M14 Forum

1911A1Guy · February 14th, 2012, 01:01 PM

This is not a "Which gun should I get?" post. It's more of me being excited about a purchase and wanting to share my thought process on how I made the decision I made.

I'm not really a rifle guy. I'd like to be. But I seem to add to the pistol and shotgun collection every time I make a purchase. My only center fire rifle is an AR in 5.56.

I'm determined to get a new rifle. A second AR in 5.56 is on the list. However, I think that something firing a .30 cal bullet is next.

I strongly considered an AR in 300 AAC Blackout. It's high on the list but didn't make the cut. I decided on a 7.62 NATO (.308 Win) chambering.

Now, I first had my sights set on a do-it-all gun for everything from 0-600 yards with MOA accuracy. I could use it for hunting, 3 gun, F-Class and more. A really nice AR-type gun would be perfect. After looking at AR-type guns from LaRue, POF, F&D, et al, I decided that I didn't want to spend the $2500+ on the rifle alone.

Post sticker-shock, I set my budget at $1500. In doing so, I needed to make the choice between an MOA gun which would likely be a bolt action (and under budget) and a 'battle rifle' semi-auto which will likely not get me MOA*.

I'll end up doing both in the end. For now, I want a battle rifle. I'll set up a bolt gun in .308 for my next project. Another contributing factor is that I would need a scope for the bolt gun. Battle rifles have iron sights with optics being an option.

For the battle rifle I looked at the FN FAL, M1A, HK G3, and lower-end AR-10s (DPMS/Armalite). This is where the research side of me gets overruled by the emotional side. All of the guns mentioned have merit. None would be a poor choice. My choice just has to have the 'it' factor. Of the guns mentioned above, only the M1A had the 'it' factor.

Of the M1As, the one with the most 'it' is the SOCOM 16. In fact, my order was just placed today. I just happen to have an Aimpoint T1 sitting around. It'll make a great combo with this rifle.

Part of being happy with a purchase is in setting realistic expectations. A battle rifle is a 2-4 MOA gun. Some things can be done, on the cheap, to get the 4" M1A into the 2" category (I learned about them here

). But my expectations are not to have a 1 MOA gun here. I was tempted to buy a full-size loaded, add a scope, and accurize it into a 600 yard shooter. Then I regained my focus on what I want this gun to be. It's not for making one ragged hole at 200 yards. It's for banging an 8" gong at 200 yards (or less).

* My research does indicate that some of the DPMS 308s and FNAR 308s are MOA guns. Although perhaps a wise choice on paper, I just wasn't very interested in these models.

Mindfield · February 14th, 2012, 01:04 PM

Cool, also glad to see you have realistic expectations for a SOCOM, its a fighting rifle, not a sniper rifle, so 4MOA is good enough

RandyB45 · February 14th, 2012, 01:21 PM

Same process I used but I went with a Scout. I looked hard at LMT, but decided on an M1A because of GI mags, GI parts, and, given the political situation, possibly some folks carrying my resupply. Cheap enough to buy another case or 5 of ammo.

Like you, 2" cheaply is doable. That's 2" better than my rickety hold will do most days.

I think we done good. (sic)

bobbyfairbanks · February 14th, 2012, 01:31 PM

My socom in its EBR Mod 0 stock holds sub MOA. Tightest group ever was .774. The Socom rifle can shoot a lot better then people realise. You just have to do your part. I hope you get a good Socom. That is a big part of it.

54321 · February 14th, 2012, 01:42 PM

Congrats!

I hope you love your Socom as much as I love mine. Awesome gun!

RET DEP 04 · February 14th, 2012, 04:10 PM

Congratulations on the new SOCOM and well done on the decision making process. I have a great time with mine and I expect you will too.

MrM4Guy · February 14th, 2012, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1911A1Guy

This is not a "Which gun should I get?" post. It's more of me being excited about a purchase and wanting to share my thought process on how I made the decision I made.

I'm not really a rifle guy. I'd like to be. But I seem to add to the pistol and shotgun collection every time I make a purchase. My only center fire rifle is an AR in 5.56.

I'm determined to get a new rifle. A second AR in 5.56 is on the list. However, I think that something firing a .30 cal bullet is next.

I strongly considered an AR in 300 AAC Blackout. It's high on the list but didn't make the cut. I decided on a 7.62 NATO (.308 Win) chambering.

Now, I first had my sights set on a do-it-all gun for everything from 0-600 yards with MOA accuracy. I could use it for hunting, 3 gun, F-Class and more. A really nice AR-type gun would be perfect. After looking at AR-type guns from LaRue, POF, F&D, et al, I decided that I didn't want to spend the $2500+ on the rifle alone.

Post sticker-shock, I set my budget at $1500. In doing so, I needed to make the choice between an MOA gun which would likely be a bolt action (and under budget) and a 'battle rifle' semi-auto which will likely not get me MOA*.

I'll end up doing both in the end. For now, I want a battle rifle. I'll set up a bolt gun in .308 for my next project. Another contributing factor is that I would need a scope for the bolt gun. Battle rifles have iron sights with optics being an option.

For the battle rifle I looked at the FN FAL, M1A, HK G3, and lower-end AR-10s (DPMS/Armalite). This is where the research side of me gets overruled by the emotional side. All of the guns mentioned have merit. None would be a poor choice. My choice just has to have the 'it' factor. Of the guns mentioned above, only the M1A had the 'it' factor.

