Originally posted by neverknow
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I guess overtime it did not grow on me as some of my other firearms. At 10.9 pounds EMPTY, it's NO lightweight for sure and I'm not getting any younger. The muzzle break works better than advertised at controlling both muzzle rise and recoil. More so than a standard full size M1A-1 (M-14 variant). That muzzle break and shorter barrel of the SOCOM II unfortunately makes the firearm bark quite loudly. Anytime a brake is put on any rifle expect the report to be much louder. At night it has a more pronounced muzzle flash than a typical M-14 variant with flash hider.
My particular SOCOM II variant does not have the upper 1913 style rail that extends to the rear of the receiver; so mounting a conventional scope is more difficult. There is a version where the top rail goes all the way back to the rear of the reciever. I sometimes mount a Holo Sight or Red Dot. The front post does contain a Tritium insert and works well in darkness. The Vltor (Quad-Rail) assemblies lower rail can be removed making it easier to grasp. I've installed a pistol grip and light assembly on the lower rail. The pistol grip helps balance the firearm better. These firearms do not come with chromed lined barrels. Lastly the SOCOM II does not have a forward sling swivel.
As far as maintenance, it does not need to be kept as clean as an AR-15. The side of the reciever channel for the op rod and bolt lugs should be lightly greased. It did jammed (stove piped) once with Surplus South African 7.62 x 51 NATO during break-in. I chalked it up to old ammo and break-in. One thing to keep in mind is that .308 winchester is NOT NATO ammo. 7.62 x 51mm is NATO ammo. The difference being that the civilian .308 has more pressure.
I've since purchased an M1A-1 in the Scout Squad variant with the walnut stock. I'm thinking of relieving the SOCOM II of it's Synthetic stock for the Scout Squad. I'm also considering reverting the SOCOM II to a SOCOM 16 (No Cluster Rail). May go with a Vortex style flash suppressor as well (Not Cheap). My son has taken a shine to the SOCOM II (He's over 6ft tall) and built like a tank. He may end up with it. For now it sits in one of the safes. I just enjoy my two FAL clones, Scout Squad and other firearms more. I've also got a Saiga 308 with 16 inch barrel that I'll be converting to a conventional pistol grip and stocked configuration after finishing up several other projects. I bought it with the intention of being a poor mans SOCOM 16. It's definately much lighter/less expensive than the SOCOM II. FN FAL clones can be had with 16 inch barrels as well. Price for a new DSA FAL is comparable to the SOCOM series. Accuracy of the FALS while respectable, never approach that of the long barreled M1A1 (M-14 variants). Ergonomically I do like the FALs better. They are also very reliable under harsh/austere conditions as are the Springfields. My two FAL clones being an Century R1A1 that was built right and an Entreprise Arms L1A1. Keep doing your research. As always, hope this helps.:)
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