Two M1a's?

[Wildbillz]

So there are two M1A's. Both of them are full of USGI parts. One is all HRA and the other all TRW. One is a true SpringField Inc built gun the other was built by a GunSmith out in Cali. SAI one has the locking bar type sights and the other M marked M14 sights. Flash Hider but now bayonet lug. Fiberglass GI stock and one wood one included. Round count is about the same less then 2k on eather of them. Are they worth $1850. ea and which would you pick and why?

Thanks
WB

 

[cuervo]

If the Smith is the TRW parts, I'd go with that. TRW was well-known for their precision metal work and accuracy and Smith is known for his rifle builds.

The lock-bar sight fits the M1A but belongs on a Garand. If you bought that one, you could always sell/swap it to someone restoring a Garand and pocket the difference.

Bayo lug should not be a major issue--is the flash hider reamed to NM specs?

$1850 seems high but that might be current pricing/availability.

 

[rehorne]

Jump all over that Smith!! TRW parts are a BIG +

 

[Wildbillz]

Sorry for the confusion. Its a Springfield receiver built by a gunsmith not Springfield inc or Ron Smith, so not life time warnty on it.

WB

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

All things being equal - I like my TRW parts better.

 

[a-sheepdog]

I agree, TRW is my first choice, but GI parts are a definite plus. May check around, but thats probably about the right price for a rifle with GI parts. Before I bought the gunsmith assembled rifle, I would do some research on him and make sure he is good at buidling M14's. Not knocking anyone, just alot of money to spend. Also, if its SAI built rifle, it will have the lifetime warranty.

 

[tk1971]

What barrels are on them?

 

[Edarnold]

OK, I bought a NIB Super Match for $1800 seven years back, so the price to me seems way high. Then again, gasoline didn't used to be $4.50 a gallon...

At 2,000 rounds through either gun, I'd be asking what barrels are on these guns: issue chromed, stainless or plain steel. If those 2K rounds were slow-fire and good quality ammo, no worries. If they were blasted through as quick as the magazine could be emptied (really, some people do that) you might be paying for a new barrel sooner than you'd like.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I'm assuming by the OP that the barrels are GI as well, that said, a fella would have to work awful hard at dickin' up a TRW chrome lined barrel in less 2,000 rounds. Or, H&R for that matter.

 

[madcratebuilder]

First I would gauge the barrels. I would give preference to the SAI rifle because of the lifetime warranty.

I have a all TRW rifle and my bud has a all HR rifle, both shoot the same. These mil-spec parts are made to the same specs. TRW has a bigger name recognition so is more popular.

Price is about maximum dollar What serial numbers do you have?

042201 to 063000 This is the serial number range that is refereed to as the Golden Age of the M1A. The receiver design had fully matured by this time. The receivers were hand finished by the original designer and master craftsman, Melvin Smith. Springfield Armory, Inc. was awash in USGI parts during this period.

 

[Wildbillz]

They both have USGI Barrels on them. One gun is all HRA and the other All TRW. I will have to look at the SNs to see where there at.

WB

 

[henschman]

Yes, that is a fair price for a rifle with all GI parts.