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05-15-2010 10:20 PM
# ADS
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I don't recall reading anything about these rifles other than what SA Inc printed in their ads for it. I'm guessing it was around 1990.
The original rifles were Israeli Defense Force (IDF) M14 sniper rifles, which, of course, couldn't be imported. SA Inc bought all parts except for the receivers, which I assume were destroyed or returned to the US military. SA Inc assembled the kits on their M14-clone receivers, which they call "M1A", a copyrighted name. Since the receiver IS the rifle, technically what you bought is a "SA Inc M1A built with an Israeli IDF M14 sniper parts kit". It is not an M1A1.
Since the original rifles were built from USGI service grade M14 rifles, I would expect many parts to be USGI. The Nimrod scope, mount, & stock are definitely not USGI, & fire control parts are missing. The barrel may have been replaced.
I really don't think you were taking much of a chance. These are as close as to a military M14 sniper rifle that most of us will ever get. I'm looking forward to more photos & a range report from you.
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Just a note: I have used the Israeli M14 sniper rifle system in combat in the reagion. The single point mount and Nimrod scope are as accurate and rugged as they need to be. The mount needs a bit of blue lock tite to keep it secure. Once you zero the weapon with the ammo you will use it holds zero very well. Keep in mind that sniper weapons used in combat are not fired as much as they are on the rifle range, and don't tend to lose there zero as long as they are not dropped hard or dissasembled. Keep in mind that in combat it's not how many you shoot, it's who you shoot that counts. A sniper may only fire 2 or 3 rounds in a 24 hour mission. The Nimrod scope is quick and easy to use in combat, and holds up very well in those conditions.
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usmcret
Thanks for your in post. Because I have some of this kit I am interested in any other observations you have about working with this equipment and the Israeli modified rifles in general.
Were there any other accuracy modifications done like trigger jobs, NM flash hider reaming or unitizing the gas cyl.
The stock set that I have is finally stripped of that horrid crinkle paint. Under that black garbage posted above I have found some Israeli markings that had been made into the stock and cheek piece. I’ll post some pics soon.
In your experience had these fiberglass stocks been painted in the field or were they in the standard ruddy USGI reddish brown paint. The cheek piece I have is molded of a dark chocolate brown fiberglass.
JR
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That is the most different "real deal" item I've seen for a M14.
It's a great start for my first day on milsurps.com... Thanks!!
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(M1 Garand/M14/M1A Rifles)
"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' "
Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring
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I ran an armory in Israel for about 2 years. We had a bunch of M14s that were all similar in color to your fresh one. In addition, I did my M113 driving course at the same base as the IDF sniper school. Some of their trainees were tented 2 over from mine and I saw their rifles frequently. Mind you, I was seeing sniper-trainee rifles, but I don't recall seeing any that were oddly or differently colored.