M1A SOCOM – Why does everyone want one?
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Those who were in the army want it. Those who hunt want it. So, what makes the M1A Socom rifle a great shooting device? There are two types of the M1A Socom rifles, which are the M1A Socom II and the M1A Socom 16. Based on the reviews done for the products, most people opt for the later. Technically, the M1A Socom is a 300-yard rifle, beyond that; you need to really have to calculate the drop.
Though it is noticeably bulkier and heavier, its performance has a lot more to talk about rather than its downside. So yeah, while the M1A Socom 16 is a lot bigger and heavier, it is relatively short in length. It has become everybody’s favorite for a few reasons, it's very soft, easy to control, and best of all fun to shoot. It is said to be a “perfect girl gun”. Though the heat is quite unbearable, you can get accessories to help protect you from the heat of the chamber and barrel.
The only thing that makes you think twice about buying the M1A Socom is the price. But, if you are considering the accuracy and effectiveness, then it's money well spent on a M1A Socom. You will be amazed and fully satisfied with your choice. The performance is actually invaluable considering the precise fire on target at great range that it provides. Furthermore, its high accuracy is constantly approved by a lot of veterans rifle users. It was also experimented by many longtime law officers, who can be said as specialists with rifles. The beauty of the 16-inch barrel, with black synthetic stock is a total fascination to gun lovers. M1A Socom 16 is very easy to handle, quick to shoulder and just all-round practical.
The M1A Socom 16 rifle stock is very comfortable in the hands than the thicker wood furniture on the M1A Scout Squad. Although the M1A Socom 16 is smaller, but it weighs about the same to the M1A Scout. However, the short, stout M1A Socom 16 has a lot more attitude, dare we say sexier. It is a powerful and compact shooting device. Moreover, it provides more durability than its counterparts do.
Though there are a lot more users prefer the M1A Socom 16, but the M1A Socom II, is no less than a perfect rifle if accuracy, durability and style are in your mind.
Wow…!! M1A Socom rifle really is something powerful!! I took up to reading about rifles a few months ago and they really fascinate me now. This M1a Socom rifle seems to be a heavy one and I really wonder how people can run around and shoot with it although an explanation about its handling comforts has been given above…
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The M1A Socom riffle is such a beautiful weapon and I am currently saving up to purchase one. I love going hunting with friends but I have never owned my own gun so the M1A Socom riffle will be my first riffle. I have read many great reviews about this weapon and it seems that it is really easy to handle.
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If those who are in the armies want it then I think that is a great shooting device. Armies have trained themselves to hold gun, most of there lives are depended upon it so I believe that they know what they like.
You have forgotten to include the price. I’m sure that I am not the only one who would appreciate it.
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Aries Wren Reply:
March 22nd, 2009 at 8:46 am
Yeah, the price is something that puts a lot of people off. It easily taps at $2000 once you add in taxes, and breaks it once you fork out money for the ammunition. If your state has further taxes on firearms, you’re gonna be forking over a lot of wages for one of those things.
But I assure you, these are worth every red cent you put down for it.
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Is there any way to get some numbers on this? Heavier, more expensive are such relative terms. What may be heavier for me might be just right for someone else. For someone who has a ton of money, then the rifle really isn’t expensive. That being said, I would love to get my hands on one of these just to try it out. Sounds like a fun rifle to shoot.
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i own the m1a socom 2 and it shoots insane.it is very accurate and my wife even loves shooting it and she handles it perfect sitting on the harris bipod . currently i have comp m4 red dot sight that works graet for the 100 yrd shots and even 200 yrds.if your going to buy one make sure to get with the extended picatinny rail that rears over the action and goes where you would use stripper clips for loading so you have more optical choices.wandering if any one knows and has used a good scout scope and reccomends certain manufacturer of one.
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Postman Reply:
March 1st, 2009 at 11:40 pm
I would like to know where did you get one and for how much.
Knowing that someone already possesses this kind of gun only makes me to get one for myself. I just hope that I could afford the gun.
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Now thats a male’s pride. I really love hunting in open reserves and I look forward to buy this great gun. After a lot of survey, I reached a conclusion that this does have some great standings in the market. With a good price, it surely offers the power for which it is meant. Go ahead and grab one for yourself.
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This was a great Rifle to read about. I understand the cost and all but it sounds like one I would definately like to try out. I only have an interest of shooting with rifles as they are more of my comfort zone. I like the look of this one, but if it is heavier it may not be the one for me. Being small that is an important factor.
