Springfield M1A ?

R

RHall

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Is the Springfield M1A worth the 2300$ expense as opposed to the M14S Norc, Ive been toying with the idea of getting one just because Ive always wanted one, and Ive had the Norc one before and wasnt impressed with the quality.
Basiclly Iam looking for a cool target/hunting rifle that will last a life time. Is this the rifle?
 
I agree, the fit and finish on a Norinco M14 is terrible when compared to an off-the-shelf production Springfield but they do work.

Basically, you need to replace a lot of parts on a Norinco if you want a quality build, although everyone swears by the Norinco receivers and use them as foundations for some of the best M14s.

I don't frankly trust Chinese manufacturers and "I" would personally want my own Norc receiver rockwell tested before I would believe the hype around these receivers.

China isn't stupid. They will build a rifle the "cheapest" way they know how and they will change their production tactics mid-way and fly on rumor that their receivers are the hardest in the world.

Again, I would have my own tested and would never believe it.

Yes, you can build a quality M14 on a Norc for $1200 but do you want too? Let a pro like M14doctor build you one instead and buy that. All of the requisite safety checks will have been done and you'll get a nice quality, reliable rifle with a nice stock to boot.

Having said that, if you've already considering a $2300 rifle, there are a lot of choices open to you. Lots.

For hunting, I'd buy a bolt-action and scope and accessories. No need for a semi-auto while hunting.

My rig was about $2000. I like it a lot.

Remington 700 LTR (.308) $1150
Falcon Menace 18mmx56mm Scope $500
Burris XTR 1/4" (low profile) 30mm rings $80
Over-sized bolt knob $40 + $80 install
Armstech Mag-xtender $40
Getsometactical dot ca black rubber cheek rest $60
Getsometactical dot ca black rifle sling $40
Uncle Mike's Sling Swivels, 2 Pack $10

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This one will last a lifetime.
 
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Iam not knocking the Norcs for the price there cool, just the one I had wasnt that great, the sights would go way out of whack after a few rounds, I have hunting rifles already I just like having the option open if I wanted to take it out. Like I said I always wanted one and for that price Id like to be able to do lots with it and have it last awhile.
 
The Springfield M1A isn't worth it in my opinion. I have two Norinco M14's and both shoot and function well. I've used mine for hunting, but its not my favorite. They are heavy, require an expensive scope mount, and the scope ends up high, necessitating a cheek riser on the stock. Personally, I'd get a bolt gun for hunting and an M14S or m1a for play. For the price of the m1a you could get a $450.00 Norinco plus a nice bolt action rifle. I like my Norinco, but I cannot count on the same accuracy out of it that I can get from a bolt action rifle. But, if I had the money to burn, I'd buy the M1A over the Norinco. The USGI parts might have better quality control.
 
M1As and Norcs can both be used for hunting and a lot of guys do use them. They are heavy in their standard configuration and if carted around in the bush, the hunter will have to be in good shape to do so.

If I had a lot of extra money to throw around, I would probably purchase the Springfield, but since money doesn't grow on the tree in my backyard, I have opted for the Norinco. For what I have invested in it, I have gotten decent value. Not as refined looking as its American counterpart, but it is reliable, reasonably accurate, and a cool gun on the range and in the bush.

However, if I was interested in a lifetime target rifle, I too would invest in a precision bolt-action, mount and optics.
 
A rem 700 and a m1a both shoot nice if your trying to save cash go with the 700 and add some goodies to it.. If you want a good semi auto the sf m1a beats the norinco junk hands down
 
RHall said:
Iam not knocking the Norcs for the price there cool, just the one I had wasnt that great, the sights would go way out of whack after a few rounds, I have hunting rifles already I just like having the option open if I wanted to take it out. Like I said I always wanted one and for that price Id like to be able to do lots with it and have it last awhile.
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The sights are easy to fix. Just replace the elevation pinion and windage knob with an M1 Garand one.

The Springfields might be nicer out of the box, but not $2,000+ nicer.
 
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If you got the $$$ get the Springfield M1A hands-down !!!. Mind you, I've owned my Norinco M-14S for over 5 years, fired thousands of rounds through it, ZERO problems. Best $500 I've EVER spent :). But I'd trade it in a second for a NIB Sprinfield M1A Loaded Walnut
 
I hunt 1 mabe 2 weeks a year, but Iam at the range quite a bit, if I get a M1A I know it will it last the rest of my shooting life, but will the Norc be just do same?
 
i'd say it was a toss-up, but heavily in the norc's favor due to the price point- you can buy a norc and dress it or have it dressed for less than the 1/2 the price of the m1a- when it comes down to it, the only thing going for the m1a is the nicer wood/fiberglas, and the "lifetime " warranty- however, they have had their problems as well, like out of spec receivers for one
 
The Browning BAR (not to be confused with the M1918) is in that price range, and I've heard only good things about it.
 
Is it worth it, is a subjective question. If you have lots of money, it is pretty easy to answer. If not, then it really depends on what you end up with from norinco. Our gunsmith has seen dozens of these guns come in for work. Some will not function properly, but the most common issue is folks buying aftermarket stocks, chassis, scope mounts etc that will not fit on the guns properly.
 
Paying $2300 for a Springfield basis standard model M1A is it worth it???..." HELL YES"...and do you know why? because Springfield is the oldest name in American firearms, which means... HIGH QUALITY/REPUTATION AND IS BACK BY A LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY. Those are the first things I look for went I am buying a $$$ firearms, and nevertheless, the M1A is a U.S military spc/ issue semi automatic rifle, is anyone have the chance to fire the national match M1A?,...Let me tell you, IT WORTH THE $$$.
cheers
 
SPRINGFIELD in its present configuration has only been in existance since the early 70's
the SPRINGFIELD ARMORY that you speak of was closed in 1968, and they're merely travelling on the name- they've also had their fair share of problems over the years - brittle parts and out of spec receivers - holes in the wrong spots,etc- it's really only the warranty that differs between the two rifles, and at the nor's pricing, you can get another if need be
the real quality rifle is a safe queen due to the previous government's anti-gun policy
 
Will, I am sure both rifles will go BANG...but for me...buying a HIGH QUALITY firearm...like the M1A is like buying anything else, I will rather spend $$$ on buying one Rolex watch then on buying 10 Time X ...and both tells time.
cheers
 
kinggeorge168 said:
Will, I am sure both rifles will go BANG...but for me...buying a HIGH QUALITY firearm...like the M1A is like buying anything else, I will rather spend $$$ on buying one Rolex watch then on buying 10 Time X ...and both tells time.
cheers
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and you'd be wasting your money- your beloved rolex has only a 2 year warranty and is all mechanical- that means it's going to have to "regulated" and there are very few watchsmiths around- the timex ironman has a 2 year warranty is is pressure-rated to the same depth and it's DIGITAL- which means it DOES NOT NEED REGULATION-
 
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