Springfield M1A Socom II

[cpoth]

I am hoping to hear some opinions/advice on Springfield's Socom II rifle. I currently own a full size loaded version that I am happy to bench shoot and am looking for a handier ranch-style rifle with good stopping power. I own 2 ARs (16" and 20" bbl) and would like to avoid being convinced into buying something I've already got. My main questions are the following...

Can I use the same loads I currently use with my full size M1A? (168gr SMK HPBT with 43.5gr Varget powder)

I know this is a heavy rifle but how much can the weight be reduced by removing the lower rail?

What is a good optic? I am currently planning on using a Leupold 1-4 (the Socom II rifle I am looking at has the extended rail over the receiver so eye relief won't be a problem).

What are your thoughts on an antelope (or mule deer - still deciding) hunt out West with such a rifle?

Thanks for any information!

[rovert97]

honestly, if you want a lighter ranch type rifle, why not just go for a Mini14 or Mini30 and save yourself 500-700 bucks in the process for ammo. the rifles are light and work on the same operating principles as the M1A.

[cpoth]

That's a very good point, and I understand the rationale. I just have a soft spot for the M1A. Weight, I have accepted a problem (I have to with the M1A) but along with the weight is the robust action.

[rovert97]

its a fair choice on your behalf, if i had the cash i would spring for the M1A due to the hefty reliability. but since i know ill never get one anytime soon, and wanted something pretty close to it, i would go for the Mini series. going to be shooting a 30 on friday with an option to buy, so we shall see how it goes.

[cpoth]

Yeah I am still saving pennies. Good luck with the 30.

[crazywolf]

I have a socom 1.I've had it for about 5 years and love it have an aimpoint on mine it does ok out to 200 yards. when I had a scout scope on it I shot it out to 400 yards and it did ok not as good as my bolt gun but for a short barreled semi it did good.it is the rifle I would grap if things went bad.about the biggest problem with it the muzzle blast.other then that it's all good hope this helps.crazywolf

[cpoth]

Thanks crazywolf, that does help. What type of rounds to you typically put through the rifle? Any problems with cycling?

[billt]

I don't have a SOCOM II, but I do have a SOCOM 16 and a National Match M-1A. I use the same ammo out of both with zero issues. I stick with between 42.5 and 43.0 Grains of Varget. I like Varget in a semi auto because for me it seems to burn pretty clean, and has about the perfect burn rate for the M-1A. I stick with bullets in the 150 to 168 grain range.

I also shoot a Ruger Mini 14, but there is just no comparison between the 2 rifles. While both have similar operating systems, the .308 is a much more authoritative round. The .223 has no place in big game hunting. Bill T.

[animalmother85]

build one to at least military specifications...

http://www.fulton-armory.com/

http://www.lrbarms.com/

[cpoth]

Thanks Bill,

I will stick with the Varget loads and expect not to run into any problems. If I run into something I'll mess around with the bullet weight and see what happens.

Animalmother85,

Thanks for the links, I'd love to get a hold of one of those rifles but I feel as if the Socoms are priced a little steep the way it is. I just don't think I can afford that right now.

Thanks for the input guys.