Choice of M1a/M14
In 1968 I qualified with and carried one in Ranger school but I don't know a lot about current M14s. I want to hunt large game and for sentimental reasons want a basic familiar weapon in my hands. What are the qualities of the Springfield Armory, Fulton Armory, Federal Ordnance, and chinese manufacturer's weapons?
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I'd stick with Springfield or Fulton. I have heard some praise and most cuss Chinese M1-A,s[;)] 0 -
Speaking from the perspective of being a very old fart. Humping a 9lb +, military type rifle, for extended periods. Can be very stresful to your health, if your on the wrong side of 60.
All well and good, if you want to collect semi-auto military rifles. There are a heck of a lot better rifles to go hunting with though, than a M 14 clone, IMHO.0 -
Thanks for your service. I'd suggest a slicked up Springfield but I'd much rather carry a 6# bolt action rifle. 0 -
I also carried an M-14 and would like to have a similar rifle "just because". There may be a very few "M-14's" left in the civilian world but the cost will be prohibitive. If I were picking, it would be a "loaded" Springfield M1-A. I'm sure my preferences would not the same as yours but I'd go with the SS barrel and synthetic stock(possibly a wood stock and find a true M-14 military stock to actually use), and a QD scope mount since my eyes aren't the same as they were 45 years ago. As others have said, I wouldn't want to pack the rifle and a full load out of ammo a long distance. 0 -
I am partial to the Chinese M14 clones, for their receivers, barrels and op rods.
But check the headspace before buying as about 1 in 10 will be long0 -
To get a rifle as close as possible to my issued M14, I had a clone custom built on a SA Inc receiver. All other parts are USGI, the barrel is an SAK light NM, & the stock is bedded at the contact points. 
True, the receiver is cast, but hundreds of thousands are in use, & I have not heard of a failure.
A complete SA Inc will be easiest to find, but my preference would be an older one, made when they used mostly USGI parts. Current manufacture rifles have lots of cast small parts that are prone to failure.
Fulton Armory assembles their rifles one at a time; each one is really custom made. They put their products out on the table at local gun shows, & you can talk to the gunsmiths who put them together. Class outfit. But, top quality is expensive.
Early Fed Ords had USGI parts on a questionable receiver. All other Fed Ords had garbage parts on a questionable receiver.
Sentimental? Nah. The M14 is still the best battle rifle ever made.
Neal0 -
Try this place http://m14forum.com
Everything about the M1A/M140 -
Thanks for all the comments, lots to think about, lots to study. But I am an Army Ranger so only slightly less stubborn than a Marine (sempre fi) so will get an M14/M1a and will hump it around like old times, it's the wrong side of 200 pounds not the wrong side of 65 yrs that I have to work on. Garry Owen quote:Originally posted by pawnee66
Try this place http://m14forum.com
Everything about the M1A/M140 -
I carried a 14 for about two years and there is just something about its feel that is strong, reliable, and accurate. Can't fault anyone for wanting one. [:D] 0 -
I had a Springfield loaded, it was a nice rifle, but I wanted to build a M14 with usgi parts. I ordered a barreled action from Fulton Armory and finished the rifle with usgi parts and a M14e2 tiger striped stock. I am happy with the rifle, it is about as close as a civilian can get to owning the real deal.
If I ever build another M14 rifle, I will buy a LRB receiver. Nothing wrong with the Fulton receiver, but the LRB is forged just like the original. LRB kicks butt!![:)]0
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