National Match Or Super Match Springfield M1A

JNA

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Hey Guys,
I decided upon a Springfield M1A and was planning on making it similar to the Marine DMR with the McMillan M2A stock. Now my main question relates to what are the differences between the National match version and the super match. Is it worth the extra cost to purchase the super match? I read the parts differences on the website, however did not fully comprehend what they meant. I am hoping to use this rifle for long range shooting and possibly competitions in the future.
 
I would say do a search and read the threads and you will find lots of information to help you make your decision. If you like the M2a from McMillan, check out the MFS stock as well, it's not competition legal though.


Check the American m14 sites as well.
 
Given that binary choice I would go with the Super Match but, personally, I would look at using a LRB receiver as the base upon which to build. Oldsmobiler on this site and others can advise on this. I wouldn't build on a Norc receiver not because of quality but because of limited resale ( ie no matter how much you spend it will still and forever be a Norc ).
 
Given that binary choice I would go with the Super Match but, personally, I would look at using a LRB receiver as the base upon which to build. Oldsmobiler on this site and others can advise on this. I wouldn't build on a Norc receiver not because of quality but because of limited resale ( ie no matter how much you spend it will still and forever be a Norc ).

So you would recommend an LRB over a super match? As i have been researching m1as and so far most of the mentions have been towards Springfield.
 
I've not owned an LRB but people who know far more than I about the M14 platform speak very, very, highly of them and given that you are spending a lot of money no matter which way you go it makes sense to explore all the options available but a LRB with match grade tube would be a hard combo to beat. The LRB also has what people consider to be the ultimate scope mounting solution built right into the receiver and mounting a scope is one universally accepted weakness that the M14 has.
 
Have you purchased this rifle yet? If not, talk to M14doctor. He will be able to set you up with a match quality rifle or tune that M1A in your lap to a point of precision you'll need in competitive sport.
 
I've never fired a Super Match, or any M1A variant, but I can attest to the superb quality and accuracy of my LRB M-14. Mine is just a normal model, nothing special except the TRW bolt.
 
I've owned both and I've found that the NM barrel is of lesser quality (lower price point, eh?) than the Hvy NM barrel ; usually a Hart Barrel or Douglas NM barrel from the SA factory in Geneseo, Ill. Contractors may have changed over the years. Your mileage may vary.

I preferred the Hvy NM barrel because it could take the heat during your rapid fire strings and settle down better at the 600 yard string of 2 ss and 20 on score. The NM skinny barrel would jump around in my shooting mitt a great deal more and hence break down my prone position sooner. Just my 2 cents worth after shooting NRA High Power for many years.

Does this help? All depends on what end game you are shooting... your budget... your other resources (gunsmiths, barrels, tweaking ability of yours, etc).

Enjoy the addiction!

Barney
 
This will be a future project, but I am looking to make this along the lines of a Designated Marksmans rifle, so as accurate as I can, but at the same time can handle a bit of punishment. I plan to clean her properly and treat her very well, but at the same time it may fall or drop and would like it to be a very strong and precise rifle.
 
I've never own a Springfield but wouldn't mind having one in the safe. As for an all out M14 I'd rather put my money towards something that would give me the best bang for the buck. I've had a half dozen Noricos and shot the hell out of the barrels with ever type of ammo (Cdn Tire cheapo, AUS surplus, Aust Surplus, Norico, LC Match, blah blah) fun but not the accuracy I was looking for. I built up a Barnett heavy and that sucker was HEAVY. Not a very practical rifle but for prone shooting you can't beat it. Didn't really think there was anything wrong with my tweaked Norico, 1 of 3 Crazyhorse barrel (medium contour) ;) and ARMS 18 mount but when the mount came loose at a match I decided it was time to build my version of the ultimate M14. I have specs of my build kicking around here in the BR section but basically the LRB M25 with a Krieger DMR barrel is the perfect size between standard and heavy barreled rifle.

If you are going to spend the bucks on a Supermatch and put a scope on it try to get your hands on an M25 receiver from LRB. I got mine close to 3 years ago and it was almost impossible but I got it through the US State Dept. Don't know how hard it is now tho. If by some miracle you get one lemme know and I'll help you with the build....I have a jig that squares up the rail to the bore of the barrel.

Ante
 
Here is the final load development I got for it and the target....the one in the top left is the one...I pulled the last shot as I got a bit excited seeing how tight it was.

5 shots - 100m

dsc01918jk.jpg
 
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