New M1As, any good?

Panzerschwein · Jun 19, 2015

Hello all!

I love the M14, and not being able to get one of those, I've had my eye on a Springfield Armory M1A for some time now. I would be buying the standard model, 22" bbl with walnut furniture. I'm looking for a true GI style old school M14 look.

On Gunbroker, I've noticed newly made versions of this gun going for a little over $1400. That's pretty steep, but not for a well made weapon. The question is though, are the current production M1As good rifles? Are they reliable and accurate (the standard model)? Are these a good representation of the real M14, or are they different in construction and appearance?

I don't mind paying that price for a well made rifle, but if they are subpar than probably not. I know some other companies make "M14" type rifles, but those seem to be even more expensive. Is the less expensive M1A a good choice for someone who just wants a basic classic battle rifle for range use and possible defense?

Thanks so much for you time guys. I've been looking at various .308/7.62x51mm battle rifles and I keep going back to the "M14". The timeless good looks and nostalgic Americana of this rifle is very appealing. Some other guns I've looked at like the PTR (H&K G3 style) rifles and the various FN FAL clones are all very cool and are somewhat less expensive than the M1A, but I plan to go with the M1A but only if it's worth the money and will be a tough and reliable rifle that will go the distance.

Thanks so much guys, I'm not much of a rifle guy so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your time, and have a great day!

zchry · Jun 19, 2015

I've heard nothing bad about them except the expense and the fact you need to rock the magazines into place. Oh, and if you want it for home defense I'd get the SOCOM 16". Has a rail to toss any sort of sight on and 16" is still enough to get good performance at longer ranges.

MEHavey · Jun 19, 2015

They are excellent...

Reloadron · Jun 19, 2015

There must be a gun shop or someplace around you where you could actually handle one? That would give you some idea as to feel, weight and construction. I trained with the M14 and maybe 20 years ago my wife gave me a M1A SA NM as a gift in walnut. I have always enjoyed that rifle but at 20 years ago mine is hardly a new production rifle.

If you read the related threads in these forums (thread search) you will see mixed comments as the M1A seems to be one of those love it or hate it rifles where many seem to want to suggest rifles like the AR10 or FAL over the M1A. While I don't have a FAL I do have a very good AR10 and enjoy that rifle also but my M1A I really enjoy shooting and yes it delivers just fine for accuracy.

Ron

bainter1212 · Jun 19, 2015

I have seen it commonly recommended to get a few spare GI extractors.....lots of stories of SA extractors breaking or falling off.

WC145 · Jun 19, 2015

I just bought a new Loaded M1A with the Archangel stock in April and love it. Very accurate (surprisingly so, better than I expected), zero issues, very well fit together. I would not hesitate to use my rifle for any purpose.

I was just looking at the prices on Bud's and Gunbroker, I didn't realize that they were so proud of those walnut stocks! I paid $1555 for mine including shipping and, since I bought it before the end of April, got 3 brand new 20rd mags free from Springfield. There are a couple of standard M1As with polymer stocks for under $1200 on Gunbroker right now if you wanted to get into the gun for a little less now and upgrade your stock later. You might also want to consider a Loaded version with a standard stock, IMO, the upgrades are worth the extra.

This is my rifle-

hdbiker · Jun 19, 2015

A range friend of mine had a slam fire on a Springfield M1A.Blew out the magazine and destroyed the stock.No injury except a few moments of shock.After sending it back to Springfield they said the basic rifle was fine and blamed it on ammo.He was shooting foreign ammo,this was last summer and I can't remember the brand of ammo.I was two benches down from him and it was a shock to all . hdbiker

bannockburn · Jun 19, 2015

My brother has both an M1A and a DSA FAL. Both are very well built and have excellent fit and finish. For overall handling and balance I like the FAL but have far more familiarity with the M1/M1A rifles (I restocked his M1A with a Springfield Armory walnut stock and worked on and refurbished his CMP M1). I also had an HK91 but that would be my third choice after the FAL and M1A.

Sheepdog1968 · Jun 19, 2015

Friend of mine has one and I've shot it a lot and he has as well. He got it 7 years ago. Well built. No issues. Also, I've used Springfield customer service in the past for other things. It's top notch customer service. If you had an issue, they would take care of you.

briansmithwins · Jun 19, 2015

The replacement of parts that were designed to be made out of forged steel by MIM parts bugs a lot of people, and the supply of genuine USGI parts is very limited now.

I wasn't impressed with the accuracy of mine, which was built with mostly USGI parts. The problem is it shot 2 groups alternating left and right. Each individual group was a solid 2MOA.

