Choosing

[pineapple]

Hello everyone. I own a few ar 15s. My son, that's in military and in college wants to get his own rifle. Told him to check out the M1A. He fell in love with the socom and scout. He's doesn't plan on hunting. I know the socom is about 2inches shorter then the scout.

What would you suggest?

 

[trader]

welcome Pineapple. Both would be good - have your son check them out personally

 

[Bassbob]

Welcome to the forum. I agree with Trader. Have your son check them out and pick the one he likes.

 

[Talyn]

Get the Scout.

It's the best compromise between maintaining performance & having better maneuverability than the standard length barrel.

 

[HansGruber]

Get the Scout.

It's the best compromise between maintaining performance & having better maneuverability than the standard length barrel.

I’d concur.

 

[Grayfox]

Another vote for the Scout for the above reasons.

 

[Mr.W.]

Welcome to the forum, from Ohio.

 

[Blackfeather]

Get the Scout.

The Scout is more versatile and you can shorten it's overall length by replacing factory muzzle device FSB secured by a castle nut with a gas lock front sight of your choosing and a direct connect Vortex flash hider, or USCG muzzle brake.

I am using the hooded HK style gas lock front sight and Vortex flash hider.

The US military issued many 18" Mk14 Mod 0 and Mod 1 EBRs, they never issued an M14 with a Socom length 16.25" barrel. Smith Enterprise did assemble a few 16.25" CQB-16 type SEI rifles for the CSASS competition, but they were just a over the weight limit in the Sage chassis when compared to what KAC produced. SEI made a civilian version for me, here it is at SHOT SHOW 2011.