Review of an enhanced, modernized Springfield M1A rifle. Based on the ubiquitous M14 military rifle, the M1A remains one of the favorite battle rifles in America. This M1A has been enhanced with a VLTOR M14 Modstock, Smith Enterprise and Sadlak parts, a Nikon Monarch Scope, LaRue Tactical bipod and Versa-Pod picatinny adapter. This modernized M14 rifle represents my take on the Designated Marksman Rifle concept, with less bulk and weight than the typical SAGE EBR setup.
Video Rating: 0 / 5
Joe Jillings
December 20, 2012 at 9:04 am
wish i could find that scope mount for $125….. i can not find any good ones under 200! guess ill just get bassets for 150 🙁
KurtG85
December 20, 2012 at 9:45 am
Happy little groupings.
boricuaDV
December 20, 2012 at 10:19 am
Depends on your local hunting regulations, but in most states it is perfectly legal when using 5 round magazines. Truthfully, the M1A is too heavy for the hunting application. I would rather carry a lighter rifle if your hunt entails 1 mile+ hikes into the bush.
brianthao102
December 20, 2012 at 10:58 am
Is it legal to take a M1A and go Deer hunting?
LaserGuidedDoughnut
December 20, 2012 at 11:35 am
Haven’t weighed mine yet but you’re right they definately get heavy. It’s no worse than what i’ve carried around before though so i’m ok with carrying it everywhere while hunting. I absolutely love that Atlas bipod, it definately is built sturdy as all hell. Pivots and rotates. I’ve actually kicked out one leg and pivoted it so the leg is at a 45 degree angle facing back at me and used it as a foregrip just for funs.
boricuaDV
December 20, 2012 at 11:37 am
I think in my case it is probably due to all the added weight from a steel scope mount, steel scope rings, and the big 3-12x scope itself. The setup is coming in at around 12.5 lbs, which is pretty hefty. I might have better luck reversing the picatinny mount, thereby placing the load more towards the magwell. I like those Atlas bipods. They’re build like frickin’ collapsible batons! Maybe I’ll try that down the road…
LaserGuidedDoughnut
December 20, 2012 at 12:10 pm
thats interesting. I didn’t notice a change in groups between with or without my bipod. I use the sadlak heavy duty front mount, not sure if it makes much of a difference though. Then again i use my rig for a different purpose. I’m not super worried about grouping and perfect shooting. I use it for hunting and fun and my just in case weapon. Its just set up as more of a battle rifle than anything. Either way even with the 16 inch barrel i get damn good accuracy out of it.
boricuaDV
December 20, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Thanks. I actually had to remove the bipod b/c with the fiberglass stock and the bipod at the front end of the rifle, there was too much shifting pressure in the front band, which made for some strange, inconsistent groupings. With the bipod removed, this rifle has been consistently shooting 1.5MOA 10-shot groups at 100 yards from the bench using sandbag supports. I may try another bipod someday, but it will need to be mounted closer to the magwell and not at the front of the fiberglass stock.
LaserGuidedDoughnut
December 20, 2012 at 1:15 pm
Great video man awesome detail. I love the VLTOR stock. I have one on my SOCOM16 mainly so i can use my trijicon ACOG. Little bit of advice (forgive me if you already know about it…) i notice after every shot you adjust slightly due to you rifle jumping. Try “loading” the bipod. Simply put your natural body weight against the rifle. This will make the rifle lean forward a tad using pressure on the bipod legs. Keeps it the rifle from jummping around. Works very well with the ACCUSHOT atlas
AccuracySpeaks
December 20, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Nice video my friend!
PMPthatdude
December 20, 2012 at 2:51 pm
nice. way to make it look like a new rifle, i have the troy chassis love it like it more then my h91 cetme
boricuaDV
December 20, 2012 at 3:06 pm
The barrel is the standard weight profile OEM barrel, which is actually manufactured by Wilson.
Kungn14
December 20, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Looks just like the DMR
MrClickclickpow
December 20, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Excellent vid, thank you, want one real bad, will refer to this review when I get one as to what upgrades to consider
Kirksmirk1
December 20, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Good Video! Got the VLTOR upper rail for My M1A and saving for the Mod Stock. Nikon came out with M-308 with BDC. It comes with adjustable turrets 450-550$. Out of the box my standard M1A can hit silhouette target at 600m with iron sites. That’s why this rifle it still relevant.
boricuaDV
December 20, 2012 at 5:51 pm
The Troy is also a very nice stock, but if I recall correctly, you lose the ability to use the iron sights and it also adds more weight than the VLTOR.
gixxerlouis
December 20, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Not sure what stock i like better the one you have or the troy stock…very good video…
devilmonkey078
December 20, 2012 at 7:23 pm
wasn’t sure about the sage body but after watching this video this is now a must for me awesome video by the way
dukeofearl2005
December 20, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Damn…thats some “mission” music going on with this. Lol…now I want one! Good vid
gurney85
December 20, 2012 at 8:48 pm
wow..a journey indeed. Sweet rifle and even better taste in music! That was groovin..
phantomtalon556
December 20, 2012 at 9:44 pm
As functional and good looking as the VLTOR stock is, I still for some reason prefer the walnut stock. Maybe ’cause it feels more like a traditional sniper system, maybe because it seems more genuine, but none the less. That VLTOR still looks beautiful to shoot though.
snakebite210
December 20, 2012 at 10:28 pm
nicely made video of a well put together M1A.. great job.
altops
December 20, 2012 at 11:23 pm
buffer tub hollow? could use for first aid storage….
fireball1552
December 20, 2012 at 11:53 pm
try lrb with a krieger heavy
corntorteeya86
December 21, 2012 at 12:26 am
great vid, the music makes me wanna say, go f#ck yourself san diego. haha. anyway, ive been lookin at the jae stock. this looks great though