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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Did I get a Springfield? (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 2/2/2009 4:13:37 PM EDT
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Hey guys, I recently went into my local place and found a used Springfield marked M1A,for the price of $900, minus the mag though.
I didnt have the cash but I put it on layaway just to get it off the shelf for that price so it wouldnt be snatched away. But thinking about it, it seems alittle odd. Dont used Springfields go for $1200+? And the receiver was not marked Springfield. Behind the bolt where usually you see "Springfield Armory" etc... was totally blank, and the Serial #, which is 962xxx, is on the left side of the bolt in white letters, not engraved like it seems to be. Granted, Im new to the M14, always thinking I could never afford one, but does anyone have idea if this is common, or if its not a Springfield? I couldnt find any other markings anywhere. Thanks in advance. |
| It was tagged as a Springfield armory M1A but it's not stamped as such on the rifle? It's probably a Chinese M14. From a shop these days, $900.00 isn't a bad price for a Chinese M14. However, if you are in the market for a Springfield Armory, you need to go back and clear up the confusion. |
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It was definatly tagged as a Springfield. I had to make sure I was reading it right, but thats what it said. But yeah, as far as I could tell it didnt have any markings anywhere, let along Springfield, in the obvious place it should be.
Would there be markings anywhere to indicate Springfield or Chinese? Just because I looked doesnt mean it wasnt there, I just dont know where to look. |
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Would there be markings anywhere to indicate Springfield or Chinese? Just because I looked doesnt mean it wasnt there, I just dont know where to look. Most Poly Techs are marked on the left side of the receiver with Poly Tech M14S, the serial number, the importers name and made in China. Some are marked on the receiver heal. Some Norincos are marked the same as the Poly's though others have only a serial number below the wood line and the importers info on the barrel. |
| You have a side stamped Chinese M14 either polytech or norinco. $900 is a bit on the high end but honestly the Chinese receivers and barrels are considered to be better than SAI. You will need to get the bolt replaced with a USGI one which will cost around $500 but is really necessary to be safe and no go kaboom. |
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Lets see hmmmm, receiver and barrel better than SAYou have a side stamped Chinese M14 either polytech or norinco. $900 is a bit on the high end but honestly the Chinese receivers and barrels are considered to be better than SAI. You will need to get the bolt replaced with a USGI one which will cost around $500 but is really necessary to be safe and no go kaboom.  Need to replace bolt or risk of death. Need to invest at least a grand just to get it to SA standards. Am I missing something????????
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Lets see hmmmm, receiver and barrel better than SAYou have a side stamped Chinese M14 either polytech or norinco. $900 is a bit on the high end but honestly the Chinese receivers and barrels are considered to be better than SAI. You will need to get the bolt replaced with a USGI one which will cost around $500 but is really necessary to be safe and no go kaboom. Need to replace bolt or risk of death. Need to invest at least a grand just to get it to SA standards. Am I missing something????????
I think what he probably means is that the Poly/Norinco receivers are forged instead of cast. Forged receivers are generally more desireable that cast ones. And the Chinese M14s come with chrome-lined barrels, which is nice. Bolt conversions to USGI spec are not always required though...just get the rifle headspaced by a qualified gunsmith. If it's good to go, then you don't have anything to worry about. Personally, if I wanted an M14 pattern rifle and I wanted it right now, I'd get the Poly/Norinco rifle you found. If I had time and money, I'd probably save up for an LRB (the only other manufacturer of forged receivers at the moment). My $0.02. 
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You have a side stamped Chinese M14 either polytech or norinco. $900 is a bit on the high end but honestly the Chinese receivers and barrels are considered to be better than SAI. You will need to get the bolt replaced with a USGI one which will cost around $500 but is really necessary to be safe and no go kaboom. No, he won't necessarily have to get the bolt replaced. If he gets the headspace checked with a NATO gauge and not a SAAMI gauge and it is within specs, he is good to go. |
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I had a M1A style gun just like this.
