Starter M1A

[spartacus2002]

I think I've decided to start saving for an M1A. I love my FAL, but the sights and accuracy just aren't enought to satisfy me. I'm an accuracy freak; I've got a serious crush on the M1A's sights, and I'm impressed with the amount of accuracy that can be wrung out of the rifle.

So, what model should I start with, where can I find the best deal, and where can I get magazines that don't cost $50 apiece?

I realize this is the type of question that is best answered in either 30 or 30,000 words, so please be patient with me.

Thanks!

 

[ACP230]

Cole Distributing has used mags in good condition for $32.

I have heard good and bad things about the current Springfield Armory M1As. I have an old one bought used and it works very well. The new ones I've handled look like fine rifles.

 

[jacks308]

The important part is .... get one . In the meantime , learn about them and watch for deals while you are saving . When you get within 75% of the cost of one consider using the visa to make up the difference if you can .
Mine went out with me today with a friend and his AR and Garand Had a great time , wore out the targets , buddy thought the M1A "looked right" on me I took that as a compliment with the targets looking like Swiss cheese .

Jack

 

[No4Mk1*]

The standard with wood stock costs $1044 in Georgia. www.dixiefirearms.com

 

[alcmaeon]

I picked up a standard Springfield Armory M1a w/ walnut just before Christmas. I put just over 100 rds thru it and the bolt fell apart! I did some research on the net and found this seems to be a comman problem with new M1as. I sent it back to the factory asking for a GI bolt instead of the SA bolt. I was informed that they didn't have any GI bolts. but they put the original bolt back in place. I since have put another 400 rounds thru it with no problems. I paid $1300 for mine in CA, and a $1300 rifle should NOT fall apart after the first 100 rounds! The SA service department was polite, no questions asked and efficient. They paid me back for my UPS shipping to them (though I had to ask for that, they didn't volunteer it).

To do again, I think I would go to Fulton Armory for a rifle instead of SA unless I could get an older rifle or a great deal on a new SA.

 

[Edward429451]

I got a loaded a few years ago and couldnt be happier with it. Its a good system. I'm still lookin for that magic load to bring em down from 2.75/3.00" to maybe 2". Couldnt be me, could it?

 

[Kingcreek]

Since you are a self-proclaimed "accuracy freak", look for a SuperMatch. I bought one in 1987 that has plenty of rounds thru its douglas barrel and still shoots a sub-MOA group at 100yrds.
No parts have ever fallen off of my M1A SuperMatch or my M1A Bush rifle. I also don't recall ever seeing any parts fall off of others.

 

[BerettaNut92]

Spartacus, what is your location? That could help us.

 

[Detritus]

I think I would go to Fulton Armory for a rifle

Don't !!!

multiple reasons, i don't want to go into them here, b/c there are alot of folks who think that Clint McKee (owner of FA) is a god. adn i simply don't want to deal with a flame war. let's just say that given the choice, i'd rather do without a particular rifle design that to deal with Fulton.

e-mail me if you want to know why.

 

[3 gun]

Unless you have a good reason to get a match rifle, don't. I would avoid getting a new SA rifle. To many reports of QA problems on to many boards. Do not get a rifle built on a welded receiver. I would get "The M14 Owner's Guide" by Duff & Miller. Study chapters 1, 2, 3, and 9. Hit the show circuit with cash in your pocket and find a lightly used preban rifle. SA rifles that are preban were built with USGI parts and are the rifles that built their reputation. New M14 mags are going to only go up unless the ban sunsets, $50 may be a deal a year from now. If you don't mind some pitting and worn finish you can find working mags for around $15 at the shows.

 

[Steve Smith]

Agree with Detritus. I won't say why either (in public), but Fulton (Clint McKee) will never get a dime of my money.



Oh, and I agree with 3 gun too. You should search the gun show/used market. Most of these guns never get fired as much as you'd think.

 

[beckrodgers]

m1a

I got a ss loaded package back in 98 the date the state of Mississippi was going to the fill out the form instant check bs. Any way they started the checks the next day. Never fired it , it aint broke in or anything .Both moly coated black hills/147 gr mil surplus await to be fired. I would git one & just keep it ,that way you'll have it

 

[762x51]

If not Fulton, who would you guys have build an M1A? How is Smith Enterprises?

 

[Steve Smith]

I have never heard anything bad about Smith. I know that Clint Fowler builds a good M1A.

If I were having a competition M1A built, I would choose Hook Boutin, HANDS DOWN. In fact, why haven't I sent my "NM" M1A in to him yet?!!! :banghead:

 

[Handy]

I am not an "M14 guy". If I were to get one, I'd get something basic.

I would either find a pre-ban basic model, like one local one I saw for $1000 lightly used. The older Springfields have more GI parts.

The other option is this:

http://www.sarcoinc.com/r285.html

Armscorp makes a nice cast receiver. These guns contain some Chinese parts, which seem to be a better bet than SA cast. The rest is GI. At $995 for a new rifle, this seems like a better deal than a new SA with lower quality small parts and pretty much an equal receiver.

Normal Armscorp rifles are all GI, but cost accordingly. They do have accuracy guarantees.


If you don't want to mess around in getting huge accuracy, you probably need a lugged or double lugged receiver to start with. No point in buying a more basic rifle only to change out the receiver later. Armscorp and Enterprise both offer such a beast, probably others as well. The question is then, where to find parts?

Watch out for Federal Ordnance. Bad.

 

[jacks308]

Ron Smith of Smith Enterprises put a Douglas medium weight barrel on my Armscorp . I don't remember the price , but it was fair and the work done was very good .
I'm thinking about having him put a .308 barrel on a Garand now .

Fulton ?..... No .

Jack

 

[Steve Smith]

BTW, did I mention that I ran across an EXCELLENT pre ban Springfield M1A, properly built, double lugged and bedded, rear sight trued, McMillan heavy stock and McMillan barrel (still with good life) the whole 9 yard for match use, for $1500 last week? I recognized the type of work that was done and started talking HP to the guy. I probably coulda walked away with it for $1350-1400.

 

[spartacus2002]

Wow, that was a heckuva deal.

 

[zxc]

Got a standard SA; crooked rear sights and everything, I get playing card sized groups at 200yrds. I intended to shoot/abuse this rifle until it breaks.

 

[telewinz]

I've had the Armscorp M14 for about 5 years now. Fit and finish are great and other than the receiver & barrel, its all GI. Hit their web site they have alot of options and they DO guarantee accuracy. Just pick the group size (receiver style) you want to fire and Armscorp does the rest It don't get any easier than that.