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I had a gun come up on arms list for a 2 year old m1a super match for 2k, guessing I might knock that down a little. Ive been really focused on finding a pre ban national match in decent year ranges for higher chance of USG I parts. Wondering if this is something I should jump at or if waiting on a pre ban would be a better option. Not really sure how a new super match set of parts would stack up to the USGI ones? I had another guy with a pre ban from the 70s with a NM barrel 1650$.
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Well, don't know if this helps you, but here's what I have: a Glen Nelson-built M1A Super Match, with a TRW bolt and all USGI parts. NM-style frt & rear sights. Nice wood stock that was bedded. The trigger is unbelievably nice. It has what some used to call a 'glass-reed break.' Don't know if Nelson set it up that way personally or not, but it breaks consistently
schweeeeet every time.
'
S.M.' is stamped on top of the barrel just back from the frt sight. I can't recall if that means it's a Douglas or Hart barrel. From what I understand of his SM builds for S.A. during the '80s, Nelson sourced both.
Serial number on the receiver dates to 1986. A call to S.A. can quickly vet it as a Nelson-built SM M1A.
About a year & half ago on GunJoker, there was a Nelson-built SM almost exactly like mine, except it had a serial number about 100-digits higher and looked like it had seen many years of hard use in Match competitions. Honest wear and still serviceable, but appearance-wise mine is in better shape.
The GunJoker seller wanted $3300 for it. Don't know if he ever got that, but the Nelson-SM M1As do command a premium.
All of the above is being offered FYI.