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The greatest battle rifle made!
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m1a Reply:
March 7th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Amen to that! The best rifle ever made!
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Aries Wren Reply:
March 22nd, 2009 at 8:54 am
Nah, the best rifle ever made goes to the Railgun, which can shoot bullets at two miles a second.
Well, I’m not sure if any of them have been created for use as a personal firearm (It’s more of a cannon), but if they have, I’d snap one up, go to the firing range, and have the bullet go through the target, through the wall, through a tree outside, and through five or six houses.
From what I know of those monsters though, the reason they don’t use them in warfare is because they have a habit of going off whenever they feel like it.
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Charlie Holbrook Reply:
June 18th, 2009 at 2:50 am
Saw the (a) rail gun at one of the ranges I use and I still shake my head at the recollection of the “animal”. Really strange set up, sort of reminded of the movie “The Guns Of Navaronne”. German cannons about 18″ in diameter on massive rails cushioned by hydaulics. Literally shook the whole mountain. Anyway, I urge those who haven’t seen one to find out who has one and when it will be shot next. Real interesting gun. The competitors actually have a helper with them who fine tunes the cartridges between shots. Yep, they have a whole (re)loading outfit right there with them. Anyway, so much for that.
I have actually shot this gun a few times. Being a “short” person and actually a pretty thin lady I was shocked at how nicely I was able to shoot this gun. I would compare it to my 223. Relatively no kick back and though it is a bit “heavy” compared to my other guns, its really not THAT heavy. No more heavy than my SKS I would say, in fact, I would say my SKS is heavier than this gun by far (or at least the one I shot) I’m in the market for one, actually that’s how I found this forum was by searching for where to buy one! There are not any locally, this I know! Help I want one and can’t find one! I want the 2nd edition!
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admin Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 8:08 am
My wife was able to shoot this gu well too. We just went to the range this past weekend and she got to shoot the M1A Scout for the first time. She had a blast. I’ll post the video soon.
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This is one rifle that I actually like, and I’m more of a handgun person. Yes, it will burn your hands off if you’re not wearing gloves, but you should always be wearing plenty of protection when you’re shooting a gun anyway, especially if your target is gonna retaliate.
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How well does it work for left-hand firers?
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I have a socom II with the extended rail, topped with a trijicon 1.25×4 illum scope. It is an excellent shooter with moa accuracy. Granted, I’ve never fired it at anything past 200 yards, but inside that range it is extremely lethal. I will note that I live in the People’s Socialist Republik of Kalifornia, which means I can’t use a forward handgrip, therefore I just keep the lower rail off, as it is a knuckle buster. I love this gun. It cycles std milspec 147gr surplus loads and my own 168 gr TSX loads without a problem. I just have to sight it in for the given ammo I’m using.
It is a bit heavy for a short bbl rifle, but for close quarters, high impact/penetration applications it will be hard to beat this piece. Also, my 16 yr old daughter shoots it without complaining about recoil. I think the extra weight probably helps here. The only downside is the price. I just added a stud to the stock so I can add a harris bipod. That will be the finishing touch. Yeah I know that will add extra weight, but what the hell? This is a fun gun, and I intend to have fun with it!
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m1arifles Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
have any pics?
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Charlie Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Right now I only have a picture of the rifle w/o the scope, but now that you mention it, I’ll take some more photos of the rifle w the scope, with the bottom rail, and with the new stock I just got from Springfield. I’m a pretty decent photographer. but I’ll need a couple days to take the shots, er, I mean photos.
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Charlie Reply:
December 5th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
I am old and slow but I finally got around to taking some photos of my more than excellent SOCOMII. Now I have to say that it was a damn fine rifle out of the box, but I’m one of those grumpy ol’ curmudgeon’s who’s just never satisfied, so I went out and bought myself an EBR stock for SOCOM and I tell you with adjustable cheek weld and length of pull, I’ve never shot a more fun M1A, and that includes the full auto M14 version my Uncle Sam let me shoot back in the very early 70s. Anyway enough talk, now I just have to figure out how to post my before and after pics…
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I just bought a new Socom 16 last weekend. The tag attached to the trigger guard said it was made 2-2-10. So I guess it is straight from the assembly line. The gun store only had it on the rack for a few days. I got it, an additional 20 round mag made by Springfield Arms, a bore snake and with sales tax on the high side of 6 percent, I made it out the door less than 2K. I think I did OK. I have three “black” guns with two chambered in 7.62 x 51mm. I really like them all but I think this will be my new favorite even though it is not an AR variant. This baby just feels right. No cheap parts or rattles here. I can’t wait to break in the barrel according to military procedures and then seeing how tight a group it will give at 300 yards. I’ll let all know when I get to that point. Keep it in the 10 ring.
