It finally came, right on Christmas eve, I wouldn't think it'd be this close. $379.95 + 12 shipping, not too shabby for a big battle rifle. The rifle came in a cardboard box, with extra cardboard around the receiver. It arrived in excellent condition, thankgod for UPS. There are no accessories, just one 20rd mag other than the L1A1.
Like Harlan@FAC said, it's made on Century's own receiver. There's been controversy regarding Century's rebuilt using Hesse receiver. I guess CAI decided to do their own. The receiver looks as good as any other I've seen. Machining looks well done, no sharp edges or sloppy cuts. The receiver's marked Century Arms, Georgia VT, R1A1 Sporter 308 Cal. I assume that's because they used one of those R1A1 South African parts kit. The most interesting is serial# CA000XX, now if that's not a low serial I don't know what it is. I sure hope there arent' going to be any problems, as it's a first run rifle.
The rifle looks very clean, no signs of a "parts gun". They either reblued it, or the parts were never used. The new receiver matched up with the barrel, lower extraordinarily well. I really suspect they must have reblued everything. The condition of the metal parts is EXCELLENT! The bored's clean, even my FFL guy was amazed.
If there're any negatives, are the plastic furniture. They look "cheap". The handguard has some molding flash left off, and the two halves aren't mating perfectly. Hopefully I can go over it with Xacto knive to make things smoother. Same thing with the pistol grip and butt stock. The pistol grip itself was alright, but the there's a piece of metal running down the front of the grip, except it stays on top of the grip, rather than becoming flush inside of it. I don't know if that's the way it is with L1A1 grips, or just a bad pistol grip. It just felt wrong with it being an extra piece under my fingers.
Butt stock must be aftermarket too, because there's no swivel for the sling to attach to (although there's front sling hook on the barrel). I might have to drill and buy my own. There's a huge flat-head type screw there, must be how the rear pad is attached to the stock. Did L1A1 ever come with cleaning kits? Where would it go? I suspect the original issues would have a spot for cleaning kits in butt stock.
Overall I'm extremely pleased with the rifle, at least from the appearance alone. I haven't a place to shoot it today, but after cycling and dry firing it, I'm confident it'll perform well. The magazine itself was a little beat up, I may have to pick up another one day. But I'm just glad it's the replacable piece that's ugly, not something the rifle. It's an INCH receiver, so I assume I would need an Inch mag too?
Also where would one get a manual for L1A1? I have no clue how to break it down for maintenance.
If not for the sale at AIMsurplus, I wouldn't have bought the L1A1, especially one by Century, but this has changed my opinion most definitely. Century's own L1A1 inch receiver looks very well made, I won't hesitate recommending any of my friends getting a Century L1A1 rebuilt, especially if you can find one using the new receiver.
Merry Christmas too all!