M1A advice

[Garage161]

I’m really interested in an M1a.
There’s an overwhelming amount of info on here and elsewhere concerning these rifles.
I’m not interested in a Norinco, I held a few at various stores and to be honest they didn’t do it for me. No offence if you have one but just not my thing.
I’m not the type to “build” a rifle. I just want to buy one and go shoot it out of the box

My big question is “can I buy a Springfield M1a and get decent results with it out of the box at ranges past 500 meters?”
I can hit a 2/3 torso sized target all day long at 300 meters with my cheap sks , I want a rifle I can take out further than 500 with iron sights to start challenging myself even more. Can this be done with the Springfield?

Second question is “new or used?”
I’m no expert on these things , should I just nut up and buy a new one ?
What do I look for on a used one to avoid ?

I’m aware of the plethora of rifles out there for a lot less dollars capable of shooting 500+ meters , I like the look of the M1a and would really appreciate some advice on them to make sure I’m purchasing a rifle that will meet needs.

 

[walleyed99]

I’m really interested in an M1a.
There’s an overwhelming amount of info on here and elsewhere concerning these rifles.
I’m not interested in a Norinco, I held a few at various stores and to be honest they didn’t do it for me. No offence if you have one but just not my thing.
I’m not the type to “build” a rifle. I just want to buy one and go shoot it out of the box

My big question is “can I buy a Springfield M1a and get decent results with it out of the box at ranges past 500 meters?”
I can hit a 2/3 torso sized target all day long at 300 meters with my cheap sks , I want a rifle I can take out further than 500 with iron sights to start challenging myself even more. Can this be done with the Springfield?

Second question is “new or used?”
I’m no expert on these things , should I just nut up and buy a new one ?
What do I look for on a used one to avoid ?

I’m aware of the plethora of rifles out there for a lot less dollars capable of shooting 500+ meters , I like the look of the M1a and would really appreciate some advice on them to make sure I’m purchasing a rifle that will meet needs.

Short answer, yes and no. With the Springfield M1a standard model is hit and miss, the loaded will be a little better and the Natinal match and up, yes you should be just fine. However if you want a nice M1a pattern rifle see the below link and reach out to m14 medic. You will end up with a nice rifle, guaranteed.


https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1869155-Springfield-M1A-LRB-M14-Socom-M1A

 

[Garage161]

Short answer, yes and no. With the Springfield M1a standard model is hit and miss, the loaded will be a little better and the Natinal match and up, yes you should be just fine. However if you want a nice M1a pattern rifle see the below link and reach out to m14 medic. You will end up with a nice rifle, guaranteed.


https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1869155-Springfield-M1A-LRB-M14-Socom-M1A

Ok I will keep that in mind, thanks for the advice.

 

[Fred flinstone]

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[walleyed99]

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[m14medic.ca]

Thanks for the plug walleyed

IMHO, if you want a M14 pattern rifle, and you want to buy it and “just shoot it”.... and you’re in Canada.... there is really only one option for a base model that will be good to go right out of the box. No troubles, no issues just a good solid rifle that will give you a lifetime of use without a moments trouble.... LRB M14SA. And you’re looking at $3750ish for one from LRB through their only authorized distributor.

JRA or Bula Forge is another solid option, but there doesn’t seem to be regular importation from JRA and the price is too close to bother comparing with LRB. Both are good, both will do what you want them to. Chevy/dodge/ford really...

A base model Springfield seems to needs the same work a Norinco does. The barrel will likely need indexing, the bolt roller will need to be clearanced from the receiver ledge. All-in-all not a terribly expensive proposition, but you’re looking at $250-$400 depending on who you get to do the work. I have seen NM Springfield’s with the same issues. I have seen new SAI rifles that were hard pressed to get 5 rounds under 8” on the target. Generally the reason why is because the rifle was shipped with little issues that don’t effect function, but do effect accuracy

As Walleyed99 posted above, I’m currently selling a SAI on the EE, all of the issues have been resolved and I can confirm that it is capable of printing 10 rounds into 2.25” at 100y, if the person behind it does their part. But it also isn’t a NIB rifle, it also doesn’t have the NIB issues either...

John

 

[walleyed99]

Thanks for the plug walleyed

IMHO, if you want a M14 pattern rifle, and you want to buy it and “just shoot it”.... and you’re in Canada.... there is really only one option for a base model that will be good to go right out of the box. No troubles, no issues just a good solid rifle that will give you a lifetime of use without a moments trouble.... LRB M14SA. And you’re looking at $3750ish for one from LRB through their only authorized distributor.

JRA or Bula Forge is another solid option, but there doesn’t seem to be regular importation from JRA and the price is too close to bother comparing with LRB. Both are good, both will do what you want them to. Chevy/dodge/ford really...

