What should I get?

[M1orNone]

Well, the time has come that I've got my CJ3A up for sale, with at least one individual interested. After what happened last night, I feel that it's my duty to own at least one magazine-fed battle rifle. I plan on using at least $1000 from the sale of the Jeep.

Need your input, gentlemen. What do I get?

As much as I like AR-15's, I'd much prefer something in the 7.62 arena. I'm thinking I could turn up a decent, used M1A for around that much. If nothing else, I could get a Polytech, and swap out the factory bolt for USGI.

Opinions?

[Roadkingtrax]

Remington 700 Tactical?

[M1orNone]

Remington 700 Tactical?


I've got bolt-actions covered. Just want to thumb my nose at the system, it's inevitable remake of the AWB, and get something that holds at least 20 rounds of 7.62. ;)


Makes me wish I'd picked up a 1919 parts kit when they weren't $1000+.

[melloman]

AR-10 is .308

[Prince Humperdink]

All semi autos,mag feds,and pistol grip on dianne freaksteins new bill she's getting ready to introduce...and no grandfathering in!

[Eli]

http://e-sarcoinc.com/m1garandreceiverstripped-goodcondition.aspx
+
http://e-sarcoinc.com/bm59partsset.aspx
+
http://shuffsparkerizing.com/services/mag-fed-garand/ (at the bottom)

Eli

[Orlando]

You wont touch a used M1A for $1000 unless its a Polytech

[M1orNone]

You wont touch a used M1A for $1000 unless its a Polytech


I've seen a few nice Polytech's on Gunbroker recently for under $1000. Back in August, when I got that Bushmaster AR, I almost jumped on a Poly for $750, that had a new USGI bolt and NM sights.

Weren't the bolts the only part on them that were of questionable quality, or was it the Norinco version? I can't remember.

[Eli]

Weren't the bolts the only part on them that were of questionable quality, or was it the Norinco version? I can't remember.

USGI bolts won't work properly with the chinese barrels unless modified, the only guys I'd trust are Warbird's here in TX and Ron Smith.

Eli

[M1orNone]

USGI bolts won't work properly with the chinese barrels unless modified, the only guys I'd trust are Warbird's here in TX and Ron Smith.

Eli


Crap! So much for me thinking they were a direct replacement. What kind of modification?

[Eli]

Crap! So much for me thinking they were a direct replacement. What kind of modification?

IIRC, the receivers are nearly to spec but the bolt/barrel relationship isn't. The controlling factor on Poly-Tech/Norinco guns - they are the same, same factory, different markings - is the cost of a good forged receiver. They still go for less than $800 around here.
Not to recommend another 'smith besides Tim, but for M14 custom work:
http://www.warbirdscustomguns.com/M14-M1A.htm
from http://www.warbirdscustomguns.com/Rifle%20Shop%20services.htm :

Polytech & Norinco owners must read this about USGI bolt conversion

This information will educate you about how to avoid so-called gunsmiths & armorers who claim they know how to do the USGI bolt conversion to your Polytech or Norinco.

If others charge a fee for a tech inspection, that's your first clue that you should find someone else to do the work. They should already know what needs to be done, not trying to educate themselves by working on a customers rifle.

I never charge a fee for a tech inspection, ever. I don't need to because I know what needs to be done to install a USGI bolt properly. Also, the Chinese barrel "can be used" when I do the USGI bolt conversion. "You don't need a new commercial barrel" as some gunsmiths claim. Bottom line is they just want your money.

Please remember that Chinese rifles converted to use a USGI bolt by these inexperienced people will not be accepted by me, to do work on. The USGI bolt conversion is not being done correctly by some of the others because they don't have the experience to do it right.

I will only accept Chinese rifles with a USGI bolt conversion already done, if Smith Ent. or myself did the work. It's my intention to help customers avoid very costly mistakes.

I have done 1000's of these bolt conversions and not 1 customer has ever had a problem. My reputation far exceeds me and customer satisfaction is always guaranteed. I have been doing the USGI bolt conversion on Chinese receivers for over 25 years. The other so called gunsmiths are just starting and have no experience at all. You be the judge. I believe you will make the right choice and rely on a true expert with years of experience.
My personal preference is towards the BM59, but if you have to have an M14 there are very few good gunsmiths and a lot of expensive parts out there!

Eli