Fun with the M1A/M14/M305 platform

[45ACPKING]

I built a DMR clone a few years back, All handfitted usgi parts, Krieger ss 22" medium barrel, rifle fully built to US NM specs. Extremely accurate in fact and an honest sub MOA rifle with 168gr match factory ammo. It cycled HARD with hirtenbeger and was grouping 3inch groups in that rifle. the ammo was boxer primed with green color around primer. still trying to find the bag of brass and I was sure I still had a battle pack or two here somewhere LOL my gun room is a disaster with a lock on the door haha
we'll see how this new stuff works out in the LRB basically built to exact specs/same parts as the DMR clone I built.

regardless, I totally agree with the OP, these rifles, regardless of brand or build level, rack grade or full blown NM , are a compulsively fun rifle to shoot and handle.

 

[caramel]

I built a DMR clone a few years back, All handfitted usgi parts, Krieger ss 22" medium barrel, rifle fully built to US NM specs. Extremely accurate in fact and an honest sub MOA rifle with 168gr match factory ammo. It cycled HARD with hirtenbeger and was grouping 3inch groups in that rifle. the ammo was boxer primed with green color around primer. still trying to find the bag of brass and I was sure I still had a battle pack or two here somewhere LOL my gun room is a disaster with a lock on the door haha
we'll see how this new stuff works out in the LRB basically built to exact specs/same parts as the DMR clone I built.

regardless, I totally agree with the OP, these rifles, regardless of brand or build level, rack grade or full blown NM , are a compulsively fun rifle to shoot and handle.

I was told that the boxer prime Hirt was hotter than the berdan prime, could be why... Looking forward to read you range review... JP.

 

[Odd Shot]

I'm on the same boat, I bought my first used Norinco M305 from a member here, the price was right and though I would give it a try.

I brought mine out last week, shoot some crappy Winchester 150 gr white box from Canadian tire, surprisingly it does 3 inch grouping at 100 meter, way better than my Tavor before upgrade.

I'm finally hook, save some money to get LRB M25 this Christmas, or I might buy James River Armory Rock-O-La M14F now. Can't decide yet.

I keep thinking about an LRB M25 as well....

 

[Odd Shot]

Can't speak for others, but for me personally it's due to the price of ammo. As a poor college student I can't really afford to throw $1 rounds down-range every month. Otherwise I would have picked up an M305 long ago...

The Norinco stuff is about 50 cents a round. A little better.
If you like it, pick one up. They are a lot of fun to tinker with. And adding a part here and there is easier on the pocket book too.

 

[thump_rrr]

I'd rather spend $0.80 a round and shoot 168gr SMK's over 4064 using #34 primers in Lake City brass.

 

[caramel]

I'd rather spend $0.80 a round and shoot 168gr SMK's over 4064 using #34 primers in Lake City brass.

I will have to test this but, i am pretty sure, that the GMM 168 and the Hirtenberger are on par for precision, when i made the 1.5 MOA challenge i was using the GMM 168 and last week with my HP, i got 1.5 MOA groups easy... JP.

 

[Markus88]

I bought mine the day before my daughter was born back in April, had a factory defect safety switch so after 2 weeks without it, I got a new one from hfx Navy. Got to shoot it at a buddy's gun club last week. What a blast. Love the thing. M305 shorty

 

[tdod101]

I'm not an accuracy enthusiast by any means, I like hitting the steel gongs more than paper, but I gotta tell you, I love my m14. I think it's my new favourite rifle. Picked up a casm scope mount and and an m14.ca op rod spring guide, big difference

 

[SKS-Stu]

I don't understand why, but I really, REALLY enjoy shooting, handling, and tinkering with my M305 (I have 3), moreso than any other rifle or handgun that I have.
Looking into my ammo stores, I just realized that I've gone through over 800 rounds of Norinco bulk in 2 years. I've never shot a rifle (larger than a .22) that much before.

I can't quite put my finger on an explanation for it. I just find it really fun and cool.

Any thoughts?

Nice looking rifles, but do your wallet a favour and don't handle/shoot an AR15, haha.

 

[H2O MAN]

The Portuguese surplus that I shot through those two 18" MK14s was purchased for $0.14 a round.
Very accurate stuff.

 

[Seafury]

Nice looking rifles, but do your wallet a favour and don't handle/shoot an AR15, haha.

I have 3 Armalites that cost less combined than either of my most expensive M14's. I like the AR15 but it does not have the appeal to me that the M14 does and they suck to clean. You can find some really nice AR's on the EE for reasonable prices. Of course I don't mount flashlights and lasers on mine.

