M14 EBR; something different

[F1ST0]

I know for a fact that I want my next rifle to be a M14 EBR. To my amazement, there's actually quite a selection, and I came down to two solutions:
1: Fulton Armory MK14 Mod 0 EBR (~$3,300 without accessories)
2: LRB M14 SA tanker (~$2,670) dropped into a Sage M14 EBR stock (~$700), about $3,370 in total, without accessories.

So, the price gap is negligible, accept if I go with the latter, I'll have to install the stock myself (not a big deal, right?) but the LRB M14 has a forged receiver, which I think would be a nice touch. Also, I felt a bit of state spirit, I guess because LRB is based in Long Island, which is where I'm from; I couldn't believe it when I saw their website.
They're both 100% made in U.S.A, which is awesome. (although I'm not sure about the Sage stock.)

I also plan to eventually get a suppressor for whichever one I get, along with optics and whatever else I see fit.

Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks.

 

[signsfollowing]

Just because you can...

I'd advise you to research the M14 as a platform for suppression. Yes it can be done, but it has some problems. First of all there is usually the problem of the suppressor "over-gassing" the gas system causing, increased wear, reliability problems, and gas blow back from the action. So you will need to modify the gas system. Although, allowing a smaller amount of gas at a higher port pressure into the gas system isn't really the same as a larger volume of gas at a lower port pressure in the gas system.

Also, you really need to have the gas system "unitized" because otherwise there can be be problems with the rigidity and concentricity of the suppressor when mounted (depending on the mount).

Even once you have it tuned for reliability, it will be sensitive to changes in loads. I don't think you will be able to get sub-sonic loads to cycle, or if you do, it would likely be unsafe to use standard loads in that configuration. I love my M1A, but for suppression, you really would be better off with an AR-10 (and frankly, a different caliber better suited suppression).

Just my $0.02

 

[henschman]

You might also look at 7.62mm Firearms. They make good mil-spec M-14s and offer forged receivers... last time I checked, they were cheaper than Fulton and LRB. They will build you a rifle with your CMP M-14 parts kit too. That is what I was going to do, before I found my current rifle (an old Springfield with all GI parts).

 

[F1ST0]

Thanks for your help, guys. If suppression is that much of an issue, than I'll just forget about it; I'll save it for an AR-15 platform in the future.

I guess I'll decide what brand to get myself as reports show that all M14 manufactures seem to be good quality.