[45R]

The local shop is selling SA Standard M1As with a birch stock for 1K.

What do I need to look at with these rifles if I decide to purchase one?

Are these models "chrome" lined. What is the significance of the lined barrel?



TIA


45R

[Steve Smith]

I believe the standard models are chrome lined.

I don't know your market, but $1K is not an exceptional deal, IMHO.

[Grump]

Those are probably de-fanged, no bayonet lug or flash suppressor Politically Crunched adequate jobs.

Chrome lined barrels last longer but are reputed to be slightly less accurate. I've heard of some specimens still being 1.25 MOA or better.

They're worth $800-900 _TO ME_ in the de-fanged configuration, but the "market" is supposedly $1200 or better for NIB. I don't know how much Birch wood (hard to stain evenly!) would affect the price.

Look for proper firing pin retraction as the bolt comes forward/ retraction on unlocking when the hammer's down as well. Front sight tight, gas cylinder tight, good crisp clicks on the sights both elevation and windage, and the op rod guide NOT being sloppy on the barrel.

Op rod should slightly resist the dismount maneuver. PASS if it wants to jump out of the receiver track.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Actually for Kalifornia that's not a bad price. And yes it will come with the 'muzzle brake' as opposed to the suppressor- I'd still go for it; it's one of the last magazine fed semi-auto rifles we can get in Kali. And I think Springfield is running some sort of special right now, when you buy a rifle you get a scope or some such, I'd check the SA site.

Actually if this is the MA9102CA that's not too bad a price, but if it's the MA 9222CA it's a darn good deal.

ANd what grump said about the op rod jumping out of the track is right on the money.

[CWL]

Seems like a good CA price to me too.

[45R]

What is an "Op Rod" and Mismount? Is this part associated with the cocking lever?


The firing pin retracting while the bolt comes foward to prevent Slam fires?

[Sven]

45R: Come on man, slow down... take a deep breath... there WILL BE other deals on M1As out there... I mean, it's not like they are trying to completely ban these weapons here, or anything.

(someone whispers an update in Sven's ear)

... scratch that, buy it before its too late! Buy it now, upgrade the parts to USGI later!

[SodaPop]

Most standard M1A rifles in my neck of the woods go for about $1200.

[Grump]

Op rod: That thingy on the right side of the rifle that sticks out and bangs up the other rifles in the safe. Properly operated with the right hand, palm up, using the pinky finger because of you have a hang fire you DON"T want your thumb behind that thingy.

Dismount: With the arm pointed safe direction and finners off the trigger, pull back on the op rod and exert upward and outward pressure in the 2 o'clock direction as viewed from the rear. There's a cut in the receiver raceway slightly forward of the rear sight windage knob, which will allow the op rod to come out. Ease it forward off the bolt roller and you can now wiggle the bolt out and change that broken firing pin without further disassembly of the entire rifle.:cool:

[Skunkabilly]

Brick & Mortar retail, $1000 is the best I've seen and that's with a synthetic stock.

[Duke of Lawnchair]

45R,

$1k in CA? That's a good price.

The barrel on the "standard" M1As is advertised to be a USGI chrome bore/chamber.

IF I were to purchase one, I'd look to see that the specimens have as many USGI components as possible, which might be a little difficult to do these days as SA is throwing more and more non-usgi components into their guns.

I'm not sure about the durability, reliability, or even the shot-to-shot consistency of non-USGI components, but from all the late-model M1As I've seen...quality control seems to be lacking. The cast parts (sans receivers) seem to be very rough.

Jim

[DnPRK]

1k in Commiefornia is a good price!

Buy it and then get a copy of Scott Duff's book on the M-14/M-1A. It will tell you everything you need to know about maintenance and accuracy tips.

[45R]

okay so being completely ignorant to rifles. How in the blue moon do I know if its a USGI component or a Springfield Armory part?


TIA

45R

[TODD3465]

If this is a new gun buy it SA is good on service for anything deffective in it. Nothing wrong with most GI parts either, if new "unisssued".