M1A package price check

[bofe954]

I have been hunting around for a decent deal on an M1A for awhile. I have seen a few on this board but have always been short money or too slow. Anyway one has popped up that is in state from a private party.

Pre ban springfield from approx '84, several (6 or 7) 20 rd mags, sadlack spring guide, sadlack scope mount. Cleaning kit, combo tool, gas tube tool, flash hider pliers.

I honestly will probably never scope the rifle but I figure if I don't scope it in a few years I could always sell the mount. Pre ban doesn't really get me much with the M1A. Even if an AWB were reinstated I don't care much about bayonet lugs and would never consider a pistol grip conversion.

I saw that 20 rounders on Midaway were about $40 each and the scope mount is worth about 200 bucks.

My questions:
Would an '84 M1A be better than new production assuming it is in good condition?
What value would be placed on the tools, and would I actually need them if I bought an M1A from somewhere else?
What would you pay for this set up?

 

[bofe954]

Is there a way to post the sound of crickets chirping?

 

[Freedomv]

I would think that a M1-A of 1984 vintage would be a good or better choice for a rifle. I don't remember any out standing problems with them back then.

Also if this rifle is in an estate I would assume that there would be no sales tax. (if your state has a sales tax) and possible no transfer cost. That would be a lot of dollars here in Iowa. (7% sales tax)

The tools are a plus and you will use them. Also the magazines are probably good GI issue if they date from 84 another plus. The scope mount is not something I know much about as I never had one that worked well for me and never used them. But I am sure that you could always sell it if you found out that you didn't like to shoot the rifle with a scope.

If the rifle has a good barrel and GI parts I would think it would be valued at about $800 without any extras. You have to understand that with out seeing the rifle this is just a ballpark figure.

I really couldn't say what I would pay for such a set up. It would depend on what I wanted it for. (Resale, personal use, match shooting, etc.) and I'm not looking to buy anything at this time.

Is there a price for the set up or are they looking for offers?

If they don't have a price on the set-up, you are free to offer what you like. You might want to keep in mind the old rule of thumb for some gun traders,(which is bound to upset someone).............. If you don't insult them with your first offer, you offered too much.

another $.02 worth

Vern

 

[wayne in boca]

That rifle would sell here for around $ 1,100.00 with no mags or extras .I wish I could buy it for $ 800.00,that would be sweet.The mags,if USGI,are worth around $20.00 apiece used,$25.00 new.

 

[MechAg94]

By saying M1A, does that mean it is made by Springfield?

Armalite is selling USGI surplus M14 mags for $25. You can get foreign made copies for $15 or so that work fine. The surplus ones feel more solid and smooth IMHO.

 

[Sunray]

"...does that mean it is made by Springfield?..." Has to be. 'M1A' is a trade mark.

 

[444]

Rumor has it that Springfield Armory began building the M1A using pretty much all USGI parts. Over the years certain parts dried up and gradually more and more of the rifle was made from aftermarket parts. Some people report that these newer parts that are not USGI result in problems.
I don't know.
But, if you buy into this concept, buying a 20+ year old rifle would be better than buying a new one. The banned features have nothing to do with the decision.

Assuming the rifle was in like new condition, I would say that $1500 wouldn't be out of the question.
Here is a link for a place that sells the accessories: http://www.fulton-armory.com/

 

[bofe954]

I would be buying the rifle to shoot, not resell. I don't need to worry about profiting from I just don't want to pay too much.

The package is $1650 which seems a little high to me, and I guess to you guys too. I may be able to work in some trades and work down the price. Unfortunately my mutt just twisted an ankle and and the vet gets the gun $$$ for a little while.

 

[30Cal]

$1000 is about right. He might find someone willing to pay $1300, but heck, you can sometimes pick up a match tuned one for that much.

Ty

 

[444]

As I mentioned, here where I live, IF I was looking for an M1A (I'm not, I have one): I would be willing to pay $1500. I paid more than that for the one I have although there were a lot of extras with it. Again, this is assuming the rifle is in like new condition.

For myself, I would consider an M1A that has been match tuned to be a negative. I wouldn't buy one that was match tuned.

 

[bofe954]

30 cal- I know I can get a match rifle for 1600. But then I need to buy mags and maybe the tools anyway. I probably would not buy the scope mount. The tools are worth about $50.00, mags probably $150-$200 the scope mount new is over $200. So if the rifle is worth $1000-$1300, I am getting a decent deal right?

I am trying to work in a trade or 2 at the moment. Which would make me more likely to do the deal. I could live with getting rid of some stuff I don't use. At this point I could go either way. I figure a new mil spec is about 1200 (plus 6.5% tax), plus 4 mags for about $120, I don't really need 8, tools (about $50). I can save a couple hundred and have a new rifle.

The question then is whether the new rifle is lower quality than the used would be (better GI parts) and I still have to check it out.

I think I could sell the scope mount and a few mags though and end up doing pretty well. We'll see what happens.