If you look on the underside of the barrel by the gas cylinder, you will see an import-type stamping from IIRC CAI. You will not find any other marking on the rifle except for some electropencil ones inside the guts of the gun. To the best of my knowledge and research, they are guns built by CAI with a mixture of USGI and Chinese parts. I had mine for around 4 years. Was accurate and reliable, but it wasn't a Springfield. |
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So generally the consensus is I should keep it?
It does look used on the inside, the chamber is a "shiner" brighter metal color, most likely from rounds being fired enough that it contrasts with the darker steel color of the rest of the receiver and insides. Since it looks pretty well used, and its all in one piece could that mean its solid, or would it mean its more likely to go KB? If anyone is around Atlanta the place Im talking about is Adventure Outdoors, and they claim to have an experienced and knowledgeable gunsmith, so maybe he check the gun first when they first received it, or is the NATO check and spacing something that is not common? Now it sucks even more having to figure out to try and keep it or use the credit towards something else, there is probably a 1% chance they'll just give it back to me, even though it was not labeled correctly. Thanks again. |
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Now it sucks even more having to figure out to try and keep it or use the credit towards something else, there is probably a 1% chance they'll just give it back to me, even though it was not labeled correctly. Thanks again. If the rifle is tagged as a Springfield Armory M1A, and it's actually a Chinese M14, there is a 100% obligation on their part to take the rifle back with a full refund of any money that you put down. If you want an SA M1A, walk away and wait for one. If you are unsure about buying a Chinese M14, walk away and educate yourself about them. You will get another chance to buy one, if you want. |
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$900 for a well used chinese rifle a good deal?
I work to hard for my money to call that a good deal. There are alot of folks with alot of OPINIONS on all the differant m14 type rifles that are out there. Best thing to do is study up on the subject, and spend your money wisley. Or as some may say "safely" Dont just jump on the first thing you think you can afford. There are deals still out there if your patiant. |
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So generally the consensus is I should keep it? It does look used on the inside, the chamber is a "shiner" brighter metal color, most likely from rounds being fired enough that it contrasts with the darker steel color of the rest of the receiver and insides. Since it looks pretty well used, and its all in one piece could that mean its solid, or would it mean its more likely to go KB? If anyone is around Atlanta the place Im talking about is Adventure Outdoors, and they claim to have an experienced and knowledgeable gunsmith, so maybe he check the gun first when they first received it, or is the NATO check and spacing something that is not common? Well, mine was checked by a "knowledgeable gunsmith" who didn't know to use a NATO gauge, so you should insist that it be checked with a NATO. Problem is, they probably won't have one. A chamber being shiny is no big deal, most guns have that. Stop worrying. Get it checked with a NATO gauge. If it passes, you are good to go. Now it sucks even more having to figure out to try and keep it or use the credit towards something else, there is probably a 1% chance they'll just give it back to me, even though it was not labeled correctly.
Thanks again. You are making this harder than it needs to be. If it passes headspace, I think (and others agree) that you will be getting a better rifle. |
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Yes keep it the Chinese M14s are good rifles an in many ways better than SAI M1As (Yes I own an SAI loaded).
If you decide not to get a USGI bolt installed do not just check the headspace once and forget it. Check it every time you shoot it because if the bolt is soft and it goes it will go without much warning. Honestly the safest thing to do is get the bolt conversion done by Warbird or SEI. Why would you want to mess with a potential bomb under your head? You should not need your barrel replaced and if a gunsmith says you do (ala Fulton Armory) send it elsewhere. |
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I have a Springfield NM so not an exact comparison in price, but if a dealer tells you he is selling a Springfield M1A and it's not - that's a big red flag in my book.
Springfields come with lifetime warranties, not sure what you do with your mystery gun if you have a problem...maybe the folks here who say it's a great deal will repair it for free? Some are also saying great gun! now put $500 in it to make it safe to shoot....WTF?? Take it back and get a Springfield or research it and buy it for what it is - understand the benefits and limitations and don't just rely on a few opinions here. Just my .02 |
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Lets see hmmmm, receiver and barrel better than SAYou have a side stamped Chinese M14 either polytech or norinco. $900 is a bit on the high end but honestly the Chinese receivers and barrels are considered to be better than SAI. You will need to get the bolt replaced with a USGI one which will cost around $500 but is really necessary to be safe and no go kaboom. Need to replace bolt or risk of death. Need to invest at least a grand just to get it to SA standards. Am I missing something????????