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James A Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
I just bought one online from Gallery of Guns FFL dealers bid on your biz got a SOCOM 16 for $1730 total tax shipping and all check out their site its worth it I ordered it today Dealer aaid pick it up tomorrow he’s having it over night shipped. I can’t wait.
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I really did not understand the article. Heat, heavy, bulky? I’ve got the SOCOM 16 and suffer none of those issues. It’s just a shorter barreled M1A with a scout rail? Sounds like you’re firing a brick. Are you referring to the SOCOM II with the big rail? I put a walnut stock on my Socom 16 and it’s a refined weapon for a rifleman. Those rails on other models are hard on the hands. I soaked my wood stock that I ordered from Springfield for $260.00 in Watco Teak Oil for two days for water proofing. It’s gorgeous, and because of the walnut pattern, one of a kind. If your rifle starts smoking, then you’re putting too much oil on the barrel. Heat? It’s not a SAW (squad automatic weapon)but a precision close quarters battle rifle. One shot one kill–Spray and pray is for M16s.
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CJGarvin Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Sorry, I read this above and it may look to civilians like a radical wrote it–no–I’m just a Marine who thinks in tactical terms.
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I know everybody loves the tactical look and short style of this weapon, but here’s some facts. This weapon a waste of ammo, time money and materials. Numbers don’t lie.
The SOCOM II is 16.25 in. and fires a .308 caliber / 7.62 x 51mm at 2425 fps. which robs this cartridge of much of its power and speed.
Optimum barrel length for the ammunition in this shell length is around 20 to 24 in.
7.62 x 51mm NATO / Muzzle Velocity = 2800 fps. M1A1, Model 700 and so on.
7.62 x 54R / Muzzle Velocity = 2579 fps. Draganov SVD.
If you’re looking for a weapon that shoots 7.62 around 2400 fps like the SOCOM II and has an assault style 16 inch barrel, buy an AK for half the price.
7.62 x 39mm / Muzzle Velocity = 2355 fps.
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L. Love Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
And the SOCOM II has a hard time cycling ammo.
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Sasquatch Reply:
November 13th, 2011 at 10:01 am
I’m not sure where you get your numbers, but they’re not entirely accurate. None of them. And if you’re trying to compare a Draganov SVD to a M1A SOCOM, you might as well be comparing a semi truck to a half-million-dollar sports car. Different round, different barrel, HUGE difference in price. You’ll pay much more that two grand for an actual SVD, unless maybe you’re thinking of the Chinese version, or the Romanian PSL, neither of which are SVDs. Either way, you’re not going to get anywhere near the accuracy of a SOCOM our of any stock AK, even if you stuck two grand into it.
Anyway. My SOCOM II out of the box (literally, I took it out of the box at the range) made one triangle-shaped hole at 100 yards with the first three rounds. A few sight adjustments later, and it didn’t take half a mag to completely destroy the center of the target, so much so that you could see the hole from the bench. I’m not sure where any heat issue comes in, because the barrel is completely wrapped in rails — this also makes the rifle somewhat front-heavy, but the short, stocky aspect of this rifle makes it very solid off a bipod or rest. If desired (this is what I’ll do with mine), it’s very easy to remove the bottom rail and simply attach a bipod to the sling mount holes in the stock, leaving the opportunity to put your non-firing hand on the bottom of the stock instead of under less comfortable rails. (Or you could just get rail covers, I suppose either way would work.)
I can definitely vouch for this rifle being in high demand among military. I’ve been in the Army for ten years and bought this online while I was in Afghanistan, and since then, I’ve heard from quite a few of my buddies that they’re looking for one as well. They fixed the common accuracy problems with the old M14, mainly the sloppy stock bedding and rough trigger pull. This year, I’ll be deer hunting with my SOCOM II instead of my PSL, which I took the last few times I hunted, and since I probably won’t be taking any shots over 200 yards or so, I doubt I’ll even put a scope or an optic on it.
Oh yeah — I’ve put at least a hundred rounds through mine so far, and it has absolutely no nm problem cycling ammo.
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I just got a SOCOM II. Paid $1,600 for the rifle, 7-20round mags, and a vector scope. It truly is a nice gun to shoot. If you have the means i highly recomend picking one up.
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