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Posted: 2/25/2008 2:55:41 PM EDT
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New to these types of firearms. Please help me understand what's what. I have read a little about history and function of M1 Garand and thought i understood the M14 was in a nut shell an improved Garand that used a magazine and shoot the .308 instead of the .30-.06 cartridge. Where does the M1A fit in? thanks for the history lesson |
| Officially the M1A is the Springfield Armory's ( the commercial company not the govt arsenal ) semi automatic version of the full automatic military M14. Early M1A production utilized mostly surplus USGI parts. Current production is mostly new made parts. Almost all parts are interchangeable. |
There is much history to learn, visit Different's M1A Site |
The M14 type rifle can be had in many configurations. Look HERE for pictures, details and links. Enjoy! |
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The "SOCOM" is simply a shorter barrel version with a rail or some rails on it. It is also an M1A. There are basically three. The Classic 20" barrel, the Scout Squad (formerly called the Bush) and the SOCOM's (there are two variants of SOCOM)... and within those there are variations of stocks and accessories... but they are all M1A's if they Springfield. The M14 is indeed basically a M1 that takes removable magazines... pretty much... oversimplified explanation of it but yea. There were a couple actual retro fits between it and the adoption of it but you can sort of think of it that way. The M1A is considered the Civilian version of an M14. |
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O.K. i'm feeling an addiction up my spine. Just got done reading another thread about building a M1A. Is this as easy as the AR, available parts, etc....is it cheaper to build than to say purchase through SpringFieldArmory? I can see i'm going to have to do alot of research. Where do i start? Thanks guys |
Short answer, NO. And to fuel your possible addiction along..... 
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M14 web site is where I got two awesome ones, both from the same guy. |
Or the original SA [Elmer Ballance] out of Devine Texas where it was originally started. [the civi SA] SAI bought them out in the 70s. |
What address/link |
I got mine on Gunbroker. Unfortunately parts are really expensive so you won't save by building your own like you would with an AR-15. |
Yes... I thought I had said that earlier. Last part of first sentance... ...but they are all M1A's if they Springfield. But thanks for driving that point home!  A variant of a SOCOM 
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In general will i be looking for new never fired/almost new rifles. What little searching i have done thats all i came up with. Would i be better to just find what model/style i prefer and purchase? Are the Norinco brands any good? Don't much like the idea of purchasing a USA rifle not made in the states.....Prices seem to be about the same as gunbroker.com |
Norinco is banned from import to the U.S...so you cant get a new one. |
 Just doing my part.
No worries though, an experienced M14 smith can make a Norinco better than new. SEI modernized this Norinco for me. 
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All of my semi autos are stamped M14 - S I call them M14s 
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M1A is a brand name used exclusively by Springfield Armory Inc. Many are under the impression that all semi-M14s are M1As, but that is technically incorrect. The LRB is marked M14SAor M25. The Armscorps are marked M14 or M21. the Polytechs and Noricos are marked M14. The Entreprise Arms are Marked M14. The Springfield Armory Inc. rifles are marked M1A. When the Semi-M14 was first manufactured the BATF would not approve the nomenclature M14 so the term M1A was used. Since that time they relaxed their position. Now people use the term M1A interchangeably with M-14, and we know what is being discussed. Most of us refer to them as M14 type rifles. Hope this helps. Take Care, Tony |
It does come in handy, I used the SAI warranty 4 times with my Scout. |
Doubt Norinco would do that for you, buy american
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We like to buy American, but many American Manufacturers including Springfield buy parts overseas to build their "American Made" products. Funny thing is that H2O's "ChiComs" have a higher percentage of american parts in them than most Springfield Armory rifles, he has SEI rebuild them all, and does not need to send them back to the factory. That said, Springfiled builds a nice rifle and more than anyone else. They do have a great warrenty, and I do have one. |
Yep, other than the 4 receivers, 2 trigger groups and 2 op rods all parts are MADE AND ASSEMBLED IN THE USA 
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Just to be a PITA, I believe it would be more correct to say select fire, rather than full auto. |
Aren't you ashamed of yourself? You can send them to me and you won't have to be ashamed any more!!!
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