How are the quality of current M1A's? Other Questions.....

[mdoerner]

Hi All,

Now that I will be receiving my 1st paycheck (since February) on Friday, I am considering making a new firearm purchase. I noticed a nice Springfield Armory, Inc. (s/n in the 22,000 range) M1A at a local gunshop. Once I get a few bills paid I'm considering maybe getting this piece. I know that getting a beater Garand re-parked and re-barreled in .308 will be cheaper but I'd like to know how the later M1A's have been in terms of quality. Also, the local gunshow may have a Polytech M14S there again. So I'm wondering.....

1.) How are the current generation on M1A's in terms of quality? I know it's a cast receiver, but I figure since it's new it can go back to Springfield, Inc. if it's a "problem child".

2.) It's about a $400 price difference between the Poly M14S and the Springfield M1A. If the Poly M14S has bolt, op rod, or barrel problems, does that eat up my $400 price difference (I think it would)?

3.) This will be used for shooting mil-surp 7.62 NATO stuff, not a Match Rifle (though I may take it to a CMP match just for giggles). Any other ideas on 7.62 NATO rifles? I've heard the G3 loosens your fillings and isn't as ergonomic as it could be (unless you like lots of spacers in the buttstock) and the FN-FAL was never a tack driver. Any other ideas?

Mike Doerner

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Griff Murphey]

CMP does not have M-1A/M-14 matches, except for the distinguished marksman type "Leg" matches which are an entirely different animal than the Garand/03/Carbine/Vintage matches, and are usually fired as part of NRA Regionals, State Service Rifle championships, the National Matches, or service matches such as Interservice Championships, USMC Far East Division matches, etc. You certainly could shoot an M-1A in NRA matches; it'd make a great 3-gun rifle, and for defense, it in theory will be better than the 8-shot Garand. The G-3 and FAL are (IMHO) more curiosities for the collector than usable match rifles for much of ANYTHING. For a casual NRA match shooter or 3-gun shooter plus defense, in all honesty I'd go for a good A2 heavy barrel AR-15. So we are back full circle: For CMP shoots, go with the Garand.
There are lots of stories about parts failures RE the New SA M-1A's but as mine are all old ones with GI parts I cannot comment. Thus, the following comments are hearsay: There have been reports of several failures of hammers, bolts, etc. and especially I have heard the advice to replace the SA new-made bolts with GI.

[Calif-Steve]

I have heard the Canadian-made receivers were the best. I have no idea how to tell one from another. But Springfield Armory, Inc. can tell them apart.

[Bob S]

There is a special M1A Match at the Nationals. It's not a Board match, it's sponsored by Springfield Armory (Surprise, Surprise!) during the NRA portion of the Nationals.

Resp'y,
Bob S.

[John Kepler]

And boy am I glad I didn't shoot it this year! Temps in the high-90's...crock-pot humidity and heat indexes in the 110 region!

[Griff Murphey]

Question for John Kepler; did they have a lot of heat casualties this year?

[John Kepler]

Until yesterday, the weather here had been unseasonably mild. The Board Matches with the exception of the Garand on Saturday (Rained ALL day!) were some of the most pleasant in memory.....nearly perfect, though challenging, conditions. This week, is a lot more typical "National" weather....hot and muggy with afternoon thundershowers on tap for the middle of the week.

[Eagle 1]

To the OP:

Yes, IMO I think the Springfield M1A is the best route to an entry level M-14 clone. They may have a problem out of the box but usually not. Their excellent service is well worth any price difference between it and anything else. I have one made in late 2007, had initial problems with barrel index which was corrected by SAI and haven't had any additional problems until yesterday in the M1A Match at Camp Perry. The elevation screw wouldn't stay tight enough to keep the aperature in place. The problem may have been how I tightened it however. I suspect most local clubs wouldn't mind at all if you fired it in an informal " JCG" type match. New shooters are a good thing and its how many of us get "hooked" on the Highpower game.

You are correct on your second question.

There are other 7.62/ .308 platforms out there but I prefer the M-14. More reliable, more accurate on average IMO. The CETME/ G3 platform is fun and has somewhat less harsh recoil, but that's just me. Maybe the recoil pulse is just different.

Others may have a different opinion.

Eagle 1

[John Kepler]

. I suspect most local clubs wouldn't mind at all if you fired it in an informal " JCG" type match. New shooters are a good thing and its how many of us get "hooked" on the Highpower game.

Maybe where you live.....but most places and our club in Gibsonburg OH is no exception, rules. like words, mean things and you aren't competing with a rifle that is specifically prohibited by the Rules!

[Eagle 1]

If they are running sanctioned JCG/ Springfield/ Vintage matches yes. True. Not all clubs are doing so and welcome new shooters. Forgive me for adding my two cents.