M1A or.... something else?

[-Z/28-]

So all summer I've been planning on an M1A pre-10/1. I love the Garand action and have wanted an M1A for a while. Thing is, it's going to run me just about broke to pull it off. It's going to eat money from my car/truck parts budget, and forget about affording ammo to shoot it any time soon. All that said I still want one, but I've been pondering today about maybe picking up a slightly cheaper soon to be banned item instead and putting the M1A off until I can escape MD for good. I can't make up my mind so I'm asking y'all. Front runners would be either:
-Sig 556 classic. Cool 551 looks and uses pmags. Ak ruggedness. Cash and Carry. Downside is I won't be able SBR it in MD.
-AK-74 wire folder. I'm building a 47 underfolder now, but couldn't hurt to have a 74 too. Cheap ammo. Expensive mags though. Regulated transfer.

Any thoughts, other suggestions?

Edit: fwiw, I considered a PTR91, but I hear they don't like commercial .308, and no FALs as I'd only want a para which =$$$.

 

[RRHemi]

I think everyone should have:

Rem 870
1911
AR15
M1A

It's just me though...

 

[Vile Shadow]

I would get the M1A now. Because something may come up to nix your escape plans. It never fails.

 

[rbird7282]

I think everyone should have:

Rem 870
1911
AR15
M1A

It's just me though...

I'll have the last item to complete my list next week!

 

[Minuteman]

You can just buy the M1A incomplete lower and build it later when you have the money.

I would put an AR at the top of the 'must have' list; after a service pistol naturally. And after a good .22LR plinker. I think I'd even put the Tavor above an M1A, they are about the same price, and the Tavor uses AR mags. You do give up range and power, but you get better ergos and a much more capable gun at closer distances.

There is an Industry Partner (IP) here selling M1A lowers, that might be the ticket.

 

[-Z/28-]

I'll add the 1911 and AR15 are covered. I'd thought about the M1A receiver but I'm not skilled enough to build one myself and for what it'd cost to pay someone to do it, I'd be better off buying a complete rifle. The M1A is still the front runner, just weighing my options(and trying not to think about the wallet pain). I do seriously intend to be out of MD in the next 3-4 years.

 

[clandestine]

PTR GI model eats surplus very well.

I have an AK project I'm announcing next week to get in under the 10/1 mark.

 

[dspurlock]

So all summer I've been planning on an M1A pre-10/1. I love the Garand action and have wanted an M1A for a while. Thing is, it's going to run me just about broke to pull it off. It's going to eat money from my car/truck parts budget, and forget about affording ammo to shoot it any time soon. All that said I still want one, but I've been pondering today about maybe picking up a slightly cheaper soon to be banned item instead and putting the M1A off until I can escape MD for good. I can't make up my mind so I'm asking y'all. Front runners would be either:
-Sig 556 classic. Cool 551 looks and uses pmags. Ak ruggedness. Cash and Carry. Downside is I won't be able SBR it in MD.
-AK-74 wire folder. I'm building a 47 underfolder now, but couldn't hurt to have a 74 too. Cheap ammo. Expensive mags though. Regulated transfer.

Any thoughts, other suggestions?

Edit: fwiw, I considered a PTR91, but I hear they don't like commercial .308, and no FALs as I'd only want a para which =$$$.

Thoughts about your list since you are asking:

M1A before anything else - it's built to last and besides being better engineered, it's a more accurate firearm without today's "technology gadgets" out of the box.

Too Bad the rifle was sidelined 50 years ago. 50 years later I would still stack it up against today's offerings. It's not sexy or light but it kills like the best of them and that what counts.

Don't get me started on the M14 - Its does the same as the M1A and it is sexy

 

[SCARCQB]

M1A
1911
AR

Must have those at a minimum

 

[Arcamm]

I think everyone should have:

Rem 870
1911
AR15
M1A

It's just me though...

Check
Check
Check
paid for today

 

[-Z/28-]

I have an AK project I'm announcing next week to get in under the 10/1 mark.

You have my attention. Although peer pressure is now reinforcing the M1A desire, haha.

 

[Vile Shadow]

You have my attention. Although peer pressure is now reinforcing the M1A desire, haha.

You know you want it brother. It's calling you, asking for a good home.

 

[dontpanic]

PTR 91
(oh yeah, I already have a M1A)
Seriously if you didn't want it, you would not be asking

 

[AlpineDude67]

I think you need to assume that you will not be able to get anything that is getting banned now in 5-10 years down the road, even if you move. You have no idea what will happen to the laws between now and then - but chances are they will not be more permissive than they are now.

Don't buy what everybody else says you should buy - buy what YOU want to make sure you own. Listen to what people think - but at the end of the day, make up your own mind.

Suppose it came down to a Tavor or an M1A - I would get the M1A, probably so would most people on the board. But that is just our preference. If you really really wanted a Tavor and you only wanted the M1A because everybody said it was cool - it is ok to make the unconventional choice.

Now go buy the M1A :-)

 

[gabe72]

I will have 3 up in the classifieds by this weekend.

 

[BRONZ]

I have had Garands for awhile and always wanted a M1a. When 281 became a reality I knew I had to make some purchases. Did my home work, I found a Scout Squad at Duffys. Man picking up a walnut stock and I was sold. If I could afford another I would get another. Bought a sling, 20 rd. Mags. and just finished 5 coats of linseed oil on the stock.

Get the m1a. Yo wont be sorry

 

[hairba111]

I'm not a fan of Springfield's M1A but I did use the M14 while in the service. My 7.62X51 NATO addiction was satisfied by a Saiga .308. I converted it and added the Fostech "Bumpski" all aluminum stock. For me it was a perfect fit.

 

[Pinecone]

The other option is to place an "order" for an M1A from a friendly dealer.

That way you have the "purchase order" and can actually get it later, when the money situation is better.

 

[jododan]

And another option on the M1a... look for a good used one. Springfield M1a's come up pretty regularly in a price range similar to a new PTR91. If it is out of state, find a deal with a decent transfer fee program and you would be good to go.

 

[byf43]

Go for the M1A!! You will NOT regret it!!!!!!!!

I just read that PSA has CMI magazines on sale, too.