drjarhead, barrel placement and chamber finishing is probably the most complicated piece of the puzzle. On the M14 series of rifles, lathe work is typically required for indexing the barrel to its proper location, assuming a match grade barrel for optimum accuracy. It usually has to be faced and finish reamed to achieve the proper head space. The lugs on the bolt need to be lapped to the bolt recesses in the receiver as well. You might consider purchasing a receiver then having a qualified smith install the barrel and bolt to guarantee a good fit and head space, then do the rest yourself. I would recommend the gunsmith route simply because they will get it right and let you know if there are any problems with things like a worn receiver, etc. This is a moot point if the receiver is new. I like Fulton, but their waiting times are ludicrous, as someone previously noted. There are several other good M1A gunsmiths out their. Ask around or search the Net.