Inconsistent accuracy from SA M1A Standard

[astroman2057]

I have a SA M1a standard w/walnut stock. Supersniper 10x for scope, front Harris bipod. I seemingly can not get any better than 1.5-2 inch groups @100 even with some good handloads I use. The scope mount is the weak link with this rifle as it was purchased used (like new condition) with a no name Gen2 scope mount. Are my expections too high accuracy wise with this gun and would an upgrade to a better scope mount help resolve this rifle's inconsistent shooting (different POI every range day-seems to need to be sighted in everytime with the first 3-5 shots)? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!!

[308bolt]

If you're shooting 1.5-2.0@100 with mil-surp ammo out of a standard M1A I don't think there's anything to complain about.

[MACV]

Sounds like a scope and or mount problem. With POI changing all the time. A M1A should be able to shoot 1 MOA with a 10X scope.

[308bolt]

I have never seen or heard of a standard M1A holding 1 MOA, scoped or not.

Out of curiosity :

When your point of aim changes is it more in windage or more in elevation?

Do you pull your gun out of the stock to clean it?

[astroman2057]

Windage changes-cheepo mount seems to need tightening every session-I think I may have answered my own question in discussing this topic-Milsurp is 2-3 in groups w/Port-I do not remove rifle from stock unless I shoot 200 or more rds

[308bolt]

Originally posted by astroman2057
Windage changes-cheepo mount seems to need tightening every session-I think I may have answered my own question in discussing this topic-Milsurp is 2-3 in groups w/Port-I do not remove rifle from stock unless I shoot 200 or more rds

I once lost 10.5 MOA windage after pulling my action out of the stock to show a friend how it worked.
It nearly rezeroed after resettling into the stock.
It took 20 rounds.

What you can reasonably expect:

From Springfield armory

http://springfield-armory.intermediaoutdoors.com/SPstory17.php

[voortrekker]

Originally posted by astroman2057
I have a SA M1a standard w/walnut stock. Supersniper 10x for scope, front Harris bipod. I seemingly can not get any better than 1.5-2 inch groups @100 even with some good handloads I use. The scope mount is the weak link with this rifle as it was purchased used (like new condition) with a no name Gen2 scope mount. Are my expections too high accuracy wise with this gun and would an upgrade to a better scope mount help resolve this rifle's inconsistent shooting (different POI every range day-seems to need to be sighted in everytime with the first 3-5 shots)? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!!

astroman,

Don't expect more than 2 MOA from this rifle no matter what ammo you are using.

Your rifle isn't made for precision accuracy. The M14/M1A was designed for iron sights to hit a 20" inch target up to 500 yards. That's 4 MOA accuracy, 4 inches at 100 yards.

The M14/M1A is an infantry battle rifle, not a snipe*r's rifle.

The groups that you stated are very good groups considering the M1A you have.

If you really want tighter groups, get a good bolt action rifle.

Or research the .308 AR type platforms, I've heard good accuracy on the DPMS Panther .308, but I am skeptical on its reliability.

The rifle you have(M1A) and the M1 Garand are the best semi-auto rifles in my opinion for iron sights.

Keep your M1A forever, it's a really good rifle.

This is advice from someone that has learned his lessons.

If you want to really learn how to put that M1A to work, go to an Appleseed shoot. appleseedinfo.org

With a some effort from your part, you will be taught and you will be able to shoot that M1A to put a group, 10 rounds in 16" at 400 yards.

I did a 10" group at 400 yards using the same rifle you have with South African milsurp.

I did this with no former rifle training, I attended two Appleseed shoots.

I shot well at 25 yards and then went to the known distance range.

I shot 100, 200, 300, 400 yards.

I could not believe that I could do this with iron sights.

In fact my scores were better at the known distance range than the 25 yard range!

It works, it really does.


Lastly, you're asking for more accuracy than this rifle can do.

The good news is you are an owner of an M1A.

Your rifle is very reliable and has the capability to hit any target out to 500 yards with a 4 MOA group just shooting milsurp ammo.

It's up to you to make it happen.

[308bolt]

Originally posted by voortrekker


astroman,

Don't expect more than 2 MOA from this rifle no matter what ammo you are using.

Your rifle isn't made for precision accuracy. The M14/M1A was designed for iron sights to hit a 20" inch target up to 500 yards. That's 4 MOA accuracy, 4 inches at 100 yards.

The M14/M1A is an infantry battle rifle, not a snipe*r's rifle.

The groups that you stated are very good groups considering the M1A you have.

If you really want tighter groups, get a good bolt action rifle.

Or research the .308 AR type platforms, I've heard good accuracy on the DPMS Panther .308, but I am skeptical on its reliability.

The rifle you have(M1A) and the M1 Garand are the best semi-auto rifles in my opinion for iron sights.

Keep your M1A forever, it's a really good rifle.

This is advice from someone that has learned his lessons.

If you want to really learn how to put that M1A to work, go to an Appleseed shoot. appleseedinfo.org

With a some effort from your part, you will be taught and you will be able to shoot that M1A to put a group, 10 rounds in 16" at 400 yards.

I did a 10" group at 400 yards using the same rifle you have with South African milsurp.

I did this with no former rifle training, I attended two Appleseed shoots.

I shot well at 25 yards and then went to the known distance range.

I shot 100, 200, 300, 400 yards.

I could not believe that I could do this with iron sights.

In fact my scores were better at the known distance range than the 25 yard range!

It works, it really does.


Lastly, you're asking for more accuracy than this rifle can do.

The good news is you are an owner of an M1A.

Your rifle is very reliable and has the capability to hit any target out to 500 yards with a 4 MOA group just shooting milsurp ammo.

It's up to you to make it happen.

Smart man.
Listen to him.
And
Loktite your mount bolt.

[astroman2057]

Thanks for the thoughts, guys. Too much self-doubt as a shooter and expecting too much from my equipment. I measured some of my groups yesterday (7 shot group 1.9-4 shots of that group .77 center to center) off a bench w/168 HPBT handloads. I will locktite the mount and I am currently working on a Savage deal w/H&S stock, Nikon scope, Harris bipod for $850.00 to tighten things up. Also have my eyes on an nib FN SPR A1 for $$1100. Either one of these should take me to that next level of shooter challenges.

[halfinchharvard]

+1 on the locktite!!! mounts, rings, everything.

[chromestarhustler]

after you loctite the base, and rings, lap them in then install your scope.

[Azrial]

Originally posted by 308bolt
If you're shooting 1.5-2.0@100 with mil-surp ammo out of a standard M1A I don't think there's anything to complain about.
That is better then average for rack grade. I get the same out of mine, but my POI does not move around.