You're not going to get a "sniper" accurate M1A for less than $1,500.00, if that's what the OP wants. M1A's have too many parts that have to be worked on (unitizing the gas system, etc...) to squeeze top-shelf accuracy out of them to come in at that price point.
I bought a DPMS LR 308 last year for around a grand. It came with decent rings and a $100 scope. I let a friend, who is our PD's TAC team sniper, ring it out "as is" with Federal premium ammo. Granted 200 yds is not all that far but this rife hung in at that range shooting 1-1.5 inches all afternoon.
I had been worried about a lot of the negative press these rifles had been getting as well, but I'll be keeping this one for awhile.
BTW I bought this used with a 3 day return agreement with the seller. Couldn't have worked out better. I'll be looking to stretch my dollars on used glass soon. If the manufacturer has a history of backing their stuff; it's hard to go wrong with used.
man the more i read about these ar style 308s isnt looking good. im tring to build a really sweet semiauto 308 sniper rifle. any other sudgestions are welcome
In all honesty, for the money, I would go with an M1A. You can get a nice one for around $1,200. They are time proven battle rifle, still used in combat today.