Springfield or Norinco?

FFKMC

FFKMC

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Tried searching threads so forgive my stupidity of one is already going......newbie here and I haven't had enough coffee this am


Interested in purchasing either M1A or M14. I've done some research but can't make a decision. I know that cost wise the Chinese is far more affordable, however the amount of $$$ spent on aftermarket stock/rail/tune up compared to the original quality of the Springfield worth it? Should I just drop the extra on the M1A?

Any advice is really appreciated.

Cheers
 
I have had and done both. I currently have a Springfield National Match M1a that out of the box is a beauty of a rifle and last night I received my LRB receiver that is going down to M14 medic to get my IDF heavy barrel spun on, and I will assemble the rest here at home. That said I have seen Springfield's that needed work out of the box and were not worth what the people paid. IF you knew what you were looking for, and could handle each before buying so you knew you were not getting a lemon or a POS then either could be good but the Norc will be cheaper. I know, my Norc shot good, my Springer shoots ALOT better, but its also worth 2K more so its up to you. I know, not much help hey?!!!!!
 
I should add, either way you are most likely heading into a deep dark addiction that is going to cost you thousands of dollars, shortages of ammunition and therefore cash that will not easily be overcome! :) Have fun!!!
 
For the longest time I was sold on a Springfield Armory M1a National match, but then I found out they pretty much have no warranty service for Canada= deal breaker for me, I ain't paying $2500 for a cast reciever gun with basically no warranty.
 
If you are in market for an M14, I would research M14 Medic's current inventory for sale......any M14 that he has prepared will be ready to go......or there are plenty of IDF builds being offered.
 
Cast receiver does not matter, Has been proven over and over on this forum and other forums that you cannot shoot enough to wear out a cast receiver. As for warranty, buy from a store that stands behind it and you are fine. Prophet River comes to mind in Lloydminster as they do stand behind and will send back a rifle for you. On the US based M14 website the same has been stated by many of the resident experts, that wearing out a Cast receiver just wouldn't happen in a lifetime. Also stated is that LRB offers very little in the way of "warranty" and after sale support as well. No biggie to each there own. I personally Love my Springfield, and will also love my LRB. I do however no longer have a Norc in my possession, but my last one only had a Norc receiver and the rest was USGI. So not really a Norc anymore.
 
If you're dishing out the dough for a Springfield, do yourself a favor and either buy from a reputable shop that'll warranty it, or get hands on to inspect it yourself.

I've seen Norc's that needed almost no work to run smooth, and Springfield's that needed the whole 9 yards...so...
 
ht tps://www.wolverinesupplies.com/ProductDetail/LRBM14SABASERIFLE_LRB-Arms-M14SA-Base-Rifle-7-62x51mm-22--BBL-Walnut-Stock?sortValue=0

^^ This is what I would be looking at if was buying a complete rifle or the M14 variety right now^^

More money, but true cream of the crop M14 pattern rifle
 
from what I have read, SAI ran out of GI parts a long time ago. most of the parts are commercial. LRB makes a quality rifle, but you pay. for the money, I would say M14 Medic is your best bang for the buck. unless you like to tinker, then all bets are off.
 
FFKMC said:
Interested in purchasing either M1A or M14. I've done some research but can't make a decision. I know that cost wise the Chinese is far more affordable, however the amount of $$$ spent on aftermarket stock/rail/tune up compared to the original quality of the Springfield worth it? Should I just drop the extra on the M1A?
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If you buy a Norinco you will get an excellent value gun that very well may require some adjustments or troubleshooting to run acceptably.

If you buy a Springfield you should get a mechanically perfect gun that very well may be able to outshoot you accuracy wise.

Which one is worth it depends on what you want and expect from the purchase.

I personally would not buy a Springfield because my $400 dollar Norinco has run perfectly for over 1000 rounds and provides 3 MOA accuracy. That is what I want from a rifle and the couple of hours of troubleshooting and tweaking (zero dollars spent) was well worth the $2000 saved. What you want from your money, your rifle and your time spent might be different.
 
Thanks for the great responses and insight so far. The Springfield/Norinco is a far ways from the hunting rifles and handguns I'm used to. A lot to learn.....

Now on to the next most crucial step. Figuring out how to convince my wife I need another gun....
 
tripoli99 said:
If you are in market for an M14, I would research M14 Medic's current inventory for sale......any M14 that he has prepared will be ready to go......or there are plenty of IDF builds being offered.
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This is great advice. You know exactly what your getting and a great value. I have 3 Norcs , 1 that was built by the original M14Doc(Thomas) but he has retired unfortunately. I've been to Barneys clinic and would not mind you checking mine out as I'm in Squamish too.
 
FFKMC said:
Thanks for the great responses and insight so far. The Springfield/Norinco is a far ways from the hunting rifles and handguns I'm used to. A lot to learn.....

Now on to the next most crucial step. Figuring out how to convince my wife I need another gun....
Click to expand...

I think we've just been trolled.
 
Thanks for the offer RB2 I'll definetly take you up on that.

And never been accused of trolling before trident.....I'll take marriage vs guns advice anyday! Haha
 
I currently own a M1A standard in a blackfeather stock and have my finished LRB, M14 IDF heavy barrel kit rifle coming back from John aka M14 Medic. (BTW, the rifle looks amazing and he's certainly done some magic to it). I hope to have it out this weekend to see how it performs. That being said, I used to own a M305 as well. It was a good gun that I picked up at a great price. BUT, just like others have noted you should do some work on it to improve its performance. I can honestly say my M1A standard out shot my particular M305. Hopefully this weekend I will see how the M1A standard in a black feather stock will fair against a M14 medic tuned IDF heavy barrel kit in a LRB national match receiver. I think I already know the answer.

If you go the M305 route to save money, I would use some of that savings to have one of the great M14 gurus tune its performance for you or you can do it yourself by following by using the Caliber Magazines' simple guide for improving your M305. Here is the link to that article. Caliber Magazine - Five Easy Ways To Improve Your Norinco M14. There is also some great DIY information that the CGN M14 gurus have posted in their sub forums as well.

Hope this helps.
 
FFKMC said:
Thanks for the offer RB2 I'll definetly take you up on that.

And never been accused of trolling before trident.....I'll take marriage vs guns advice anyday! Haha
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The easiest way is to have her get her PAL or RPAL and take her out shooting. Be careful though, I paid for my wife to take her black badge and now she's staked claim to a number of my pistols.
 
Ive been told that if you take your $2500 National match budget, buy a $600 Norc, and then throw the extra $1900 on aftermarket parts and tune ups; ... at the end chances are the Norc receiver and M1a connected to it will be a better gun than the National Match.

thats my plan anyways...
 
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