Finally done!

[alaj70]

PU Friends:

After many months, and involving myself with several projects cutting across several shooting platforms (i.e. M1A, Ruger Mini-14/30, AR-15), I recently finished the mods on my Standard M1A.

This is my first M1A rifle, and it was bought based on my positive experience shooting my father's M1 Garand rifle. And, as my father's M1 Garand will be handed down to me, so too will this rifle be handed down as a family heirloom.

Here are the rifle's specs:
* Springfield Standard M1A rifle
* 7.62 x 51mm NATO (.308 Winchester)
* 22", 6 groove, 1:11 Right-hand twisted barrel, Parkerized (NOTE: barrel has been "cryo-ed")
* Military Post front sight
* Military aperture, adjustable for windage and elevation, rear sight
* 2-stage Military trigger (5-6 lbs.)
* Black fiberglass stock
* UTG Tactical Handguard Rail system
* 10-round magazine

I hope you enjoy the picture:

http://www.shewana.com/TEMP_M1A_standard_2.JPG

Any feedback is welcomed.

Cheers,

alaj70

[H2O MAN]

Very nice!

[alaj70]

Very clean looking M1A! How secure does the UTG handguard fit?

redherring,

Thanks for the kind words.

Essentially, the only modifications made to this rifle were:
* I added the UTG handguard rail system
* I put the barrel through the cryogenic tempering process (www.cryopro.com)
* I added a buffertech recoil buffer

In fact, I just received the barrel back from the guy (David H.) who "cryo-ed" the barrel. I'm hoping the cryo process will help (somewhat) with the accuracy of the rifle, as well as the durability of the barrel and internal parts.

With regards to the UTG Tactical Handguard Rail system, it is actually quite secure.

First, it locks into the barrel band near the gas cylinder. Next, it has two brackets; one is about 1/2 way down the rail, the other at 3/4 way down the rail. These two brackets are held by two hex screws. Finally, the rail has an extension piece on the left (port side, if you sail) that screws into the hole on the receiver.

The rail system also has two side rails that screw into the rail assembly on either side; two sets of hex screws accomplish this. Once affixed, these are quite secure. In fact, I'd have no issues with putting an accessory on either one.

Assembly of this handguard rail system was fairly straightforward. However, I found it easier to remove the spring and spring guide, and the op-rod. Then, it was just a matter of following the instructions.

Frankly, I didn't even need the instructions when I installed it the second time, once the barrel got back to me from cryopro. So, again, it's fairly straightforward for any basement armorer to handle.

Admittedly, I was a little leery about the UTG/Leapers brand, as I know it's a "budget brand". With that said, this was my second experience in buying a UTG/Leapers product (the first was a CAR stock for an AR-15 that assembled quite nicely).

So, I figured, for $65, it would be worth a try for my M1A. Besides, if it was a piece of junk, I would just reinstall the factory handguard, and call it "a wash".

To my surprise, the handguard is actually quite nice. The quality is "above average", not "superior". But, it works for what I want/need it to do. In fact, I'd say it exceeds what I need from it.

Two additional nice features about this handguard rail system are:
* You are still able to use iron sights. In fact, it's cool to look all the way down the rail and see your front sight just ready to lock on target.
* The product comes with ample handguard rail covers. As you can see from the picture, I have them installed on the side rails.

Here's some close-up pics:

********************************************

1. fastened to the receiver via thumb screw:

http://www.shewana.com/TEMP_UTG_1.JPG

(Yes, for some strange reason, UTG put their brand name upside-down. Oh well...this is aesthetic and does not affect the functionality at all.)

2. rail assembly fastened to the barrel via (underside) barrel clamps and hex screws:

http://www.shewana.com/TEMP_UTG_2.JPG

3. side rails fastened to the rail assembly via hex screws:

http://www.shewana.com/TEMP_UTG_3.JPG

4. looking down the rail:

http://www.shewana.com/TEMP_UTG_4.JPG

5. the sight picture:

http://www.shewana.com/TEMP_UTG_5.JPG

********************************************

Overall, in my opinion, UTG is an "above average" product/brand. I'm not saying there aren't better products/brands out there; I know there are.

But, without question, this is a very decent hanguard rail system for the money. And, it looks good too!

I hope this review and additional info helps.

Thanks again for the positive comments.

Cheers,

alaj70

[alaj70]

Thanks for the additional photos detailing the UTG handguard installation. I'm tempted to get one for my M1A scout since the factory scope mount has some stability issues, and I like how it dresses the rifle up.

redherring,

Honestly, for the money, IMHO this handguard rail system is a great buy.

I wouldn't let the price fool you. I'm finding this item to be extremely functional and solid too.

And, it keeps the M1A looking clean.

Ideally, I would have liked to have gone with a SAGE EBR stock (as highly recommended by H20 Man), but that's $500+. And, while I may eventually get this stock, I couldn't justify it...right now.

I'd like to get a couple thousand rounds out of this stock first, just to see how the cryo-ing and recoil buffer work on their own.

I know the SAGE EBR is a much better (tactical) option for this rifle. But, frankly, I really like the "clean" look on the M1A. So, for my first M1A rifle, aesthetically speaking, this set-up works for me.

Now...for my second M1A (down the road maybe), I'm thinking I might splurge and go with a much better stock, like the SAGE EBR, or the J. Allen Enterprises JAE-100 G2.

But, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

For now, the UTG Tactical Handguard Rail System on my slightly modified Springfield M1A is working nicely.

The next purchase for this rifle will be a nice scope. And, of course, it will be mounted to the rail that's already on this rifle.

Once I get that mod done, I'll post pictures, as well as a range report for the M1A/M14 folks here.

Cheers, fellas!

~ alaj70

[SgtWaggoner]

PU Friends:

After many months, and involving myself with several projects cutting across several shooting platforms (i.e. M1A, Ruger Mini-14/30, AR-15), I recently finished the mods on my Standard M1A.

This is my first M1A rifle, and it was bought based on my positive experience shooting my father's M1 Garand rifle. And, as my father's M1 Garand will be handed down to me, so too will this rifle be handed down as a family heirloom.

Here are the rifle's specs:
* Springfield Standard M1A rifle
* 7.62 x 51mm NATO (.308 Winchester)
* 22", 6 groove, 1:11 Right-hand twisted barrel, Parkerized (NOTE: barrel has been "cryo-ed")
* Military Post front sight
* Military aperture, adjustable for windage and elevation, rear sight
* 2-stage Military trigger (5-6 lbs.)
* Black fiberglass stock
* UTG Tactical Handguard Rail system
* 10-round magazine

I hope you enjoy the picture:

http://www.shewana.com/TEMP_M1A_standard_2.JPG

Any feedback is welcomed.

Cheers,

alaj70

Beautiful...

Do you know if the UTG rail system you bought would fit on a Socom 16?
Just wondering...

[alaj70]

Beautiful...

Do you know if the UTG rail system you bought would fit on a Socom 16?
Just wondering...

SgtWaggoner,

Firstly, thanks for the kind words. I think the UTG rail compliments the looks of M1A nicely, and it's very solid too. I have no regrets.

Leapers UTG got it right on this one!

With regards to your question, I think it will fit the SOCOM 16. Not 100% sure, but I believe it fits all non-National Match barrels.

However, I purchased mine from cheaperthandirt.com, and there's a comment on the item's description page, which states, "Mounted this rail on my socom 16 and it fit great."

Here's a link:
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MGR088-1.html

I think you'll be ok. And, if it doesn't fit, you can always send it back to cheaperthandirt.

(As a side note, for some reason, when I ordered mine, I accidentally ordered TWO, instead of one. So, I called them up, they sent me a shipping label, and I sent it back. And, shortly thereafter, my account was credited with the amount. Just something to consider, if you're worried about being able to send it back. Just make sure you send it back in the same packaging. FYI...I'm not sure if there's a re-stocking fee, but if there is, it's minimal.)

Anyway, I hope this helps.

Thanks again for the kind words.

Yep, with or without the rail, the M1A is a beautiful rifle!

Cheers,

alaj70

[SgtWaggoner]

Thanks for the info my friend...I may have to put that on my want list now...

[SgtWaggoner]

SgtWaggoner,

Firstly, thanks for the kind words. I think the UTG rail compliments the looks of M1A nicely, and it's very solid too. I have no regrets.

Leapers UTG got it right on this one!

With regards to your question, I think it will fit the SOCOM 16. Not 100% sure, but I believe it fits all non-National Match barrels.

However, I purchased mine from cheaperthandirt.com, and there's a comment on the item's description page, which states, "Mounted this rail on my socom 16 and it fit great."

Here's a link:
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MGR088-1.html

I think you'll be ok. And, if it doesn't fit, you can always send it back to cheaperthandirt.

(As a side note, for some reason, when I ordered mine, I accidentally ordered TWO, instead of one. So, I called them up, they sent me a shipping label, and I sent it back. And, shortly thereafter, my account was credited with the amount. Just something to consider, if you're worried about being able to send it back. Just make sure you send it back in the same packaging. FYI...I'm not sure if there's a re-stocking fee, but if there is, it's minimal.)

Anyway, I hope this helps.

Thanks again for the kind words.

Yep, with or without the rail, the M1A is a beautiful rifle!

Cheers,

alaj70

Well you talked me into it...lol...
Here's my M1A Socom 16 with the UTG rail system, I also bought from cheaperthandirt...Thanks for the pic of your rifle...It made me want to do it...

[alaj70]

Well you talked me into it...lol...
Here's my M1A Socom 16 with the UTG rail system, I also bought from cheaperthandirt...Thanks for the pic of your rifle...It made me want to do it...

SgtW.,

Sorry for getting to this just now...I've been spending my time in the AR, Mini, and AK threads. =^)

Your Springfield SOCOM 16 with the UTG rail system installed rocks!

You're welcome...I'm glad I could help out your decision process.

Yeah, it's a bad-a$$ look for the M1A. And, the UTG rail is very solid too. In fact, I'm getting ready to order a nice scope for my rifle.

Again, your rifle looks great!

Cheers,

alaj70

[SgtWaggoner]

Thanks man. If I hadn't seen how nice it looked like on your M1A, I wouldn't have done it. It really adds alot to the rifle...

Thanks again,

[alaj70]

Thanks man. If I hadn't seen how nice it looked like on your M1A, I wouldn't have done it. It really adds alot to the rifle...

Thanks again,

Yep! It definitely "ups the ante" for the M1A.

It's an absolutely fantastic scout-style mount.

Again, I'm glad I could help out. ;^)

Cheers,

alaj70

[jdub]

Wow that's nice. I want something similar in a Scout size. Just need $. I have so many mods and guns on my wishlist, its not even funny.