M1A SOCOM 16, SOCOM 2, Scout, or Bushgun

[panzertruppe]

Scout, Socom 16, Socom 2, or Bush M1A


OK,

Time may get critical here... I need a breakdown of ea weapon. I know some about ea but a detailed breakdown will cover the gaps. Going to put down what I know bout ea below, if I miss please fill in if you would kind sirs:

Scout-just like the name says, forward mount(meaning in front of breach/ejection port) for long eye relief scope, barrel cut too 18". Wood and synthetic styles available. No shortened gas assembly.

Bush M1A-Same as above minus forward scope mount. Wood model only???

Socom 16-shortened stock, 16" barrel, shortened gas assembly and op rod, fwd scope mount, some other Super Soldier amenities, unsure what they are... Very short weapon, very manageable compared to its big brothers...

Socom 2-Socom 16 w/ the Planet of the Apes front end, but other than that identical... Can the forward mount system/manifold be removed and does the weapon look like a Socom 16 if it is????

HELP guys, please.....

Have a possibility of scoring a SOCOM 2 for 1300.00. In process of selling Super Match to do so, spent 1600 for it, getting 2000.... That gun is awesome, just more than I need and NOT a grunt weapon... I'm a grunt type of guy...

Seen the input on the Bush gun here... Any extra appreciated..

panzertruppe

[panzertruppe]

Slugger,

You got the Bush gun, how you like it???

panzertruppe

[Ssarge]

I have a SOCOM II that I got in a trade. The first thing I did was remove the rails, which I sold on the files.
Great little carbine. Recoils about like a .223. If you can get one on the cheap, I would!

[vmtz]

SOCOM is the bomb. I got one and wow! Dump the silly rails.

Fr. Vince

[wayne in boca]

The Socom has a regular oprod and gas assembly,except that the gas cylinder lock is integral with the muzzle brake/front sight base.The muzzle brake works beautifully.No muzzle rise at all,you can remain on target at all times even during rapid fire.

[panzertruppe]

Thnx gents,

Keep it coming... 1300 will be cost of SOCOM 2...

panzertruppe

[gunplumber]

I had a socom, didn't like it. Am looking for a bush or a scout now. essentially same gun but latter has barrel mounted rail.

I don't like parts uniqueness on the socom. Scout/bush is same same M1a parts on everything but the barrel itself. Nothing wrong with full size but I think 18" barrel is nicer.

[splogan]

I have a scout. I put a red dot on it. I absolutely love the thing. Very handy and plenty accurate enough for the intended purpose. The only thing i don't like is the fact that if you change stocks you can not swap the hand guard without dismounting whatever optic you have mounted. If you have one stock that is fine. I have 4, different patterns, just don't use them. I just leave the black hand guard in place.

[Ssarge]

Originally posted by gunplumber
I had a socom, didn't like it. Am looking for a bush or a scout now. essentially same gun but latter has barrel mounted rail.

I don't like parts uniqueness on the socom. Scout/bush is same same M1a parts on everything but the barrel itself. Nothing wrong with full size but I think 18" barrel is nicer.

The only parts difference between a SOCOM and any other M1A is the height of the front sight, barrel and muzzle brake.
You get a Scout, you have a different length barrel from standard, different height front sight and muzzle brake.
I like the Scout, but when it came up to getting rid of one of my three M1As to help pay income tax, the Scout went without hesitation.

[gunplumber]

socom gas cylinder assembly, is different too. Can't replace with a GI. Not comfortable with a gun with unique parts only availalable from one source.

[USMC 0341]

I was in a Sportsman's Warehouse picking up some guns I had ordered and I saw a SOCOM 16 on the rack - NIB for $1450. I told the guy behind the counter to put it on the paperwork as well.

It seemed a good deal, not great maybe but I am not back in the US enough to expect to run across much better.

Besides, I had been Jones'ing for another M-14 to replace the one I built 20 years ago - which was stolen some years back.

[panzertruppe]

Thnx 'gin gents,

Good to know bout the unique parts too. I'm seeing what I need to see. Input great. I would prefer Scout it seems, but for 1300, a SOCOM 2 maybe what the budget can handle the best. It would even leave enuf for a new gun safe... Any additional much appreciated...

panzertruppe

[Slugger]

panzertruppe,
I really like the Bush model! Nice and handy. As the M1A sights are some of the best around . . . I don't see myself adding any scope in the near future. Believe it or not I haven't had the time to shoot the thing yet. I'm sure it will do fine for my needs and will shoot you some info once I do.
Slugger

Originally posted by panzertruppe
Slugger,

You got the Bush gun, how you like it???

panzertruppe

[shortround]

Originally posted by gunplumber
socom gas cylinder assembly, is different too. Can't replace with a GI. Not comfortable with a gun with unique parts only availalable from one source.

