it the most accurate or best at everything. No, but it eats everything I put through it, doesn’t vary a lot from ammo to ammo, and I’ve never had a dry strike, failure to feed or fire. It just works
1. Thank for the detailed optic set up.
2. 308 won't go anywhere for a very long time for many reasons, military use & one of the most popular calibers for decades so there will be a demand until those guns are all but scrap metal. Yes it's taking a back seat at while people search for the new age 308 but even after they find it the cartridge won't totally be replaced. Honestly it'll probably still be around when the military standard issue is a laser rifle
That’s one of the sickest M1a’s I’ve seen
Thanks
3 MOA! Think you might want to rethink your optic mount. I rented an old, barely cleaned beater from a range and shot 1.25 and 1.6 MOA groups with 2 different ammo types. (One was Federal 150 gr, forgot the other one.) And that was with iron sights.
308 will never go away!! I do have AR's in 6.5 Creed, 6.5 Grendel, & 6mm ARC but I always go back to my .308's do to knock down power. Now the other calibers are accurate but what alot of people can do with their 6.5's and 6mm's I can do with my .308. I used it in the ARMY and I know what my go to .308 rifle will do. Like the old saying says "Fear the man with only one gun".
@Jones But he is very used to that one calibre from the ARMY and in the after ARMY world
I have a Scout and I can say it's got some balls on it. If my AR can't reach out and touch a target. My M1A will. Best investment I've ever made
I think the 308 is making a resurgence in SBRs and pistols. My LMT LW13.5 rifle is 7lbs, it chronographs a 149gr at 2500fps. I wasn’t a 308 guy until I bought my LMT, I fell in love with the caliber.
I've got a 13.5" barrel I need to get pinned and welded. The Smith Vortex puts it at exactly 16". With a crush washer(pretty flattened out) it is at 16 1/16".
Thinking of sending it to ADCO, all the gunsmiths in my area take a month and charge too much.
@@marzcapone9939 I sent mine to dwilson I think it was $65 and 3weeks
@@MexicanNinja82 Thanks
I have the 22" M-1a. It hits just fine for My environment. I live in a brushy area, 94% -300 yard shots.
One of the best all around do everything platforms, love my 16 tanker, and .308 isn’t going anywhere.
How do you like your tanker? Has it met/exceeded your expectations?
@@gemayeljones248 totally. It’s a solid rifle that eats any ammo and maintains accuracy.
How do u mount that red dot on ??? I love that setup. Id love to set up my socom 16 like that
finally a video of actually using a gun for its intended purpose. shoot and move. shoot and move. bench shooting is for testing ammo. carry on.
Nice mods👍 Have one of these myself. Have an RMR mounted on an American Defense QD. With the Kley-Zion pick rail for the Sage EBR system. In place of the stripper clip guide. Magpul AFG contoured onto the polymer stock. Replaced the front sight. With a .062 NM front sight from the Scout Squad. Standard peep rear to replace the huge ghost ring rear. Then an adjustable kydex cheek riser.
A buddy of mine owns one I just remember it being very loud.
This thing is so sick. I need one setup just like it.
I like how you bring your bed to the range.
Need a pillow?
I am curious about your red dot set up. Where did get the ring mount for the red dot?
"Well... It was this or an AK..."
that made me laugh. I personally went with an AK
Yeah how is he "diversifying" by getting the same thing?
AKs are for people on welfare...
@@Heywoodthepeckerwood *laughs in $3,000*
@@Heywoodthepeckerwood nice take boomer
@@Heywoodthepeckerwood I wish AKs were still that cheap
I very much enjoy my M1A tankers. I have two of them, both identical and with Walnut stocks. I keep one of them in my personal truck and I keep the other one in my Ranch truck.
Best looking rifle in my opinion. Too bad it does not function as good as it looks lol
Quick question on the red dot mounting system. Did it ever come loose on you and fall off zero ?
These days I don’t care about caliber own everything shoot what ever ammo you can find
You guys are so fanatical ..... spoken like a true AR fanatic
The m14/m1a is one of those firearms that I always "want" but never buy... the closest I came was a couple weeks ago, but I found one of my guns that is above the m14/m1a on the want list.... the m1a is great, and it has nostalgic classic American rifle points that add to the want list.... but the cast versions from Springfield always have qc issues.... and the forged Fulton armory and bula armory rifles are scar 17 prices.. and the m1a isn't a off the shelf 1 moa gun... really it's hard and expensive to make a m1a shoot better than 2 moa. And the socom version is bad ass, but everytime I was going to buy one, I was like "maybe I should just buy a fullsize GI version"... idk I feel like pretty much every other "battle rifle" (fal, g3/ptr91, ar10, ect) all pretty much out perform it out of the box for cheaper....
Proved this wrong with a Reddit challenge I participated in.
I almost spit out my coffee when I heard you say AAA gun and ammo. That’s located right near me! Bought my first carry pistol there.