{"id":1302,"date":"2023-07-28T18:17:09","date_gmt":"2023-07-28T18:17:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1302"},"modified":"2023-07-28T18:17:09","modified_gmt":"2023-07-28T18:17:09","slug":"smith-enterprise-custom-3-gun-socom-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1302","title":{"rendered":"Smith Enterprise Custom 3-Gun SOCOM 16"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"player-inline-wrapper no-margin-top\">\n<div class=\"video-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe class=\"player-inline\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/843648420?h=ee4a953414&amp;api=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"byline\">By <a class=\"byline-author ajax-home\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/author\/jeremy-tremp\/\">Jeremy Tremp<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Anyone who is a fan of the M14\/M1A family of firearms no doubt knows of Smith Enterprise. And, after seeing Smith Enterprise\u2019s custom work on the M1A for an earlier project with me, I decided to work with them to create a special M1A SOCOM that was a sleeper 3-Gun competition rifle.<\/p>\n<p>If you haven\u2019t yet caught the earlier article on the Smith Enterprise, Inc. (SEI) <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/review-custom-smith-enterprise-m21a5-crazy-horse-rifle\/\">Crazy Horse Rifle, go check that out here<\/a> for some history on Ron Smith and Andy Horton over at Smith Enterprise Incorporated (SEI). I also did an <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/ron-smith-interview\/\">in-depth interview with Ron that you can read here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-45116\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/smith-enterprise-custom-socom-16-rifle.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/smith-enterprise-custom-socom-16-rifle-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/smith-enterprise-custom-socom-16-rifle-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/smith-enterprise-custom-socom-16-rifle-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/smith-enterprise-custom-socom-16-rifle-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Smith Enterprise, Inc. customized SOCOM 16 rifle combines beauty with incredible performance. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After getting the M1A Standard Issue rifle back from Smith Enterprises as a Crazy Horse Rifle, I was curious what they could do to one of my <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/springfield-armory-socom-16-rifle-round-up\/\">M1A SOCOM rifles<\/a> that I am so fond of. I love having variants of rifles in a series of barrel lengths or calibers, with the 22\u201d M1A being fantastic for dialing in some precise groups and sitting still. At the same time, the 16\u201d version is much more agile for some running and gunning fun.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coming Up Short?<\/h2>\n<p>The SOCOM 16 is one of my favorite variants of the M1A rifle for a few reasons. I love to add suppressors to my rifles, and with some modifications, the M1A SOCOM is a great option for suppressing and keeping the overall length still relatively short.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45118\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-working-on-custom-socom-16.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-working-on-custom-socom-16-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-working-on-custom-socom-16-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-working-on-custom-socom-16-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-working-on-custom-socom-16-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-working-on-custom-socom-16.jpg\" alt=\"ron smith working on custom socom 16\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-working-on-custom-socom-16.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-working-on-custom-socom-16-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-working-on-custom-socom-16-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-working-on-custom-socom-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-working-on-custom-socom-16-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Master gunsmith Ron Smith is an undisputed expert on the M1A\/M14 platforms. He is shown here working on the author\u2019s SOCOM 16 rifle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The 16\u201d M1A SOCOM is lighter than most of its siblings, which makes it much easier to shoot unsupported as well as manipulate with ease and quickness. Lastly, I think it simply looks fantastic. Proportionally it\u2019s a beautiful rifle, and the stock options are great from the factory.<\/p>\n<p>When I sent the M1A SOCOM to Ron Smith and Andy Horton over at Smith Enterprise, I told them to do their magic with no restrictions. The only stipulation is that I wanted the rifle to host a smaller red dot rather than an LPVO or something similar in size. This way, the rifle would keep its agility and be a great companion to the Crazy Horse rifle, which can achieve accuracy over great distances. I wanted this SOCOM version to be more of a \u201crun and gun\u201d one to 200-yard rifle.