Looking to Purchase my first M14

B

Brodie69

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
18   0   0
Location
Victoria, B.C.
Well after christmas im planning on getting myself my first M14 style rifle. I just had a few questions regarding it.

Would it be best to get a bone stock untouched/modified rifle or get myself one that already has had all the little quirks worked out?

What im really asking is would it be better for me to get the rifle and do it/have it done myself or fork out the extra cash and get one thats already got the basic reliablity upgrades and such done?

I dont even own one yet and im already addicted and know im going to really enjoy building one or more of these rifles eventually.
 
I would get a new one from a reputable dealer. In case you have problems with the rifle you can always send it back and work something out with the store. I would also put more money towards extra ammo and trigger time. No matter how pimped your gun might be, if you can shoot then the rifle won't do it for you. I would do the modifications as the need presents itself.

Do you plan on scoping the rifle or keeping it on the irons?
 
Only you (may) know what your requirements will be in the future. I would suggest: first read all the stickies at the top of this forum and watch the clinic videos. Keep in mind that the M14 is expensive to feed, so unless you reload, ammo can be expensive; cheap surplus has gone the way of the dodo bird and probably for a long time. Scoping can be expensive too.
Are you a person who likes to tinker with mechanical things (ie. cars?) and are handy? If so you probably would be fine with buying a new bone-stock rifle (with a warranty) from one of the sponsors above and attend one of the instructional clinics to get a "feel" for the rifle and the various upgrades. Bone-stock rifles also allow you to grow with the rifle and upgrade what you want, when you want, over time. Equipment Exchange prices can vary wildly and some (a small %) are not always honest, or competent in assessing their rifles fair market value, especially if some upgrades have been done or (not properly done). The EE works on the honor system and a small % can ruin it for the rest of us, but most people are fine with it.
As for an already upgraded rifle it's probably best to deal with someone who does M14s as a business and stands behind their work, like M14 Doctor; he can build whatever you want.
This forum has lots of information and the search function can help you find answers to many of your questions rather than posting a repeated question. Welcome to the addiction :D . Good luck & stay safe.
MC
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I love to tinker and love building things so I think starting from scratch will be my best bet and allow me to grow with the rifle.

I'm going to be getting the reloading equipment soon after the new year and start to feed the pig!

I've read all the stickies and been doing lots of research. There are lots of M14 guru's on CGN which is awesome.

My plan is to get a rifle and have it chopped and build it from there and shoot the hell out of it.
 
your lucky living in victoria, larry is our local m14 guru and would probally help you iron out any wrinkles that may come up, i have been out of the m14 game about a year(sold the 2 i had) but have a new 2009 polytech coming any day now,
 
I have spent quite a lot of coin on the M14 platform over the last few years and currently run two: a SA M1A Loaded and a Norc/USGI hybrid that cost almost as much as the SA. I have learned a lot but perhaps the most valuable lesson I have learned is that these rifles are really picky about ammo - sure, they will actually shoot anything but accuracy is very, very ammo dependent. If I was going to buy a stock Norc again I think I would find out the load the particular rifle liked before doing anything else to it. YMMV but that has been my experience.
 
It depends on what you are looking to get for accuracy out of the gun. If you are looking to get MOA or better then what Tomoch said is very valuable. The gun needs to be headspaced, broken in, and then spend alot of range time to see what it likes. It is one thing ot work it out on paper but it takes alot of time to get it right but the end result is more than worth it. 1.5 years on mine to get consistent accuracy.
 
Yeah I'm looking to get something that's just going to be a blast to shoot and build over the next year or two. Hopefully take it out and get a deer with it next season aswell. I'm getting reloading equipment shortly into the new year so I'm going to be spending a lot of time at the workbench and the range, that's where the fun is and what makes it a hobby. Making both yourself and your rifle better and learning everything along the way
 
I wrote all that DO-IT-Yourself M14 stuff in the stickies so that people would be encouraged to welllllllllll ....
TO DO IT YOUR SELF!!!

Patience, a few basic skills, a bit of intelligence, a willingness to try,
AND A BIT OF TIME SPENT READING THE M14 STICKIES,
ARE MOST OF WHAT IS REQUIRED to tighten and tweak your own M14.

Remember,
the M14 rifle was designed to be operated and maintained by the average American Soldier ....
and for these, an IQ over body temperature was optional.

As proven time and time again,
by those who have been to my M14 seminars, or The Wet Coast seminars, or Barney's seminars,
and by those who post their success stories after simply reading the stickies,
WORKING ON THE M 14 RIFLE AIN'T ROCKET SCIENCE.

SO,
if you enjoy working with your hands and getting to know your M14 intimately,
AND saving $$$$,
give it a try.

YPMMV
[;{)
LAZ 1
 
Thanks Laz. I'm sure if when I get one it will be coming to see you to get chopped and have a go over for checking the headpsace and such.

Thanks for all the input guys really looking forward to getting my first rifle. I will be sure to let you all know how it goes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom