I have one of the 16 inch M1As and it is horrible. I've tried several types of ammo and they all suck. Maybe 18 inches is as short as you want to go. I sent it back to the factory and they recrowned the barrel and sent back a target they shot with Federal Match that was still 3 inches at 100 yds. If you use cheap ammo it practically patterns at 100 yds. Pretty disappointing.
I originally wanted the 16 and did my research. $1800 is a lot of money but I wanted the best.
I have the 18” and I love it. 2” @100yrds using surplus but 1” using Rem or Win.
I have shot the russion steel casings as well and the grouping is 1 or 2” inches depending on my mood I think. Can’t figure what the difference is.
That’s steel sight BTW. I love the gun the way it is. My brother wants me to junk it up with all kinds of voodoo stuff but I shoot as good as he does using an AIM off his AR.
Besides I have other scoped guns most using the Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14x40mm and that thing makes holes bigger every time you shoot through it. Yes, I am talking about the optics. Crap for scope, shit for shot. Me no Likey.
Anyway, Socom Scout 16” and I don’t remember the twist. Something like 1.10 or 1.11.
Favorite rifle ever. But I love the Garand type rifles. Easier sighting than traditional sights, for me.
Oh, and back to why you are not getting the performance you want.
Try relaxing your forehead and shooting eye. Just them kind of be there.
Lay your trigger hand on the stock and place your thumb over it to stabilize. Don’t grip it, don’t squeeze it.
Place your finger on the trigger and think of scratching something.
The object being to relax and be there with the rifle.
Now breathing deliberately and slowly, as if your are measuring your breath on the inhale narrow your vision to the target.
Exhale and scratch the trigger as your vision narrows further.
Most probs aren’t the gun it’s the shooter. You may have a crappy gun but most of the time if we focus on our technique our accuracy improves.