M1A questions.

[roofgoof]

I am going to place an order for a Springfield Armory M1A. I am looking at the loaded and the natioanl match. For those of you that have experience with them, what are your opinions on the walnut stock vs. the fiberglass stock and the stainless steel barrel vs. the regular barrels?

Thanks.

 

[H2O MAN]

I prefer old Chinese M14s, but if you are going to buy a Springer M1A get the standard with a chrome moly barrel in a Walnut stock.
This will get you in for less. Once you have the rifle you can upgrade the trigger, stock etc... when and if you want - as you want.
Stock up on quality ammo and a few USGI, CMI or Chinese mags.

Field strip, inspect, clean and grease the rifle before you shoot it! Good luck

 

[lipadj46]

I like the loaded models as I believe they are a better value if you plan to accurize the rifle. If not get a standard. I like the Boyds walnut stock better than the new SAI synthetic repro stock. You can't bed the synthetics without reinforcing them. The Boyds require a bit of work to get them a nice looking finish. About $15 in supplies and a few days worth of oiling.

 

[30Cal]

The loaded is a pound heavier.

 

[Matrix187]

How do the Norincos compare to the Springys?

 

[lipadj46]

The Chinese receivers are forged while SAI receivers are cast. The forged will last longer but both will last longer than our lifetime. Norincos and Polys are very close to the M14 specs and are usually pretty well in specification. Some SAI receivers have been know to be badly out of spec. Chinese M14s often times have soft bolts which can cause excess headspace and kabooms. Generally is is suggested that a USGI bolt be installed which can be expensive because its not drag and drop, the bolts are expensive and since the barrels are metric sometimes a gunsmith will want to replace the barrel. The Chinese barrels are chrome lined but the SAI's are not. SAIs have a pretty comprehensive lifetime warranty that obviously the chinese do not.

So they are both good rifles. The Chinese may require about $400-500 of work right off the bat but then you will have a really good M14 clone. As long as your receiver is not out of spec the SAI will also be a great rifle. Neither will have USGI parts unless some one added them.

 

[H2O MAN]

I have not read or heard of a single KaBooming Chinese M14, but I have read about and seen pictures of a few M1A KBs.

Norinco and Poly Tech rifles come from the factory with forged receivers that are closer to USGI spec than any receiver in current production.
ChiCom M14s have chrome lined standard profile barrels that are as good as USGI, forged 1-piece op rods that are as good as TRW USGI and
excellent trigger groups that respond to upgrades and tuning as well as any USGI trigger group. The barrel has metric threads, but you can use
an American made gas cylinder, muzzle device and front sight as long as you re-use the Chinese gas lock and castle nut.

Check the rear sight and replace with American made kit as needed.

There is a M14 Armorer that can install and head space a bolt that was made in the USA without replacing the original chrome lined barrel...

If you choose to replace the Chu wood stock you will need to perform the popsicle stick mod or install a longer op rod spring guide link pin.
It is also an excellent idea to replace the original op rod spring with one made in the USA.

 

[lipadj46]

I was referring to when/if the bolt failed due to excessive headspace. Otherwise why would you go through the expense and trouble to swap the bolt? I don't think any M1A kabooms were due to design or material defects mosty due to bad ammo. I have heard of other M14 clones failing allegedly due to improper heat treatment/hardness but who knows I heard of LRBs failing too.

 

[H2O MAN]

lipadj46 I was referring to when/if the bolt failed due to excessive headspace.

I understood your point and added to it

Chinese M14 owners need to check their head space with NATO gauges often and/or invest
in a US bolt conversion performed by one of the very few smiths qualified to do the work.

 

[lipadj46]

Cool yes I agree chinese M14s can be made into probably the best M14 clones out there and if I ever come across a poly for $700-$800 for a near new one it will be mine.

 

[madcratebuilder]

If you keep an eye on some of the M14 forums you can find older SAI M1A's with usgi parts for the same money as new commercial parts. It well still have the SAI lifetime warranty.

If you buy a chi-com you better plan on replacing the bolt and stock right off the bat. Plus all the normal accuracy mods you would do to a standard SAI, op-rod guide and spring, gas cylinder, flash suppressor, NM sights, NM trigger, maybe a new trigger group.