There is possibility for me to get my hands on a 1994 SA M1A with all GI parts. From what I’ve seen, the rifle looks to be in fantastic condition. I also have a line on a brand spanking new standard recent manufacture M1A for a pretty good deal, however with commercial parts. The 1994 rifle would cost me more. It seems, based upon what I’ve gathered, that the older rifles are more desireable. My question is whether these older SA M1As are more desireable strictly because of the GI parts or are they all around better rifles. I’ve read that SA had a string of poor QC…does this affect the 94 vintage rifles? Thanks.
It’s pretty much the GI parts that make it more desireable.
Chrome lined barrel, non cast op rod, forged GI bolt (although the new commercial ones are also forged).
There really shouldn’t be any issues with a '94 rifle, and if there are, you have a lifetime warranty, whether you bought it new or not.
If it were me, I’d buy the older rifle.