[kevinofcamelot]

Ok this is my first rifle, I want an all around multi purpose.. I am thinking of springfield squad scout or ar style 7.62. I just want a rifle that will be a combat defensive weapon as well as a weapon that I could use to knock down a deer if needed. I would like to hear from people who have experience with both.

 

[Hungry]

I've shot both. I own an M1A standard. It's the best rifle I've ever owned. The M1A is my choice based on my experience with the M14/M21.

A guy I shoot with has an AR10. It would be easier to add a bunch of tactic-cool stuff to the AR if that's what you're into.

The only thing I added to the M1A is a leather sling.

They're both capable rifles that fire the same round and would both do what you described. It comes down to personal preference.

Just ask yourself, Do you want a gay AR or a kick-ass M1A? :

 

[Orthrus]

Your question ultimately is personal preference. I despise the AR platform with a passion and have for a very long time, but love the M14.
So no one can you give you an objective answer.

 

[Foxhound]

I've shot both. I own an M1A standard. It's the best rifle I've ever owned. The M1A is my choice based on my experience with the M14/M21.

A guy I shoot with has an AR10. It would be easier to add a bunch of tactic-cool stuff to the AR if that's what you're into.

The only thing I added to the M1A is a leather sling.

They're both capable rifles that fire the same round and would both do what you described. It comes down to personal preference.

Just ask yourself, Do you want a gay AR or a kick-ass M1A? :

The AR series is like the small block chevy of guns, meaning that you have a wide variety of parts available. Not just tacticool, but also matainence parts such as springs, bolts, barrels and receivers, just to list a few. I'd go with the AR.

 

[Hungry]

The AR series is like the small block chevy of guns, meaning that you have a wide variety of parts available. Not just tacticool, but also matainence parts such as springs, bolts, barrels and receivers, just to list a few. I'd go with the AR.

Yea, but you like a Chevy (and a small block at that), not an old-school Pontiac Tempest so........there's that

 

[Saberman]

You might want to check out the LWRC REPR in .308. Expensive but sooooooo nice... I've been on the fence for awile now. 556 AR and a Scoped .308 or something like the REPR. I'm thinking in a Bug out SHTF situation how many long guns can a person really carry? The LWRC might be a good solution. There are many accessories to go with it too.

 

[BugOutDude]

M1As are definitely sweet rifles but I'd go with the AR10 style rifle and day of the week and twice on Sunday! There are more accessories and switching out parts is a breeze. Also, all the standard M1As, I've picked up have been heavy as hell. I wouldn't want to trek for miles carrying one of those. AR10s can be heavy too but I don't think they are as bad. I could be wrong though.

 

[Foxhound]

Yea, but you like a Chevy (and a small block at that), not an old-school Pontiac Tempest so........there's that

Thanks for making my point. Not alot of tempest parts floating around.

 

[JaredD]

One main reason I went with the AR is because it's so simple to break down and put back together, all the way down to the trigger group. And I know nothing about guns, so for me to build one from pieces, it must be simple. Now that I've done it, I know I can fix it no matter where I'm at. I just ordered quite a few spare springs and pins and eventually I'll order more trigger group stuff. One reason I don't like the AR is because I don't want people thinking I'm running around the woods playing Army guy. : I have it because I understand it.

 

[sailinghudson25]

Don't own a M1A. However, the folks who own both the shorter scout M1A and the regular barrel length (22"?) M1A prefer the standard length. If you want a short, light, handy rifle, go for a AK or small reciever AR. M1A is a rifle, keep it a rifle.

One good option for the same price is this. Buy an AR-15 in 5.56, then buy a 6.8SPC upper down the road. A light, capable, and affordable to shoot firearm that in a minute switches to a very competent medium range hunting rifle.

5.56 is capable on deer. Keep it to 150 yards or less, wait till the deer and your nerves are calm, wait till you get a good clean shot, and use a quality soft point hunting bullet. You'll never have any trouble getting any deer with almost any round. The point where folks get into trouble is thinking they need to rush the shot. That's when things get sloppy.

 

[*Paladin*]

I am an M1A fan (I own a M1A Standard). However, the points been made by folks above that for replacement part availability the AR is where it's at. Generally speaking, the AR-10 will be more accurate, but the M1A will be slightly more reliable. At least, in my exerience that has been the case. Your mileage may vary... :thumb:

 

[MarksInnerDemon]

Of the 7.62 family of rifles the M1A is probably one of the most reliable well thought out rifles on the market. There are others that are just as well designed, but like I said its a top runner. As for the deer hunting vs utility I think you are barking up the wrong tree on two points.

First the AR you want will be the least compatible and least easy to find parts for. There are just more people with the 5.56 family, and the M1A family then the M10s. Not a bad rifle but still. Also if you are looking for hunting a 5.56, 7.62x39, 5,45x39 are all effective, unless you need long long distance. For anything under 500 yards they just fine. Also most of those rounds are more versitile, and a better choice for the all around weapon. The 308 family is still fine so just ponder that, but any of them are fine to select from.

 

[*Paladin*]

Of the 7.62 family of rifles the M1A is probably one of the most reliable well thought out rifles on the market. There are others that are just as well designed, but like I said its a top runner. As for the deer hunting vs utility I think you are barking up the wrong tree on two points.

