As a word of advice...these are great rifles. In my former life I used this weapon system a lot...I still do but not as much anymore. I cannot speak highly enough of them...one of my favorites.
However, I'd like to make you aware so you're walking into this investment and commitment with your eyes wide open....if you're going to go the M1A route then there is some added expense to go along with owning this rifle and/or the Garand and some unique aspects unlike other battle or marksmanship rifles. This rifle is not difficult to maintain, operate etc but there are just some additional aspects you need to be aware of...I'll just list a few...and I realize a dozen people will chime in and say "ah you don't need that stuff... or don't listen to him." which is particially true...you can work around a lot of these issues but there are unique issues nevertheless you won't find on an AR or AK/AKM platform for example.
Here are some of the unique things you need to take under consideration:
You'll need to figure out a way to clean from the muzzle to the breech or buy an Otis or simiar system. Regardless there will be times when you'll need to clean from the muzzle so you'll need a muzzle gaurd. This is sorta a pain to clean this way and makes one wary since you're trying to protect the crown of the muzzle.
You'll need a couple specialized tools to remove the gas plug so you don't tweak the system (lots of people don't use the proper tools and probably get away with it...I don't...I use the correct tools for the job to maintain the integrity of the rifle). You'll need to purchase some hard to find drill bits and make handles to scrap carbon or buy them from a 3rd party source.
You'll need to get some good grease which you'll not use on other rifles. I use the Mil Spec Luberplate. You'll need a greaser to do the job.
You'll really not want to seperate the stock from the rifle any more than you absolutely have too or you'll start loosing up the fit which does affect accuracy.
You'll find if you want mount a scope the base set up on this rifle is different and requires some unique set ups...some are great, some a not so much- it can be done and done quite successfully (obviously as it is the DMR for the Militiary). But you'll find it a challenge to get a good cheek weld unless you do some work arounds. I'm not sure this would be my ideal choice for a hunting rifle...but it isn't my choice.
You'll find mounting a bi-pod is a chore if you want to do this.
You'll find working on the trigger to be a bit tricky if you want to do a trigger job.
You'll find you're limited on sling configurations unless you spend about grand on a customized Mccree stock. Also if you want to add an lights or move sling mounts...unless you spend a fortune it isn't going to be easy on this rifle.
You'll find the rifle is heavy, the mags are heavy, and holding it in the ready position to manipulate the rifle is going to be a chore...assuming you're going to use it for defensive...if not then disregard. It will be a heavy hunting rifle.
Don't even consider reloading for this rifle unless you know what you're really doing...they need heavy primers (to prevent slam fires) and they need a propellant that doesn't over pressurize the gas system and ruin the rifle. Again, this is easy stuff for the enlightened but for the casual or the novice rifleperson or reloader...be advised.
M1's seem to have the same problems and issues as the M14. Alot of people have fallen away from the M1 platform for those reasons. 
