M1A Scout Rifle-What You Didn’t Know
February 14, 2009 by m1arifles
Filed under M1A Scout Rifle
Click M1a scout to enlarge
So everybody is talking about the Scout version of the M1A. This new bloke is able to shoot 3-4” or better at 100 yards. The accuracy was so unbelievable that one of the Vietnam veterans once said that it is so accurate that it could “shoot the balls of a mosquito”.
A big plus point is that the M1A Scout’s cleaner operating system is easy to use cause there is no direct gas impingement. This semi-automatic design is good for your target practice, security and of course for any kind of hunting. The only thing that most shooters are concern about is the fact that it is quite expensive and a little heavy.
Anyhow, it is fast becoming the law enforcement favorite. This M1A Scout Squad rifle with forward mounted optical sight base provides an excellent platform for the aim point military sight. The M1A Scout is said to have a lot more hand on. Some say that the iron rifle’ accuracy can go up to 500 yards. It has all the benefits of target acquisition and are vastly improved. Additionally, the passage is unhindered to the receiver mechanism.
Despite having a proprietary muzzle stabilizer, what you really need to know about the M1A Scout is that it is quite a “blast” when you perform your shooting, therefore you need to make sure that you have a good earpro to able to overcome the loud noise.
One more thing you need to know about the M1A Scout is that it is truly compact and powerful. This feature is incomparable to any of the other counterpart. Its 18-inch barrel made possible by a returned gas system. Plus the black fiberglass stock, forward-mounted scout-style scope mount is such a beauty. Due to these facts, the M1A Scout is quite expensive compared to its counterpart, for instance the Armalite AR-10 Carbide. However, in terms of the ergonomics and accuracy, the M1A Scout wins hands down. It is undeniably solid, not like another piece of plastic shooting device like some of its counterparts.
That is why the M1A is known as the Battle Rifle, it is due to its sturdy design and high accuracy. Though it is quite heavy due to its robust design, it is very accurate for a semi-automatic. When you finally use it and have the hands on experience, will help you to understand more about the fantabulous performance of the M1A. A lot of those who have been in the war and have experience with the M1A-the fully automated version have approved of the quality of the M1A Scout.
do “This new bloke is able to shoot 3-4” or better at 100 yards.” are you guys shooter? because 3-4 inch groups at a hundred yards pretty bad
or did miss I read this
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Joe Reply:
October 1st, 2009 at 6:25 pm
4 moa = 4″ at 100 yards. That is the requirement for a military expert qualification ( without a scope! )
You will not find a rifle that can shoot sub moa with semi auto functionality, that is durable enough to withstand the elements and conditions of a true battle rifle.
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m1arifles Reply:
October 1st, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Actually, all you have to do is shoot 38-40 during qualification to earn the expert marksmanship badge.
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US Marine Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
The M1A is an awesome platform, currently it and the full 22 inch version are used by our military in modified Mark 14 EBR Mod 0 battlerifle (EMR for Marines and some Army units 22″). I am in the process of building a Mark 14 EBR Mod 0 for myself.
But to correct Joe’s reply that 4 MOA is 4″ is incorrect. 4 MOA is actually 4.188″ at 100 yards. Or it = 1.047, so if you click adjust to correct for 4″ you need to know that an MOA is actually 1.047 so you do not over correct. The further you are shooting the more error you will see if you are not accurate in calculating MOA versus how far up/down or left/right you need to adjust your scope to.
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I really like the quote from the Vietnam vet who say you could “shoot the balls of a mosquito” with this rifle. The stock rifle without a scope or any modifications is relatively heavy so I can only imagine what it must weigh after adding some attachments. Regardless, it’s still one of my favorite rifles to use when I go target shooting.
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Fardreamer Reply:
March 17th, 2009 at 10:17 am
I think the weight of the military version (the M-14) is what made it such a problem for the Army, especially in Vietnam. I remember reading somewhere that when the M-16 came along, its plastic content made it so much lighter that soldiers called it the Mattel Rifle.
(Incidentally, if you have watched the movie The Green Berets….if you look very closely at the film, you’ll notice that the Duke’s M-16 is actually a toy and not a realistic mockup!
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Who doesn’t like a pin-point accuracy of a gun? With counter-strike lovers all across the globe, this weapon will surely create vibes. A headshot while hunting is the best feeling a person can derive during evening hunting drives.
With exceptionally high rating and performance, alongwith competitive price, M1A scout rifle will surely surprise eveyonw with its muzzle and power.
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Have to agree with you on this. Pin point accuracy of a rifle is very important. At least to me. I do not want to waste shots, do you? As far as the ear noise from this one being loud, well it is definately worth it and as long as you are well protected you have nothing to worry about.