First the AR you want will be the least compatible and least easy to find parts for. There are just more people with the 5.56 family, and the M1A family then the M10s. Not a bad rifle but still. Also if you are looking for hunting a 5.56, 7.62x39, 5,45x39 are all effective, unless you need long long distance. For anything under 500 yards they just fine. Also most of those rounds are more versitile, and a better choice for the all around weapon. The 308 family is still fine so just ponder that, but any of them are fine to select from.

Nearly every part on the AR10 is interchangeable with the AR15, with the exception of the BCG, barrel, stripped upper and stripped lower. All of the small parts, buttstock and pistol grip, FCG, sights are all interchangeable. Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick...

 

[sarge912]

Not to pick a fight but I have the Scout Squad and much prefer it to the full length. I loved the balance on it from the second I picked it up. I can consistently hit a pie pan at 100 yards with the NM sights that came with it and better if I bench it.
Having said that, I recently shot a couple of FN SCAR 17's. If I could afford it, I would own it but it's still too rich for my blood.:

 

[MarksInnerDemon]

Nearly every part on the AR10 is interchangeable with the AR15, with the exception of the BCG, barrel, stripped upper and stripped lower. All of the small parts, buttstock and pistol grip, FCG, sights are all interchangeable. Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick...

Ok so you can keep the stock, the pistol grip, and the trigger group but everything else has to go to include the buffer spring probably the first thing you really need to replace, different buffer. Sorry that isn't as interchangeable that is most of the gun minus the furniture. Regardless at least you can scrounge some things up which is a plus. I would like to know if that front sight (with integrated gas block) is the same. Unless we are talking the BUIS stuff then you will have me laughing. :

 

[blue123]

Ok this is my first rifle, I want an all around multi purpose.. I am thinking of springfield squad scout or ar style 7.62. I just want a rifle that will be a combat defensive weapon as well as a weapon that I could use to knock down a deer if needed. I would like to hear from people who have experience with both.

i use an armalite ar-10, it has exceeded my personal expectations.

if you want a hard hitting reliable rifle that can be made to fit your personal physique, that can be adapted to any situation fast ie., modular then the armalite ar-10 deserves your serious consideration.

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.as...Category=f4bd4a13-55d1-41aa-aea0-49488ec48776

 

[Tiggerron]

I'm a newby to the board but I want to put my 2 cents in. I own both an M1A standard and a AR-15. I love both rifles. But I ask myself. Which would I want to carry? In a moving fight the AR. If I am in a fortified area, definetly the M1A. For hunting I'd also take the M1A. Ammunition is readily available for both rifles in a wide range. I think that if you are trying to pick one rifle that will do everything equally well you are wasting your time. Maybe get the AR and a good 12-guage.

 

[Jeffrey]

The M1A scout is much easier to handle than an M1A standard. It may sound strange, but those couple inches make a big difference. (yeah that's what she said too). The AR is more "barbie" friendly for adding tacti-cool stuff, but the M1A is much better suited for hunting and is much more rugged.

Close off the gas key and the M1A is now a single shot bolt action rifle.

Example: Have a spent shell get jammed in the chamber of an M1A? Put the buttstock on the ground and your foot on the oprod and push down.
Have a spent shell get jammed in the chamber of an AR? Remove your bolt carrier, then insert your cleaning kit rod (you have it with you right?) down the bore and start hitting it with a hammer.



The Socom sucks.

 

[1101agaoj]

Foxhound is on to something, preppers by their nature are pragmatic. You can and should choose based on preference...just remember certain platforms have more parts availability for you as you decide what your plan A/plan B is (and contingency to those) if need be. Choose wisely.

 

[Hummer]

Considering the fact that 40% of AR receivers are "gaged out of spec" at first depot rebuild and destroyed tells you that while you may be able to get lots of cool bells and whistles attached to it the mother board (for lack of a better description) will likely be the first thing to go down.

M1As are pretty good though I have a good friend who builds them as match rifles for Camp Perry and he says he won't touch the import ones made in far east at all.

The full up M1A is good to 1000 yards with scope mounted. The AR would is as well. Making anything with a shorter barrel will decrease your velocity and effective range at same time.

Price wise they are about the same except mags for the M14 are far more available than are the AR mags. I was at gun show last weekend and M14 mags were everywhere. I did not see one mag for the AR in 308.

Both systems are gas operated so attention to the gas systems is required to keep them going long term.

The M1A is authorized for use in Distinguished Rifle Matches and Presidents 100 Match. The AR is not.

Both systems will have equal barrel life assuming same firing schedule.

At Camp Perry I am seeing Army shooters using 7.62 variant in 1000 yard matches and was shooting next to one two years ago and the shorter barrel gives a much louder report than does the M14 and the Army shooters and heavy mags with lead encased to add weight to the rifle. They were do doing that well at 1000 which I suspect is due to the close slight radius. The older you get the further apart your sights need to be to get a good sight picture thus Army team shooters are most all in their 20s.

Your age is your enemy when shooting iron sights and one sees few people with any age on them doing well with ARs though many are seen doing well with M1A.

I will stick with M1A for these reasons.