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M1A vs. AR-10: Comparing Classic .308 Rifles

Both work well in laying down the invasive hogs. What I do best 😁
Here they both are in action: Saint .308 & M1A synthetic stock 🤠
Love them both for different reasons
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While my friends were buying 5.56 Colt AR's, I bought a Springfield M1A Super Match. Eventually I decided to pick up a few variants of the mouse gun myself. In the 1990's I picked up a Lugged Receiver from Springfield and sent it out to guy I knew with a MOS 2112 that built Match Guns for the U.S.M.C. shooting team. What I got back was an exact example of their match guns, including a Gene Barnett heavy barrel with U.S.M.C. Match stamped on it. Since them I have added a couple Armalite AR10's, including a Super SASS. Warning shooting can get expensive, but long range shooting can easily get out of hand very quickly. The gun is expensive but the tools you need to manufacture your own match grade ammunition at home, can get out of hand, with a Sinclair International Catalog.
 
The M1A/M-14 is really the only "Classic" since other than some furniture options it is the same basic operating system with some minor aftermarket upgrades, in very limited production, and mostly used by civilians as a historic relic with almost no military usage anymore.

However, the AR-10/large-frame "major-caliber" platform really isn't a classic since it's a dynamic & ever-evolving platform with multiple operating systems, a plethora of manufacturers, many different configuration/aftermarket options, and growing civilian and military users.
 
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The mystical combination of Parkerized steel and dark stained walnut reliably stirs the soul. YES. IT. DOES! We had several M14A2s in the arms room, when we deploted I also took one of the M14A2s. Naturally it doubled as a SAW when needed and also provided long range touch with its' excellent iron sights. During my time I caried the M14, the M16, M60 MG, M16A2, CAR-15 and the M4 in pretty much that order as my primary service weapon. The M14 and the CAR-15 where my Faves. As far as the AR-10 goes haven't had one in my hands yet and only have seen pix of them.
 
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I do miss the old M1 from the 60's going deer hunting, I really like my AR 10 308, but I think the M1 was more accurate or it could be my eyesight was better in the 60's!
 
The action on the M1 is better than the AR10. Open bolt vs closed bolt system.
The forward assist should have been the first clue that AR platforms are not the ideal firearm.
 
I have owned two M1As National Match and an Armalite AR-10T (target). I have to say, the discipline for shooting autos vs bolt is very different. That being said, I could never get either one to group to my expectations... about (4in groups). I would hard pressed to pick one above the other. The M1A is a very comfortable gun to get behind, drips of nostalgia, reliable... and heavy. The AR-10 was easy, eating up bullets like water down the drain. Sometimes you'd think it was shooting two at a time. It was also emotionally un-moving and sterile, 3lbs lighter... and ugly in comparison. I have since let these pass into history, trading them for some high-end bolt guns... cuz I like hitting what I aim at.

For plain enjoyment of shooting I'd take the M1A any day. If I were going off to fight a battle, I'd take the AR.
 
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