 

[tdod101]

I have 3 Armalites that cost less combined than either of my most expensive M14's. I like the AR15 but it does not have the appeal to me that the M14 does and they suck to clean. You can find some really nice AR's on the EE for reasonable prices. Of course I don't mount flashlights and lasers on mine.

Why not ? Get with the times man...

 

[300Spartans]

Can't speak for others, but for me personally it's due to the price of ammo. As a poor college student I can't really afford to throw $1 rounds down-range every month. Otherwise I would have picked up an M305 long ago...

You're obviously not a reloader. Maybe when you graduate and get a job, you should invest in a reloading set up.

 

[KND]

You're obviously not a reloader. Maybe when you graduate and get a job, you should invest in a reloading set up.

I like that, Honestly the fun part of owning firearm is shooting, reloading and cleaning wasn't my taste. Yes, As a matter of fact, I'm also reloading. I rather at the range than sitting duck cleaning brass and watching band of brother at home.

 

[Plasticman]

I need a full length one with a wood stock to pretend im in full metal jacket.
on the bucket list for sure, i just can't afford the ammo. and it seems like there's a lot of learning and tinkering to do. but that's the fun part.
im also scared i'll get a lemon. since i usually do.

 

[Patt08]

I bought a shorty in 2011 when the prices were still around $500. I sold it about a year ago. I only put maybe 30-40 rounds through it, just didnt fit me right with the stock it came in. My plan was to dress it up and put it in a new stock but just never got around to it I regretted selling it the next day haha. Once my finances get in order from my recent ACR purchase i think i will be buying a new one

 

[300Spartans]

I like that, Honestly the fun part of owning firearm is shooting, reloading and cleaning wasn't my taste. Yes, As a matter of fact, I'm also reloading. I rather at the range than sitting duck cleaning brass and watching band of brother at home.

You could spice your life up when reloading by keeping an airsoft marker nearby your bench and plinking in between steps. Then you won't be a sitting duck, but a fully engaged duck.

 

[Seafury]

I reloaded all of my ammo for my first m14 with a Lee 2001 challenger kit that cost $79 as I recall. Went all out with the primer feeder and a used RCBS 505. I find running the handle of the single stage press therapeutic. Price of bullets sure went up and powder hard to find but it is part of the fun.

 

[Tomochan]

So what's the diff between a nornico.... Lrb and a Springfield ... Please would some one private message me on the difference between the three.!!!!!

In brief, the 101 version is:

Norinco - made in China. Cost approx $5-700 depending on market. Big claim to fame is that they used a forged not cast receiver. Can be totally fine out of the box but some years there have been quirks and issues that most 'tinkerers' can resolve. As with many Made in China things the quality control can be variable. Nevertheless, the Norcs are superb value.

SAI - Springfiled Armory Inc ( no relation to the old US Govt Springfield Armory ) is the Big Dog in the world of M14 style rifles and invented the civillian rifle known and trademarked at the M1A. They cost from something like $1500 - 3000 or so I think and there are a number of models from base to Loaded to National Match and onwards. Use a cast receiver ( really, you will NEVER wear one out ) and allegedly MIM parts. I've owned two and found them to be really well finished - beautiful rifles. People like to criticize SAI Inc because they are the big player and the internet is rife with complaints about them but they make something like 180,000 of them a year and I guess the majority of M1A owners are super happy with their rifles.

LRB - Out of Long Island they are a small shop that basically makes a custom M14 type rifle and they do so on a forged receiver. Many people more knowledgeable than I say that the LRB are the best M14 type rifles you can buy. A claim no doubt challenged by SEI and others Anyway, they are really excellent rifles and LRB in the US are fabulous to deal with - deal direct and import through your importer of choice. You will be super happy with the result. Expensive - $3000 + for a M25 - but in my opinion totally worth the money.

Not sure what to do ? Buy a Norc and see if you like the platform. Many people will help you learn. Like the platform then save your pennies and buy 'better' down the road or buy more Norcs - some of the best shooters have been built off a Norc receiver that's for sure.

Want to read about a LRB ? Check this out: http://rifletalk.org/2015/04/13/a-year-later-an-owners-review-of-a-lrb-m25-medium-match/

 

[thump_rrr]

I have 3 Armalites that cost less combined than either of my most expensive M14's. I like the AR15 but it does not have the appeal to me that the M14 does and they suck to clean. You can find some really nice AR's on the EE for reasonable prices. Of course I don't mount flashlights and lasers on mine.

You obviously aren't into high end AR`s because you can spend nearly as much on one as a higher end American "M14".
That's without any optics, flashlights or lasers attached to them.