Are Springfield m1a all that?

Most of the problems Springfields are known for are relatively easy fixes with some tuning and a few aftermarket parts. Soft extractor, bolt roller contact, sloppy gas system, etcetera. More serious issues, such as cracked or misshapen receivers, seem much rarer. Personally, I'd still rather tune a Norc than buy a Springfield, but that's just an aesthetic preference; if the only M-14 I could get was an SAI I wouldn't think twice about it.
 
FWIW, I did have a Springfield NM and sold it for a used LRB as i felt that the fit and finish was a touch better (more precise machining and finishing, consistent gaps, tighter fitment of parts, smoother operation).

Was the LRB more accurate than the Springfield NM? The probability of something going wrong with your standard Springfield M1A is greater for the simple fact that there are way more produced the past few decades. They are just out there in much greater numbers than LRB's.
 
Do people find faults in the NM Springfield too or is it mainly the standards or loaded ?

I have a NM and only have 4-500 rds through and have had no problems and have tried to do all the checks recommended. One thing on my NM that did concern me was double fires , I think the chamber is to tight for factory ammo (some) they don't seam to chambe right . I now only reload for mine with small base dies and #34 primers (no more doubles). Mine shoots 2-2.5" groups and with the gas shut off I get 1-1.5" at 100yds with handloads tuned for the gun not accuracy (bolt recoil)
 
Was the LRB more accurate than the Springfield NM? The probability of something going wrong with your standard Springfield M1A is greater for the simple fact that there are way more produced the past few decades. They are just out there in much greater numbers than LRB's.

1. The LRB was, for me, more repeatable in it's accuracy (i.e. my group sizes were more repeatable and marginally smaller). Maybe due to the rifle, or maybe due to me being more proficient as I shot more.
2. To me, the probability of a defective widget is not related to how many widgets are produced. A product can have a defect ratio of 1:10 or 1:100 or 1:1000 (etc etc..); this ratio is independent of how many units are produced, assuming you produce more than a handful like some of the boutique firms do. What I do agree with is that given that there are are a #### ton more Springfields than there are LRBs, it is highly probable that you will run across more Springfields that are defective than LRBs (all else being equal). Which in itself, without knowing conclusively the numbers produced and the number "defective" tells you nothing about the defect ratio of either manufacturer.

So, not to put a fine point on it: If your rifle shoots straight and is accurate in your hands - keep it and enjoy it without worrying about the label too much :)
 
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