In the ever-evolving world of firearms, the M1A and AR-10 stand as prominent representatives of the battle-proven M14 platform and the versatile AR rifle design, respectively.
Both rifles have their own unique features, applications, and historical significance. Allow me to delve deeper into the essential aspects of both guns to ascertain which of these heavyweights is best for you and provides the most value for money.
Design and Aesthetics
M1A
The M1A is derived from the M14 rifle which is linked to the military history of the United States. It came into being in the late 1950s and it is a level above the M1 Garand.
The M1A has a complicated design that may make beginners overwhelmed. You may need some schooling in handling this gun. But once you grasp it, you’ll acknowledge the comfortable design of the M1A.
The M1A carries forward the classic wood stock and overall design, providing an aura of tradition and nostalgia.
AR-10
On the other hand, the beginning of AR-10 is from innovative designs of Eugene Stoner in the late 1950s.
A comfortable design is a priority among shooters as the design can directly affect one’s performance. As I analyze the design and aesthetics of these rifles, I think the AR-10 feels more natural and easy to handle. That makes it superb for shooters who are just starting.
The AR-10’s modularity and acceptance of various calibers have made it a favorite among modern firearm followers.
Handling and Feel in Hands
M1A
When I lay my hands on the M1A, I felt a tactile connection to history. The warmth of the wooden stock and the heft of the rifle transport me to another era.
The M1A’s gas-operated action, coupled with its robust construction, provides a sense of reliability and durability. The feel of nostalgia might be comforting to some but could be a bit unwieldy during extended use.
The M1A’s long-stroke piston system contributes to its smooth recoil and consistent accuracy.
AR-10
The AR-10, however, boasts a more lightweight and ergonomic design, supporting prolonged shooting sessions without the burden of fatigue. In the realm of handling, the AR-10 seems to be more suited to my shooting style.
Its inherent modularity allows users to easily swap out components, from barrels to handguards, providing adaptability for different scenarios. This adaptability comes at the cost of slightly more perceived recoil compared to the M1A due to the different operating systems.
Accuracy and Range
M1A
If I compare the shooting range of these rifles then both the AR-10 and the M1A are capable of shooting sub-1 MOA groups with match grade ammunition. Both these models can easily reach up to a distance of 1000 yards.
The M1A’s longer sight radius contributes to its potential for accuracy and its consistent gas system lends itself to impressive accuracy. The M1A’s reputation as a reliable designated marksman rifle is a testament to its accuracy potential.
The classic stock design of the M1A contributes to a stable shooting platform, making it well-suited for precision shooting at longer distances.
AR-10
Both rifles are pretty accurate in the hands of an experienced shooter but the AR-10 is slightly easier to handle and has a shorter learning curve for beginners.
Additionally, accessories such as free-floating handguards and precision triggers enhance the AR-10’s accuracy potential, making it a versatile choice for competitive shooting and tactical applications.
All in all, I would consider the AR-10 to be a winner in the accuracy department.
On a side note, the AR-10 platform’s modularity allows for a wide range of barrel lengths and profiles, accommodating different shooting styles and distances. Thus, I consider it a draw between the two in terms of range.
Reload and Built-in Magazines
The easily detachable magazine of the AR-10 steals the show in this regard. Its swiftness in magazine changes is a significant advantage in dynamic shooting scenarios.
On the other hand, the M1A relies on en bloc clip insertion, a method that’s slower and necessitates some adjustment.
The AR-10 has a lower-cost but smarter build than the M1A.While both have magazine-fed operations with removable box magazines, only the AR-10 is equipped with drop magazines. This gives the AR a strategic plus against the M1A.
The feature of built-in magazines help the shooter so there is no need to carry an additional arsenal for his weapons
Price and Value for Money
M1A
Considering the price spectrum, the M1A often commands a value due to its rich history and profession. Meanwhile, the AR-10 tends to be more budget-friendly. Its modular design offers customization options without putting too much strain on the wallet.
The cost of an M1A rifle is almost $2,000 at most retailers. It is pretty much obvious that it is a quite expensive weapon. This does put a question on the value being offered here and I would recommend going for the more affordable and more popular AR-10.
If you still want to buy it, I would recommend getting the SpringField Armory M1A standard, which is available close to $1500 at Guns.com, my recommended seller.
Owning an M1A means embracing a piece of history, but this privilege comes at a cost. This financial contrast raises the question of value for money. I think the AR-10 is more value for money than M1A.
AR-10
There are a plethora of options available when it comes to buying the AR-10. They vary by manufacturer, caliber, barrel length and magazine capacity.
Generally, the price for most manufacturers varies between $800 and $3000. To help you out, I’ve listed below the links to my favorite ones. You can check their price by clicking on them:
- Sig Sauer 716 i Treat (Best Overall)
- Daniel Defence DD5 V3
- LWRC REPR MKII (Best High-end AR-10)
All in all, I declare the AR-10 to be the winner in the price and value aspect of things. A lot of budget options are available with this platform which cost well under a thousand bucks.
You can get some premium models for the price of an M1A or you can go the custom route and build one for yourself with the money you save from opting for the AR.
A good starting point would be getting an AR-10 for around $900-1000 and adding accessories till your heart’s content.
A reliably built, accurate AR with a brand recognition like the Sig Sauer 716 i Treat has, still costs much less than the M1A, which makes the choice a no-brainer.
Since the AR platform is more famous than the M1A, accessory manufacturers are able to decrease the cost up to three times less than for the M1A.
Conclusion: M1A Or the AR-10?
Considering the points I mentioned comparing M1A rifles and AR-10 rifles , each rifle has its advantages depending on your personal preferences.
The M1A is the best option for the shooters who have main concern of durability, power, and reliability in the field and do not have any budgetary concerns.
My personal pick is the AR-10 as it has more flexibility with the design, more options, more accessories and costs less.
The AR-10 is simply the better gun for those who want easy custom-made, user-friendly, and good performance at a cheaper price.
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