Thoughts on Springfield Armory M1A Loaded ???

Pietro Beretta

Pietro Beretta

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Thinking of purchasing a Springfield M1A Loaded model. I currently own a Norinco M14, and have owned it for about 5 years with zero problems. I absolutely love the M14 series rifle, and want to get another...one with a more traditional look, with a walnut stock.

My Norinco M14 is great. I have a synthetic stock on it (CADPAT) army camo done by Skullboy, it also had a Badger Ordnance guide-rod, recoil buffer, extra power recoil spring. Nothing has been done to "accurize" it like tuning the gas system, etc. It's super accurate at 50 yards, grouping loosen up at 100 yards (20 rounds scattered on the page), and is horrible at 200 yards (mabee 2-5 rounds on paper).

How much more "accurized" or tuned out of the factory would you say the Springfield M1A Loaded is ??? The loaded model states it has air-gauged medium weight national match barrel, national match trigger assemble, etc, etc. Will the M1A Loaded blow the Norinco out of the water regarding quality, craftsmanship, accuracy, etc ??? Anybody have any experience with the M1A standard or loaded?

I've read countless posts on "Sprinfield VS Norinco" threads, and quality/parts/cast parts vs forged recievers, etc. Dont mind paying $500.00 for a NIB Norinco M14S, but wondering the difference I'd get with the Springfield M1A Loaded, with all its National Match parts, and is it really worth the $2,300.00 price tag.

Any thoughts guys ?
 
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I think you'd be better off to re-barrel your Norinco. What you're getting for accuracy is reaaaally bad, even for the stock barrel. I used to get about 1.5 moa with mine.

I don't think the M1A is worth the coin.
 
might be his ammo - mine puts all 20 rounds into a 1 inch hole at 100 yards off a bench with no fliers- but they're MY handloads- there's no way it should open up like that over a measly 100 yards- if it were my gun, i'd go a-lookin for something-
 
The best thing you could do is go to the M 14 clinic put on by Hungry in October (or any other time he's doing one). You'll find out all kinds of useful info., tips and tricks to tweak your Norc so it shoots well, plus "hands-on" instruction that is easy, interesting and fun. Like Hungry says "it's not rocket science", and having someone who's a gifted teacher like him takes the mystery out of a lot of it. Go to the clinic and save your money for good practice ammo, you'll be very glad you did.:dancingbanana: Good luck
 
Ack! Something is wrong with your rifle my friend! You should be way more accurate than that!

My M14 is a stock M14S with:
-USGI Synthetic stock w/Karsten cheek rest
-Marstar stainless guide rod
-Marstar tactical scope mount (the $150 one)
-Leapers (from Marstar) 3-9x40mm rubber armored scope
-Marstar recoil buffer
-An hour of "#### and fire into your palm" trigger work a la Hungry advice

And this baby shoots honest .5" - 1.0" off the bench with 165gr SST's @2750 fps, with typical groups of 0.75", and more in the 0.5" range than 1.0" range.

Have someone good with M14's check yours out and tune it up.
 
I know what you really wanna hear ....

Buy the M1A .... just make sure FN Sports is NOT the distributor bringing it in. If that is not possible get Questar to import it for you.

Dimitri
 
Don't forget....buying M14 parts out of the states including barrels are in almost all cases illegal now due the US State Department export restrictions. Getting a Springfield M1A is likely the best option...
 
The base M1A is WAY overpriced, the "loaded" model, must run about $2600, but IF you have a LOT of money to burn...

...I'd suggest buying a second Norinco as backup ($500), 2 cases of 7.62X51 ($1000), 2 Marstar Op Rod guides ($80), 2 steel glfs ($150), 2 Fiberglass stocks ($250), 2 shim kits ($25), 10 5/20 mags ($350) - $2355

XTras (for either option);

1 ARMS 18 or Smith Ent 2014 ($250),
1 Scope ($400+) (Could go cheaper but not suggested)

If I were you I'd go with the second option and probably buy a third for parts.
 
They are very accurate, very well made rifles and visually stunning.

If your budget dictates otherwise then reconsider. Else, glass it with $3000.00 of optics and mount and then shoot the hell out of it.

Its cheaper than a quad.
 
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Ya, when I was at Silverdale 200 yard range, there was a guy (range officer) with two tricked out M14's...he came over, we were chatting, and he had a look (inspected) my rifle...he pointed out to me that my gas system was loose, resulting in poor accuracy at extended ranges.
 
Pietro Beretta said:
Ya, when I was at Silverdale 200 yard range, there was a guy (range officer) with two tricked out M14's...he came over, we were chatting, and he had a look (inspected) my rifle...he pointed out to me that my gas system was loose, resulting in poor accuracy at extended ranges.
Click to expand...

It happens. I borrowed a friend's non-restricted 18.5" Norc to go to a remote shoot on crown land.

His gas cylinder plug was so loose that the weapon would not properly cycle; resulting in continual hard extractions. Tightened up, it ran like a clock...

WRT your post, I know some guys peen the barrel splines to tighten the whole gas cylinder assembly. I was fortunate enough to buy a Smith Enterprise assembly from GG&FB for mine. Tighter than the proverbial nun's ****.

No peening required...
 
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