So much love for the AR vs. no love for the M1A ?

[Jeepsnguns]

Rather than muddy up Tector's thread: "So what should we be buying now, before the storm?"
I'm asking this in response to all the talk in that thread about buying AR uppers & lowers.

I've not served in the military or worked in law enforcement.
And maybe that would make the difference.
I've owned and shot AR's as well as M1A's.
I've personally never understood all the love for the AR platform.

Pro's for the AR it's lighter and utilizes a 30 rnd mag.
The mags & ammo are relatively inexpensive compared to M1A mags & 7.62 ammo.
5.56 ammo weighs less than 7.62 if you are carrying a bunch on your person.
There are hundreds if not thousands of aftermarket accessories available for the AR.
AR's are therefore infinitely customizable.
And they look very cool!

Con's for the M1A it's heavier and utilizes a 20 rnd mag.
There are less than 100 (I'm guessing based upon my limited experience) after market accessories available for the M1A.

On the plus side for the M1A it feeds 7.62 vs. 5.56 !!!!!
It's all wood & metal construction, and for some of us older cats that has a certain appeal.
And they also look very cool!

If this is an incredibly stupid question on my part, please just respond with "Shut up Jon!"

For the record the only rifle in my safe is an M1A w/ an 18" BBL which might technically make it a carbine rather than a rifle.


Hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving!!!

[Skoll]

Because the future is now, old man.


For panic stocking in current year for a possible SHTF weapon, the AR is just a better choice than the M1A for just about every conceivable reason. Ammo price and availability, it's modular, spare parts are literally everywhere, it's lighter, it can be made concealable if need be.

The M1A is unfortunately just a relic of a bygone age now. Sure, you can make it work if you're determined to and there's nothing wrong for having oen to plink or hunt with, but it's just impractical for just about everything else now given what is currently available.

[Jeepsnguns]

Because the future is now, old man.

[NorincoKid]

I like my M1A.

But I could probably put together two decent AR's for less $$$, and its cheaper to feed.

I'd get another M1A if I had tons of money to blow, but they're pricey rifles...and there are guns I'd much rather have instead if I'm blowing that much cash.

I still have the receipt for my $499 Polytech M14S somewhere

[Slartibartfast]

always liked the Iver Johnson M1 pistol and paratrooper

[JonathanW]

In my opinion, I think the FAL is a better and should have been adopted it instead. Ergonomic, reliability, easier take down. Compatible with almost all our nato allies

My opinion though

[N4KVE]

In my opinion, I think the FAL is a better and should have been adopted it instead. Ergonomic, reliability, easier take down. Compatible with almost all our nato allies

My opinion though

I agree 1000%. The testing sessions were rigged for the M-14 to win. GARY.

[Dave P]

M14's and similar rifles have soul. AR's do not.

Real men shoot 30 cal rifle, wimps dont.

I am partial to the big boys.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xvhgbyw4buqpa ... 2.JPG?dl=0

[Legio]

I've personally never understood all the love for the AR platform.

For me, it is just a question of pistol-grip. Without one, it is just harder on my wrists. No impossible, but I'd rather have one.

[Molivo]

I like my M1A.

But I could probably put together two decent AR's for less $$$, and its cheaper to feed.

I'd get another M1A if I had tons of money to blow, but they're pricey rifles...and there are guns I'd much rather have instead if I'm blowing that much cash.

I still have the receipt for my $499 Polytech M14S somewhere

You can buy more then two for the same money if you shop around right.