New Or Used M1a

[C-grunt]

When I get home I am buying an M1A. I have a friend who has the scout version that he has put less than 50 rounds through. Its in excellent shape and I know he has taken very good care of it. I have a 1500 dollar spending spree for guns when I do get home. A M1A for 800 dollars gives me a lot more money left over for another purchase, but it will be a used rifle. I have never bought a used weapon before. I believe this is a great deal. Should I buy it, or should I front the money for a new one?

 

[Cavalry]

Depending on the condition of the weapon I would defiantly buy, I believe they are going for an upwards of $1700

 

[jlwatts3]

Buy it used.

 

[30Cal]

By it used. Bring a cleaning rod and wipe out the bore, take a good look into it. As long as it's not HEAVILY pitted, you should buy it. If it's heavily pitted, buy it and a new barrel.

Ty

 

[Dienekes]

The used one sounds like a good starting point. Very few people, even M1A owners, wear out a barrel. SAs might need a bit of upgrade to GI parts here and there but you can do that anytime, as you desire and can afford it. Same with glass bedding and anything else. SPEND THE DIFFERENCE ON PRACTICE AMMO.

My M1A has around 1800 rounds through it and just keeps ticking. My intention is to in fact do just that--wear it out. Then rebarrel and start all over again...

Just as a thought, a CMP M1 Garand makes a pretty darn good .30 caliber. I have had a lot of enjoyment with mine to include various upgrades--ranging from minimal to extensive. The biggest practical difference between them is the ability to mount glass on the M1A; and to date I have not had a pressing need to do it.

 

[Fatelvis]

Simply ask him if it has ever malfunctioned. If it hasnt, buy it and consider it better than new, its "pre-tested"! Reliability should be your #1 concern, especially if you`re going back to the sandy place.

 

[ACP230]

I bought a match shooter's spare M1A many years ago. It had been bedded and had a little other work done.
I shot it in NRA High Power Matches for several years and put a bunch of reloads through it there and in practice.
It is still my most consistently accurate rifle.

Most of my rifles, and all my .308s, were bought used.

 

[Stinkyshoe]

What brand would you recommend for a normal length m1a? Armscorp? Springfield? I have heard Springfield has some quality control issues.
If you got a springfield, would you get a standard or loaded model?(the goal hear is MBR)
Thanks
Ss

 

[John Deere]

Springfield`s warranty is forever, no matter, if you bought it new or used, you`re covered. Pickup a bolt repair kit, and hammer and trigger pins, that should take care of the most common breakdowns (Fulton Armory, Orion 7).
Use G.I. mags from a reputable source (Armalite, Elite Firearms, Coles). Never,Ever,Ever let Indian ammo get any where near your rifle!!!!
You will notice, that while you still go to pickup a couple of boxes of ammo, they now are 1,000 rd boxes. LOL (Aim Surplus, Ammoman)
There are many other souces for goodies, those listed are just examples to whet your appetite, for more info, check the sites dedicated to to M-14 rifles, (M-14 Firing Line, Battlerifles,Rifle Company, War Rifles) While there, find a post by Different and follow the link to his site, he answers questions you didn`t even know you had about your rifle!
HTH Regards, Bill

 

[MaceWindu]

Buy the Scout used....$800 is a STEAL. I have (3) M1A's and they are all good to go.

My Scout and EoTech..:





JUMP ON THAT DEAL ASAP SOLDIER!

MaceWindu

 

[Joe45acp]

Wow, very nice M1A. Who did the work for you?

 

[MaceWindu]

Wow, very nice M1A. Who did the work for you?

www.threewolves.com

Great guy to deal with!

MaceWindu

 

[Aguila Blanca]

I may have misunderstood the question. Your friend will sell you the Scout, with 50 rounds through it, for $800? If you don't buy it they should put you up for a Section 8. That's about half the going price.

 

[geekWithA.45]

Street price on a new m1a scout's about $1200-$1400 if you shop carefully.

Do snag the used $800 one, or I will. (Even if it's one of the lemons, Springfield will do right by you, it just might take a while.)

 

[C-grunt]

Thanks

I talked to my buddy and he told me that the rifle has never malfunctioned and shoots great. He is selling it because he doesnt care for it. Thank you all for your info.

 

[Dmack_901]

No, don't get it. They're horrible guns. I've had one that was complete crud. But, give me your buddy's contact info...