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Details<\/h2>\n<p>Ron and Andy got to work doing what they do best, creating some of the finest M1A upgrades that the world has known. One of my favorite things about sending firearms to craftsmen like them is letting them work their art without trying to put them inside of a box. It\u2019s exciting to me to see the end results that are usually beyond all my expectations. Smith Enterprise did just that, yet again.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45119\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-customizing-the-m1a.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-customizing-the-m1a-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-customizing-the-m1a-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-customizing-the-m1a-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-customizing-the-m1a-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-customizing-the-m1a.jpg\" alt=\"ron smith customizing the m1a\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-customizing-the-m1a.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-customizing-the-m1a-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-customizing-the-m1a-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-customizing-the-m1a-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ron-smith-customizing-the-m1a-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ron Smith and Andy Horton delivered amazing results when customizing the SOCOM 16 rifle. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When I picked up the rifle from Smith Enterprise, I immediately thought of a \u201csleeper\u201d car. A sleeper is a vehicle that looks mostly \u201cstock\u201d but has a monster of an engine inside. The new M1A SOCOM had subtle hints of some new blood, but to the casual observer, it was mostly the same. I love it.<\/p>\n<p>Right off the bat, you could see the new muzzle brake developed by Smith Enterprise to tame the recoil of the .308 cartridge while not overly concussing anyone to the left or right of the shooter. It\u2019s made from 8620 steel with 60RC surface hardness and is salt bath nitrided for a corrosion-resistant finish.<\/p>\n<p>Making it possible for the new muzzle device to be attached is the SEI SOCOM 16 Gas Lock. I would highly suggest this upgrade to all M1A SOCOM owners. The new Gas Lock takes the M1A thread pitch and adapts it to the traditional 5\/8\u00d724 thread pitch. Once installed, you can use any .30 caliber muzzle devices that you wish, including suppressors!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45120\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/all-of-the-parts-for-the-m1a-custom-socom-16.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/all-of-the-parts-for-the-m1a-custom-socom-16-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/all-of-the-parts-for-the-m1a-custom-socom-16-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/all-of-the-parts-for-the-m1a-custom-socom-16-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/all-of-the-parts-for-the-m1a-custom-socom-16-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/all-of-the-parts-for-the-m1a-custom-socom-16.jpg\" alt=\"all of the parts for the m1a custom socom 16\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/all-of-the-parts-for-the-m1a-custom-socom-16.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/all-of-the-parts-for-the-m1a-custom-socom-16-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/all-of-the-parts-for-the-m1a-custom-socom-16-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/all-of-the-parts-for-the-m1a-custom-socom-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/all-of-the-parts-for-the-m1a-custom-socom-16-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A quality rifle is built from top-shelf parts. Smith Enterprises starts with high-quality parts and perfects them before final assembly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Keeping the original barrel, Smith removed it and then machined an 11-degree crown on the muzzle. They then polished the feed ramps and salt bath nitrided the barrel for refitment.<\/p>\n<p>Smith added their heat-treated M14 National Match front sight, 4140 Chromoly and MIL-I-171 manganese phosphate finished to reduce glare. The match sights feature a narrow, .062\u201d wide front blade for a crisp, clean sight picture.<\/p>\n<p>Continuing backward, you will find the addition of the SEI Warfighter Gas System. The \u201cWarfighter\u201d gas system includes the M80HT Gas Cylinder, SBR Hard Chrome Piston, and M80HT Standard Gas Plug. These parts are the same ones that come standard on the Crazy Horse rifles and have been combat proven by the U.S. military. This is an extremely rugged, robust and reliable gas system for the M1A series of rifles.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45121\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/customizing-the-m1a-socom-16.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/customizing-the-m1a-socom-16-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/customizing-the-m1a-socom-16-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/customizing-the-m1a-socom-16-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/customizing-the-m1a-socom-16-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/customizing-the-m1a-socom-16.jpg\" alt=\"customizing the m1a socom 16\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/customizing-the-m1a-socom-16.