Gun Purchase Advise Requested

G

Gobc

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
66   0   0
Location
Maple Skids, BC
I have an oppertunity to buy a National Match M1A for $2800. Price is absolutely firm. Round count is unknown. Condition appears good. Few dings in the wood stock. Bedding appeared good but I'm not an expert. There was some where on and around the lugs of the bolt. There was no wear on the main body of the bolt. The last price i saw on a NM M1A in Canada was $3000 new. I have to say, I do like that 2 stage trigger.

Being a 308 barrel, am I correct in assuming typical round count would be over 5000 rounds? Espesially if I'm only expecting to get 2-3moa out of it because I'll be shooting with irons.

Thoughts, comments, please bring them on!
 
Its your $2800. If you want it, go for it.
Myself, the Norinco that I set up with a Boyds stock and TRW bolt will do everything that the M1A will do, for well over $2000 less.
Your decision.
 
I would only be concerned that you don't know the approximate round count... If you can assess the rifle's condition, and you still want it, then it's your decision...

I went the same route as tiriaq, I got a brand new 2007 Norinco M14 & did the Hungry clinic. Replaced the oprod spring guide, rear sights, added a shim to the gas cylinder (8 thou IIRC) and a USGI fiberglass stock... Might have done a couple other tweeks to, but I've forgotten... Oh ya, then I added a sparrowhawk dummy selector kit to make it look as close to the original as possible. I'm very happy with my gun!

Cheers
Jay
P.S. Here's a pic of the selector kit installed on my Norinco...
image691.jpg
 
I had a bad experience with the Norinco M14. I'm not going go into the details because I don't want to turn this thread into a norinco vs springfield thread. A lot of people have Norinco M14s that work great and I hold no prejudice against them. I'll just say that I've considered my options, norc, springfield, and LRB, and out of the three, I want to get a M1A Loaded or higher. So I guess the question is, am I overpaying for this rifle?

btw, nice selector kit.
 
It already is a Springfield Vs Norinco thread. They always are. Buy the gun and let the bottom feeders resent you, you ultra wealthy robber baron. You made your money whoaring foster children so I hope you enjoy it. You may get more rounds than that out of it.
 
Seafury said:
It already is a Springfield Vs Norinco thread. They always are. Buy the gun and let the bottom feeders resent you, you ultra wealthy robber baron. You made your money whoaring foster children so I hope you enjoy it. You may get more rounds than that out of it.
Click to expand...

Wow... I really hope you didn't refer to norc owners as bottom feeders, but that's really how it comes across.
 
Whoaring out foster children, that is both funny and so wrong seafury, lol
All M14's and slight variants, copies ETC. are damned beautiful rifles IMHO. Buy a higher priced one or pimp out a norinco with features/accessories you want, your choice brother I think you'll be happy either way!
 
Gobc said:
.... So I guess the question is, am I overpaying for this rifle?

...
Click to expand...

You might be paying too soon. By a few decades. (I'm a Norinco owner, BTW.) However, you are buying a rifle built by people who have a North American employer. That employer has a warranty program, and with some extra effort, owners can get things inspected, fixed or replaced. If that is your most important purchase decision factor, then go for it.
 
It's overpriced.

$2800 gets you:
Used rifle
unknown round count (really...?)
scrapes and dings
price is firm...with that description the seller is not in a rush to sell.

but even if it was new it would still be over priced, don't care that its made in the states, doesn't give Canadians any jobs. Heck I bought a Springfield 1911 GI thinking I'd be buying an all american classic made by american workers. Should have seen the expression on my face when I noticed the "made in Brazil" engraving on the frame.

Have you ruled out the possibility to rebuild a norc with USGI and Match components? Should be able to put one together for around $2000 easily, or am I out of the game on this one?
 
Oh, boy. I knew the USGI parts would come out sooner or later.

I could afford to get an LRB national match but I chose an M1A for a reason. I believe, and have done a bit of research, that USGI is overrated. USGI is overrated not because it isn't good - the USGI m14 rocks. But it's 60 years old. And there isn't anything that can't be made better over time. The m1a reciever, though cast, is beefed up in areas where recievers typically crack (not that i'll ever wear one out). I also really like the two stage trigger. To my knowledge, a USGI trigger group isn't a two stage. I do appreciate LRB's scope mount solution, but I'm going to shoot with irons.

