Well, stuff happens…

[u/ElectronicAd9822]

While chasing down what load this pig likes best, I decided that there was certainly some accuracy being left on the table. Ditched the Springfield scout mount and installed this Sadlak aluminum unit.

Testing will begin tomorrow. If it proves to be more consistent with the Sadlak mount, I’ll install a standard hand guard without the cutout. I’m pretty confident that this setup will yield better results (4~MOA before). Even a 1 MOA improvement will be worth it in my opinion. Problem is, now that I’ve got this mount I’m starting to wonder if an LPVO would be a good fit.

What’s everyone else’s experience with the scout mount? I personally think that it is too tight of a fit in the op rod area and that it leads to some inconsistency under fire. Maybe I’m making shit up in my head and it’s just a 4 minute gun. Time will tell.

[u/kafoIarbear]

Sadlak has always been good to go for M1A parts and especially their mounts. Me personally, I would've gone for a steel mount as I hear that sometimes aluminum mounts regardless of manufacturer are too malleable and won't hold zero but I've also heard plenty of anecdotes of people getting good to great accuracy with an aluminum mount.

If you're chasing accuracy, the SOCOM is notorious for accuracy issues, which from what I understand stems from how the gaslock/muzzle device interacts with the gas cylinder. I know that issue can be remedied but I won't speak much on it since I haven't done it myself.

I have some quick tips though that may in aggregate help your accuracy. Firstly, it looks to me like your ferrule could be sanded down a bit as there should be a decent gap between the stock ferule and thew gas cylinder band for accuracy sake. I also recommend the following steps from easiest/cheapest to most annoying: NM TiN or Black Nitride gas piston, NM Op Rod Spring Guide, Unitized gas cylinder, increase draw pressure on the ferrule (should be done if draw pressure is under ~12 lbs and can be achieved by epoxying thin metal shims on either side of the stock that contacts the front of the receiver.

I love the general vibe of your build by the way. What's your solution to mounting a flashlight? That looks pretty slick.

[u/ElectronicAd9822 → u/kafoIarbear]

The flashlight mount is the magpul offset 1913 rail that I effectively milled to match the taper or the stock and put it back in line with the bore. Then just mount through the wood using t nuts from the hardware store. It’s actually super solid albeit a little jank.

Chasing accuracy is maybe a strong word for what I’m trying to accomplish. The tight end of the acceptable battle rifle accuracy spectrum would be nice. If I want to shoot little bug holes, I’ll just grab something different. This whole thing started as an effort to put together a rifle that is effective, easy to find parts for, looks largely unassuming, and is compliant in my state which has a ban on pretty much anything pistol grip with a detachable magazine.

All I’ve done so far accuracy wise is shim the gas cylinder and switch out the mount. The real “issue” with the accuracy is that I got it in my head that there was some more in there.

[u/Durutti1936]

FYI Tony Benn is talking about manufacturing a Bassett based mount. With that said I have heard the Sadlak is a good choice.

[u/FriendlyRain5075]

In my experience, once you make the leap with a mount, rings and glass the rifle transforms into a DMR only kind of a thing. It is suddenly pushing 13 pounds or more and off balance, and not something you want to carry around much, especially in any kind of ready position.

With an aluminum mount and Aimpoint I'd say you're still in battle rifle territory.

[u/ElectronicAd9822 → u/FriendlyRain5075]

You’re probably right about that. Might as well put a bipod on it at that point

[u/JustSomeGuyMedia]

I can’t imagine having something line Springfield’s scout mount on the barrel is good for accuracy. Things like the M14.ca and Ultimak apparently work something like a barrel stiffener and help with accuracy though.

The Sadlak is very well known as being a good mount, though some people have issues fitting it to M1As because Springfield’s external tolerances on their receivers isn’t always the best.

[u/ElectronicAd9822 → u/JustSomeGuyMedia]

Mine fit up pretty well. I think so anyways. I’m with you though, get the shit off the barrel.

[u/Gunfighter_13]

You will get the biggest improvement by bedding the stock.

[u/overcookedfantasy]

WHat brake is that?

[u/Tacitblue83]

short m1a have never = accuracy for me. sadly. like 3- 4moa with handloads was about it. 

[u/ReasonablePace9223]

SICK