Of the M1As, the one with the most 'it' is the SOCOM 16. In fact, my order was just placed today. I just happen to have an Aimpoint T1 sitting around. It'll make a great combo with this rifle.

Part of being happy with a purchase is in setting realistic expectations. A battle rifle is a 2-4 MOA gun. Some things can be done, on the cheap, to get the 4" M1A into the 2" category (I learned about them here

). But my expectations are not to have a 1 MOA gun here. I was tempted to buy a full-size loaded, add a scope, and accurize it into a 600 yard shooter. Then I regained my focus on what I want this gun to be. It's not for making one ragged hole at 200 yards. It's for banging an 8" gong at 200 yards (or less).

* My research does indicate that some of the DPMS 308s and FNAR 308s are MOA guns. Although perhaps a wise choice on paper, I just wasn't very interested in these models.

First, I hope whatever I am about to post will not be taken as snobby, but more just as my own opinion. My opinion is from actual ownership, usage, or reading from several sources.
If you already have made your decision, and purchase, are you posting to ensure yourself that you made the right one, or can you get a refund and go a different route?
I ask because the SOCOM is a good weapon, but if you base it on the M-14 or M1A platform, then you have made a mistake. The SOCOM has a shorter action, thus needing a different proprietary gas system which is fairly new compared to the previously mentioned models. In essence, it is not a battle tested rifle like the M-14 platform. I have owned a Springfield Armory SOCOM like a couple of my friends, and had more feeding problems than my SA M1A Standard. After owning it for a couple of years, I came to the conclusion that it was not a suitable battle rifle in the sense of reliability. Some people will argue with this reliability issue and say that they never had a problem with theirs ( I am glad they have not ), but if you do your research, you will find this is the majority and not the minority. Sorry if I sound like sour grapes, I am just passing on my personal experiences.
To let you know my background with combat style rifles, I currently possess 1 Springfield Armory standard, 2 M-4's by Bushmaster, 1 AK-47 milled Chinese manufacture, 1 Springfield Model 1903 Remington manufacture and several others in a bolt, pump, and lever actions.
I like the M-14 platform very much. With mine using iron sights, in a standing position, I can hit six inch rocks at 200 meters on a consistent basis ( when the guys and I are out hunting or plinking ). It is currently set up with a Leupold VX-R tactical patrol 3x9 powered 30mm tube illuminated scope model 113771. It is mount to the rifle via A.R.M.S. generation 3 #18 M-21 scope base, with #22m throw lever 30mm rings. The rings are quick detach allowing me to detach the scope to use the iron sights, then re-attach the scope without compromising the zero. Accuracy with the scope? Usually inside two inches at 100 meters ( not bad for a standard M1A battle rifle ). It is one of my hog guns.
Again, my humble opinion. I may be anal when it comes to large money purchases, especially on ones that I may depend on for my life, but in the end, the homework prior makes it worthwhile. In the end though, congrats on your SOCOM and have fun!!!!

Johnnycat · February 14th, 2012, 05:24 PM

Good Choice. The M14 platform just feels good.

Maggotman · February 14th, 2012, 05:31 PM

Nice write up! Enjoy your new SOCOM. It will be a great rifle for you.

MM

Secret Squirrel · February 14th, 2012, 05:48 PM

Don't let your friends shoot it, they won't want to give it back. I love my flame throwing dragon lady! She put a lot of meat in the freezer last season.

Philz M1A · February 14th, 2012, 05:51 PM

congrats! You will love your SOCOM, I love mine.

geepee3 · February 14th, 2012, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrM4Guy

First, I hope whatever I am about to post will not be taken as snobby, but more just as my own opinion.

The SOCOM has a shorter action, thus needing a different proprietary gas system which is fairly new compared to the previously mentioned models.

Sir your opinon is not based on facts. The Socom gas system is the same found on the scout and standard model(Gas cylinder and piston) What is different is the proprietary gas lock/muzzle brake(all one piece), The gas lock threads, The gas port is enlarged and the sight system.

I understand you had problems with your Socom and that is legit. Springfield Armory has an excellent warranty policy and the rifle should have been sent back for service.

I am also a Socom 16 owner. I have close to 3000 rounds through her with out a hiccup. I just do not want misinformation about the gas system of the rifle posted.

To the OP,
Congratulations on your purchase. And I hope you get the same service and pleasure out of your Socom that I have gotten out of mine.

Glenn

jbrooks · February 14th, 2012, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrM4Guy

... The SOCOM has a shorter action...

News to me... please explain.

JWB

1911A1Guy · February 14th, 2012, 07:55 PM

Thanks, guys. I'm really looking forward to owning this rifle.

RAMMAC · February 14th, 2012, 08:19 PM

Sorry MrM4Guy, but I have to go along with the jbrooks and GeePee, you're mistaken about the gas system and to claim that something is a common problem based on your experience isn't really a valid proof. How many SOCOMs have you personally fired and found to have mechanical issues, not problems with the ammo or mistakes in handling, but honest problems in how the rifle was manufactured. Other than the gunsmiths that are on this forum, few of us are really qualified to claim that there is any kind of trend with any specific weapon, we just don't see enough of them to make a qualified evaluation.

Mine (among the three M1A style rifles I currently own) was a dog when I got it. It took no more than a few minutes of filing to make it a reliable weapon. Yes, SA's quality control doesn't seem to be as good as good as it once was but they usually do a good job of fixing the rifle if you give them the chance. I resist using the warranty because I'm a tinkerer and love to find my own solution. Now my SOCOM is my go to, do everything rifle and has been for several thousand rounds.