M1A/M14 is a far cry from an AR15/M16 style platform. 2 very different rifles in all aspects of operation, calibers, and all around ergonomics. You'll obviously spend more for the M1A not only in the rifle itself, but on the .308/7.62X51mm NATO ammo you need to run through it. I carried an M14 in Iraq, and never had one single issue. Not to mention when hit with a 173 grain M118LR 7.62 round, you go down after the first hit. I'm picking up a synthetic stock M1A scout so I can toss an EBR stock on it, but the wood standard M1A, I'm keeping as is.
-Good luck in the decision, but if you just want a "plinking" rifle go for AR15 platform. You want some of the greatest battle rifle ever made, go with the M1A platform.