BSW

Jackal · Jun 19, 2015

They are good rifles. However, they are not the amazing , incredible, ultimate rifle that the VERY GOOD Springfield advertizing team describes. They are quite "OK" in most respects. Middling accuracy, reasonably reliable, average weight, etc. I DO think that they are a bit overpriced for what you get. With popular rifles like the PTR and AR10 market creeping down well below the $1000 mark, the Springfield becomes a harder choice to make.

MEHavey · Jun 19, 2015

The M1A is an emotional choice....
... not a logical one.

rbernie · Jun 19, 2015

I've heard that at some point Springfield started changing the manufacturing of receivers and bits from the original process (forged) to other processes (cast, MIM, etc.). Can anyone provide a synopsis of these changes and in what timeframe they were made?

X-Rap · Jun 19, 2015

The M1A is an emotional choice....
... not a logical one.

Perfect

Nature Boy · Jun 19, 2015

They are dangerous!

......dangerously addictive and accurate with quality ammo. I've had the trigger rebuilt on my standard grade, and that's about it. If you want an M14 pattern rifle, I'd say the Springfield is a good value at $1,500. It seems most of the other builders entry point start $1K higher.

I've been very pleased with my SAI M1A Standard. It's my first and I shoot the piss out of it. I've run over 2k rounds through it since purchasing it last November and I have yet to have a FTF or malfunction of any type.

Nature Boy · Jun 19, 2015

The M1A is an emotional choice....
... not a logical one.

Indeed.

No one needs an M1A. But that could be said about many of our firearm purchases. The M14/M1A is a sexy beast and a little quirky, but she rewards those that take the time to learn what makes her tick.

blarby · Jun 19, 2015

Mine is really good

Ash · Jun 19, 2015

An AR is an emotional choice, not a logical one.

See, anybody can play that game. But, like tic tac toe it gets old pretty quick.

Springfield has always cast their receivers and that has never been a problem that I know of. Armscorp, Fulton, and James River Armory have also always been cast. LRB and Rock Ola are forged. I personally have an LRB, but I have owned a plane jane M1a and it was a fine rifle.

As to rocking into place, puhleeze can AR guys get over that? I can slam a magazine just as fast into an M14 as I could my several AR's. Train with your rifle and it works fine. Some of us can also use a stick shift.

X-Rap · Jun 19, 2015

I have one and it's purchase, much like those of my 1911's have been almost solely been for the historical, coolness, unusual, emotional factor. I used to have an old Polytech which are supposed to be pretty good starting points for a build up. My present rendition is the Scout Squad. I doubt I would have had either if I had to pay full retail on either one, I doubt I'll be getting rid of the one I have.

DMZ · Jun 19, 2015

have one and it's purchase, much like those of my 1911's have been almost solely been for the historical, coolness, unusual, emotional factor.

Echos my sentiments as well.

I bought the base SAI M1A and dropped it into a nice USGI stock. Added a period sling and I had a nice looking, good shooting, M1A/14, for < $1,5000.

It sure turns a few heads at the range, when I pull it out of the old wool GI blanket I wrap it in.

briansmithwins · Jun 19, 2015

An AR is an emotional choice, not a logical one.

Unless you're looking for the cheapest way to sling .223 downrange and have a huge level of customization. In which case nothing* beats the AR type rifles.

There is no emotion in that statement. For a bunch of people the AR is the best tool for the job.

BSW

*In the USA, at least.

MEHavey · Jun 19, 2015

-delete-

MEHavey · Jun 19, 2015

An AR is an emotional choice, not a logical one.
See, anybody can play that game.
But, like tic tac toe it gets old pretty quick

.You are going to have to explain that to this old guy.
I'm kinda dull....

That said, an M1A choice is an emotional one -- no game.
Sorta like picking up a Garand, it is a nostalgic trip to the past...
... whose technological form, fit & function is long now surpassed.

Even so... I still have both.

Ash · Jun 19, 2015

"Unless you're looking for the cheapest way to sling .223 downrange"

Eh, he's looking to get an M1A. By definition, that means he is not looking for the cheapest way to sling .223 down range. As to customization, you can play lego gun all you want, but that still has nothing to do with an M1A.

As to form, fit, or function, the first two seems to indicate we have men here you cannot seem to shoulder much of a rifle. How did the 130 pound 18 year olds manage in WWII with the Garand?

As to function? Really? Both are solidly tested designs. Both have shown utter reliability in the most difficult scenarios. Where do some folks come up with this kind of drivel.

X-Rap · Jun 19, 2015

There's that nostalgia and emotion again, "IT'S A MANS GUN I TELL YA".
They are both as good today as they were 80 & 60 yrs ago, no denying that. Not Improved a bit but just as good.

New M1As, any good?

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