[Nanook]

Well I finally got one, I've wanted an M1A / M14 type rifle for years. I worked out a mutually good trade and traded off my FrankenFAL straight up for a like new Polytech M14. Not a mark on it, and I know it shoots well since I shot it last year.
There aren't many of these floating around, especially in such beautiful shape. If I feel the need for another FAL they're available everywhere for under $500. Later I may go for a DSA FAL.
I've always preferred the sights on the M1/M14 rifles to any other system I've used. And the sight length suits my eyes better.
The other guy is in love with the STG58/FAL, so it's a win-win trade.
The only down side is the difference in magazine cost, here the FAL wins hands down.

[yankytrash]

Keep us posted on the love/hate relationship, especially in regards to the loss of the FAL. I almost made much the same deal for a Polytech M14, but couldn't get myself to part with the FAL. Mag price was a huge issue with me, and I wasn't a huge fan of the weight differences.

I settled with talking myself into the fact that there are all kinds of aftermarket fully-adjustable rear sights out there for the FAL, of which I have yet to purchase.:confused: :D

Actually, ended up trading my AR for another frankenFAL, along with many goodies.

[Nanook]

Don't get me wrong, I really like the FAL platform. It's just that the sights on the M14 fit me better. The length is the problem, a longer sight radius helps out my eyes.
I will definitely consider an FAL in the future, probably a DSA or the like. I only meant that "FrankenFALs" are very common, like my Century Imbel receiver specimen. It worked well, no problems, just that the sights gave me problems. The other guy has no such concerns.

Ah, you know what they say, "Too many guns, not enough time" (or money)

Cole Distributing has M14 mags in VG condition @ 10 for $310. That smarts when you consider FAL mags going for about $5.00 each in the same condition. For the sight problem, though, it was a good move to make.

[buttrap]

Sights? the L1A1 takes a much better scope mount than the M-14 type guns.

[Nanook]

I can't argue that, I never tried to scope either type. I was just referring to the iron sights. The M1 / M14 works better for my "factory-defect" eyes.

When I'm a little more flush, I'll probably look into a DSA or similar FAL. I didn't want to pass up the M14 at this time. I DO live in a possible people's republic.

[Gewehr98]

Sights? the L1A1 takes a much better scope mount than the M-14 type guns.

So what, exactly, is the problem with either the GSA-approved Brookfield and A.R.M.S. scope mounts for the M14 system?


If you base a scope mount comparison on the Springfield, Inc, or B-Square type M14/M1A mounts, you might have a valid argument, much like a loose receiver cover scope mount for an AK or SKS.

But you're hardly doing a service to the folks in uniform who use the Brookfield and A.R.M.S. mounts on their M14/M21 rifles. :scrutiny:

[Kaylee]

congratulations! sounds like you got a good rifle for yourself! :)

-K

[thisaway]

I've had a Poly M14/S for years, and am very pleased with it. Congrats!

[jacks308]

Welcome to the M14 "cult" I almost bought a China gun that was complete except the bolt . Thought about building it into a match rifle etc , since I had a M1A I figured , why ?
Brother still let's me shoot his heavy barrel FAL when I want ,I still hafta clean it though :D


Jack

[telewinz]

I have both the FAL and M-14. The M-14 goes for much more than the FAL but other than that I shoot and enjoy the IMBEL much more. The sites on the Armscorp M14 are better but everything else is better on the FAL IMHO. Your logic is correct on the trade, you can always get an FAL (at least at this point in time) but M1A's and M14's are hard to afford once you get rid of them. The affordable opportunity may never come again, thats the only reason I have not gotten rid of my M14 and picked up two more IMBEL FAL's (with the required close inspection of course).

[BaiscInfantry]

Hey guys i don't know if you know this site but ummmm Cheaperthandirt.com has m14 5-10-20 and 30 round mags for 11 bucks and under!!! I bought a 20 rounder from them for only 9 bucks! go to them...and see the light....and the light is good. LoL

[Fu-man Shoe]

I bought a couple of those cheaperthandirt.com M14 magazines a little
while back, and I'd have to agree..."Cheap" is certainly the appropriate
word to describe them.

Oh they function, but unless you enjoy taking apart thin, shoddily made
out-of-spec magazines and fixing them yourself, you're gonna feel like you
got a bum deal.
There is a reason why they're only going for $10 a piece. Sit one next
to a USGI mag and you'll feel like you just wasted a ten spot.

It aint pretty.

I actually had to strip 3 of the 4 the mags down, remove the gritty residue
on the inside from the "poor man's Parkerization" they were evidently treated
to, and take a file to the front portion where the half-circle cutout it, since it
was not even remotely cut to spec, and the rounds would catch on that
while feeding.

It was not impressed. Your mileage may vary, but Caveat Emptor...

Fu-Man Shoe

[thereisnospoon]

I too own a Poly. Even after reading/hearing all the "stuff" about the Chinese rifle, I had to try it, as I couldn't justify the extra $500.00 (or more) for a springfield. I have had mine for about 6 months and love it!

I purchased a bunch of the Type 57 mags from Midway USA when I got the gun. They are serviceable, but I had to DuraCoat them to keep them from rusting...the CTD mags suck, so I hear...

Go to www.m-14forums.com and check the PX...you can find some deals there for good stuff. I bought a Springfield synthetic stock/sling and scout scope mount (which I love!) for $125.00. The folks there are every bit as nice as here at THR and it is a wealth of knowledge for a new M14 owner.

Enjoy

[chopinbloc]

ammoman has good deals on m14 mags. http://ammoman.com/index.htm

i bought ten, they all functioned perfectly and decided to buy another ten. they really are good mags. some do have a few spots of surface rust but they are all good, functional mags.

while you're at it, you might as well pick up some m80 ball there, too.