For "going to the woods" I'd go with the socom, with out all the rails and crap they put on it,

 

I hate the quad rails, so it comes down to barrel length mainly for me. For the M1a I prefer the scout for the extra barrel length. It has the same muzzle brake which is my favorite feature of the socom. Either one is going to be good for woods, but if your taking shoots beyond 300m I would go with the scout.

 

I've been looking at these too lately and is an extremely tough choice between all the models they offer. Does anyone know the max effective range on a pinpoint target for the Scout or the SOCOM?

 

I have a Scout and love it. The fact that the gas system was modified for the SOCOM, but is the original one in the Scout made me pick the Scout over SOCOM.

Accuracy is about the same as a standard M1A.

I'm not a fan of the muzzle break, makes it WAAAY too loud. I put a SE Vortex on mine, and the recoil isn't bad at all.

 

I've got the Scout and my old man has the Socom16. The extra 2" does make a difference with regards to noise! His does handle a bit better in tight spaces, but I still wouldn't trade him if given the opportunity.

 

For me, the scout and socom handle the same. For me, the scout and standard shoot the same (when off the bench). I am getting older, stiffer joints, and eyes going south. What works best for ME is the scout with quality ammo and weaver glass.

Your experiences may vary.

 

The 16 and 18 inch are 2.87 MOA guns that according to Spring Field they are a lot of money for that kind of accuracy.

 

My Scout shoots probably about 1MOA better than that. I'm not a great shot, so I'm sure the weakest link in this equation is me, but here's a 7 or 8 shot group at 100yds. They are 1 inch squares.

 

I like the Scout over the SOCOM for reliability and less noise. They weigh almost the same.

A bone stock Scout or SOCOM will shoot around 1.5 MOA or better to 300 yards or so. You may need an optic to get them to do it but they are plenty capable.

 

After owning and shooting all 3 bbl lenghts, I am likin the 18/18.5 in bbls over the others as a go-to rifle.

An M1A Scout with an SEI Vortex direct connect flash hider/ gas lock front sight is very close in OAL to that of a Socom, retains very close MV to that of a 22in bbl M1A/M14, ( 20 to 50fps in comparison), and does away with any proprietary components that the Socom utilizes. It also reduces muzzle flash by a great margin compared to the std fh, and especially the Socom MB.

http://www.smithenterprise.com/products03.01.html

Here is a comparison pic of an M1A Bush rifle ( flash hider = same length as a Scout's MB)....... next to an SEI "front end"...........................

Note: The version pictured above is an SEI gas lock (hooded) HK style front sight.

The "dovetail" version in the pic above will allow the use of any of the various front sight units out there.

My Socom, along with most of my 22in tubed M14/M1A's went to family members.

Note: My Socom( now my oldest boy's) started out in life as a Socom II, but the rail heavy front end had to go. Makes for a decent little rifle now, as she is sitting in a GI synthetic stock along with std HG.

Note: The rifle with the SEI front end above sports an 18.5in chrome lined bbl, while the M1A-A1 with the std castle nut system sports an 18in SAI non chrome lined tube...... but the longer bbl is still shorter in comparison due to the SEI components.

I use both for hog/deer hunting. From the close in fast movers and for longer shots out around the 400 yd mark...so far.


11B

 

I'm thinking the Scout. Tanker rifle, origionally, right? 18'' 0-300m without wimpier attributes of most common x39 or 5.56 battle cartridges. Sometimes distance and power are enough to win! I know its better on car doors, walls, heavy cover... But mainly better for woods hunting. Or desert. Mountain.

Its a lightened M1 Garand, proven from deserts of Africa to the frozen Chosen. Like the 1911, battle hardened. I sure dont feel confident with my CAR15. The AKs, yeah, I would feel comfortable with an AK. AK74 5.45mm too. Especially vs. people... Ammo is light 'n cheap. BUT NO 308 NATO!!!!!! Especially on an elk, mountain goat, or charging yeti.

 

I have a SOCOM in a Sage EBR stock. If I had it to do over I would have bought a Bush Model.

It has the same gas system as the Milspec version!

 

If I had it to do over I would have bought a Bush Model. It has the same gas system as the Milspec version!

Although I have the full size, if I wanted shorter I would pick up a bush rifle.

 

With the right type of ammo, a skilled rifleman can utilize the Scout/Bush/Tanker out to ranges in excess of 650 yards.

The design itself makes for a very reliable/durable rifle, has excellent iron sights, and also has a slew of well built/modern components allowing the end user to build it up to match their own unique set of circumstances.

Examples include current production magazines, optics mounts, and stocks.


11B

 

My platoon sergeant has the socom II that he took the forward rails off of and set it up with a Aimpoint. I watched him make hit after hit out to 600m on the green Ivan pop up targets that we use with it once he got his hold figured out. I handled it and liked it but it was on the heavy side even without the rails. I am still partial to my LMT M4 even though it is 5.56mm

 

I have the Scout Squad. The first time I picked it up I fell in love with it. At least for me, it is the best balanced, most natural pointing rifle I ever handled. I didn't like the Mossy Oak stock at first but now I like it too.

 

Can u post a pic or 2 of your Scout in the mossy oak furniture?

I have a Mossy oak painted GI stock with matching hg that I might use on another rifle soon, but will have to see how the stock "locks up" to said rifle first, before I truly like it or not. ( It was on my wife's bush rifle, but she opted for wood instead)

Below are 2 stocks that were unmodified GI stocks. I filled in the selector lever holes, then painted them up with Krylon camo brown paint and black hand-guards..........

11B

 

Before these economic times we live in I owned an original Socom and a full size M1A. There was (VERY) minimal difference in accuracy. If I were going to buy one today I would probably go with a Scout...more agile than a full size M1A with essentially the same accuracy. And on a less important note...I think they are more aesthetically pleasing as well. I liked the Socom but always thought it looked "TOO SHORT". Stubby even.

 

I have full size M1A with Mossy Oak stock. Might need to add a Scout to go with it.

The full size is LONG. Seems the Scout would be more handy from a vehicle.

 

Most of my boys love their M1 Gerands but they are too long for my taste.
The Scout Squad fits me to a tee. I am also very found of our M1 Carbines.

 

I purchased a SOCOM II a while back. I put 800 rounds through it and sold it:

3 MOA was not going to meet my needs when several AR10 type weapons are less money and far more accurate.

The weapon was VERY picky on Mags. I ordered 3 from SA, and two had several FTF. I tried 3rd party mags and it was very hit and miss.

Mounting an optic became a nightmare. The SA mount for the SOCOM II was not available. The normal M1A1 mount did not fit. I found a 3rd party (can't remember who now) and it would mount, give me a good weld, but the brass hit it during the ejection cycle and would cause problems.

I sold it, purchased a piston driven AR10 type (POF) and have been a happy camper ever since.

 

That's a bummer. My Scout has been great! I use USGI mags (CMI) and haven't had any issues. My gun shoots around 1.5 MOA as well. It's true though, they were not built to shoot for groups, an AR will suit your needs better for that.