Civilian clone M14/ M1A receiver recommendation

[general Ike]

I have seen this conversation on boards before but read it with just a passing in tersest until now.

Looking into a M14 /M1A and I remember some issues with some of the commercial receivers being out of spec and warped

So what is the general consensus as to who made the best receivers. and which should be avoided and why?

What is the going $$$ rate for a good M1A? Any leads?

Thanks Ike

Information

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[Maniac]

I have seen this conversation on boards before but read it with just a passing in tersest until now.

Looking into a M14 /M1A and I remember some issues with some of the commercial receivers being out of spec and warped

So what is the general consensus as to who made the best receivers. and which should be avoided and why?

What is the going $$$ rate for a good M1A? Any leads?

Thanks Ike

Check this recent thread out, gen Ike, it may answer some of your questions:
M14 Receiver? - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

HTH

[general Ike]

Thanks Charlie for the link. I tried a search but came up with too many options. Good thread but a little nonspecific or it doe not come to a conclusion.

I thought there where some receivers if I am not mistaken, Polytech, that had safety issues due to out of spec receivers, but do not remember the details.

So are there any brands to stay away from??

Any suggestions or leads? Not looking for a match piece just as close to GI as I can get.

Thanks

[Maniac]

I've seen this question posed many times on many forums and it always winds up in a big argument and inconclusive! But here goes . . .
If time and money are no object by all means buy the forged LRB or the Smith Enterprise Inc. (SEI) receiver milled from solid bar stock. If you want a forged receiver on a budget get a Chinese receiver but just be aware you're going to have to spend some pretty good coin to bring it up to snuff (still cheaper than the others mentioned) but it will still say "Made in China" on it if you can abide by that. Springfield Armory Inc. (SAI) makes a great investment cast receiver that's guaranteed for life and while the LRB/SEI camp will argue that they're not as good as forged there are many that will point out that the owner will wear out long before the receiver. The one thing to look for in any M14 clone is that they have, at a minimum, USGI parts. Sadlak, Fulton Armory, Smith Enterprises and others manufacture some parts that are superior to USGI but pricey.
Bear in mind that one can often buy an M14 clone cheaper than you can have one built, the deals are out there if you're patient. This website can be immensely helpful if you want to educate yourself on the M14 and various aftermarket M14 clones: M14 Rifle History and Development

Good luck!

[general Ike]

Charlie Thanks again
The info and especially the link is exactly what I am looking for. The link has the exact description I wanted and will be really helpful.

I know this is a picky/argumentative subject. I usually read thru these post but my limited brain capacity did not really absorb it since I was not looking to buy at the time.

Definitely looking for a assembled older M14 with as many GI parts as possible since I have no desire or expertise to build one up.

Thanks again and let me know if you see a good deal!!!Ike

[gunny33]

I have seen this conversation on boards before but read it with just a passing in tersest until now.

Looking into a M14 /M1A and I remember some issues with some of the commercial receivers being out of spec and warped

So what is the general consensus as to who made the best receivers. and which should be avoided and why?

What is the going $$$ rate for a good M1A? Any leads?

Thanks Ike

Hi General Ike,
For what it's worth I have several M1A's with Armscorp receivers. One I have been shooting for 5 years with no problems. In todays economy and with som patience you may pick one up for less than $1500.00.

Bill

[glg20]

1990 M1a purchased a couple of years ago. All TRW parts except a SAK barrel.





2007 LRB barrelled receiver from Lou. I put all H&R parts and completed the rifle.

The LRB cost twice what the SA cost me and does not shoot any better. Cosmetically there were equal. Function is equal. Lou is a great guy, but can only warrant his rifles for a year. SA's warranty is for a lifetime. I would get and earlier SA tho. More USGI parts. Current ones have none. Most folks do not have the time or money to wear out a cast receiver much less a forged one.

Whatever you do, I don't think you regret your decision.

[Calif-Steve]

I was at Ft. benning years back. The question of wearing out a receiver came up. They said you could indeed stretch a cast receiver. They go into the scap pile then. Forged receivers would stretch but not nearly like a cast piece.

[general Ike]

Thanks all, great info. Now to find an older build!!!
What kind of $$ range am I looking at, older reciever mostly US parts?
Anybody have a lead?
Thanks again Ike

[glg20]

Depends where you live. $$$$$ Personally I would not pay anymore than what a current new rifle goes for.

Try Whittaker Guns

They have a good selection and fair prices. They may have a few used ones. Be specific. Tell them what your looking for.

Good luck, and good hunting