Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad .308 Win Rifle – AA9120 For Sale

What is the difference between the M1A scout and the M14?

The M1A Scout and the M14 rifle have several key differences:

1. **Purpose and Design**:
– **M14**: Originally, the M14 was designed for military use in the late 1950s, serving as a standard issue rifle for the U.S. military. It is a full-sized battle rifle.
– **M1A Scout**: The M1A is a civilian version of the M14, produced by Springfield Armory, Inc. The M1A Scout is a specific variant that is designed for civilian use and recreational shooting, as well as hunting.

2. **Size and Weight**:
– **M14**: Generally larger and heavier due to its full-length barrel.
– **M1A Scout**: Features a shorter barrel, typically around 18 inches, making it lighter and more maneuverable than the standard M14, which usually has a 22-inch barrel.

3. **Barrel Length**:
– **M14**: Typically has a 22-inch barrel.
– **M1A Scout**: Comes with an 18-inch barrel, providing a compromise between the standard M1A and a more compact design like the SOCOM 16.

4. **Sights and Accessories**:
– **M14**: Military versions might come with specific military-grade sights and attachments.
– **M1A Scout**: Often equipped with a forward-mounted optic rail (scout rail) for mounting scopes or red dot sights, which is a design not typically found on standard M14s.

5. **Intended Use**:
– **M14**: Primarily designed for military operations, including combat.
– **M1A Scout**: Tailored for versatility in various civilian applications, from target shooting to hunting.

Overall, while the M1A Scout is derived from the M14, it incorporates modifications to better suit civilian preferences, including reduced weight, increased adaptability with optics, and improved handling for non-military applications.

Can I shoot .308 out of my M1A?

Yes, you can shoot .308 Winchester ammunition out of an M1A rifle. The M1A is designed to handle both 7.62x51mm NATO and .308 Winchester ammunition, as they are very similar in dimensions and performance. However, it’s important to ensure that your rifle is in good condition and properly maintained. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and consider using ammunition that is within the specifications recommended for your specific rifle.

How accurate is the M1A Scout Squad rifle?

The M1A Scout Squad rifle is generally regarded as a reliable and accurate semi-automatic rifle. It features a shorter barrel compared to the standard M1A, typically around 18 inches, which offers a balance between maneuverability and accuracy. Users generally report good accuracy for its intended role, which is medium-range shooting. With quality ammunition and proper handling, the M1A Scout Squad can achieve 1 to 2 MOA (minute of angle) accuracy, though individual results can vary based on several factors including the shooter’s skill, environmental conditions, and any modifications or optics used.

Is the M1A considered an assault rifle?

The M1A rifle is not typically classified as an assault rifle. The term “assault rifle” generally refers to a selective-fire rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine. The M1A, a civilian version of the military M14 rifle, is typically a semi-automatic rifle and does not have select-fire capability, which is a key characteristic of assault rifles. Additionally, it usually chambers the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, which is a full-powered rifle cartridge rather than an intermediate one. Therefore, it is most often categorized as a battle rifle rather than an assault rifle.

Is the M1A discontinued?

Yes, the M1A rifle has been discontinued by Springfield Armory.

What is the effective range of the M1A scout squad?

The effective range of the M1A Scout Squad, which is a variant of the M1A rifle, is typically around 600 yards (approximately 550 meters). This range can vary based on factors such as the shooter’s skill, environmental conditions, and ammunition used.

Can you hunt deer with a M1A?

Yes, you can hunt deer with an M1A, provided it is legal to do so in your jurisdiction. Hunting regulations vary by location, so it’s important to check local laws regarding caliber restrictions, magazine capacity, and other relevant hunting regulations. The M1A, chambered in .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO, is a powerful and accurate rifle suitable for deer hunting, but compliance with local laws is essential.

Why do snipers prefer 308?

The .308 Winchester, known as 7.62x51mm NATO in its military form, is preferred by many snipers and marksmen for several reasons:

1. **Accuracy**: The .308 round is known for its consistent accuracy, making it a reliable choice for precision shooting. Its ballistic properties allow it to maintain a stable trajectory over long distances.

2. **Availability**: The .308 Winchester is widely available and has been a standard issue for military snipers in NATO countries, which makes both the ammunition and parts for firearms chambered in .308 easy to procure.

3. **Versatility**: The round can be used effectively at a variety of ranges and is capable of taking down a wide range of targets, from enemy combatants to large game.

4. **Manageable Recoil**: Compared to larger caliber rounds, the .308 offers a balance between power and recoil, making it manageable to shoot without sacrificing control.

5. **Proven Track Record**: The .308 has been in use for decades and has a well-established record of performance in various military, law enforcement, and civilian settings.

6. **Rifle Compatibility**: Many sniper rifles and precision shooting platforms are designed to chamber the .308 round, providing a wide selection of firearms to choose from.

These factors make the .308 Winchester a favored choice for snipers who need a reliable, accurate, and versatile cartridge for long-range engagements.

How far will an M1A shoot?