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I have to say that the scout is a really great gun, I have it’s big brother M1a. I have found that with the longer barrel I am able to shoot a little more exactly while hunting or competing in competion shooting. I have also used this gun while in the service. I know the gun is a little heavy, 9.2 pounds, but when you are out shooting you find that you soon forget the weight of the gun. Just think of the history of this gun and how you really love to have the history of the gun in your hands and the fun you can have with it
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I think the author meant 3/4″ @ 100 yds.
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Aries Wren Reply:
March 22nd, 2009 at 7:28 am
I think he did too, a rifle that misses at a range I could shoot accurately with a handgun is only worth it for an aluminum deposit. An inaccurate rifle can mean the difference between being called a hero and being called a part of a botched hostage rescue.
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My uncle always told me this; “If the police like it, you better use it.”, since the police put their lives on the line every day, they know how to defend themselves with and from firearms. When you have that kind of confidence being backed up with a gun, then it’s worth using.
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ummmm… the M1A Scout has a barrel length of 18″, not 16″ (check SA’s website and it will confirm). I own one and got it SPECIFICALLY because it has an 18″ barrel, which is a nice compromise between the 20-22″ barrels on other models and the 16″ barrel on the Socom II…
And it’ll shoot 3/4″ groups easy… he musta meant 3/4″ and not 3-4″….
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Do they make the scout with a walnut stock ? And where can i find a brand new one ?
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Erik Reply:
July 16th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
yes. and just go to your local gunstore and ask them to order one for you.
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Just got my m1a scout, want to sleep with it tonight but the wife say’s it’s me or the rifle. what should I do ?
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Mike Renneisen Reply:
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:13 am
You should buy a lifetime supply of condoms and use them everytime you have sex. Get a life.
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I have the 16″ SOCOM. It’s solid as a rock and handy. It has shot all types of ammo, and never jams, really. It loves 125 grainers. I reload for it too. I was in the service and have shot everything from 120mm tank cannon to 9mm Beretta. The SOCOM hits as hard at 300 yards as the .223 at the muzzle. I keep all the crappy toys off my guns and rely on good old fashiond sights. No batteries, no fog, no reflections, no problems after bumps and bangs. I’d rather have a thousand bucks worth of ammo than bling on the picatinny. 90% of battle engagements are within 300 yards… and targets are moving, so .5 inch grous don’t mean crap in real battle. I’ve hit plenty of targets at 400 yards with peep sights. Sniping guns are oversensationalized and way over rated. Real life is down and dirty. When your breathin hard and have sweat in your eyes, you want a solid gun that hits hard, and goes off when you want it to. I’ll take a M1A type rifle over an AR anyday, and I’ve shot plenty of both. You can carry twice the amount of .223 ammo, but you get twice the energy and penetration out of the .308. I’ll take the .308 for barrier penetration any day. The 120mm takes the cake tho… Heck, just call in some arty and kick back for the show with some lemonade. Most zombies aren’t out in plain view sitting still. They hide behind trees, walls, vehicles and dirt. I’ll trade lots of little bullets for a few big ones that I know will get the job done. Real combat demands simplicity, durability, and reliability. The SOCOM 16 meets my personal goals and expectations. Shoot whatever turns your crank, this is my personal opinion. The debates will rage on forever…
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spanky Reply:
October 6th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
TW Thanks for speaking up, i,ve always known simple is better, thats why this scout rifle works so well it is a no bull rifle. It will cycle any type of ammo you put through it, can easily hit a steel pot out to 300 yards with the basic military sights it came with.
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jon Reply:
October 10th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I totally agree with your statements! The M1A rifles are so bad ass! I have shot the Socom and loved it. I just purchased a brand new M1A Scout Squad rifle. I have been looking for one of these for over a year. In my opinion, it is hands down the baddest rifle in .308. It’s so durable, so dependable, so powerful, and incredibly accurate. No wonder these rifles are almost impossible to find in the civilian market! Now I know why the military is snatching all of them up.
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I’m with TW. When it comes to clearing out an area with hostiles, it’s best to have an accurate thumper in your hands. Of course we’re all M1A whores on this site, but any REAL rifleman who gets a chance to shoot one of these will quickly develop an appreciation for the M1A/m14 regardless if they are FN fans, AK, H&K G3, M16, or AR10/SR25. As a Marine from 1985 to 94′, my service rifle was the M16A2. A good rifle to about 400yrds but a wounder after that. The zippy little bullet is just too light. The G3′s iron sights are suspect after 300 yrds. I know, I’ve owned one. I was a 5th Award Expert Rifleman in the Corps, and bought a G3 for my own private use in my pursuit for the “Perfect” rifle, being not happy with the M16. However, I could never get my dope right on the G3′s sights. FN’s are closer to the Mark as being a great rifle, however, shot side by side with an M1A in the hands of an expert of equal quality, they will lose. I know, I’ve defeated a good FN rifleman at his own 700 meter range in Missouri handily with my M1A Scout Squad. In fact, it got embarrassing. AK’s? are a reliable reliable all day long, everyday war gun. Though in a stand-off gun battle, the M14/M1A in the hands of a Marine will destroy the unfortunate using it. Why? The AK is not a “Battle Field Rifle” because it’s sights are designed for 300 yard assault engagements. Not stand off battles when trading big lead. SR25?–it’s hard to argue with it. But it’s a black tie rifle after everything is said and done, meaning, if it’s not kept immaculately clean, ALL THE TIME, it will get you killed when you need it most because it has the same reliability issues as the M16. If I’m wrong, why hasn’t the DOD switched to 308 AR10 version? Why would they be producing new M14s instead developed by Smith Enterprises for the Army, and the Marine Corps with their own Armorers? Answer: It’s the perfect rifle for the “Battle Field.”