A base model Springfield seems to needs the same work a Norinco does. The barrel will likely need indexing, the bolt roller will need to be clearanced from the receiver ledge. All-in-all not a terribly expensive proposition, but you’re looking at $250-$400 depending on who you get to do the work. I have seen NM Springfield’s with the same issues. I have seen new SAI rifles that were hard pressed to get 5 rounds under 8” on the target. Generally the reason why is because the rifle was shipped with little issues that don’t effect function, but do effect accuracy

As Walleyed99 posted above, I’m currently selling a SAI on the EE, all of the issues have been resolved and I can confirm that it is capable of printing 10 rounds into 2.25” at 100y, if the person behind it does their part. But it also isn’t a NIB rifle, it also doesn’t have the NIB issues either...

John

Hey John, remember that outta wack heel on Blackbeards standard, that was crazy. I had pictures of it, but don't know where they went. Good Springfield quality

 

[Claven2]

In all honesty, the majority of new SAI rifles are fine. They also have a great warranty. I personally would ratehr have a tuned GI build on a Norinco receiver for the same money, but I would not be shy of buying an SAI. The issues, if present, are easily fixed by either you, or SAI under warranty.

MOST SAI rifles are around 3MOA out of the box - better than an SKS.

 

[Garage161]

In all honesty, the majority of new SAI rifles are fine. They also have a great warranty. I personally would ratehr have a tuned GI build on a Norinco receiver for the same money, but I would not be shy of buying an SAI. The issues, if present, are easily fixed by either you, or SAI under warranty.

MOST SAI rifles are around 3MOA out of the box - better than an SKS.

Pretty much anything is “better” than an sks lol
Not much point trying to shoot an sks past 300 and expect a consistent result though. .
Groups aren’t really my objective , I like to shoot steel , not groups , I’d be happy hitting a 2/3 size torso plate at 500 on iron sights with a .308.
I handled a SA M1a “loaded” yesterday , sticker price was $2500. I’m hesitant now tolay down that much hearing that it could possibly have an 8 inch spread as mentioned above. If I wanted 8 inch spread id just shoot the sks lol

 

[Garage161]

Thanks for the plug walleyed

IMHO, if you want a M14 pattern rifle, and you want to buy it and “just shoot it”.... and you’re in Canada.... there is really only one option for a base model that will be good to go right out of the box. No troubles, no issues just a good solid rifle that will give you a lifetime of use without a moments trouble.... LRB M14SA. And you’re looking at $3750ish for one from LRB through their only authorized distributor.

JRA or Bula Forge is another solid option, but there doesn’t seem to be regular importation from JRA and the price is too close to bother comparing with LRB. Both are good, both will do what you want them to. Chevy/dodge/ford really...

A base model Springfield seems to needs the same work a Norinco does. The barrel will likely need indexing, the bolt roller will need to be clearanced from the receiver ledge. All-in-all not a terribly expensive proposition, but you’re looking at $250-$400 depending on who you get to do the work. I have seen NM Springfield’s with the same issues. I have seen new SAI rifles that were hard pressed to get 5 rounds under 8” on the target. Generally the reason why is because the rifle was shipped with little issues that don’t effect function, but do effect accuracy

As Walleyed99 posted above, I’m currently selling a SAI on the EE, all of the issues have been resolved and I can confirm that it is capable of printing 10 rounds into 2.25” at 100y, if the person behind it does their part. But it also isn’t a NIB rifle, it also doesn’t have the NIB issues either...

John

Thanks for the advice !
I’m not sure I’m convinced now to lay out $2500 on a rifle that has the possibility of shooting an 8 inch group !

 

[Grizzlypeg]

I think 1.5 moa is a reasonable expectation for accuracy, assuming a well tuned rifle and decent ammo. It's with increasing resistance, money and maintenance to move closer to moa with that platform. If you want better than that in a semi auto 308, I think you need to go to a more modern platform like an Ar10 variant with a target barrel. I am ok with Norinco, and shoot mine at 100-600 yards and accept that it is what it is.

 

[m14medic.ca]

In all honesty, the majority of new SAI rifles are fine. They also have a great warranty. I personally would ratehr have a tuned GI build on a Norinco receiver for the same money, but I would not be shy of buying an SAI. The issues, if present, are easily fixed by either you, or SAI under warranty.

MOST SAI rifles are around 3MOA out of the box - better than an SKS.

Who/where is the Canadian warranty center for the M1A?

SAI has a fabulous warranty, if you’re in the USA. Used to be that, for us canucks to take advantage of the warranty there was a $250 USD export fee to send it to the US and a $250 USD Import charge to get it back from SAI... if that has changed, that is a “game changer”.... (pun intended)

Thanks for the advice !
I’m not sure I’m convinced now to lay out $2500 on a rifle that has the possibility of shooting an 8 inch group !

I can understand your hesitation.

My first SAI was a solid 7 MOA gun. After “fixing” all the little problems, I’m happy to say it will shoot any factory ammo into 2.5 MOA and my pet load for it is just a hair under 2. Here’s the rub. None of those “little issues” would have been covered by SAIs warranty. The rifle functioned properly and was safe to shoot.

