the M14

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M14

I recently purchased a "loaded" M1A fro SAI, and it is one of the most beautiful rifles I own, and I own a lot of rifles. I have even considered, only for a moment, to sell my pre-ban HK-91 ($500 then) to pick up a Super Match or LRB. The trigger is pure joy, and that's the stock factory version. For those who think it is out of their price range, do this. Take the amount you think you can afford, and put it in an envelope. Find a picture of the M1A you want (visual reinforcement) and tape it to the front of the envelope, with the additional amount needed to purchase the rifle written below. Then EVERY paycheck put in $20 or $40 dollars. You would blow this on crap and beer anyway. You will soon reach your goal. The BEST things in life are worth waiting for. I do this whenever I want something that I don't have the immediate cash for. NO CREDIT CARDS. I don't use them. My philosophy has always been, buy the best and you only have to buy it once. These rifles, as has been said in this forum, are worth every penny, and more. I can't wait to get another one or two.
Recon1
 
If you're looking for a decent M14 clone on the cheap, look around for a Polytech. They can be found for $500 if you're lucky ($800 to $1k is more common). They're more roughly finished than a M1A, and they have one common failure point- the bolt.
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This is the route I took. Originally purchased an M1A and purchased in spec Springfield manufactured parts from CMP, prior to the parts being returned to the Gov't. Had a rifle that shot tolerably well. Ended up getting a Polytech, got some TRW parts from CMP and sent the lot off to Smith Enterprise and got back an M21 clone that shot rings around any of the M1As I put it up against. Bottom line, sold the M1A for considerably more than I paid for it and am quite happy with my Smith tuned Polytech/TRW rifle.
 
As a corollary, there was a post above that seemed potentially misleading to the uninformed reader. To clarify:

The maker of the M1A, Springfield Armory "the oldest name da da da..." is based in Genesco, IL; and should not be confused with the US Government Arsenal at Springfield, MA that produced the M14 for the US Military. The arsenal was shut down, and this company usurped the name and product-type. It may be the oldest name, but they are not the oldest company.

Kodiak, that FAL looks sweet; if only they were as left-hand-operable as the M1A.
 
Watching those 150+ grain bullets hit the berm does highlight the difference between the 5.56 family and the 7.62 family...
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You can also hear the difference on steel. Esp when you get out to 100+ yards, the .223 seems to make such an anemic 'ping' compared to the burly 'CLANK' of the larger .308 rounds. It also moves the plate around so much more, which is fine, because hitting with the 7.62 is so much more rewarding you might want to use the additional time waiting for the plate to stop rocking back and forth to bask in your success. Or you could be like me and send another one downrange at a moving target...
 
and dont forget, M1As are expensive to shoot as well. even if you save up for one, its still gunna cost you in the long run. i have an M14 type and i love it. i also dont mind paying the extra cost of the ammo. it cost twice as much to shoot my m14 than my ak but i have to shoot my ak twice as much to hit the target. i like quality over quanity. going through a 100 rds of .308 feels like a good day shooting....going through 100 rds of .223 or 7.62 x 39 and i feel like it wasnt enough.
 
Well, to tease you, americans. I won't even tell how much that cost.

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M14 is still the best .308 autoloader I have ever shot. If I would ever come to live in the US I would try hard to bring my babies with me, I could never be satisfied with neutered version.

unknown said:
Squeeze and something at the other end of the loud stick dies.
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Medusa, at the risk of thread diversion and conflagration, I'd be interested in reading (but not in debating) your reasons for preference over the AR-10 platform, if you have experience with that.

I promise NOT to engage in any debate at all...I'm just interested in your opinion.
 
I'm generally in favor of the standard 22" barrel length. The rifle was designed to work with it, and you get better muzzle velocities from it compared to an 18" barrel. If you're gonna have a rifle chambered for .308, may as well get the most out of it.
 
I disagree. I have the standard "Loaded" model. I notice the length more than the weight. I love my M1A, but if I had it to do over again, I'd go with the Scout. It is more handy and useful in a variety of situations, and the 7.62x51 is an effecient enough case that you still get good velocities from an 18 inch tube. You're only talking 100 to 150 fps less velocity from a rifle that is four inches shorter. It's worth it, IMO, to have the handier rifle.
 
I wish they were cheaper. But the receiver and machining on parts...Jesus...

Maybe if more than three companies made them the price would come down.

I remember when SA's used to go for a good 1-1100 bucks. I'd love to see that again.
 
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