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/customizing-the-m1a-socom-16-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/customizing-the-m1a-socom-16-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/customizing-the-m1a-socom-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/customizing-the-m1a-socom-16-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andy Horton is shown above, working on the SOCOM 16\u2019s barrel assembly. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Now comes the optic. With my direction on keeping the rifle agile and light in weight, Smith chose a Trijicon RMR red dot and attached it to a custom version of their M14 Extended Scope Mount. The scope mount is wire EDM 4140 CM steel manufactured, double heat treated, with M80HT corrosion resistant 60 HRC surface hardness. Suffice it to say the mount is extremely rugged and holds zero perfectly.<\/p>\n<p>Going the extra mile, Smith milled out areas of the mount that weren\u2019t needed to take as much weight off as possible. The result is a skeletonized rock-solid mount putting the RMR in a perfect position for quick sight acquisition without materials getting in the way or adding unnecessary weight. It\u2019s minimalist and elegant at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>The rifle\u2019s op rod was polished and then sent off for a salt bath nitride. This was cool to me because as much as I love the op rod saying \u201cSOCOM16\u201d on it, this makes the rifle a bit more unique to me while also blending in a bit more to the subtle rifle theme.<\/p>\n<div class=\"newsletter inline\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: none;\" class=\"logo-tal-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/themes\/thearmorylife\/img\/logo-tal-tm-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Live The Armory Life.<\/strong> The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our <a class=\"ajax-giveaways\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/giveaways\/\"><strong>monthly gun\u00a0giveaways!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>An absolute must-have upgrade comes in the form of the SEI Extended Bolt Stop\/Release. This allows the M14 bolt stop\/release to act more like an AR15. Simply press the bolt stop to release the bolt, feeding a round into the chamber rather than manually pulling on the op rod. There is also much more surface area making it intuitive and tactile even while wearing gloves. The Extended Bolt stop\/release is made from bar stock and case-hardened for rugged durability.<\/p>\n<p>Rounding out the upgrades to the M1A SOCOM is the SEI trigger job. Bringing the trigger to a crisp 4.5-lb. break, the feel and repeatability of the new trigger is exceptional. After asking exactly what Smith does to the triggers, Ron simply smiled and said, \u201cA few springs and 40 years of experience\u201d. I guess we will just have to let their secrets reside in the performance and feel of their parts.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hands-On<\/h2>\n<p>Taking the rifle out to the range, I was excited to feel the difference from what I have known the rifle to be to its new SEI form. I loaded up a few mags of Remington UMC .308 and prepared for some .30-caliber steel-smashing fun.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45122\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-m1a-socom-16-custom-rifle.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-m1a-socom-16-custom-rifle-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-m1a-socom-16-custom-rifle-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-m1a-socom-16-custom-rifle-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-m1a-socom-16-custom-rifle-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-m1a-socom-16-custom-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"shooting the m1a socom 16 custom rifle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-m1a-socom-16-custom-rifle.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-m1a-socom-16-custom-rifle-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-m1a-socom-16-custom-rifle-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-m1a-socom-16-custom-rifle-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/shooting-the-m1a-socom-16-custom-rifle-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author tested the custom Smith Enterprise\/Springfield Armory SOCOM 16 rifle extensively on the range.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>First impressions on weight were very impressive. For the added features to the rifle, it felt mostly the same as my factory SOCOM rifles. When shouldering the rifle, the Trijicon RMR perfectly aligned with my eyes. I appreciated how the custom extended mount set the red dot more forward on the rifle. With the red dot more forward, you gain more field of view around the optic which helps on quick target transitions from your peripheral vision.<\/p>\n<p>The trigger is most excellent. It\u2019s tactile and feels tight, enabling precise shots as well as quick follow-up shots with accuracy. A good trigger really makes your shooting experience more pleasant as it\u2019s the main way you interact with your firearm.<\/p>\n<p>Reloading the rifle was fun and felt like a new experience with the SEI Extended Bolt Stop\/Release. Instead of giving up my grip or reaching under the rifle to actuate the op rod, I was able to load in a magazine and then hit the bolt release to feed the rifle fresh new rounds. This was a great advantage as it\u2019s easy muscle memory for me from my <span class=\"nowrap\">AR-15<\/span> rifles.