Taking the M1A to 1,000 Yards

I have always been in love with the idea of placing shots at extreme distances with pinpoint accuracy on paper or steel. Little did I know how much knowledge and skill goes into such feats. I have done extensive carbine training and engaged targets out to 300 yards with ease, but I’ve never had the opportunity to stretch those skills into long-range precision shooting. That is, until now.

The tools of the trade — an M1A Loaded Precision and Black Hills Gold 147-gr. ELD-M ammo.

The Rights Tools — and Teacher

My firearm of choice for this project was the M1A, a fine firearm from Geneseo, Illinois’ Springfield Armory. Based on the U.S. military’s M14 rifle that preceded the current M16, the M1A is a civilian-legal, semi-automatic version of that venerable design.

Known for its durability, simplicity and power, the M1A is offered in 16″-, 18″- and a 22″-barreled variants. Being that my goal was to stretch this legendary platform out to 1,000 yards, I opted for the Loaded Precision model in 6.5 Creedmoor.

A shooter lies prone on a camo shooting mat with an M1A supported by a bipod. He’s zeroing in on a steel plate nearly 1000 yards away. His use of a rear sandbag shows how to maximize M1A effective range in the field. The dry, dusty background hints at typical long-distance range conditions. This glimpse underscores the M14 effective range when you’ve got the fundamentals right. You can almost feel the focus in his body language. — Rob Orgel of ER Tactical was the author’s coach on this long-range effort.

I approached longtime friend and renowned instructor, Rob Orgel from ER Tactical, who happily obliged my request to deliver a crash course in precision long-range shooting. As a former 0311 Marine, combat instructor and military contractor, I was optimistic he could help me achieve my goal with the M1A.

A close-up of a riflescope mounted on an M1A. The illuminated reticle sits at the center of the lens. You see fine adjustment turrets labeled in MOA. It captures the precision needed for dialing in elevation at extended distances. It’s a window into tweaking your M1A effective range performance. No frills, just real-world kit. — The author fitted the M1A out with a Vortex Razor HD Gen2 3-18X optic on a Spuhr ISMS scope mount.

Aiding me in this journey is my trusted Vortex Razor HD Gen2 3-18×50 with a Spuhr ISMS scope mount. To eliminate as many ballistic variables as possible, I chose Black Hills Gold 147-gr. ELD-M as my precision ammo of choice. Providing stability on the desert floor, I chose the B&T PSR Atlas Bipod, which is lightweight and extremely rugged.

Range Time

We began the day at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona, dialing in the rifle and getting a 100-yard zero. Rob gave me tips on technique, position, shooter/spotter communication, and what to expect when we moved to the 1,000 yard range.

A lone steel target stands at the 1000-yard line on a barren range. The metal plate’s shape is faint against the horizon. Sparse brush and heat waves distort the view. Hitting this at max M14 effective range takes careful wind calls. The emptiness around it drives home how small your target really is at long distance. — For firing prone, Tremp used a B&T PSR Atlas Bipod on the M1A.

The clock was ticking as the temperature was rising to a high of 112 degrees that day. I was advised that past 11 am, the mirage on the 1,000 yard range would make the shot nearly impossible for even a skilled shooter. Time was not on our side.

Cover for The Armory Life Digital Magazine Volume 7: M1A

From the sighting in and familiarizing period earlier in the morning, it was easy to know what to expect from the M1A. The rifle was extremely smooth with incredible accuracy, the two-stage trigger made it very easy to know where the break was, and the adjustable stock was very comfortable in the prone position.

A spotting scope perched on a tripod beside a shooter. Its eyepiece angled just right for easy viewing. You see the adjustable focus ring and a sunshade. This tool is vital for observing shot impacts beyond the M1A effective range. In the background, a second shooter leans in to confirm group size. It shows how teamwork matters on big-yardage days. — Orgel was there with the author every step of the way during the shoot.

I’ve got to give Rob most of the credit here with his amazing knowledge in the precision shooting arena. He called out the elevation adjustments and read the wind perfectly. All I had to do was press the trigger and input as little of myself into the rifle as possible. As I positioned myself behind the rifle, I cleared my mind and focused on the small blue target in my reticle. “Shooter ready.” “Spotter ready.” Exhale.

A shooter’s hand turning the windage turret on his M1A scope. His fingers grip the knurled edge. Tiny clicks can mean inches off target at 1000 yards. A worn note taped to the turret lists previous wind calls. That’s long-distance shooting reality. It’s all about understanding the M14 effective range quirks. — Tremp was very happy with his results downrange, and felt Orgel’s guidance was a big part of it.

CRACK. The first shot snaps downrange, a breath later I see the impact directly behind the target, and dust drifts into the blue sky. I’m in the money! Great calls, Rob. I send four more rounds and hold my breath as I send the final shot.

At 1,000 yards, even on 18X through the scope, you cannot know how well you did at this distance. Rob on the spotting scope has an idea, but he keeps quiet until we reach the target downrange. As we pull the target down, to my relief all five are on the paper! For a novice long-range shooter, I was extremely happy with my grouping of about 8 inches at 1,000 yards.

Conclusion

My takeaway from this experience is that even a novice precision shooter, with expert guidance, quality equipment and a strong desire to learn, can repeatedly hit the 1,000 yard mark. My goal is to attend ER Tactical’s five-day precision rifle course to further refine my shooting capabilities with the M1A. There is something beautiful about shooting an iconic piece of history like this rifle, and one updated and modernized for long range shooting.

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