Alright guys, here’s another opportunity to enlighten a newbtard!
I’ve been keeping my eye on a couple of local deals on SA M1As. I’d really like to pick up a .308/7.62 battle rifle not on an AR platform.
So what are some things I need to look out for? The local picks seem to all be newer, come with original box, etc.
Btw, I did sift through a few pages looking for stuff on this topic and came up empty before starting this thread…
I’m sure there’s stuff out there, my m4fu has just failed me.
I have been shooting the M-14/M1A platform since 1980. I am sure there are knowledgeable people on M4C, but there is a mountain of good information on this site: http://m14forum.com/forums.php.
M14 forum is the key…
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I would have to agree. I do own one, but have left it largely untouched and unused over the years, so I’ve never really had occasion to drill into the community.
AC
A suggestion would be to seek out critical surplus TRW replacement components via auction sites for any M1A you purchase unless you go with a top tier manufacturer. Even then a TRW bolt can’t hurt at the very least.
True.
SA actually started migrating away from the USGI parts bin right around the time of the AWB, if I remember correctly. By the late '90s, it seems that commercial components were becoming the norm. Not a show-stopper, but definitely something to consider if you’re trying to build up a best-grade rifle without taking the full custom route.
AC
Just took a few moments to see what the stated USGI parts are going for these days and Wow. A dramatic price increase from even a few years ago with new bolts (wrapped in that telltale foil paper) going for over $495. There was another for $595, yet I bought one for $225 in 2010 for perspective.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=363101844
To clarify one would ideally want the bolt, op rod and trigger assembly, this especially so if you buy a Springfield Armory variant. While I don’t own any of their product Fulton Armory is a good option to consider.
I would shy away from a non GI parts M1A. The extra $$$you pay for a high end M1A will be well worth it.
I have owned several M1A rifles over the years and shot most of them until I had barrels replaced, more than once on most of my rifles. You may want a GI bolt and OP rod, but I think the new commercial barrels are more accurate than the GI barrels.
The M1A platform is certainly fun and capable, but it is definitely showing its age and has been surpassed design wise. I say this as a lover of the rifle (it was my first gun). I’ve spent a lot of money tweaking mine out to be a semi auto precision oriented rifle, and I’m still doing a .308 AR to fill that role.
Read as much as you can on M14 forum.
Just realize that for the amount of money you will spend on getting together a high quality M14/M1A, you could have picked up a SCAR-17 and had a much more modern and capable weapon. The readily available models of the M14 are a great rifles to own and play with, but I don’t kid myself into thinking they’re something they’re not.
The gun is a money pit if you plan on scoping it or wringing sub MOA accuracy out of it.
Get an M1A for fun, not for practicality. I love mine, but not enough to keep her around. 
My ARs do everything cheaper and better.
Out of all the M1A’s I have owned over the years, only two would hold 1 MOA. If you expect 2 MOA accuracy out to 600 yards with a good M1A firing good ammunition, you will not be disappointed. Being able to fire 10 shots into a 12" group at 600 yards will get the job done in most situations.
:eek: holy crap batman!!! I built my last one in 2010 on a LRB receiver and Krieger barrel. Found a new in wrap TRW bolt for $200. I was just wondering where the prices are at now. Damn I don’t think I will build a USGI one again.
That being said, if LRB is still offering their bolt its about the next best thing to a real deal M14 bolt
Get a pre-ban Springfield. Earlier the better.
Around the mid 90’s SA started running out of USGI OEM parts. As stated above the older the better.
Shoot any specific questions to fellow member Different, he is a Subject Matter Expert on the M14/M1A.
Any new M1A owner should add these items to his/her must have list:
Should have list:
7) Gas cylinder shims
8) GI extractor
9) One piece of 30-06 brass to replace extractor
10) Bent cleaning rod with swab for cleaning the chamber
11) A can of Lubriplate
If you receive a sectioned steel GI cleaning rod with the rifle, DO NOT use it to clean the bore or you will regret it.
A high quality M1a will last and last . They are well built and solid.
I’ll throw my 2 cents worth in !! Some good info,I say M4 is a great place for the AR Platform and some very good info on the M1a,but ya really need to hang out over at the M14 Firing Line, http://m14forum.com/forums.php I have been a member over there for a long time and there is more info over there than you will ever be able to remember,LOL !! Yes they ARE Partial to the M1a/M-14 type rifle over there,but that’s just the way it is !! 
Anyways,if you have a couple decent M1a’s local at a fair price,that is worth looking at for sure !! I agree,LRB/Fulton rifles are top shelf and you pay for that so take that into consideration,bottom line is how much $$$ do you want to spend ?? My recommendation is,if you can find a good rifle/deal local,grab it,learn how to take it apart/clean/lube it and go have fun with it,period !!! See what it does and go from there,don’t get all caught up in “replacing” everything on it,normally not needed !! I have had a couple Springfield rifles, with 0 GI parts and have put thousands of rds through them with 0 parts replacement !! I do have a couple Custom built rifles now with all GI parts,but the Springers were great rifles when I had them,I just ended up selling trading them for “other” gun related items,
Anyways,go check out and hang out around the the M14 Forum,ya mite even find some decent deals over there,there are some guys over there that throw up some awesome deals on parts and such !! Keep me posted on how ya make out,I will be interested in how ya make out !! 
Thanks for the tips! Looks like I need to head over to the m14 forum!
My main concern is just jumping out and buying something I know nothing about only to find out later that I spent 1200 bucks on a piece of junk with a SA stamp on it.
I’m just trying to educate myself before I do something stupid.