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-45125\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/custom-socom-16-rifle.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/custom-socom-16-rifle-800x533.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/custom-socom-16-rifle-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/custom-socom-16-rifle-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/custom-socom-16-rifle-600x400.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/custom-socom-16-rifle.jpg\" alt=\"custom socom 16 rifle\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/custom-socom-16-rifle.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/custom-socom-16-rifle-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/custom-socom-16-rifle-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/custom-socom-16-rifle-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/custom-socom-16-rifle-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Note the custom optic mount and Trjicon RMR fitted on it. The author blacked out the handguard of the rifle after some range time with the custom rifle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/7-62-nato-vs-308-is-there-a-difference\/\">If you\u2019ve shot a .308<\/a>, you know the satisfying thump your shoulder receives from the rifle cartridge. Without a good muzzle brake, that thump can bring you off target a good deal, making your follow-up shots slower. The SEI Muzzle Brake really tamed the muzzle rise of the .308, enabling me to get back on target faster without feeling like I am fighting the rifle to do my bidding. It\u2019s impressive how much work the muzzle brake does while being fairly minimalist. We\u2019ve all seen those muzzle brakes that look like they belong on a .50-cal., whereas the SEI Muzzle Break could be mistaken for a factory option. It\u2019s clean and does the job perfectly.<\/p>\n<p>One day, it would be fun to run this rifle in a 3-Gun \u201cHeavy Metal\u201d match alongside one of Springfield\u2019s legendary 1911 pistols. Of course, I would also have to wear tiger stripe camo and use a leather holster for maximum effect.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>After a few hundred rounds, I can say that this is precisely the rifle I hoped Smith Enterprise would deliver. Ron Smith and Andy Horton are true master craftsmen over at Smith Enterprise, creating some of the finest M1A\/M14 upgrades in the world. With their history and pedigree creating precision battle-proven M14s for the U.S. military, Smith Enterprise is ready to make your M1A dreams come true.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Note: Be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in!<\/em><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-forum-thread hide-share\"><span>Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n<p class=\"forum-thread-button-wrapper hide-share\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/forum\/threads\/15705\/\">Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-featured hide-share\"><span>Featured in this article<\/span><\/h5>\n<section class=\"featured hide-share grid-three\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/www.smithenterprise.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/product-smith-enterprise.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/product-smith-enterprise.jpg\" alt=\"Smith Enterprise, Inc.\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Smith Enterprise, Inc. <\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-m1a \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/m1a-series-rifles\/socom-16-rifles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-308winchester\">308<sup>WIN<\/sup><\/span><\/span>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/AA9626_1200x3061.png\" alt=\"M1A\u2122 SOCOM 16 Series\"\/>&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>M1A\u2122 <span>SOCOM 16 Series<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/www.trijicon.com\/products\/subcategory\/trijicon-rmr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/product-rmr-type-2.jpg\" alt=\"Trijicon RMR Reflex Sights\"\/>&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Trijicon <span>RMR Reflex Sights<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/smith-enterprise-custom-3-gun-socom-16\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Jeremy Tremp Anyone who is a fan of the M14\/M1A family of firearms no doubt knows of Smith Enterprise. And, after seeing Smith Enterprise\u2019s custom work on the M1A for an earlier project with me, I decided to work with them to create a special M1A SOCOM that was a sleeper 3-Gun competition rifle. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1303,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1302","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1302","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1302"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1302\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1302"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1302"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1302"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}