Early M1-A whats it worth?

[Joe45acp]

Have an early M1-A that has a 4 digit serial number that was purchased back in 1980. Has a full walnut stock and is mint. I bought it and never fired it. What are these worth now adays? Im not into the 308 so I wanted to see what kind of value these have as I might (probably will) sell it.

Thanks

Joe

 

[H2O MAN]

Does it have Devine, TX stamped on it?

 

[Joe45acp]

Dont know, where would I look to see if it was?

 

[Jerry M]

Manufacture would be important in determining the value.

 

[XDKingslayer]

About 10 bucks. But I'll give you 15?

 

[H2O MAN]

PM sent ~

 

[dmftoy1]

Around here one in 95% condition goes for about $1200 bucks . .but they've been going up lately. (saw a used one for $1400 the other day at the cheapest place in the area)

FWIW.

 

[jacobhh]

Depending on how many USGI parts in fine condition, you may
actually get more parting it out. There seem to a lot of folks
with new M1A's trying to replace commercial parts with USGI
which are becoming scarce.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I believe "M1A" is a SA trade mark. If you have a mint four digit SA, it well have some usgi parts. I bet it would bring 16-1800 bucks if you find the right buyer. If it has a gi bolt and op-rod, I well give you 1600 sight unseen.

 

[Mannlicher]

with a four digit serial number, all the parts but the receiver should be USGI.
Look on the underside of the barrel, and see if it is stamped "Devine Tx". If you don't see it, take the action out of the stock, and check the bottom of the barrel.
The value is always only what someone will pay, but a good condition Devine Texas rifle should bring a premium.
Here is an example of a very low three digit rifle. It was made by Elmer Balance in Devine Texas, and purchased in the mid 70s.

 

[Joe45acp]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I will take her out of the stock this weekend and see what she has for USGI parts. By the way, not trying to sound foolish but the parts will be stamped USGI right?

Joe

 

[Trebor]

No, the parts will not be stamped USGI.

They will have a variety of original contractor stamps. I'm not up on the specifics but I'm sure someone can fill in the details.

If the M-14 is marked like the M-1 the parts might be stamped "SA" for the real Springfield Armory, WRA for Winchester and TRW for TRW.

Can someone verify this?

Oh, and the parts will have "drawing numbers" that relate to the original blueprints, not serial numbers. There is no such thing as a "matching number" M-14 or M-1.

 

[jacobhh]

From what I can gather quickly: The original Springfield Armory (not SAI of
Illinois) marked the major parts they made with "SA" and a drawing number.
Harrington and Richardson marked parts with "HRA". "H&R" and "HR with a
3rd letter ie. "HRL", "HRT" if the part was built by a subcontractor.

Winchester stamped their major parts "66118", some smaller parts "OM" for
Olin and barrels with the script Winchester trademark.

Major TRW parts are stamped "TRW".

All receivers are commercial as the '68 gun control act nixed all USGI
M14 receivers, de-miled or not.

M1A is a trademark of SAI Geneseo, Illinois
SAI was bought and moved from Texas to Illinois in 1974.

All of the above info came directly from Scott Duff's book:
The M14 OWNERS GUIDE. The book contains much more
about this subject and is widely recommended to users, owners etc..

I have no personal connection to the book, authors or publisher, but
I felt it was right to credit it.

 

[10X]

Mr. Balance has stated that about 4600 receivers were made while he owned the company in Devine, TX. Serial numbers under about 03800 should show stamping on the underside of the barrel between the gas cylinder and the bayonet lug with an address including Devine, TX.

Some receivers were included when the company was sold to Springfield Armory and were built into rifles by them.
These are not marked Devine, TX. These could be marked Genesco, IL.

If the serial number is after 04600 it is a Springfield Armory made receiver.

As far as GI parts a four digit rifle should have all GI parts. Just write down the alphas you see on the bolt, op rod, trigger group. They should look like WRA, HR or HR-something, TRW, SA. We can help identify them for you.

 

[taprackbang]

Hey joe,

Have you thought about keeping that Rolls Royce of rifles?
It is seen by some as the greatest battle rifle ever, next to the FAL.