I think what he probably means is that the Poly/Norinco receivers are forged instead of cast. Forged receivers are generally more desireable that cast ones. And the Chinese M14s come with chrome-lined barrels, which is nice. Bolt conversions to USGI spec are not always required though...just get the rifle headspaced by a qualified gunsmith. If it's good to go, then you don't have anything to worry about. Personally, if I wanted an M14 pattern rifle and I wanted it right now, I'd get the Poly/Norinco rifle you found. If I had time and money, I'd probably save up for an LRB (the only other manufacturer of forged receivers at the moment). My $0.02. My thoughts exactly. I would jump on that Chinese rifle. It's a better build than the Springer(and I love Springfield pistols). I wish Springfield would forge their recievers rather than cast them. 
Also,I think some of the Chinese bolts were made of inferior steel. That's why it was recommended to replace them. Hell,the Chinese rifles are WAY closer to mil-spec than the Springers.
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| I've got two Springers, an early one with H&R GI parts and a new (12/08 production) Loaded. I've also got a Polytech. After getting the Polytech 922R compliant and sticking a Fulton NM flash hider on it, it's turning into my favorite M14. It just runs. Pretty accurate too. Have that Chicom gun weapon checked with NATO gauges and if it passes, shoot the heck out of it. Well, I'd put in a GI recoil spring first...... |
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I have a Springfield NM so not an exact comparison in price, but if a dealer tells you he is selling a Springfield M1A and it's not - that's a big red flag in my book. Springfields come with lifetime warranties, not sure what you do with your mystery gun if you have a problem...maybe the folks here who say it's a great deal will repair it for free? Some are also saying great gun! now put $500 in it to make it safe to shoot....WTF??[/span] Take it back and get a Springfield or research it and buy it for what it is - understand the benefits and limitations and don't just rely on a few opinions here. Just my .02 SOME are saying it and they usually are not correct. |
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"well used" is an OPINION. "Since it looks pretty well used " you are correct. It is the opinion of the OP. His words. Here is my opinion. And I have owned polytech, Fed-ord (chinese parts), Armscorp, Springfield, and recently got a pair of LRB reseavers, so I'm not new to m14 type rifles. If you want to spend your money to turn your chinese rifle into something your happy with, thats up to you. Out of the box, the polytech I owned was substandard to the Armscorp, and springfields. This is my opinion, based on my experiance. I like the USGI histoty aspect of m14 type rifles. With the exception of the reseavers, I enjoy the fact the rest of my rifles are built with original GI contract m14 parts. Now, to put those parts on a reseaver made by Communist's is just outside of my mind set. I dont care if they did use H&R tooling, and the reseavers are forged. There are cast reseavers out there made by SAI and others that have been shooting away for a long time with no problems. Investment casting is a proven method of manufacturing certain firearm parts. Look at all the reseavers and frames Ruger casts each year without failure. The forged LRB reseavers I recently bought are pretty dang sweet looking. They should be for $1658. Would I pay that much for a pair of cast reseavers? NO! That doesnt mean I'm gonna start bashing my springfields for having cast reseavers. My Springfields are fine rifles, and I will continue to enjoy shooting them. I would not hesitate buying a Springfield, Armscorp, or Smith Ent reseaver or rifle if the price was right. I will not buy any firearm made in china. Stay Safe |
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"well used" is an OPINION. "Since it looks pretty well used " you are correct. It is the opinion of the OP. His words. Here is my opinion. And I have owned polytech, Fed-ord (chinese parts), Armscorp, Springfield, and recently got a pair of LRB reseavers, so I'm not new to m14 type rifles. If you want to spend your money to turn your chinese rifle into something your happy with, thats up to you. Out of the box, the polytech I owned was substandard to the Armscorp, and springfields. This is my opinion, based on my experiance. I like the USGI histoty aspect of m14 type rifles. With the exception of the reseavers, I enjoy the fact the rest of my rifles are built with original