The problem is that unlike the M1, there are only a tiny number of real government issue M14's in the hands of the public. They are legally machineguns and only a few owned and registered prior to 1986 can be transferred. (Yes, nitpickers, I know about those two guns, but Dionysusigma isn't going to be able to buy one of those.)
There are a number of semi-auto versions of the M14 available. Arguably the best is the M1A, made by Springfield Armory, Inc., a private company not associated with the government Springfield Armory, long closed.
SA, Inc., receivers and some other parts are cast, but the guns still are of reasonable quality. Other companies sell receivers and/or complete guns, some of which have some GI parts. Many folks are buying receivers and then having Fulton Armory or other outfits put the rifles together for them.
I have two M14 clones. One is an early (1985) SA, Inc., match rifle that has performed well for several thousand rounds, and is quite accurate. All parts except the receiver are GI surplus. The other is a Federal Ordnance M14SA, made with a U.S. receiver and Chinese parts. I replaced the bolt with a GI bolt. It also has performed well and (to my surprise) shoots as well or better than the M1A. (I have heard horror stories about Fed Ord receivers, mostly of the rumor mill kind; all I can say is mine has given me no problems.)
One kind to avoid is the M14 rifles welded back together from scrap by an outfit called MKS. BATFE says those are still machineguns and are subject to seizure if found. So if offered one, run. Even if the "sale" is not some kind of scam by the Feds, you could lose the gun and your money.
Jim
