Springfield M1A

[youngblood1989]

I’m looking into buying one of these, but am wondering if there are certain years of production that are better quality, or are they all about the same? I don’t need a brand new one, but if I bought a new one would the quality be good as say a rifle built 20 years ago? Just want to make sure Springfields quality hasn’t slipped like most companies have these days.

[M14]

Originally Posted by youngblood1989

I’m looking into buying one of these, but am wondering if there are certain years of production that are better quality, or are they all about the same? I don’t need a brand new one, but if I bought a new one would the quality be good as say a rifle built 20 years ago? Just want to make sure Springfields quality hasn’t slipped like most companies have these days.

About the same. Good question though. There were earlier years built with all g.i. parts including g.i. chrome lined barrels. Those are much more desirable to most and usually command a higher price because g.i. parts are now very scarce.

Oddly enough, the dies they were using back then actually allowed the g.i. barrels to spin up and headspace within a given safe range. Since time and use is the enemy of all dies, the ones that replaced the old dies didn't work as well when using chrome lined barrels, g.i. or commercial. A build would be hit or miss when it came to headspace concerns.

Now they use chrome moly barrels that can be reamed to set headspace. Not as easy to clean and probably not as robust regarding wear.

The good news is that they have a good warranty and honor it to whomever owns the rifle. In other words, you could buy an early 5 line stamped receiver that has 7.62mm on it that is 30 years old or more, and they will honor any warranty claims. Not self inflicted damage though. Common sense. No reloading either but they never ask.

You won't find any statement saying all that about lifetime of the rifle warranty, no matter the owner, but the Reese family is a class act and I have never heard of them denying warranty claims.

That's good too, because there have been a lot of claims, but the important thing is, they take care of it. I would say, buy with confidence, new or old, and enjoy. They are a blast. Pun intended.

I'll send you a private message. I might have something you are interested in seeing. I've been tormented about selling more of my collection, but eventually we all get old and things change........rip

[Col. Colt]

The "Golden Age" of SAI M1A's was supposedly from 50,000 up into the 90,000 range. These had the most GI parts, earlier guns seemed better crafted. Read Different's books for details. But I don't think there is anything wrong with the newer guns - just few GI parts.... CC

[JimF]

Yup . . . .this^^^^^^^^

I had a very early NM, assembled by Elmer Balance . . . .

ALL GI parts, except the receiver, of course!

Never gave me any trouble!

I’d still have it if the state of Connecticut would let me keep the original flash hider!

[1563621]

https://i.imgur.com/hc3lV1x.jpg

I picked up a nice 65XXX with an A below, denotes remade receiver. Looks to be USGI parts https://imgur.com/YJ9c9W7

https://imgur.com/4BtnQoG

https://imgur.com/BE3w5kB

[luigi]

Originally Posted by 1563621

https://i.imgur.com/hc3lV1x.jpg

I picked up a nice 65XXX with an A below, denotes remade receiver. Looks to be USGI parts https://imgur.com/YJ9c9W7

https://imgur.com/4BtnQoG

https://imgur.com/BE3w5kB

You need to get a Hawk's Dummy Kit to fill in that ugly hole in your M14 stock! LOL

[1563621]

Originally Posted by luigi

You need to get a Hawk's Dummy Kit to fill in that ugly hole in your M14 stock! LOL

Plan on it

[cdj7097]

I don't own or shoot any M1A over 100,000.serial number. I had the opportunity to buy serial number 000001 awhile back but declined after discoveding there are at least two number 1's.

[jeffe]

I would check to ensure the barrel, op rod, bolt, and trigger group were USGI.

[ZvenoMan]

Originally Posted by jeffe

I would check to ensure the barrel, op rod, bolt, and trigger group were USGI.

And if they are not USGI then buy it. If they are USGI then buy it. Assuming you check condition/wear and price accordingly.

JH