Building an M1A

[longgoldsilverandlead]

Can the M1A crowd estimate the cost associated with doing a home build of one of these? This would involve picking up a receiver and all associated parts. I would NOT be shooting for match quality. . .just doing a project for fun.

I've got garand tools (vise/wrench - no clue of those will work here) and a reamer for headspacing. Just looking for a ballpark cost of parts before I do anything too stupid like buying a receiver in the marketplace.

[DLupini]

Varies a lot. Do you want to use GI parts? Does that matter to you? If it doesn’t, you’re better off getting an SAI.

If you want a forged receiver and GI parts in good shape probably cost $2500-$3000 to build.

[nf1e]

Total cost with receiver has been running me just over $2K for standard and up to $2.5 for heavy NM build. They can go way higher, but that's about the norm.

[Jakeroub]

A few years ago I bought a parts kit for $600, if I remember correctly. I later had it built into a rifle with an LRB receiver, TRW bolt, and Criterion barrel. The total cost came in near $2500 including assembly by Ted Brown.

https://imgur.com/a/sj8IkPQ

[longgoldsilverandlead]

Thanks, everyone. That tells me what I need to know. Might be too just a little too rich of a project for me.

Out of curiosity - does anyone know if a garand barrel vise/wrench would work for this?

[ernie]

yes it will.

[DLupini]

If you’re looking to save money building probably won’t do that. I enjoy learning about the rifle and parts. Searching for parts is a good way to do that. Also, you end up with something unique when you’re done.

[longgoldsilverandlead]

Originally Posted by DLupini

If you’re looking to save money building probably won’t do that. I enjoy learning about the rifle and parts. Searching for parts is a good way to do that. Also, you end up with something unique when you’re done.

This is my modus operandi for other projects. . . I could have bought a 1903a3. . .but I found enough parts and some very nicely recovered drill receivers to build them up as if they were factory new:

https://imgur.com/a/YgATWKa

I would probably be doing the same with this project. This would be roughly 2x, though. . .I might prefer taking on something else.

[DLupini]

A Fulton receiver and a LRB parts kit will keep it in the lower price range. You’ll probably want to re-park the parts.

[Shomway]

Sorry to say, your timing is off by a few years.
About 4 years ago Dupage was selling USGI M14 parts kits(everything except barrel, receiver, and bolt) for $400 and picked up one that was all H&R.
At the same time Bula had a sale on their barreled receivers with bolt for $700. Was able to pick up one of these with a medium weight match barrel.
So, was able to build a M14 style rifle for a little over $1100
I don't mean to rub it in......