The stock is sturdy and, if push comes to shove, it can be used as a club.
Competitive shooters in Service Rifle matches use the classic-style stock quite well out to ranges that reach 600 yards.
Many of these shooters have adapted their shooting style to efficiently use the standard stock.
The M1A is highly adaptable through the use of aftermarket stocks. A Sage International EBR stock is shown below the M1A SOCOM 16 CQB rifle.
What if you flipped that so the stock adapted to you, the shooter?
So, here are five of the best stocks for the M1A rifle.
Modular Moves?
While the standard M1A stocks are very capable, aftermarket stocks offer additional versatility you may want.
And the modularity of the AR design makes this a breeze, with tons of aftermarket parts available.
The side mount design for M1As increases the height of the scope.
For standard stock rifles, I add a strap-on cheek rest.
The SOCOM 16 CQB comes from the factory with an excellent pistol-gripped stock. But you might need even more versatility.
Most aftermarket stocks come with an adjustable cheek rest to compensate for the scope height.
I have two reasons why Id want to swap stocks on an M1A.
Reason one is for better accuracy and comfort with long-range shooting.
One of the most popular aftermarket stocks for the M1A is the Archangel stock.
Archangel makes excellent examples of aftermarket stocks well suited to hit steel at distance.
Reason two is to make the M1A more compact and maneuverable in tight spaces.
Another plus with an aftermarket stock is your ability to add accessories like a bipod.
The Archangel stock is easy to install and offers a range of additional features for your M1A rifle.
It also takes the edge off recoil.
If I wanted to upgrade my M1A with an aftermarket stock, here are five stocks I would consider.
You should, too.
The VLTOR Modstock keeps the rifle lightweight while increasing its versatility. It is a perfect match for the SOCOM and Scout Squad models.
These are in no particular order.
Dont missYamil Sueds video on the Archangel stock.
The design also provides little pressure to the barreled action, so accuracy is not adversely affected.
For many people, the EBR is the best aftermarket stock for the M1A rifle. It offers a lot of options.
I like the cheek-riser, which employs a click-adjustable thumbwheel with 12 increments.
The length of pull is also adjustable with a click-adjustable thumbwheel.
The buttpad is contoured and made of soft rubber to help slurp up recoil.
For long-range shooters, the JAE-100 G3 chassis is an excellent choice to consider.
It also has four internal steel inserts for ball-lock/push-button quick detach sling swivels.
Plus, there is a storage compartment in the pistol grip.
I like the angle of the pistol grip and the palm swells.
One of the best features of this chassis is the ability to add nearly any buttstock type to it, includingAR-style systems.
When shooting prone, this pistol grip is very comfortable.
This stock is made of a proprietary carbon fiber composite which makes the stock strong yet lightweight.
The magwell is relieved of material so magazine changes are fast.
The set-up includes the carbon fiber composite forend, pistol grip, buttstock adaptor and VLTORs EMOD buttstock.
This is the same buttstock you might use on your AR platform.
Just drop the barreled receiver into the stock and plant the trigger assembly.
The buttstock has two storage compartments, which hold four CR123 or three AA batteries in each compartment.
The stock also has multiple QD sling swivel attachment points.
To take this stock another step forward, pair it with the CASV-14 M1A Rail system.
There are also multiple points to add Picatinny rails for a bipod.
Machined from billet aluminum, the EBR is a drop-in replacement stock system.
The close tolerances and rigidity of the chassis increases accuracy in the M1A barreled receiver.
I like the M14ALCS model chassis.
This model features a telescoping stock with an adjustable cheekpiece.
I like the minimalist approach to this stock and the Picatinny rail at the 12 and 6 oclock positions.
The EBR takes the 1950s-era design squarely into the 21st century.
JAE-100 G3 M1A/M14 Rifle Chassis
It has been said that good things come to those who wait.
The JAE-100 has the reputation as the most accurate drop-in stock for the M1A.
It uses an aluminum skeleton that runs the length of the chassis from forearm to buttstock.
This feature really sets it apart from other drop-in chassis.
The cheek rest is fully adjustable via a thumbwheel and is quickly detachable.
The buttpad is cushiony and absorbs recoil.
This chassis is an excellent choice for those who want to shoot long range.
The Delta 14 Chassis Gen2 is made of glass-filled nylon, so it is lightweight yet tough.
