Thinking about a SA M1A

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NC-Mike

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Looking at a new standard M1A from Springfield.

I started collecting two years ago and now have a bunch of rifles I don't shoot. I found that I like semi-auto, high-powered scoped rifles and think I would enjoy the M1A.

Any suggestion or feelings on whether a Fulton is the way to go on a M1A or is the Springfield Armory model a sound choice?

Anyone know if the Fulton receiver is forged? Should I even be concerned that the Springfield receiver is a cast part?

Thanks.
 
Chinese (Norinco & Poly Tech), LRB and some SEI receivers are forged.

If you want a ready to go, off the shelf M14 type rifle with a forged receiver and USGI parts buy an LRB.

If you have the extra $ and don't mind waiting you can have SEI build what you want on an LRB or Chinese receiver.

SEI has built four outstanding military style M14s for me - all 4 are built on forged Chinese receivers.

Good luck :)
 
Chinese (Norinco & Poly Tech), LRB and some SEI receivers are forged.

If you want a ready to go, off the shelf M14 type rifle with a forged receiver and USGI parts buy an LRB.

If you have the extra $ and don't mind waiting you can have SEI build what you want on an LRB or Chinese receiver.

SEI has built four outstanding military style M14s for me - all 4 are built on forged Chinese receivers.

Good luck
Click to expand...

So, is there a concern with the SA cast recievers?

Here's the situation. I would like to make a trade for this Springfield M1A rather then try to sell a bunch of rifles on gunbroker. I'd rather trade for the one he has in the shop unless there is a good enough reason not to go for the Springfield. Thanks again.
 
No, there is absolutely nothing wrong with SAI's receivers. Fulton receivers are cast as well (actually they don't have a supplier anymore so there's a long wait).

Get an SAI.
 
There are a lot of SA M1As out there banging away with no problems, and if you do happen to have a problem SA has a lifetime guarantee.
I have 2 and have never had any issues. I would like to know what the return-for-service rate really is for SA and for the other mfgs. I see what all the internet experts say about this but I doubt if its an issue in the real world.
 
You could get an out of spec receiver from Springfield Armory, Inc.
They are not common, but they do happen. The problem usually
shows up when you try to install a scope mount. That said, Springers
are usually pretty good for the money.
 
Springfield makes a great rifle. I'd actually pay a little more and get a M1A "Loaded" model. Springfield offers lifetime warranty and many other upgrade options.
 
If you want a USGI stocked M14 variant, you can't go wrong with a Springfield Armory Loaded. I like that particular rifle as it seems to possess the best of both worlds - the look of a USGI rifle with the improved barrel and sights. A Sadlak scope mount on the side will serve you well. If you want to go for a big bad EBR with zero scope mounting issues, sink it into a Troy MCS from Law483.com and grin until you're silly.... :cool:

I must be hovering into the 10,000 round territory with my Springfield Armory M1A and have had nothing but success.....You just can't beat the price point on an SAI - saves more dough for ammo... ;)
 
i have a question.
how do you plan to use this rifle?

as a DMR? as a MBR? MOUT? CQC?

to each use, a different tool
Click to expand...

Hehehe. Nothing so exciting :(

I'll be using it on a 300 yard range. Of course it will be quite a rifle to have in time of need. :)
 
300 yards is nothing, I suggest a BUSH/SCOUT/MK14 with an 18.0" barrel.
If you set it up right, you can have an all-in-one, multi-purpose M14 type rifle.
 
Hey, I just looked at one in the shop. Its a SA standard model, wood-blued and he wants a little over 1,500 for it.

Is that a little high?
 
Its a SA standard model, wood-blued and he wants a little over 1,500 for it.

Is that a little high?
Click to expand...
Depends... for me, that's a little high. $1100-1300 seems to be about the going rate for a lightly used standard if you look around. If it's NIB... well, IMO that's still a little high. YMMV
 
Blued?

Any USGI parts? What barrel?
Click to expand...

I don't know if it has USGI parts but it is a NIB Springfield.

It is blued and I can check and see what barrel is on there tomorrow. I asked if it was the standard model, they didn't know and went to look at the box. They said it was the standard.

It would have the National Match barrel if it was a loaded, correct?
 
Don't pay over $1,400 for a Standard with wood, unless it's a CA model.

If it's a Loaded, it will have a medium-weight barrel, either stainless, or with an appearance similar to Standard barrels.
 
Heck, there's a loaded in the trading post on this site for 1500. If I didn't have to go to the hassle of getting my local FFL to send him a copy I'd be all over it.
 
I just browsed Gunbroker and Buds. It looks like my guy is a little high.

I like to support my local shop but geez, if I buy it from Buds, I can get the same rifle for 1380 delivered and I don't have to pay another 100 in taxes.

Hmmmm...

What's so good or different about the CA model?
 
If you have a Sportsman's Warehouse in your area they always seem to have M1As and they sell them at rock-bottom prices.

I got my Standard there for $1249.99!
 
Should I even be concerned that the Springfield receiver is a cast part?
Click to expand...

The cast Springfield receivers are just fine. In terms of the receiver, the whole forged vs. cast debate is a lot of hot air. The Springfield receivers have proven to be durable and give good service. If you decide you want to build a rifle, right now Armscorp has a special on their cast receivers for $375. If you want to pay over 800 bucks for a forged LRB, it's your money. Building a rifle will likely cost more than buying one off the rack, but the advantage is you don't have to spend all the money up front.

Some of Springfield's reproduction small parts is where they sometimes have problems. For the working parts of the rifle I prefer to stick with USGI, but given the cost of GI parts these days that is getting to be an expensive proposition.
 
SA = great ... if money is there get a real honest to gosh national match M1A ...... It will amaze you and last a life time
 
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