Comments on: M1A SOCOM – Why does everyone want one?

By: Charlie

Charlie — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:25:07 +0000

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…

By: Sasquatch

Sasquatch — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:01:17 +0000

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.

By: allen

allen — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:12:36 +0000

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.

By: James A

James A — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:05:26 +0000

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.

By: L. Love

L. Love — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:26:10 +0000

And the SOCOM II has a hard time cycling ammo.

By: L. Love

L. Love — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:24:02 +0000

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.

By: CJGarvin

CJGarvin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:34:36 +0000

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.

By: CJGarvin

CJGarvin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:26:40 +0000

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.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:43:31 +0000

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.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:45:38 +0000

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.