The M1A, a civilian version of the military M14 rifle, typically has an effective range of around 600 to 800 yards (approximately 550 to 730 meters) when using standard iron sights and suitable ammunition like the 7.62x51mm NATO. With optical sights and under optimal conditions, it can potentially reach targets at longer ranges, potentially up to 1,000 yards or more. However, the effective range can be influenced by factors such as shooter skill, ammunition type, and environmental conditions.

Why is the M1A so popular?

The M1A rifle is popular for several reasons:

1. **Heritage and History**: The M1A is the civilian version of the M14, which has a storied place in U.S. military history. Its connection to the M14 enhances its appeal among enthusiasts who appreciate its historical significance.

2. **Versatility**: The M1A is known for its versatility. It is suitable for various applications, including target shooting, hunting, and competitive shooting such as in Service Rifle competitions.

3. **Reliability and Durability**: Built on the reputation of the M14, the M1A is considered a robust and reliable firearm capable of performing well in diverse conditions.

4. **Caliber**: Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester), the M1A offers substantial power and range, making it an excellent choice for those who need a rifle for long-distance shooting or bigger game hunting.

5. **Accuracy**: The M1A is highly regarded for its accuracy out of the box, with many variants available that enhance this feature further for precision shooting.

6. **Customizability**: Many owners appreciate the ability to customize the M1A with a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories to enhance performance or tailor it to specific needs.

7. **Classic Design**: The traditional look of the M1A, reminiscent of battle rifles of the past, attracts those who prefer a classic aesthetic over more modern designs.

These factors combine to make the M1A a highly favored rifle among collectors, sports shooters, and firearm enthusiasts alike.

Does the M1A Scout Squad have a threaded barrel?

Yes, the M1A Scout Squad does have a threaded barrel.

Where are Springfield M1A rifles made?

Springfield M1A rifles are made in Geneseo, Illinois, by Springfield Armory, Inc.

Why was the M14 phased out?

The M14 rifle was phased out primarily due to several factors:

1. **Weight and Size**: The M14 was relatively heavy and long compared to newer rifles, which made it less suitable for the varied combat conditions encountered by soldiers, especially in the dense jungles of Vietnam.

2. **Recoil**: The 7.62x51mm NATO round fired by the M14 generated significant recoil, making full-automatic fire difficult to control and less accurate compared to its successors.

3. **Ergonomics and Design**: The M14’s design had not evolved significantly from older battle rifles, lacking modern ergonomic features. This affected its ease of use and adaptability.

4. **Advancements in Rifle Technology**: The development of the M16, which was lighter and used a smaller caliber round (5.56x45mm NATO), provided advantages in terms of weight, capacity, and controllability. The M16 also offered better performance in fully automatic mode, which was increasingly favored for close combat situations.

5. **Adaptation to Military Needs**: Military strategy and tactics were evolving, and there was a shift towards engagement at closer ranges in more diverse environments. The M16 better met the changing requirements of the military during the Vietnam War and beyond.

Due to these reasons, the M14 was gradually replaced by the M16 in the 1960s, although the M14 continues to see some use in certain roles and configurations.

How does the m1 compare to the M14?

The M1 and M14 rifles, both developed in the United States, have distinct features and history:

1. **M1 Garand**:
– **Introduction**: Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1936.
– **Type**: Semi-automatic battle rifle.
– **Caliber**: .30-06 Springfield.
– **Capacity**: 8-round en-bloc clip.
– **Service**: Widely used during World War II and the Korean War.
– **Features**: Renowned for its reliability and the ability to deliver rapid, accurate fire.

2. **M14**:
– **Introduction**: Adopted by the U.S. military in 1959.
– **Type**: Selective fire battle rifle.
– **Caliber**: 7.62×51mm NATO.
– **Capacity**: 20-round detachable box magazine.
– **Service**: Replaced the M1 Garand in the late 1950s and early 1960s, used during the early stages of the Vietnam War.
– **Features**: Offers both semi-automatic and fully-automatic fire modes, longer effective range, and greater magazine capacity.

**Comparison**:
– **Firepower**: The M14 has a greater magazine capacity and can fire in both semi-automatic and fully-automatic modes.
– **Cartridge**: The M14 uses the modern 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, which is shorter but ballistically equivalent to the older .30-06.
– **Design**: The M1 has a simpler design with an internal clip system, while the M14 uses a detachable magazine, providing quicker reloading capabilities.

Overall, the M14 was intended to replace the M1 by offering improvements in range, firepower, and adaptability. However, the M14 was eventually succeeded by the M16 due to issues with weight and control during full-auto fire.

Can a civilian own an M14?

In the United States, civilian ownership of an M14 is generally restricted. The M14 is classified as a selective-fire battle rifle, which means it has the capability to switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. Fully automatic firearms are heavily regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986, which banned the civilian sale of new automatic weapons.

However, civilians can own semi-automatic versions of the M14, such as the M1A, which is a variant produced by Springfield Armory. These semi-automatic rifles are legal in most states and do not fall under the same restrictions as fully automatic firearms. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of state and local laws that may impose additional restrictions or requirements.