M14 Forum

1saltygrunt

Have wanted a M14/M1A since my service in early 1960's. Have been looking at Springfield but don't know if I should get a "std model" and update from that platform or go with the "loaded or higher model" and make possible upgrades from tere.
I hope to get a lot of info/opinions from you folks on this form, your help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Lew

BDH

Welcome Lew! You'll find just about any information you need here.

It depends. What do you eventually want. The platform is highly upgradable to just about any legal configuration an M14/M1A can have. Whether you start with a few more bells and whistles, or go with a standard, you'll see what you want next. You may want to start with a better barrel first 'cause it is an expensive upgrade. Everyone raves about the Wolfe medium heavy bbls as well so that can go either way. SAI has a great warranty if you stay with their products so if it breaks, you have support. You may want to get the rifle, and start getting GI parts as replacements. Some want all GI, others run the SAI parts until they break. General consensus seems to be GI bolt parts above most other upgrades. You may want to start with a basic model and put your extra money into ammo. The better you learn to shoot it, the better your choices will be about what to upgrade. Not saying you don't know how to shoot now, but ammo and level of upgrades can make a difference in outcome, and, they aren't always tack drivers. But, acceptable accuracy can often be achieved.

Either way, you'll have fun. The PX often has good deals, and there are more to be had from the advertisers as well.

Enjoy,

Bruce

XXIV Corps

Welcome aboard 1saltygrunt, great site here about our beloved M14 battlerifle. Post often and enjoy the site full of information. Thank you for your service to our country, America is better off because of you.

Deacon

Welcome to the forum from SW Ohio, good to have you. There seems to be good deals showing up regularly. Keep your eye out for a preban for more GI parts.

hjh45acp

Welcome to the forum.

Old Sarge

Hi Lew,
Welcome to the best M14 Forum on the internet. And thanks for your service.

In my opinion, the best deal for a M1A is a used early Springfield Armory M1A made with USGI parts. They can be found quite often in our PX and priced around the same as a new rifle, but the quality of the USGI parts is much higher than the commercial parts.

Chris "Old Sarge"

BigBuckeye

Hello also from Central Ohio!

I went with the Loaded and could not be happier.

willriskit

Welcome, Lew! I hope you're an OGCA member or plan on becoming one. You have found the best site on the internet for any info concerning the M-14 and much else. Personally, I use 8620 forged receivers (to USGI spec.) and all USGI parts on my builds, but that's a matter of personal preference. Welcome aboard!

1saltygrunt

The more I research I am leaning toward the "Loaded" model, a local shop has them on sale sor $1682 w/walnut stock, but they also have the"national Match" model on sale for $2046 w/walnut stock which is very tempting!!!! I think for the extra $364 its a deal!!?? WHAT IS YOUR OPINION???


PS: willriskit, what is OGCA?

08 Cayenne

Welcome, I'm a couple hours East or you.
Whatever you chose check out Woodbury's in Coshocton, he has the best prices I've seen in Ohio. Couple hundred cheaper than your quoting. I would spend the extra for the NM. I have a Socom, Loaded, and Supermatch, much better accuracy with the SM. OGCA is the Ohio Gun Collectors Association, I was a member years ago but let my membership expire. I'd love to get back in.

Orlando

You should be able to find a loaded model for no more than $1400.00
Welcome fellow Buckeye

BigBuckeye

You can do better on Budsgunshop....have it shipped to Nortons or Delta Epsilon in Hilliard.

BigBuckeye

I would love to join the OGCA, but they are not exactly an easy group to join..

bigblock

You need to ask yourself what you are going to use the rifle for? Do you want a target/national match rifle, a as close to a real USGI M14, or just a shooter? Then there are factors like weight, price, forged or cast receiver, GI or reproduction parts, and wood or fiberglass stocks. There are more than just Springfield Inc. M1A rifles out there. There are other companies out there making m14 type rifles like LRBs, Fulton, and one in Ohio named 7.62 or something. Don't forget if you want to scope your rifle the best option is a M25 from LRB. Mounting a scope is a pain. Its a bitch getting old and not seeing well. I wear glass and it gets tuff seeing past 100 yards.

Welcome and don't rush your rifle purchase and think it over. Thank you for your service.

M1Collector

Greetings fellow Buckeye and Welcome to the forum!

As posted above, OGCA is the Ohio Gun Collectors Association. I am a current OGCA member and recently picked up my first M1A rifle at the last show this past January. See the Devine M1A sub-forum - "Go Big" thread. It really isn't that difficult to join. You do however need two members to sponsor you. If you are interested see the details at the link below. The OGCA meets bi-monthly at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington. If you are within a two hour drive it is more than worth it.

Good hunting!

http://www.ogca.com/

M1Collector