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Posted: 6/22/2006 12:34:52 PM EDT
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I was at the local gunshop today and he had a nice M14 from a manufacturer I had never heard of. Can anyone give me any information about Federal Ordnance M14's? The price was good but I want to see if I can get some feedback about the brand. Thanks, Mark |
Fed Ord is considered one of the lower quality M14 clone manufacturers. The first 4000 to 5000 Fed Ords were made with USGI parts and are normally a decent deal if under $900. Sometime after that 4000 to 5000 serial mark they started the wholesale incorporation of Chi-com M14 parts. If it has Chi-com parts in it you really should avoid it. The reason for that statement is as follows, the biggest problem with Fed Ords is the receiver. The receivers have several problems, the biggest of which is heat treating. The Fed Ord I had (which I purchaesd primarily for the USGI parts) suffered from this (or some other problem) as evidenced by the fact that the rear sight serrations had worn off the receiver so that every time I fired the rifle, the sights would jump 4 to 5 elevation clicks. Therefore, if you're going to be getting Chi-com parts, it makes much more sense to get a Polytech or Norinco as those have very high quality receivers. What this boils down to is that if you're going to pay a similar price for a Poly/Norinco or a Fed Ord with Chi-com parts, the Poly/Norinco will be a better rifle and a much better value. That said, if its a Fed Ord with USGI parts, and the price is below $900, I'd buy it for the parts. If it runs great, you've done good. If its got some problems, you've essentially paid the going rate for a USGI parts kit. However, if its a Fed Ord with chinese parts, I'd stay away from it as getting a Polytech or Norinco will be a better expenditure of your hard earned money. Edited to Add: Ran across a 56XX serial Fed Ord today with USGI parts, so, the serial range for USGI parts may extend up to 6K, but I'd be very wary of any Fed Ord over the 5K serial range and throughly check the rifle before purchasing. |
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I agree with Lithgow, an early FedOrd with all USGI parts can be a very sweet rifle and can be dickered down in price. But I disagree with the newby.. Fulton just buys Armscorp receivers and stamps the Fulton name on the heel. Then they charge an extra $180. Get a ChiCom with good headspace and buy a USGI field headspace gage and shoot the Hell out of it until it will accept the gage. CP |
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I would try to avoid the fes ord. receivers. you would be way ahead finding an older springfield with the GI parts. It is generally the best deal for the money. Hope you find one. I lucked into one that left springfield as a loaded and then was sent to fulton to be modified. It is bedded lugged and in a biship laminate stock with all the other extras. I love it the wife got it for me for a gift. I just love her..... 
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