Have M14 parts kit: what's the most cost effective build?

[Buckskinner]

In a recent trade, I came up with a 100% complete TRW M14 parts kit.
I need to buy a receiver, and like the LRB lugged with machined rail mounting option.
But WOW, muy spendy.

What have you folks done with build ups? I know H20 Man has some compelling stories, and a deeper wallet it seems.
Can your run of the mill smith attach a barrel and headspace a bolt?
Can I put all the small parts in a purchased reciever then send of that caboodle with barrel?

I'd like to DIY as much as possible, and keep the project under $1K. Less is better.

Trying to be as frugal as possible, while keeping it made in the USA

 

[H2O MAN]

Contact Ted Brown or Ron Smith.

 

[lipadj46]

Get the barrel put on and headspaced the rest is fairly easy.

 

[jpwilly]

These are some of the M14/M1A Armorers:

Fulton Armory
Smith Enterprise, Inc.
LRB
Springfield Armory, Inc. custom shop [email protected]
Ted Brown AKA Shooters Den
WarBird

 

[lipadj46]

On that list stick with SEI, Warbirds or Ted Brown. Fulton's prices are too high IMO.

 

[Buckskinner]

"barrel on and headspaced"

What condition exactly must the receiver be in for this to happen.

Do the other small parts need to be installed?

Or can I just send the barrel and bolt off to whoever I buy the receiver from and say "install and headspace please"?

I'm asking here, as the fellas listed all say they're very busy, and I'd rather learn here first then go to them with a specific request.

Thanks.

 

[Travis Bickle]

Believe it or not, Polytech and Norinco receivers are the best, and they're the cheapest, too.

 

[lipadj46]

The Chinese receives are good but you have to buy a whole rifle to get the receiver. Get the M24 LRB receiver without the rear lugs. SAI receivers can be had for around $450, well they used to be not sure these days.

What condition exactly must the receiver be in for this to happen.

You just need a receiver, complete bolt (with firing pin, ejector and spring, extractor, and extractor plunger and spring installed, DIY) and the barrel. Send those off to get put together and head spaced and you can do the rest easily if you are handy. You can send your gas cylinder parts and flash suppressor also to get installed if you like. The rest of the parts barely eve require tools besides a punch and hammer.

 

[H2O MAN]

lipadj46 The Chinese receives are good but you have to buy a whole rifle to get the receiver.

Don't forget the equally excellent chrome lined barrel, forged 1-piece op rod and
USGI quality trigger group. The complete ChiCom gas cylinder is also very good...
All of these items can be used or sold off.

 

[FSJeeper]

Are USGI M14 rifle parts kits still available? And if so, where and how much are they going for?

 

[H2O MAN]

USGI parts are very hard to find and very expensive...

Consider it your patriotic duty to acquire as many commercial M14 type rifle parts and rifles as possible.
It is my experience that Smith Enterprise, Inc. (SEI) offers the absolute best commercial M14 small parts that money can buy.

 

[Travis Bickle]

The Chinese receives are good but you have to buy a whole rifle to get the receiver.

Depends. He might be able to find one cheap that's in bad condition but with a good receiver.

Years ago, the Chicom M-14s were going for around $600 new, which is worth it just for the receiver. I still kick myself for not buying one back then.

 

[lipadj46]

Don't forget the equally excellent chrome lined barrel, forged 1-piece op rod and
USGI quality trigger group. The complete ChiCom gas cylinder is also very good...

Wow I just checked the LRB website for the first time in a while looks like they jacked up their prices. Champions Choice used to have SAI M1A receivers available for $450 but probably not anymore. A Chicom M14 may be your only choice unless you find one for sale on the boards.

 

[Retro]

I called Springfield two weeks ago, and their staff is working very hard to fill the orders they received, but it seems that SA M1A will be on backorder for at least 6 months to a year, and their receiver is the rate limiting step of the manufacturing process, and thus I doubt you will find any new SA receivers. I think this frenzy will be over as soon as the new gun laws are evident, i.e. whether or not M1A will be a part of the ban... If not, we will be back in business, and prices will drop.

 

[Buckskinner]

I don't doubt the quality of the chicom M14 recvr.
But I don't think I'd ever get one. In general I don't "buy Chinese". Taiwan, yes...maybe I should look into if the Norinco/Polytech was made in Taiwan ROC...That would change my mind.

I'll probably save my dough and buy what I really want: a gen you wine made in America hunk o metal, send 'em my bolt 'n barrel with flash hider, and even my gas tube handguard...might as well send em the trigger to work on..

Oops: there went $1500...sheesh...
Where do you stop? Besides the bottom of the checkbook that is..

 

[lipadj46]

Save up for an LRB then, their M25 is a nice receiver. Keep an eye out at AR15.com and M14tfl.com for receivers for sale as people start to sell their possessions to pay the mortgage and buy food an what not.

 

[Travis Bickle]

But I don't think I'd ever get one. In general I don't "buy Chinese". Taiwan, yes...maybe I should look into if the Norinco/Polytech was made in Taiwan ROC...That would change my mind.

All the Chicom M14s on the market are used and no more are being imported. The Chinese are not going to lose any money if people refuse to buy them.

 

[Buckskinner]

I get that Travis.
Just a personal preference: in general I don't like my stuf to say "Made in China". I'm just bigoted that way.
I honestly can't fathom putting that rifle to my cheek, with the word China 3" from my eyeball.
I don't judge anyone else for making this choice. Its just not my tune.

For example, I went ahead and spent $700 for an American made back pack. Is it worth that dollar amount? I certainly couldn't afford it. But I've driven sewing machines for a living, and I appreciate that crew in Montana still sewing. And I want my stuff made in America.
When I had a sewing business (Marine Canvas) I had a street side window. Folks (especially older folks) would stop in with no intention to order anything, just amazed that they were witnessing actual items being made by and for Americans. I even made a little money once in awhile.

So, saving I am for a US made receiver.

Thanks all for your opines.