Great article...thank you so much. I carried a M14 in Germany and M16 in Vietnam. The M16 never failed me, but it wasn't a M14. Nothing beats the feel of the wood stock. We have a range near me that goes out to 600 yards. I have never been there, but guys say it's super.
If I get the M1A in .308 with a scope for the range, I'll let you know my results. I am not a highly skilled marksman, but they have instructors. Targets in Vietnam were under 100 yards, usually closer.