I should also point out that the rifle is $2500. But since its being sold on consignment at a store, they have to charge tax, which brings the prices up to $2800. Paying tax on 2ed hand goods is such BS. Stupid government.
 
Gobc said:
Oh, boy. I knew the USGI parts would come out sooner or later.

I could afford to get an LRB national match but I chose an M1A for a reason. I believe, and have done a bit of research, that USGI is overrated. USGI is overrated not because it isn't good - the USGI m14 rocks. But it's 60 years old. And there isn't anything that can't be made better over time. The m1a reciever, though cast, is beefed up in areas where recievers typically crack (not that i'll ever wear one out). I also really like the two stage trigger. To my knowledge, a USGI trigger group isn't a two stage. I do appreciate LRB's scope mount solution, but I'm going to shoot with irons.

I should also point out that the rifle is $2500. But since its being sold on consignment at a store, they have to charge tax, which brings the prices up to $2800. Paying tax on 2ed hand goods is such BS. Stupid government.
Click to expand...


USGI trigger is most definitely a two stage.

If youve done any "research" then you know where springfield gets its parts right? I dont know where you're researching that springfield parts are "product improved"..... I'm good with norinco myself but if I was spending that kind of coin I'd want to have researched well....Id want to have researched properly.

I think you need to go do some more research dude. try m14forum.com and have a milkshake, you'll be alright buddy.
 
Last edited:
I'm aware of where the M1A parts are made. But the assembly is in the states. It's also assembled to a better standard and there is more QA and a better warrenty. The norcs aren't bad, but because they are made to be a cheap as possible, there is a higher chance of having a problem. When I got mine, I ended up having one with a problematic trigger.

Just had a Frosty, will that suffice :p
 
im talking in regards to M1a vs LRB. I wont compare a norc to an LRB.

Theyre both fine pieces for sure I just wouldnt say that modern springfield parts are "modern and refined and buffed up" that just isnt true. LRB uses higher quality forged parts Im pretty sure springfield uses foreign made cast. if I was gonna drop coin Id get an lrb for the quality and bed it myself.

hahahah nice choice of frosty
 
Last edited:
I had a baconator combo tonight for dinner and got the frosty for desert. I'll be going to the hospital for my quadruple bi-pass shortly.

Now that i have been informed as to the true nature of the USGI trigger, I'm now condemplating that suggestion. However, I did read a forum post with pictures showing a picture of a LRB M25 receiver out USGI specs. I have to say it left a sour taste in my mouth considering what their reputation is supposed to be.
 
GunNewb said:
USGI trigger is most definitely a two stage.

If youve done any "research" then you know where springfield gets its parts right? I dont know where you're researching that springfield parts are "product improved"..... I'm good with norinco myself but if I was spending that kind of coin I'd want to have researched well....Id want to have researched properly.

I think you need to go do some more research dude. try m14forum.com and have a milkshake, you'll be alright buddy.
Click to expand...

Yes, I think you need more research time, the M1A receiver is likely the strongest M14 receiver made as they took liberties in reinforcing areas of known weak points. I owned an LRB and an M1A side by side (still have the LRB) and the M1A of the two was likely the stronger receiver.

I would personally build an LRB on a stripped receiver from Armtac, I built mine for low $2,000's with a stainless Krieger barrel, TRW moving parts, USGI stock. That M1A is priced right for an over the counter, ready to shoot package however. I admire your desire to support the home team (your prospective M1A's receiver was likely cast in a Canadian foundry as well) and don't let anyone talk you out of it.

You're not alone in having issues with Norc, two people in my circle of shooting friends have had them blow up in their faces. Myself I just grappled with frustratingly out of spec receivers and a shockingly soft bolt. You will find a completely unchinese level of fit and finish, and just overall user experience on your Springfield. I say go for it and never look back, beautiful rifle. Here's my LRB I just built to similar specs.

B1C07080-C799-4566-AAAB-A7CBE748A482-3421-000004C1862E7432_zps7b78f3a0.jpg
 
I have been around a #### load of these rifles of all brands.
My honest opinion is that with some of the "unknowns" presented with the rifle in question, 2800 is a bit much.
But, can you shoot it to see how it groups? If it's a killer shooter.... Maybe .... But I think if a new one is around 3000 ... And this one is not new.... 2600 would be a fair offer and would be the "most" I would pay considering the price of the other american made brands.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom