New M1A from Fulton Armory: Range Report

By Mike Crumrine

I reported back in February that I purchased a new peerless m1a from Clint at Fulton Armory. My first M1A is down at Fulton being rebuilt. I finally got to the range on Wednesday and I want to report (i.e., brag!).

To refresh, here are the specs:

Krieger stainless 1 in 10 barrel, birch stock, Springfield, Inc. rear lug receiver, the rest in GI parts (also a couple of Brookfield Precision Tool items).

I'll start by saying that the oohs and ahhs and whispers of "that's a Fulton Armory gun" were worth it alone. Most everyone I talked to that day knew of Fulton Armory. The reputation is out there.

I put 68 rounds through it. My range is a 200/300 combined, and the rule is that after 1PM if someone wants to shoot at 300, everyone must. I was able to get about 15 rounds at 200 and get on paper, then had to move back to 300. Oh well.

At 300 yards I had to fool around some and get the front sight adjusted. Once I was happy with the rear sight at mechanical zero, I settled down for the 10 round rapid fire (PS: all targets used were official NRA for the distance and round). I had a friend spotting, put out two sighters, and went for it. I am happy to report:

I felt during the string that I didn't have tight enough sling tension. It was actually slipping as I was shooting, and the spread just grew. Ok.

I set up for the 600/300 reduced, 20 rnd slowfire prone. Nice and tight on the sling. Debated whether or not to keep the scope next to me. Decided to let my friend spot the first two sighters, and shoot the rest blind. More than a good score I wanted to get some consistency going to get a feel for the accuracy of the rifle.

Results:

Oh boy! It's a shooter!. Bear in mind these were the 34th through 56th rounds through this new rifle, and my first time shooting at 300 yards. I have been shooting the M1A service rifle for about 11 years (less during the past 4). This year my goal is to shoot official matches and do the score card thing. I think I have one from the only match I shot last year to qualify for the DCM Garand. I will have to see if I can find it or start from scratch.

Lastly I want to thank Clint for this beautiful rifle. I know that there are others that build quality M1A match rifles, they also deserve credit I am sure. But I don't think you can find better. The Samurai used to believe that a properly forged sword had a soul, and would be yours for life. I believe that Clint's rifles have a soul. This rifle will be with me for the rest of my life.

My only problem I will have is deciding which rifle to shoot when he gives me back my other one!

Mike Crumrine