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I am lusting after one of these fine rifles. I am not fluent in long distance shooting. Not longer than a few hundred yards anyway. I am wanting a rifle that will reach out to 500yrds or so. I KNOW the M1A is up to the task without a problem. My question is do you guys/gals think the SOCOM is capable of those shots with its 16" barrel? I really don't like the length of the M1A w/22" barrel. I am into more compact rifles, but if folks don't think the SOCOM can go the distance I'll scratch my lust and stick to my AR10.

Also wanting opinions on why someone would choose one over the other and for what reasons? All this talk on here lately about M1A's has gotten me all stirred up...

I am with you on these two rifles. I love them both. If long range accuracy is vital, I would go with the M1A. The Socom 16 is a beauty and a fine gun, but it is not going to "reach out and touch someone" like the M1A will. The Socom 16 is great for tight spaces like home defense and vehicle carry and it is definitely an accurate weapon, but if you want to nail bullseyes at 500 yards, the M1A is the one you want. It's not like you are going to go wrong either way. Good luck.

I think that the SOCOM will probably shoot accurately to 500 yards. The issue for 16" barrel isn't accuracy - it is range. The shorter barrel can't develop the velocity to carry longer distances. But shooting 168 grain HPBT ammo at 500 yards will be much more stable in flight than a 69 grain .223 over that same distance, and it will hit with much more authority.

Hope that helps.

Having both a SOCOM and a AR10 I can say that the SOCOM is a blast to shoot and I agree with TAM. It won't be the tack driver that your AR10 is capable of being, but it sure is fun. I am looking forward to lots of practice (much needed) with mine, to get it dialed in.

The M1A will be the way to go. I've had mine for over 12 years now and it's my go to rifle. If you want something shorter but still have some long range try the Scout. It has an 18 inch barrel so you will keep more velocity and energy.

I'm looking at my current arsenal and I myself am asking why I would need two 16" .308 rifles that fill the same roll. I LOVE the SOCOM but own an AR10. I'm torn AND broke so I have plenty of time to make up my mind.

Does Springfield still make the 18" barreled M1A Scout?

Yes.
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=37" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Springfield still makes the Scout.