My Ultimate EBR
I was fortunate enough to spend some quality time behind the trigger of a NM M1A when I was younger while learning to shoot long range/high power. While in the Marines, I found myself unhappy with the M16 platform, and often found myself comparing the two weapons. (**flame post disclaimer**) I was never able to really bond with the weapon as I did with the M1A, and decided when I had the opportunity, I wanted a M1A for myself.
My goal/purpose for this weapon would be a sub-800m platform, with CQB/Urban combat capability. Very much like the M4 platform, but using my designs/ideas, and of course using a much more powerful round.
Basic Rifle: Springfield M1A SOCOM
Upgrades:
Sage EBR Stock (Chop-Mod Length) w/ Stripper Clip Rail
Sadlak NM OP-Guide Rod
Harris BR (short) bipod w/ ARMS quick detach mount
GG@G Vertical Grip
GG@G Offset mount w/ Surefire G2 (thumb switch)
Handguard shortened .5" and edges smoothed
Optics:
Leupold Mk.4 MR/T 1.5x-5x w/ SP-Reticle
EoTech 551
Lasermax (red) visible laser w/ remote switch
Side Notes:
~The original weapon has had a break in period of approx. 300 rounds before the modification to the EBR. A wide variety of ammo was used, without a single function problem. Ran flawless throughout the break in period, while using three magazines - 10r Springfield, 20r Springfield, 20r Winchester USGI.
~Groups of 5 shots were made at 100yd. running an average of 1.5-2 moa. Shooting was done in a "free" prone position with no sling, but the Harris bipod was deployed.
~The primary optic is mounted in ARMS (high) Quick-Detach rings which bring the center aiming point of the optic to match the EoTech 100%.
~In the current configuration, the standard irons are not usable. With the cheekpiece adjustment as is, the line of site is well above the irons, co-witness is not possible. I will be mounting a set of ARMS front and rear BUIS in the near future.
Since the modifications, accuracy has been improved dramatically:
Using 165-168g. Hornady Match and TAP, I am getting .5moa for 5 shot groupings on average. 140g,150g do not shoot well at all, and groupings open up to 2 moa. I have also tried the 110g TAP ammo, and it shot poorest of anything I have tried to date (2-3 moa region).
The action, with the addition of the Sadlak piece, is the smoothest I have ever felt in an M1A, even a NM. It is a dream to cycle, and I can't begin to imagine how it will feel after I have had another 500rd through it. To date, I have never had a single functioning problem, or misfire. It has run 100% regardless of ammo, weather, etc. I feel I had met my goal for the weapon. I would not hesitate to take a shot within 800m using quality 168g match ammo. It also converts to a CQB/Urban weapon in about 10 seconds using the ARMS quick-detach mounts. (Rings and bipod). The Surefire is in line with my hand/thumb on the vertical grip, and if need be, the laser can be activated for irregular shots, or for perp' intimidation.
My only "negatives" about the platform are:
-Loss of original irons. I have two aiming devices mounted, so a failure in both, at the same time is unlikely. However, this problem will be fixed shortly with the addition of rail mounted BUIS.
-Center mass balance. The current weapon is certainly nose heavy. For CQB, the vertical grip must be placed in a position of balance on the weapon, and for the operator using variety of shooting positions. I had to try numerous positions for the grip until I found the "sweet spot".
-Excessive rails on the Sage. I know it is very much SOP to mount rails on any part of the weapon that isn't moving. The top rail is certainly a dream. Long enough to mount anything I can think of. I shoot right handed, so the left side rail serves no purpose. The right side rail is only used for the offset mount w/ the Surefire. The underside rail is handy for mounting the Bipod and vertical grip, but I do not need a full length rail. Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome, and certainly consider this one a keeper.
Range Report and Photos By DevilDogEBR
My goal/purpose for this weapon would be a sub-800m platform, with CQB/Urban combat capability. Very much like the M4 platform, but using my designs/ideas, and of course using a much more powerful round.
Basic Rifle: Springfield M1A SOCOM
Upgrades:
Sage EBR Stock (Chop-Mod Length) w/ Stripper Clip Rail
Sadlak NM OP-Guide Rod
Harris BR (short) bipod w/ ARMS quick detach mount
GG@G Vertical Grip
GG@G Offset mount w/ Surefire G2 (thumb switch)
Handguard shortened .5" and edges smoothed
Optics:
Leupold Mk.4 MR/T 1.5x-5x w/ SP-Reticle
EoTech 551
Lasermax (red) visible laser w/ remote switch
Side Notes:
~The original weapon has had a break in period of approx. 300 rounds before the modification to the EBR. A wide variety of ammo was used, without a single function problem. Ran flawless throughout the break in period, while using three magazines - 10r Springfield, 20r Springfield, 20r Winchester USGI.
~Groups of 5 shots were made at 100yd. running an average of 1.5-2 moa. Shooting was done in a "free" prone position with no sling, but the Harris bipod was deployed.
~The primary optic is mounted in ARMS (high) Quick-Detach rings which bring the center aiming point of the optic to match the EoTech 100%.
~In the current configuration, the standard irons are not usable. With the cheekpiece adjustment as is, the line of site is well above the irons, co-witness is not possible. I will be mounting a set of ARMS front and rear BUIS in the near future.
Since the modifications, accuracy has been improved dramatically:
Using 165-168g. Hornady Match and TAP, I am getting .5moa for 5 shot groupings on average. 140g,150g do not shoot well at all, and groupings open up to 2 moa. I have also tried the 110g TAP ammo, and it shot poorest of anything I have tried to date (2-3 moa region).
The action, with the addition of the Sadlak piece, is the smoothest I have ever felt in an M1A, even a NM. It is a dream to cycle, and I can't begin to imagine how it will feel after I have had another 500rd through it. To date, I have never had a single functioning problem, or misfire. It has run 100% regardless of ammo, weather, etc. I feel I had met my goal for the weapon. I would not hesitate to take a shot within 800m using quality 168g match ammo. It also converts to a CQB/Urban weapon in about 10 seconds using the ARMS quick-detach mounts. (Rings and bipod). The Surefire is in line with my hand/thumb on the vertical grip, and if need be, the laser can be activated for irregular shots, or for perp' intimidation.
My only "negatives" about the platform are:
-Loss of original irons. I have two aiming devices mounted, so a failure in both, at the same time is unlikely. However, this problem will be fixed shortly with the addition of rail mounted BUIS.
-Center mass balance. The current weapon is certainly nose heavy. For CQB, the vertical grip must be placed in a position of balance on the weapon, and for the operator using variety of shooting positions. I had to try numerous positions for the grip until I found the "sweet spot".
-Excessive rails on the Sage. I know it is very much SOP to mount rails on any part of the weapon that isn't moving. The top rail is certainly a dream. Long enough to mount anything I can think of. I shoot right handed, so the left side rail serves no purpose. The right side rail is only used for the offset mount w/ the Surefire. The underside rail is handy for mounting the Bipod and vertical grip, but I do not need a full length rail. Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome, and certainly consider this one a keeper.
Range Report and Photos By DevilDogEBR
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