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Posted: 7/5/2005 3:34:16 PM EDT
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I have a chance to pick up a Polytech M14 in pretty good shape. Problem is, I know very little about these guns. I've done a little reading on them, and it seems the bolts and sights a re a little suspect, and should be replaced with GI. First, what's the cost of having a GI bolt fitted and headspaced? Also, what's the cost for the sights? Any other recommendations? Thanks! I'm looking for a good shooter, but I don't want to invest $600 in a gun simply to start spending more! |
Check the headspance and if its ok, shoot it. I have one that does not have any USGI replaced parts and it shoots great! There are alot of people that are just completely sold on the fact you HAVE TO replace the bolt, the oprod the barrel etc; but the truth is its just not needed all the time. Kinda like the AR snobs that tell you you have to have (insert brand x here) in order for the weapon to function. That is just not the case. I have ARs I have built for under $500 that will run next to a $1100 Colt. As a matter of fact I had the pleasure of shooting a purebred Colt M4 that would not cycle for shit a couple weeks ago. But the guys Dpms lower-noname upper piece part gun ran 100%. Just have it checked and start shooting it. If all else fails, you can send it off to Fulton and be into it for more then a new Springfield. CH |
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I agree w/ Cape Hunter. I had a PolyTech M14 that I sold about 4 years ago when somebody offered me an all USGI (w/ exception of receiver) Springfield M1A that was too good to pass up. I shot the shit out of my Polyteech w/o any USGI stuff and it was as accurate as any other rack grade M14. I made a point of checking the headspace every 1000rnds to be sure that I wasn't developing excessive headspace, but even doing that my bolt never moved. I say buy and shoot it. You may be pleasantly surprised. Just be aware of the possible issues with the bolt and keep an eye on it. |
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DO have the headspace checked. Many if not most of these guns have long headspace that can cause problems. Mine was actually unsafe to shoot right out of the box. Be aware that even if your headspace is good for 7.62 NATO ammo, it might still be dangerous with .308 commercial. If you do need a a USGI bolt, you can plan on $200-300 for the bolt and having it installed right, including shipping. I lucked out, a USGI bolt dropped right into mine like it was made for it. MOST people aren't that lucky. If it has to be fitted, it has to be done by someone who KNOWS what they're doing. You might get out for less than the $$$ I mentioned above but just wanted to prepare you for what it could be. Don't send it to Fulton. Send it to Tim at Warbird. I have yet to hear ONE bad word about his work or his customer service. I live within driving distance of Fulton and if I ever need to have mine worked on, it's getting packed up and sent cross country to Warbird. Sights on mine were fine, the only other thing I replaced was the stock, and I didn't HAVE to do that, I just liked the look of a US stock more. Mine now shoots great, I'm very happy with it and would not swap it for a brand new Springfield standard grade or even a Loaded. The only advantage the SA gun has is the lifetime warranty and from what I hear, if you buy a SA, sooner or later you get to use that. |
This is good to hear. I wonder though what is your trouble with Fulton? I dont care eitherway just like to be informed. Thanks CH |
Warbird has done countless conversions on polytech M14's and is about half the price of what Fultons charges Here is Tim's website: users3.ev1.net/~hd80/Warbird.htm |
Thanks CH |
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I have read too many horror stories about Fulton on other forums. Not gonna get into heresay details but after you read five or six bad stories from completely different posters on separate boards you begin to pick up a pattern. Now I'm sure these horror stories are the exception not the rule, but the fact remains I have yet to hear ONE word from anyone who wasn't satisfied with Warbird's work, either the work, the time, the price, or the way they were treated. And I've read posts from dozens of satisfied customers who use him again and again. That tells me something. |
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