One mans opinion from m14forum

yomomma

yomomma

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Its funny when the Americans think like this

After reading this thread, I see interesting comments and attitudes. There is buy "American" cuz it's the best. Yet Springfield is getting rather well known for its problems with its M1As. From the cases stuck in the chamber, to the bad extractors, to the out of spec safety bridge, to the mistimed barrels, to the unscopable out of spec receivers, and finally to the bolt roller issue.
There is the "Buy It Because Of Its Warenty". People always comment on Springfield's Lifetime Warranty. But one has to wonder why buy something when one has to look at the warenty to make the deal. If one is paying $1500+ for an item, it should work from the gitgo, not after repeated trips back to the factory.
As for the Polytechs, their short comings are well known, and most are rather minor and not that expensive to correct.
I am not doubting what Lazarus2000 says, but he is one of the very few to say anything really bad about the Polytechs. Which to me seems to indicate that the problems he mentioned are very few and far between. I am sure he has much more experience than me, since I am just an owner and a shade tree tinkerer. But, I do read a lot on the internet about M1As and M14s. But, when you compare the Springfield $1500+ rifle to the Chinese $400(Canadian) rifle, I am surprised that one gets as good a rifle as the Polytechs are, for the money one pays.
I have 3 Polytechs, and HAD one Springfield M1A Loaded. My one experience with the M1A has made me cautious about M1As. It had the notorious case stuck in the chamber syndrome. My Polys run like tops. Lest one think I am totaly down on Springfield, I do have 2 of their 1911s which are good guns.
So, the question becomes, "Does one buy a possibly problamatic rifle with a wonderful warrenty that one might have to use, and that costs much, much more? Or get a cheaper rifle with a few known small issues, that doesn't come with a warrenty, but probably won't need a warrenty anyway?" That is a question only the buyer can answer.
Besides, as has been stated before, the M1A is not completely "American Made". Many of its parts are made out of the USA and final work is done here. My Springfield 1911, which I have had for 25 years, has "Made in Brazil" on the frame.
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I experienced the 'case stuck in the M1A chamber' back in 2001, and I can't believe the situation has gotten worse, but it has. In 2001 Springfield described my M1As problem as a 'rough bore' condition, and they polished it under warranty. I suffered 3 additional warranty repairs to my M1A before buying my first Norinco, and parting out the M1A. Granted, Springfield Inc. builds a large number of M1As every year, and they have experienced problems with less than desirable reproduction parts from time to time, but their quality control should have improved by now. One can only hope that Springfield will actually grease each rifle and test fire a few rounds through it before it leaves the factory. All that said, I'll stick with my M14s that are custom built by SEI on Norinco and Poly Tech receivers, none of them have given me a single problem.
 
Ive had about 500 rounds out of my Norc shorty and not one issue great gun and a hell of a lot cheaper....... on the plus side Ive been anti merica latly so not having to spend money on stuff made there makes me happy :)
 
yomomma said:
I don't care where its made...

There is some small sucker somewhere trying to scrap together a living to support his family.

Does not matter colour, country or religion.
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You are really aching to get this whole M1a vs. Norinco thing going again aren't you? It's probably time we let the argument die.
 
I don't think it's supposed to make for an argument, maybe a mockery of those who "perceive" it as an argument.
I for one find the whole affair a little more than enlightening :D
 
Since 2005 i have a 305 with roughly 2000 rounds fired, just bought a Springfield Armory National Match M1A, i will still shoot my Norinco after the Match is here... JP.
 
caramel said:
Since 2005 i have a 305 with roughly 2000 rounds fired, just bought a Springfield Armory National Match M1A, i will still shoot my Norinco after the Match is here... JP.
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I thought you sold all your semi-auto's...you were concerned they were going to become prohibited? What changed your mind?
 
Here is what I believe to be the truth, another quote from Laz

"Knowledge is power",
And knowing what to look for, as detailed in my posting which lists the most common known deficiencies, is the best way to avoid unpleasant ( and expensive) surprises when purchasing ANY M14 type rifle.
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caramel said:
Red wine... JP.
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Well... that seems like a reasonable enough reason for me. I guess the 'buzz' while drinking is the self healimg stage and the following wine hangover is the self torcher for selling all your semi-autos.


Interesting opinions. Been graising the idea of getting an M14/M1A/M305. Been looking into the American made rifles; be it Springfield, LRB or Fulton (did I miss any?) But it seems the Norcs are not too bad and you get what you pay for them. The Marstar deal is starting to look quite appealing.

And an other benefit of the cheaper Norc is that I will have extra cash for a ###y EBR chassis.
 
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