RE: M1A question!!!
Congrats on a fine weapon. My very first experience with mine was in a three gun match. First two shots were at 115 yards, head shots on a standard USPSA target, about 1.5 inches apart with open sights and never having shot the rifle before. Needless to say, I was quite happy with it...
You might want to take a spin through the owners manual. It'll answer most of your operational questions.