Whose making the best M14/M1A out there? Starting to look into one and am curious what or who people like.
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Whose making the best M14/M1A out there? Starting to look into one and am curious what or who people like.
Haven't worn a "Springfield" out, yet. Some history of QC glitches, but so do the others. If you're worried, get whatever receiver and use GI parts elsewhere.
I first started out with a Polytech and liked the quality o.k. but could not get it sighted in unless I set the front sight over quite a bit. Probably a misalignment of the barrel into the receiver. I traded the rifle off and got an early production Springfield Armory M1A with a TRW barrel, all in mint condition. I am very happy with the rifle.
Lots of discussion on that subject on this recent thread on CMP forums:Quote:
Originally Posted by Minnesota Joe
http://www.thecmp.org/forums/showthread.php?t=8493
You'll notice that some folks are fans of SAI, Springfield Armory INC (no relation to the now-defunct Springfield Armory that made M1 Garands & M14's), they have a great reputation and a lifetime warrantee, no others do. Their receivers are made by an investment casting process as opposed to forging, the way the old USGI Springfield Armory (as well as TRW, HRA and WRA) did it LRB and Smith Enterprises do now. These forged receivers are very expensive and just not worth the extra $ IMHO. The LRB/SEI fans will say that the SAI cast receivers are inferior but I'd maintain that they are just as good and better in many ways, especially when it comes down to warrantee and price. As far as cast receivers being inferior, I'd point out that Ruger makes their receivers and many other parts by casting and they have a stellar reputation. Heckler & Kock makes some of the toughest, most reliable and accurate fully and semi automatic firearms in the world - using stamped receivers! Many AK-47's, also renowned for their reliability (although not accuracy) use stamped receivers.
Lots more info on M14's and their various clones can be found here:
http://www.imageseek.com/m1a/welcome.html
Lee Emerson, who runs the site, is very knowledgeable and a moderator on some other forums, great guy who can answer any questions that aren't addressed on his website.
Good luck in your quest for an M14 type, they're one of the world's finest.
HTH
Throw my vote in for Springfield Armory. I bought my first in 1984. A standard which I sent back and had upgraded to a national match and later upgraded to a super match barreled kreiger after shooting the NM barrel out. I liked them so much I bought another Standard and National match, followed by 2 more super matchs for my sons. I recently returned one of the super matchs for repair and rebarreling and damn what great customer service. They repaired a bolt roller I had no idea was damaged at no charge and the price for the new kriegr barrel I had put on was very resonable. They never charged me a dime for shipping or repairs to the bolt roller only the barrel replacement that I requested. And the turnaround time was shockingly fast. Great company to work with great products.
Got a brand new Springfield. Fantastic!
B
Ditto, Springfield Armory.
The Best M1A new is by no question the LRB
Forged, and as close to a M14 as you can get
Both my SA's have given great service. I don't feel investment cast receivers are an issue with a semi only rifle.
Problem with the SAI is that they started using cast parts about 10-12 years ago, & current production has LOTS of cast parts now. And, they just don't hold up as well as USGI parts, which are forged.
If I were shopping for a rifle today, I'd look for an older one with most/all USGI parts. The best standard USGI barrel you can find will be an SAK, made by Saco Defense, Saco, ME.
Neal
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ightside-1.jpg
I bought my SAI Scout 2 years ago and I love it. It is accurate. It does it's job better than I do. and the only problems I have had is with scope mounts. I had a problem with the Magazines for my XD pistol and called them. They said send them back. Less than 2 weeks turn around from me to them and they replaced all 5 mags
+1 on what he saidQuote:
Originally Posted by Neal Myers
I was lucky enough to buy one from a member here ,one that posted in this Thread.Thanks Charlie. All USGI with a SAK barrel If I do my Part she will hold a .75" group at 100 yards and have collected enough USGI parts to build a new rifle as soon as I find a receiver
I've had several Springfield M1As over the years and I always looked for older preban examples with all USGI parts. I think these are the best and most desirable. A friend just bought a new loaded M1A and it looks and shoots great. Springfields customer service is second to none.
I have an early model SAI with all USGI parts...except the receiver of course. I've been very happy with it.
However, if I was to get one today...I would lean towards having Fulton Armory build one. FA rebuilt a 1943 Srpingfield M1 Garand I have and they did an absolutely super job. Just my opinion of course.
It's like asking a group of men if they like blondes, brunettes, or redheads. Or whether they like tall or short or thin or full figured.
Thi subject has been covered well.
'81 and '83
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...b4251fd8-1.jpg
...MJ...
got a A.R.Sales built in 1971ish in the m14e2 configuration. was built with all new GI parts H&R bolt and trigger with a 1967 SA barrel and SA oprod. LOVE IT!!! also so a 1979 springfield m1a built with mostly GI parts. i run GI mags and never ever had a FTF. i'm collecting nos GI parts to do a build as we type and not to sure what receiver i'll run, but she'll be a NM rifle. but on the other hand, run a old norc built by a dude on vancouver island with a full run of GI parts and it worked great. only cost me $600 and came with 2000 rds of hand loads. m14's are like crack so be forwarned :)
Anyone know about the rifles being built by James River? Aim Surplus(AIM Surplus Home
) has them for sale..(Not cheap,$2000) and they claim to have a forged receiver, made in Cleveland, OH.. Bolt(new made) and Op rod also forged Chrome lined Wilson BBl.. Just wondering
Quote:
Originally Posted by mag318
Absolutely the way I would go. Get on the M14 Firing Line Forum and get one from the PX there. I have an SAI Supermatch, 2 NM rifles, and a loaded model. Great rifles and fantastic customer service from SAI. If you have an issue they pay shipping both ways. That being said, all my rifles were made in the 90's with 100% USGI parts count.
We need a little more art for this thread.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...04/LRB22-1.jpg
LRB Receiver, SEI Barrel, USGI Parts, Sadlak TiNi Gas Piston, SEI Modified Trigger Group, USGI Stock, assembled by Jon Wolfe.
For "Plug & Play" ease of use and great warranty, go with Springfield.
For a custom, "I'll decide what I want" M14 clone, acquire the best parts you can find/afford and let an experienced M14 Plumber put it together and tweak it for you.
But don't ever forget, it's essentially a Garand in .308 with a magazine. It's a battle rifle that does it's job very well. BUT it's not a bench rest sniper gun in regular mil-spec configuration. That means don't get frustrated if after spending a lot of money, you don't get much better that 1.5-2 MOA out of the box with premium ammo at 100 yards.
To get much better, you'll need premium barrel, trigger and bedded stock/JAE/Sage which could cost you another big Chunk 'a Change.
And it may still not shoot better than a SA Supermatch.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...matchIII-1.jpg
Personally, I'm partial to preban SAI. Very nice rifles.