GI contract m14 parts. Now, to put those parts on a reseaver made by Communist's is just outside of my mind set. I dont care if they did use H&R tooling, and the reseavers are forged. There are cast reseavers out there made by SAI and others that have been shooting away for a long time with no problems. Investment casting is a proven method of manufacturing certain firearm parts. Look at all the reseavers and frames Ruger casts each year without failure. The forged LRB reseavers I recently bought are pretty dang sweet looking. They should be for $1658. Would I pay that much for a pair of cast reseavers? NO! That doesnt mean I'm gonna start bashing my springfields for having cast reseavers. My Springfields are fine rifles, and I will continue to enjoy shooting them. I would not hesitate buying a Springfield, Armscorp, or Smith Ent reseaver or rifle if the price was right. I will not buy any firearm made in china. Stay Safe You could have summed it up with that one line. That's all you are trying to say. That's probably why you say it's "substandard", simply because it's made in China. Of course, by your own admission, you did buy one which contradicts your last sentence. And, it's receiver, not "reseaver". |
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So the whole Chinese soft bolt thing is something that is made up in your opinion? A lot of it is. I do believe that some very early may have had some soft bolts, but the legend continued and included even the later ones that didn't have soft bolts. It was spurred on by people checking the headspace with SAAMI gauges instead of NATO gauges. |
| I have to ask...why did you lay down cash knowing it did not say Springfield on the rear of the receiver? I personally would not touch the Chinese rifle with a 10 foot pole unless I was buying only for the receiver. The receivers are good, but you end up putting major bucks into them to get them to SA or LRB standards. Headspace or not, the bolts are known to be soft and will not hold headspace. |
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I have to ask...why did you lay down cash knowing it did not say Springfield on the rear of the receiver? I personally would not touch the Chinese rifle with a 10 foot pole unless I was buying only for the receiver. The receivers are good, but you end up putting major bucks into them to get them to SA or LRB standards. Headspace or not, the bolts are known to be soft and will not hold headspace. Did you even read the responses in this thread? You just repeated every piece of internet bullshit related to these rifles and it is just repeating crap you have read. No, you don't wind up putting major bucks into them. I, and many others, have either shot them as they are or made the 922 compliant, but that's it. No, the bolts are NOT known to be soft except on a few of the very early ones. Yes, they will hold headspace, but you have to check them with the correct gauge in order to realize that. If you listen to some dummy who checks the headspace with a SAAMI gauge, neither you nor he has a clue. I will lay down my cash for one of those before I will for several other brands of M14 clones. Oh, you wouldn't touch one. Good! That leaves more out there for people who know what they are doing and don't listen to every bullshit rumor (some of which was done in order to create revenue) on the internet. |
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So generally the consensus is I should keep it? It does look used on the inside, the chamber is a "shiner" brighter metal color, most likely from rounds being fired enough that it contrasts with the darker steel color of the rest of the receiver and insides. Since it looks pretty well used, and its all in one piece could that mean its solid, or would it mean its more likely to go KB? If anyone is around Atlanta the place Im talking about is Adventure Outdoors, and they claim to have an experienced and knowledgeable gunsmith, so maybe he check the gun first when they first received it, or is the NATO check and spacing something that is not common? Well, mine was checked by a "knowledgeable gunsmith" who didn't know to use a NATO gauge, so you should insist that it be checked with a NATO. Problem is, they probably won't have one. A chamber being shiny is no big deal, most guns have that. Stop worrying. Get it checked with a NATO gauge. If it passes, you are good to go. Now it sucks even more having to figure out to try and keep it or use the credit towards something else, there is probably a 1% chance they'll just give it back to me, even though it was not labeled correctly.
