Advice and opinions wanted.

[wgandy]

I'm getting a hankering to own a M1A. Take what I know about them and add a couple of dollars and I might be able to get a cup of Java.

I'm going to start researching so that I can make a somewhat educated purchase. While I'm doing that any advice or opinions as to what to look for or what to look out for would be appreciated.

I don't plan on shooting competitions with it but as with my garands that I shoot I really would like for the limiting factor on accuracy to be me and not the rifle.

762mmfirearms offers a hammer forged receiver - any opinions about it? should I stay with Springfield or Armscorps? I'm not looking to build up a rifle but I'm open to that if you all think that's a better way to go.

Help!!!

[LEAD POISON]

I don't know to much about them.I have springfield arms inc.
Made in 1984 as a whole complete rifle.
That's one thing about SAI they have records and can tell you what configuration your serial number was and when it left the factory.
It shoots better than I can.
LP

[jak]

My friend built two M1A's with kits from CMP. One on a HRA receiver and one on a 7.62 forged receiver that he bought at Camp Perry. He had no problems with the HRA receiver. However, the 7.62 receiver was out of spec. The rear of the bolt near the firing pin was binding in the receiver. The oprod was also binding in the track. All the parts were USGI except for the 7.62 receiver. My friend had to send the completed rifle to 7.62 and they fixed it free of charge. He said if he builds a 3rd rifle, or just buys a completed rifle he will go with SAI or Fulton Armory.

My guess would be that if you buy a completed rifle from 7.62, all the bugs would be worked out at the factory. I would avoid buying a 7.62 receiver and building a rifle.

[Skeet6]

My friend built two M1A's with kits from CMP. One on a HRA receiver and one on a 7.62 forged receiver that he bought at Camp Perry. He had no problems with the HRA receiver. However, the 7.62 receiver was out of spec. The rear of the bolt near the firing pin was binding in the receiver. The oprod was also binding in the track. All the parts were USGI except for the 7.62 receiver. My friend had to send the completed rifle to 7.62 and they fixed it free of charge. He said if he builds a 3rd rifle, or just buys a completed rifle he will go with SAI or Fulton Armory.

My guess would be that if you buy a completed rifle from 7.62, all the bugs would be worked out at the factory. I would avoid buying a 7.62 receiver and building a rifle.

Wait, your friend got a HRA M14 receiver? How'd he do that? "Once a machine gun, always..." If he has one, lucky fella... I know there were some semi HRAs that were match rifles from what I read, but...

My CMP "A" kits going to be an LRB. I will be ordering the rec/bolt in the next week or so, methinks.
Mike

[Prince Humperdink]

Wait, your friend got a HRA M14 receiver? How'd he do that? "Once a machine gun, always..." If he has one, lucky fella... I know there were some semi HRAs that were match rifles from what I read, but...

My CMP "A" kits going to be an LRB. I will be ordering the rec/bolt in the next week or so, methinks.
Mike

I do know of a case where a TRW NM M14 Receiver was allowed to be owned By a non class 3 holder.I believe it was in a past GCA journal.This was allowed after a battle in court and only because it was manufactured as a National Match Receiver.I'll see if I can find the journal.
Ryan

[Orlando]

Personally I would look for a older used SAI M1A. The older M1A's have mostly USGI parts, the newer rifles have commercial parts and seem to be prone to some issues. From hanging out in various forums that cater to the M1A it sounds like SAI's quality control is slipping. The upside is SAI has a great warrenty but if any part breaks they seem to want you to ship the whole rifle back for repair which would be a hassle.
There are deals out there on used rifles, I would take my time and look
JMO

[wgandy]

Thanks everyone for the advice and opinions. That's what I'm wanting.

I've noticed that some M1A's have stainless steel barrels. What are the positives and negatives of those barrels?

What barrel makers should I be looking for and which ones should I avoid?

[mikebaker1129]

Personally I would look for a older used SAI M1A. The older M1A's have mostly USGI parts, the newer rifles have commercial parts and seem to be prone to some issues. From hanging out in various forums that cater to the M1A it sounds like SAI's quality control is slipping. The upside is SAI has a great warrenty but if any part breaks they seem to want you to ship the whole rifle back for repair which would be a hassle.
There are deals out there on used rifles, I would take my time and look
JMO

This is also what I would recommend also .

[melloman]

I had a brand new Standard Walnut last year. It was all SAI parts. Ran like a watch, only a couple of FTE's - traced it to the ammo that I was using. Somebody I knew was lusting for it so I found him a barely fired Loaded model with a stainless steel barrel. He still liked mine better so I sold it to him and I kept the barely used one. As it turned out, the Loaded was built during the '90s and has all Winchester parts except the barrel. Even the fiberglass stock was painted USGI. Shoots well but both of them showed distinct preferences for good quality milsurp ammo or handloads. Cheap .308/7.62 was not as accurate. Use USGI or magazines made by CMI. They work the best.

[wgandy]

Thanks melloman. I appreciate the information.

All others opinions and information wanted too.