John

 

[Grizzlypeg]

Would you say 1.5 MOA is something to be pretty pleased with in an M1A? That's my impression, while its not the greatest ever achieved, its considered pretty good.

 

[Chatrbaz84]

I would go with forged receiver , LRB , BULA , or first batch Poly with 00### 3 digits heel stamp receivers or GWLA receivers , and no Norinco
Build one and use for life , buy once cry once ,
it is worth up to $3k to invest for a semi auto platform ,
if you see the Canadian market , a military grade quality semi auto rifle you can not find less than $3k value
we are lucky because we have access to get USGI parts of a rifle that still is in service , go for it my suggestion is LRB M25

 

[Travis Bickle]

I always prefer to go the Forged Norc route.
Buy lightly used for dirt cheap (especially now everyone is dumping them to get on the AR10 bandwagon!)
It's glory days for us M14 freaks lol

You can start with a $500 Norc rifle and even if it has EVERY issue they can have in a forged bolt/receiver it's really not that hard or expensive to tune it. If you're just after tuning it into a really good stock M14 config rifle you're looking at $100 for an M1/M1A rear sight assembly, $50 or so for an upgraded op rod spring/spring guide.
The indexing can be done with a little ingenuity to make a barrel jig and a $27 1-5/8" crescent wrench at can tire.
You can get shims for $25.
Buy a welder buddy a beer to unitize the gas system (3 tac welds takes 15 seconds).
I would suggest a hardwood M14/M1A stock. Just buy a used one off EE. I just picked up a beefy NM one with handguard for $150 shipped that was bedded!

Transfer all the chinese steel onto the hardwood stock if it comes stripped. It's built solid and it's good to go.
Not all of this HAS to be done but you can have a very good shooting rifle that will go the distance for well under $900.
It depends what you're into. I prefer utility over brands and high sticker price tags but I also beat the s**t out of my gear.

I like tinkering, repairing and working on rifles as much as I like shooting them though. The addiction is real lol

 

[m14medic.ca]

Would you say 1.5 MOA is something to be pretty pleased with in an M1A? That's my impression, while its not the greatest ever achieved, its considered pretty good.

Short answer, yes.


Long answer, 2.5” 10 round groups at 100y are nothing to sneeze at, IMHO. 1.3” is pretty dang good. I have a $8500 dollar rifle that can do that. Several $3500 rifles that can’t. They can get close but there’s almost always at least 1 flyer.

 

[m14medic.ca]

I would go with forged receiver , LRB , BULA , or first batch Poly with 00### 3 digits heel stamp receivers or GWLA receivers , and no Norinco
Build one and use for life , buy once cry once ,
it is worth up to $3k to invest for a semi auto platform ,
if you see the Canadian market , a military grade quality semi auto rifle you can not find less than $3k value
we are lucky because we have access to get USGI parts of a rifle that still is in service , go for it my suggestion is LRB M25

That Poly you referenced.... guess who made it...

The Chinese forged receivers are much better than you give them credit for. It’s telling that the guys down south who have ready easy access to LRB and Bula receivers will pay almost double for a used stripped Chinese receiver....

 

[CeeJay]

Who/where is the Canadian warranty center for the M1A?

SAI has a fabulous warranty, if you’re in the USA. Used to be that, for us canucks to take advantage of the warranty there was a $250 USD export fee to send it to the US and a $250 USD Import charge to get it back from SAI... if that has changed, that is a “game changer”.... (pun intended)



I can understand your hesitation.

My first SAI was a solid 7 MOA gun. After “fixing” all the little problems, I’m happy to say it will shoot any factory ammo into 2.5 MOA and my pet load for it is just a hair under 2. Here’s the rub. None of those “little issues” would have been covered by SAIs warranty. The rifle functioned properly and was safe to shoot.

John

Grech Outdoors Inc, in Mount Forrest ON, is the warranty center for SAI

 

[walleyed99]

Thanks for the advice !
I’m not sure I’m convinced now to lay out $2500 on a rifle that has the possibility of shooting an 8 inch group !

M14medics will shoot better than that. He built one for me that was a 1.5-2.5 " gun,no worries.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

I’m really interested in an M1a.
...

Second question is “new or used?”
I’m no expert on these things , should I just nut up and buy a new one ?
What do I look for on a used one to avoid ?

...

Every rifle is a little machine. Depending on the manufacturer it will be less or more refined at the time of sale. The refinement costs money. So, to wear in any machine it has to be run a number of times. With firearms, that means firing a couple hundred rounds. The springs will be worked in, the rough spots on the finish will be worn down, and the grease worked into where it needs to be. Generally though, unless the seller is offloading for cash, a good rifle won't be the first one out of the cabinet and onto the EE. You'll probably be buying someone's project or reject. That said, it will be broken in and a good candidate for accurizing steps.