I chose the Scout when I purchased my M1A, as it was the best combination or compromise of features that I wanted. I had originally intended to get the Socom, but changed my mind after handling both. I liked the Socom for the additional rails and short length, but the Scout at least for me had a better sight picture than the Socom ( the little extra distance between the front and rear sights just made them easier for me to pick up), and it still possessed a rail if I wanted to add a red dot or scout optic in the future. In handling the rifles before I purchased, I almost talked myself in to the full size M1A mainly due to the sight picture. Handle them both or all three, if you can before you purchase, you can't really go wrong with either in my opinion. You will have a blast with either one. I have been well pleased with my M1A Scout.
Between the two I would lean towards the Scout. The muzzle flash on the Socom is pretty excessive. The SOCOM is not any less accurate, but the sights lend themselves to fast target acquisition vs the better sights for longer ranges on the Scout. If you don't mind changing the sights you can get reasonable accuracy out of the SOCOM. It's not a target rifle but with optics or better irons you can be effective out to 450 yards.
When you get your M1A your going to be keeping it for awhile. So handle both and think about if you are doing optics or not.
Just get the one you want the most and you won't have to feel like you got the wrong firearm.
Scout without a doubt. I went pigging yesterday and was surprised in our area how far away we were to the animals. They seemed to be on the move all the time so I would want do everything I could to enhance my long range shooting.
The only advantage of the SOCOM would be if you plan on using it mainly in real close-quarters situations: thick woods, getting in and out of vehicles, urban CQB.
But like most everyone here, I'm planning on getting the Scout...
After owning both, I prefer the 18/18.5 bbls of the Scout/Bush/Tanker, vs the Socom.
The Socom belongs to my oldest now.
If your looking at the Socom for it's short OAL, you can take a Scout and get real close to the same OAL by using an SEI gas lock front sight.....
Here is a comparison pic of a std SAI "front end", next to the SEI glfs-h with Vortex direct connect flash hider. ...
Note: I lined them up as best I could for better clarification of the respective lengths. SEI also has a dove tail version if you want to use the std front sight off of the org Scout, SEI night sight, etc......
If you like your mini and garand, you will love the M1A....
I keep mine as K.I.S.S. as possible...
I used to run a SOCOM in 3-Gun when they first came out and loved it.
That being said, a buddy talked me out of it and it was replaced with a Scout. Frankly I find the aesthetics more pleasing and find it balances better.
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The only advantage of the SOCOM would be if you plan on using it mainly in real close-quarters situations: thick woods, getting in and out of vehicles, urban CQB.
Hhhmmmm . . . MB - I'm not a ninja & I don't frequent the mall; however, but . . . as LB mentioned above there are other applications depending on the situation - e.g. - I chose the SOCOM 16 because it fits just right for handy access in my truck's over-head roof rack as an ideal ranch rifle that will handle whatever Critter that needs to be reached out & touched for whatever reason <<< to include "Rural CQB" . . .
__________________ Tejano
(Tay-Ha'-No . . . for those who don't savvy Tex-Mex)
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"Never pick a fight with an old Tejano . . .
If he's too old to fight, he'll just shoot you!"
The SOCOM 16 is loud (primarily) because of its short barrel. It's proprietary muzzle brake is there to reduce muzzle rise from recoil & not sound and/or flash suppression . . .
__________________ Tejano
(Tay-Ha'-No . . . for those who don't savvy Tex-Mex)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Never pick a fight with an old Tejano . . .
If he's too old to fight, he'll just shoot you!"
Had A Socom and sold it. Seemed heavier than my Bush Rifle and the forward scope mount put the scope up so high it was unusable for me. I think the only diff in teh Scout and the Bush is the scope forward mount, so if you don't want it like I didn't then consider the Bush rifle.
I dont think that SAI puts out a Bush rifle any longer, but it would be relativly easy to convert a Scout into a Bush rifle. Remove the Scout hg, mount, and muzzle brake..... then replace with a std hg, and flash hider.
I didnt care much for the SAI Scout rail, but the M8 Ultimak rail sets lower, allowing for some types of optics to actually co-witness with iron sights.
( This might be interesting on a Socom as well)
Here's the rifle.
Note: The M14SA Tanker above sports the SEI dovetail gas lock front sight, and vortex flash hider.
I bought a M-14 (really a M1-A) and it had a CA special recoil reducer with the holes pointing straight up #1 when you fire it the sound and flash is right in your face #2 if you fire it at night it blinds you. Watch out with the CA socom. I found a company on the internet that sells a replacement muzzle brake.
Well, guys most you have popped my bubble.....I bought a Socum 16 because it fits in my truck better.. shoots good.and so far has really put a hurting on the coyotes, out in the ranch lands here in Oregon.....I also have a Full size m1a, that I keep at the house.I carried one of these in Nam and it is good for the distances I need... all in all they are all good guns.... I used to get in HEATED conversations over what is the BEST all around hunting rifle.Man, I mean some would almost go to blows... The bottom line... use what you are comfortable with,and that gets the job done..... Ruger has a new Clip fed bolt action,that looks very inticing.....Like they say.. You can never have enough toys(guns)
I had the same dilemma, I chose the Scout because it's a happy medium between the full size & the SOCOM. I enjoy shooting this rifle so much that I ended up buying the SOCOM too.
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety"- Benjamin Franklin
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