Anyway, this is just my humble viewpoint based on experience, not opinion.
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peter Reply:
March 8th, 2011 at 10:37 am
The M14 rifle and its variations are probably the best battle rifle ever fielded. I’m an old “Devil Dog”. I trained with both the M1 and the M14. Used the M14 for 13 monthes in Nam, accurate, reliable, simple to maintain. M16s were failing like crazy, my M14 NEVER malfunctioned. I have since owned many battle rifles, HK,AR,AK, etc. NOTHING is as good as the M14. My “get up and go” rifle is an M1A scout, I love it. Peter
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The scout has an 18in barrel according to springfields website. You blow your credibility when your article has mistakes like such
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While the Scout does only come in 18″ (SAI Website), they also make the SOCOM 16, which I believe they are both very similar and only differ in the available stocks offered and the Scout offered with a muzzle break. Both operate under the same gas system I think.
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I just bought a Scout/Squad from a dealer but it hasn’t come in yet. I researched every damn combat rifle that I could find reading material on. I wanted accuracy at 400 yards with iron sites, penetration power and super reliability and everytime I came up with the M1A. I have never fired one. It will be a brand new experience for this Newbie. From reading all of these comments I am sure that I have made the right decision. In fact, I know I have made the right decision. I’ll let you know how the first experience goes. Until then, I am impatiently awaiting my new Scout/Squad. To be continued….
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Just got back from the range with my Springfield M1A Scout and its a fantastic shooter. As a small framed woman and former Army brat girl who grew up going shooting with my daddy in the 80s and 90s I had always been more of an AR-15/M-16 gal and used to be a little apprehensive about the size and weight of an M1A/M14. 22 inches was just too much for me. But after being an AR shooter for almost 15 years after an old ex-boyfriend got me into it back in college, I finally saw the light and just got an M1A scout one year ago, and I have never looked back. That springfield muzzle break REALLY tames that .308, and with that thick rubber recoil pad on the butt its downright enjoyable to shoot even for a girl like me, (although that muzzle break is LOUD, so wear good ear protection). Mine has the black synthetic stock, and I love the way the 18 inch barrel balances compared to the full length 22” barrel wearing wood, and really doesnt seem to weigh too much for me. While I love the wood, I dont like it when its too long, and 18 inches is just right for me. Although I have a slender/petite build the m1A scout is about as heavy of a rifle as Id want to carry, and it doesnt feel that much heavier than the M4gery I used to shoot.
And Im saying that as a girl who can be quite sensitive to carrying around extra rifle weight, because even though I only in my mid 30s, Im ashamed to admit I already have symptoms of early onset emphysema from being a somewhat compulsive chain smoker for almost twenty years (like 2 to 3 packs a day since I was in my teens, and yea, I know I need to try to quit or at least cut back someday). So I didnt mean to digress, but my point was the m1a scout’s weight is really not too bad, even for me, and its just inside my comfort level. I’ve never had any sort of optics on it, and although I might like to try an Aimpoint on it someday, the iron sights suit me just fine for now. I mean, I can usually ding the steel silhouettes out to 300 yards with the irons, so that aint too bad.
Lastly, I have to say, my m1a scout is dead sexy. I work around a bunch of roughneck boys as a landman (landwoman!) in east Texas, and it always attracts alot of attention, especially from any of the ex military guys who try to hit me up for a date on the range. But just like woman shooting a .45, you know a girl means business if shes bringing an m1a.
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Who’s fooling who? The majority of “hunters” have never been in a fire fight where confusion reigns. Deer, bear, etc, don’t shoot back – from all angles, to rip your senses “in the moment” from your training. It’s no use telling anyone to get real until they go through the door on their own. Even then, some dumb shits won’t give up the machismo for reality. . . they belong in graves. All you need to do on target in a fire fight is to knock em down and keep the down – it doesn’t matter where you hit them as long as they can’t fire back. kill shot follows immobility. All this oorah amounts to a 12 inch hit circle at 200 yards – for deer take it down to 8″. Fools should stay off the Internet – because – their crap – if believed – will end up killing soldiers and not game animals.
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