Thanks again. You are making this harder than it needs to be. If it passes headspace, I think (and others agree) that you will be getting a better rifle. If ANYONE takes ANYTHING from this thread, it should be that you really need to take your rifle to someone who knows what they're doing. If you can, locate someone who specializes in the rifle type. I have one of those "cheep" Polytechs and its one hell of a rifle. I had it looked over by a local FFL who was a M1/M14 armorer and knows these rifles inside and out. He says its good to go and that's good enough for me. He actually got pretty excited about the prospect of modifying the rifle to shoot tighter, while keeping it legal for Perry. I'm going to talk to him more about that sometime this year. A lot of the BS and disinformation gets started by bubba "gunsmiths" who don't have a clue as to what they're doing. Your guns cost you a significant amount of your hard earned money. Take them to someone who knows they're not going to screw it up and cares that their work is done correctly. |
| I purchased one of the Poly-tech rifles new a long time ago and let it sit in a box for over 10 years. I then took it to a reputable M1, M14 armorer (Gus' Garands) and he checked it over. The headspace was on the edge and he recommended that I get another bolt. I got a used USGI bolt, flash hider, trigger group and stock and had him install. The result is a fine shooting M14 for well under the price of a new SA. I would not hesitate doing it again if the basic rifle was priced right. That said, $900 is a little high for one that is not new in the box. Also, I did not have to get the USGI trigger group or stock, I just wanted them and Gus worked on the USGI trigger group and its super nice now (plus I still have the Chinese trigger group as a spare). |
| I will say this short and to the point. I have a Norinco rifle. It was purchased NIB as far as I could tell. Gunshow find. The rifle did have issues. The Receiver was SOFT. The op Rod guide surface area on the barrel was out of SPEC. The Drilled pin hole for the Bolt Hold up was out of spec. ( To Large ) The Head space was just about gone ( Checked with Nato Gauges) . I Checked all this myself then contacted SEI and from talking with them ( RON ) sent it to them to be checked and worked over. SEI contacted me and confirmed what I had already checked. I had it rebuilt with all USGI parts. I had all the parts on hand. The rifle now is a very nice rifle. SEI did a great job. Is my rifle 1 in a 1000 that turned out crap from UNCLE HO ??? I don't know. It seems the Polyies don't get the wrap that my NORINCO got. Now I paid $450 -500 for this rifle. Even at the time I figured the receiver was worth that. It is........ For $900 and it's a Poly I would still jump on it. For the receiver and barrel it would be a break even purchase IMO. By the way mines a Heel Stamped Norinco. This isn't a bash on our Chicom imported rifles. But issues are out there and while may be few... Do exist . Every thing you hear isn't internet rumor......... WarDawg |
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I have read of issues with a few of the very first Norinco M14s that were imported into this country.
My first two SEI builds used heel stamped Norinco receivers. They were a little rough looking, but Ron Smith said they were fine and they turned out to be excellent MK14s with USGI TRW parts. |
| You know this discussion has been hashed out before. Anybody who can knock one make of rifle is probably in denial. Both Chinese and SA rifles have had issues in the past. With the Chinese it's soft bolts and crude cosmetics. With SA it's out of spec parts. You can't say Chinese rifles are better just because of the forged receiver, especially when you have to pay big bucks just to make it safe and compatable with USGI parts. SA is guilty as well with some of their rifles that you can't fit a mag in properly or have a scope mounted correctly. The bottom line is that quality control slips from time to time, and all manufacturers are guilty of it. |
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So the whole Chinese soft bolt thing is something that is made up in your opinion? A lot of it is. I do believe that some very early may have had some soft bolts, but the legend continued and included even the later ones that didn't have soft bolts. It was spurred on by people checking the headspace with SAAMI gauges instead of NATO gauges. Well I guess that is your opinion and impossible to prove either way. You sound like you know this all for a certain fact but you don't and the fact is checking the headspace will not mean anything if the rifle has not been shot or shot very little, the problem may not have manifested itself yet. There is zero transparency with these rifles, like for instance we know the fact that SAI had problems with their bolts being soft at one point and they did a recall and now use forged bolts. I know this because they are an American company and had the decency to do a recall. We will never know the truth about the chinese bolts so the prudent thing to do would be swap the bolt for a USGI bolt. The OP does not know didley about these rifles as demonstrated by the fact that he bought a chinese M14 thinking it was an SAI, so therefore I would assume he is inexperienced and maybe the safest advice would be to not even risk it and put a USGI bolt in it. |
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I have read of issues with a few of the very first Norinco M14s that were imported into this country. My first two SEI builds used heel stamped Norinco receivers. They were a little rough looking, but Ron Smith said they were fine and they turned out to be excellent MK14s with USGI TRW parts. Did you swap your chinese bolts for USGI? I bet yes 
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You can't say Chinese rifles are better just because of the forged receiver, especially when you have to pay big bucks just to make it safe and compatable with USGI parts. True - you can't say Chinese rifles are better just because of the forged receiver. The Chinese M14s are a better value than the Springfield not just because it has a forged receiver that is closer to USGI than all others except SEI. No, it's because it also has a chrome lined barrel that's as good as USGI and a forged one piece op rod that's as good as USGI TRW. The ChiCom is a better value because both it's trigger group and gas cylinder are extremely well made and the trigger group responds to NM tuning just like a USGI trigger group would. If you can't resist replacing your original Chinese parts with USGI and/or SEI parts, have at it - they are compatible replacement parts. IMHO, one should replace the muzzle device and front sight with something made in the USA. You will continue to use the metric castle nut and gas lock that came with the rifle. This may change. You should also consider replacing the op rod spring. If you or when you replace the Chu wood stock with a US made stock you should replace the connector link pin with a USGI or SEI link pin. USGI bolt conversion: Required or not - It can be done without replacing the original barrel. Check the head space with NATO gauges and use your best judgment. All 4 of my Chinese M14s have had TRW bolts fitted by Smith Enterprise, Inc. All 4 also have new SEI barrels. 
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So the whole Chinese soft bolt thing is something that is made up in your opinion? A lot of it is. I do believe that some very early may have had some soft bolts, but the legend continued and included even the later ones that didn't have soft bolts. It was spurred on by people checking the headspace with SAAMI gauges instead of NATO gauges. Well I guess that is your opinion and impossible to prove either way. You sound like you know this all for a certain fact but you don't and the fact is checking the headspace will not mean anything if the rifle has not been shot or shot very little, the problem may not have manifested itself yet. There is zero transparency with these rifles, like for instance we know the fact that SAI had problems with their bolts being soft at one point and they did a recall and now use forged bolts. I know this because they are an American company and had the decency to do a recall. We will never know the truth about the chinese bolts so the prudent thing to do would be swap the bolt for a USGI bolt. The OP does not know didley about these rifles as demonstrated by the fact that he bought a chinese M14 thinking it was an SAI, so therefore I would assume he is inexperienced and maybe the safest advice would be to not even risk it and put a USGI bolt in it. Well, my opinion is based on experience with the Polytech rifles. How much do you have? Now SAI uses forged bolts? They didn't early on? Ooooohhh, they are an American company. That's all your post is based on, period. Like a lot of others who post this nonsense, that is what is really behind it. This M14S gets shot a lot. I have the NATO gauges and I check it every now and then. It's still fine. The FACT is that some of the very early Norincos had soft bolts. They corrected the problem just like SAI did. No difference at all, but due to some ignorant fools using SAAMI gauges, the story got overblown and some companies stood to make good money doing this unnecessary conversion, so they didn't mind feeding the rumor. 
The only thing that has been done to the rifle is changing the prerequisite parts in order to make it 922 compliant so I could add the flash suppressor/bayo lug, period. |
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Bonus points if the rifle in question already has a good bolt in it.
also http://www.fulton-armory.com/M14S_Eval.htm goes into detail about materials, dimensions and geometry FWIW |
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Bonus points if the rifle in question already has a good bolt in it. also http://www.fulton-armory.com/M14S_Eval.htm goes into detail about materials, dimensions and geometry FWIW Gee, ya think they could make some money if everyone who reads that takes it as gospel??????? What a load, they make it sound as if every Chinese M14 out there needs to be re-worked by them. The reality is quite the opposite. |
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I don't think I agree with you when it comes to Chinese being a better value. If you just shot it as it is bought, then I would agree that it is the better value. You automatically lose the value advantage when you start replacing parts. If you have to change bolts, stocks, or anything else then you have to ask yourself was It worth it. I think if you could start off with a stripped Chineses receiver, then you got the makings for an excellant rifle. By the way sweet looking rifles. Quoted:
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You can't say Chinese rifles are better just because of the forged receiver, especially when you have to pay big bucks just to make it safe and compatable with USGI parts. True - you can't say Chinese rifles are better just because of the forged receiver. The Chinese M14s are a better value than the Springfield not just because it has a forged receiver that is closer to USGI than all others except SEI. No, it's because it also has a chrome lined barrel that's as good as USGI and a forged one piece op rod that's as good as USGI TRW. The ChiCom is a better value because both it's trigger group and gas cylinder are extremely well made and the trigger group responds to NM tuning just like a USGI trigger group would. If you can't resist replacing your original Chinese parts with USGI and/or SEI parts, have at it - they are compatible replacement parts. IMHO, one should replace the muzzle device and front sight with something made in the USA. You will continue to use the metric castle nut and gas lock that came with the rifle. This may change. You should also consider replacing the op rod spring. If you or when you replace the Chu wood stock with a US made stock you should replace the connector link pin with a USGI or SEI link pin. USGI bolt conversion: Required or not - It can be done without replacing the original barrel. Check the head space with NATO gauges and use your best judgment. All 4 of my Chinese M14s have had TRW bolts fitted by Smith Enterprise, Inc. All 4 also have new SEI barrels. http://www.athenswater.com/images/FOURSEIM14s.jpg |
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TNROBOCOP was correct-
It was marked as CAI and thus I wanted nothing to do with it. They wouldnt give me back the $200 so I used it on some ammo and a nice knife. Thanks for the help everybody, you saved me some money and disappointment down the road. Last time I go into that place. |
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Larry, You are obviously offended by the negative feedback concerning Chinese rifles. Make no mistake knowledgable people will check into the issues that the Chinese guns DO HAVE. I don't agree everything needs to be replaced like Fulton says they do, but I would still go out of my way to have it checked. Do not call it a load of crap until you know for sure.(somebodys life could depend on it) If you have a good Chicom rifle more power to you. Just remember what I said and good shooting Quoted:
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Bonus points if the rifle in question already has a good bolt in it. also http://www.fulton-armory.com/M14S_Eval.htm goes into detail about materials, dimensions and geometry FWIW Gee, ya think they could make some money if everyone who reads that takes it as gospel??????? What a load, they make it sound as if every Chinese M14 out there needs to be re-worked by them. The reality is quite the opposite. |
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If you have to change bolts, stocks, or anything else then you have to ask yourself was It worth it. think if you could start off with a stripped Chineses receiver, then you got the makings for an excellant rifle. By the way sweet looking rifles. Thanks. The point I'm making is that ANY Chinese M14 is a better deal than building on a stripped LRB receiver no matter what you do with it or how many parts you end up replacing. My first two builds used CAI marked Norinco receivers. |
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If you have to change bolts, stocks, or anything else then you have to ask yourself was It worth it. think if you could start off with a stripped Chineses receiver, then you got the makings for an excellant rifle. By the way sweet looking rifles. Thanks. The point I'm making is that ANY Chinese M14 is a better deal than building on a stripped LRB receiver no matter what you do with it or how many parts you end up replacing. My first two builds used CAI marked Norinco receivers. So you are saying that a Chinese rifle is a better deal for a build than an LRB 
Lets see average price is 850.00 for the rifle add in USGI bolt 150.00 average for the bolt add in gunsmithing I think SE I charges the most for that conversion, last I looked it was near 300.00 for the smithing and reheat treat, That may have changed up or down, I'm not sure. