SOCOM .308 Rocks!

BTW, I had a chance to futz (a technical term among gunwriters) around with a Springfield Armory SOCOM 16 M1A rifle today, and I have to say I was much more impressed than I expected to be.

I mean, the idea of a light (sub-9 pounder) .308 battle rifle with a 16 1/4-inch barrel conjured up images of my ill-fated 3-gun experience with an old HK-91, which apparently had been designed by an alien who had never seen a human body. At least, that was the only explanation the amazingly crappy ergonomics. The gun would probably feed and fire a tube of lipstick--depending, of course, on color--but it pounded the living hell out of your shoulder.

The SOCOM handled well; recoil was mild--heck of a muzzle brake, I'd say!

This is the first MIA-style rifle I'd really like to have...a pretty viable alternative to AR system rifles.

The drawback? $1727.

Ouch.