M1A/M14 Opinions Needed

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

Number 6

Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2003
Messages
828
Well since I am going to be in California for at the very least the next 5 years doing my dissertation, I have decided that I am going to get an M14 style rifle, the only problem is that I do not think I can front over $1000 to spend on a rifle at one time. So I am thinking about getting an M14 receiver right now and slowly acquiring the parts as funds become available, and then finally having the rifle built exactly to my specifications. I realize that the total cost will be greater than just buying the rifle outright, but this way I can spread the cost out and have a rifle built with mostly USGI parts. I have several questions for you all then.

1.) What receiver would you recommend and how much do they usually go for?

I was thinking about getting an Armscorp receiver since they seem to be the most economically priced while retaining quality.

2.) Who is a good M14 smith that can assemble an M14 style rifle, and how much does assembly usually go for? In addition, what is the turn around time usually?

3.) Anything else I should know before I start this project?

Thank you for your time.
 
It makes some sense since the market for many USGI M14 parts has become thin the last few years and in five years I could see that the supply of all major parts may be nearly exhausted.

Number 6, have you considered buying a used rifle? Older Springfield rifles stand a good chance of having USGI parts. Today, most major USGI parts available (bolt, barrel, op-rod, trigger assembly) are likely used anyway.

If I were planning a build today, I'd choose a Springfield or LRB receiver since builders have more experience with them. Ask some match shooters about their recommendations on smiths: they usually love to rave about their builders, but in five years, it is possible some of these people might retire or move on to other things.
 
I'd go for a used one. Collecting parts is getting expensive (especially ones that are not worn out). Tom Luhmann in Clovis is a good M14 plumber. He does the work on most of the match M14's that are still seen from time to time on the competition firing lines in these parts.

Ty
 
just get a loan, that will allow you to spread out the cost of the rifle while building credit. A parts-build is fine for AR15s and AKs and FALs, M14 parts are pretty scarce compaired to the others i mentioned and will likely be more expensive because of it. Just get a loan and buy a new SA M1A.
 
If you're in California, once it is all put together you'll have to make sure it is California legal, which I think just means replacing the FS with a muzzle brake (which also removes the bayo lug). The MB may have to be permanently attached so that the rifle is not "capable" of having a FS.

You'll also be limited to 10 round chopped or aftermarket magazines.

And, not knowing PRK laws, is there a chance a stripped receiver could be considered an assault weapon since it is "capable" of accepting a FS, even though it doesn't have a barrel? Or, if you buy a stripped barrel that has the threads for a FS, would it be illegal even if it's just a barreled receiver? And, is it possible that some mfgs are on the approved list and others aren't? Chances are, the people at CA DOJ won't be able to answer questions about their own laws.

I think I'd just start saving and buy a complete rifle after you've escaped, all the while hoping the Feds don't pass another ban like '94 in the mean time.

California--the only winning move is not to go.

http://caag.state.ca.us/firearms/dwcl/12275.htm
 
cuervo said:
If you're in California, once it is all put together you'll have to make sure it is California legal, which I think just means replacing the FS with a muzzle brake (which also removes the bayo lug). The MB may have to be permanently attached so that the rifle is not "capable" of having a FS.
Click to expand...
Nope. "Capable" doesn't play into it. It's either got a flash suppressor (assault weapon) or it doesn't (not an assault weapon).

And, is it possible that some mfgs are on the approved list and others aren't?
Click to expand...
Nope. The M14 type rifles are banned by characteristics (centerfire, detatchable magazine & flash suppressor). The AR rifles and others are banned by name also, but this isn't the case with the M14 clones.

Ty
 
I sit corrected.

I quoted "capable" from the Cal-DOJ website linked above but was looking under semi-auto pistol features, not rifles, regarding the threaded barrels.
 
If you have the patience and inclination to build your own rifle, go for it.

www.m-14forum.com will be great help to you.

As far as recievers go, yes, I think Armscorp is good, as is LRB and SEI.

Otherwise, I recommend you save up and buy a Springfield. They can be had used for right around $1000.00 or so and are excellent rifles.
 
Thank you all for your suggestions. The reason I do not want to just save up and buy one is due to the financial constraints of spending that amount of money at any one time. Its more a question of cash flow, along with trying to justify to myself spending over $1000 on one gun. Graduate school offers little in monetary compensation which makes things difficult; I am not poor but I do have to be shrewd with my money. I am not terribly comfortable taking out a loan or using my credit card, mostly due to having the burden of payments when I already do not have a whole lot of money. Al of these reasons are why I came up with the scheme of having the rifle built over the span of 3-4 years?

The major problem I see with buying a used rifle is making sure it is California compliant. I have seen many Polytech M14s, but either they are asking way too much for them, or they are configured as what California deems an "assault weapon." The cheapest Springfield I have seen on the auction sites was for $950, but was configured with a flash suppresser. What attracts me to having my rifle built is that I can customize it from the start and get a rifle that is exactly what I want, and the ability to spread the costs out over several years. Another question, how hard is it to remove the flash suppresser on an M1A, if I went the used route?
 
Number 6 said:
Thank you all for your suggestions. The reason I do not want to just save up and buy one is due to the financial constraints of spending that amount of money at any one time. Its more a question of cash flow, along with trying to justify to myself spending over $1000 on one gun.
Click to expand...

Being a recent graduate myself, I completely understand your situation, but at the end of the day, you are still spending $1,000.00 (or more) on a single rifle, whether you do it over a period of time or all at once.

You can't really go wrong either way; with a factory assembled rifle or building it yourself It depends on what you want and are comfortable with.


Another question, how hard is it to remove the flash suppresser on an M1A, if I went the used route?
Click to expand...

It literally takes about 5 minutes or less to unscrew it and replace it with a CA-compliant model.
 
Beethoven said:
It literally takes about 5 minutes or less to unscrew it and replace it with a CA-compliant model.
Click to expand...
You'll need a set of castle nut pliers, but it's only a $15-20 tool. You can borrow mine if you end up near the bay area.
 
Check out: m-14forum.com

Keep your eyes open for used rifles. Buy a SEI ( Smith Enterprises ) muzzle break to be CA compliant. http://www.smithenterprise.com/

Best receiver is LRB : LRBarms.com

Armscorp are also very good. As are others (Fulton Armory, SAI, Poltytech, Norinco, etc.)

You will spend less if you buy a complete rifle. Used ~1,100. Custom builds can range up to 3,000 bucks depending upon config and parts choices.

If you collect parts, Check out Warbirds Custom Guns or The Shooters Den

http://warbirdscustomguns.com/
http://www.tedbrownrifles.com/pages/1/index.htm

Warbird does very fine work (see attached pic) at very reasonable prices.
 

Attachments

  • DSC00280.JPG
    DSC00280.JPG
    74.6 KB · Views: 59
By the time you buy all the parts and have a gunsmith assemble it, you could be into it for $1200-$1600 or more. So it could actually be cheaper for you to buy it now for $1000-$1100, even if you had to take out a small loan to finance part of it. Plus you'll get to enjoy it NOW.
 
Buzztail said:
I just wanna know where all of these Springers can be found for a grand. Point me in that direction
Click to expand...


I got mine here in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum. :)
 
Well since I am going to be in California for at the very least the next 5 years doing my dissertation
Click to expand...

MY goodness! Surely you don't mean that you are planning on taking 5 YEARS on just your dissertation? I spent 18 months on mine and it nearly drove me nuts (some will tell you that they would take the 'nearly' out of that statement). Hit it hard and get it over with, minimize the pain!

And oh yeah, if the problem is 'cash flow' that is just a way of rationalizing the fact that you are not self-disicpined enough to save. Learn how to put that money away for what you want.
 
Watch the FS threads here, too. I got my Springfield here (or TFL) for 1K.

Mike
 
Thank you all for your advice. Right now I am looking long and hard at a Polytech M14 clone for $750. I am aware of the headspacing issues that the Chinese rifles have had, so if I end up getting it I will have a qualified smith check it out first. I have been looking at the FS threads on a couple boards, they seem much more reasonably priced than the Gunbroker and the other online auctions.

Edit: I meant Norinco, not a Polytech.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

D
  • Locked
Building a M14 on an Armscorp Receiver?
Replies
11
Views
4K
DSS
D
B
  • Locked
Armscorp M14 Receiver not Accepting Mags?
Replies
5
Views
627
Kaylee
K
P
  • Locked
Amscorp M14 NM
Replies
1
Views
402
feedthehogs
feedthehogs
4
  • Locked
M14 Questions/Opinions
Replies
4
Views
408
kmcintosh78
K
E
  • Locked
Some thoughts about the M14 mag.
Replies
3
Views
471
30Cal
3
Back
Top