I'll tell you what I do and bear in mind I'm in no way saying "you should do what I do". Maybe I follow the path I do out of habit I dunno
1) If the rifle came in a chinese plastic stock I make two adjustments right out of the box
First is setting the ferule on the stock nose back so it has a visible gap. Many a poor grouping norinco have been sent to me that shot far better after just that simple adjustment.
And second, I loosen the stock liner screws, lock the rifle into the stock with the trigger group and then retighten them.
Next, I get rid of the chinese sights and flash hider altogether. Correctly machined ones are affordable and are built to go to war with , in other words, reliable as all hell LOL
And then I'll replace the spring guide rod with a non stainless version. Insert your favorite brand here. There is no M14doctor parts out there anymore... I never made any parts...I built rifes and made composite stocks. My former associate Magwedge/m14medic can probably help ya tho
I like S&J hardware's spring/guide rod combo. I see no reason to buy a sadlak when so many quality options for NM oprod spring guide rods are made right here in Canada.
The it's a few good mags and find some ammo she likes.