M1A springfield vs M14 Norinco ...Is the Springfield worth the extra money?

They used to be all American. But not any more. To learn about all things M14, check out the M14 forum website.

I have a Norinco M-14 and I was taken aback by it. It is not a perfect rifle; however, I measured fired cases with my Stoney Point Headspace tool and the the rifle's headspace is right on the money.

Overall, I am quite impressed. Now if I did not like the rifle, I would tell you. I would say that I made a mistake.

But I understand that not all Norincos are perfect and it might be best to buy one in person. That way you can check for any obvious problems.
 
Hungry said:
Right now I have both. Maybe I have the delusion that I will be back at Camp Perry one of these summers shooting NRA High Power once again... I'm not serious. I'm just dreaming. :D I still liked the smooth edges of the M1A, mind you I can always build my own and not have to pay the $ 2K that the retailers are selling these units for! Hey, I was just reminded that $ 2K is a low price, then add the taxes and mailing. :eek: Buy what works for YOU! :) Cheers, Barney
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I know what you mean re: the smooth parts. It may simply be aesthetics, but compared to my Norinco, my M1A (Loaded) simply *feels* better. Smooth metal surfaces with a vastly better finish, much smoother bolt travel, and amore solid, dense walnut stock that's contoured to fill my hands better and simply feels a whole lot better when I'm holding it. Is that worth $2K when you could buy 3-4 Norincos for the same money?

On the other hand, the Norinco I own has been severely upgraded. Douglas air-gauged NM barrel, USGI parts wherever possible, and even a hooded match rear aperture. When the dust settled, it ended up costing $1,500. It still doesn't fit or feel as good as the M1A -- but it's the more accurate of the two.

All I know for certain is that these two rifles together have taught me that life is too short to spend it shooting stock Norincos, at least the ones I've owned before. Have been there, done that, and have seen the difference on targets that quality makes...
 
Neo said:
I know what you mean re: the smooth parts. It may simply be aesthetics, but compared to my Norinco, my M1A (Loaded) simply *feels* better. Smooth metal surfaces with a vastly better finish, much smoother bolt travel, and amore solid, dense walnut stock that's contoured to fill my hands better and simply feels a whole lot better when I'm holding it. Is that worth $2K when you could buy 3-4 Norincos for the same money?

On the other hand, the Norinco I own has been severely upgraded. Douglas air-gauged NM barrel, USGI parts wherever possible, and even a hooded match rear aperture. When the dust settled, it ended up costing $1,500. It still doesn't fit or feel as good as the M1A -- but it's the more accurate of the two.

All I know for certain is that these two rifles together have taught me that life is too short to spend it shooting stock Norincos, at least the ones I've owned before. Have been there, done that, and have seen the difference on targets that quality makes...
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I hear you and I do understand. But I did not acquire my M-14 in order to have a match rifle. I already have a super-accurate .308--a Tactical Operations F-51 that is easily capable of producing sub .25 MOA accuracy.

I want an M-14 for use as a general purpose short to mid range rifle. I want a piece for wet, cold days in the woods.

But I understand what you mean. It always makes me feel good to hold a quality rifle. If I find anything lacking with my Norinco, I will upgrade the necessary parts.
 
Logan_Lamothe said:
Or American Steel over Chinese Steel.
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Blegend said:
Aren't the receivers cast in Quebec or something?
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The recievers are cast and machined in South America, Brazil to be exact.

OP,

You got a good deal and overall a good quality rifle, don't sweat it.

I put some money into my Norc, overall I'm happy, it looks purdy, has nice smooth edges, all SA parts and a beauty finish....but underneath, the foundation is still Chinese, and that still bothers me. For now it will do and the work I've done makes it worthy to be in the safe beside the American masterpieces.

Until we start seeing an abundance of LRB or SEI rifles and/or major components, I won't be upgrading. When that day comes though I'll be finally fully satisfied to have a truly all American M14.

:cheers:
 
arkangel06 said:
Then it wouldn't be branded ''Made in the USA''.
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Haha, you never know nowadays.

I used to work for a pretty big manufacturer that sold "Made In Canada" products. They used to import from China, and stamp "Made in Canada" on them, then turn around and flip them to American buyers....

I'm not saying that Springfield would do such a thing, but you never know. It's all interpretation as well.....you can import a pile of components, piece them together in the USA, and that, to a certain extent could be interpretted as being "Made in the USA"
 
Mister Donut said:
Haha, you never know nowadays.

I used to work for a pretty big manufacturer that sold "Made In Canada" products. They used to import from China, and stamp "Made in Canada" on them, then turn around and flip them to American buyers....

I'm not saying that Springfield would do such a thing, but you never know. It's all interpretation as well.....you can import a pile of components, piece them together in the USA, and that, to a certain extent could be interpretted as being "Made in the USA"
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Read the laws about what it takes to label something ''Made in the USA'' Made in the USA means made in the USA.

Made in Canada onthe other hand is alot different.
 
a lot of Springfield Armorys M1A parts are made in Taiwan. I am still waiting for Marstar to import to Canada some of their M-14 genuine U.S.made parts. I think John1 said he had 10k + rifles in one of his warehouses overseas?
 
Awesome discussion!....However, I'm don't know much about guns but I felt the Springfield and the Norinco.... The Springfield felt like a Porcha 911 and the Norinco was heavy and the Chinese the label was right in my face it bugged me...I like quality things no matter where they are made...This was a purchase I intend to never sell. I look at it every second day.... For me it was was worth it!....I say pay the extra and have something you like that feels right and you are proud of....or regret it... These guns are significantly different when you hold them....Thanks to everyone...This is just my humble uneducated newbie opinion....but my gram mother use to say the proof is in the podding..... What do you think?
 
PP what parts do you feel are better on the Springfield? Is it primarily the stock?

I bought a norc because I am planning eventually on buying one of those super fancy expensive stocks. One day when I have super fancy expensive money. I am sure the SA comes with a much nicer stock than the norc does.
 
plinko said:
PP what parts do you feel are better on the Springfield? Is it primarily the stock?

I bought a norc because I am planning eventually on buying one of those super fancy expensive stocks. One day when I have super fancy expensive money. I am sure the SA comes with a much nicer stock than the norc does.
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In my experience....

-Every Roll Pin
-Every Spring
-Op Rod Spring Guide
-Sights
-Stock
-Gas Cylinder
-Gas Piston
-Muzzle Brake
 
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