Nope Obiwan, Myth. I replaced my gas cylinder with a GI right from the can. There was no difference between the two in function.

[shortround]

I also built this "Pseudo-Socom" from a Socom takeoff selection of barrel, brake/front sight assy, scope mount, and stock/handguard on a Fulton Armory receiver. Everything else is USGI including the gas cylinder, gas piston, and gas plug. Nothing else was done except assembly. Close to 5k rounds thru it and still running strong. I liked this one so much I sold the "real" Socom.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v515/harleyany1/DSCN0186.jpg

[tuck0411]

The Springfield site doesn't list the Bush model, only the Scout. Is the Bush discontinued?

[Ssarge]

I see a nib bush rifle every now and then. Apparently very limited production if at all.
GP, I compared my SOCOM gas cylinder to my standard and two USGI NIB gas cylinders I have, other than the lock no difference.
The very early ones did apparently have a unique gas cylinder, but that was a small number. I have one of the first SOCOM IIs and its a stock gas cylinder on it.

[HapJack]

I had both, didn't care for the Socom, not much gained with 2" less than a scout or bush, besides the scout lenght 18" is just right, the muzzle blast on the socom is loud, if you get a scout replace the M/B with a flash hider, it's much better and looks better too.

It's my understanding, that Smith Enterprise with have a Vortex for the Socom models, that would greatly help the bast, should be available soon.

[gunplumber]

Maybe there is a difference between the SOCOM and SOCOM II. Mine was an original SOCOM. I recall they were not the same.Or I could be dazed and confused (happens from time to time).

Ironically, Many years ago - 1989? - I bought a bush that was a facotry defect - receiver threaded incorrectly, impossible to zero. 3 trips back to Springfield before I traded it for an Enterprise L1A1 and thus began my FAL fetish.

Full circle.

[2barearms]

I had Tim Strait (Warbird) build me up a Smith Enterprise receiver with a Criterion 18" barrel and used a Reese Surplus BM59 type folder and it's truly one of my favorite range rifles. I want to replace the M14 Hider with a Smith Direct Connect Hider and make it just a tad more compact.

I think the Bush rifle was one of their best efforts. There is just something not right about a space gun M14. My Other favorite are the BM62, which is the original Bush Rifle.

[panzertruppe]

You guys are "F"ing awesome....,

Looks like the SC2 won't be too bad. I think I'd prefer the Scout, but considering the price, it looks to be a trade off deal. Thnx all... Just a couple more questions....

What does the SC2 look like w/ the Vltor front off??? I've been told when it's off the top front stock cover is missing....????

Is there a folding stock available that willl fit the SC2???

Thanks a mill guys and keep it coming, I have the info I needed. Any extra is icing on the cake but VERY welcome...

panzertruppe

[Ssarge]

RSI makes an M14 folder:
http://www.reesesurplus.com/grips.html
If you need an upper handguard, Fulton Armory has a great hi temp plastic hg that won't melt. Colors a bit off from USGI.
If you want a USGI, just pm me with your address and I'll send you an excellent one from the spares I have for yer girl. :shades:

[panzertruppe]

Bought the SC2 yesterday,

Guy buying Supermatch backed out, but that didn't stop me from getting the new son home... Thing is nearly brand new... Doesn't even have primer pocket wear on bolt face, absolutely gorogeous gun and cool looking... Very happy w/ it... I will shoot it and handle it some and go from there based on desire to modify. Thanks for input again, it was VERY helpful...

panzertruppe

[panzertruppe]

SOCOM 2 passed the test,

Fired flawlessly, placed brass consistently, shot accurately, handled well, very very little kick(someone said hider/brake good, they were rite), swallowed all reloads.... Outstanding...

Had elevation site bottomed out to "0" at 25 meters but shot well out to 100 m. Painted rear part of picatinny rail(rite at front and above eject port) silver (picks up lite in all areas well) to contrast with rear circular peep site, otherwise difficult to distinguish black site against against black picatinny rail/mount....

Now it's my zombie gun, w/ SIG 556 of course, need one zombie gun per caliber...

panzertruppe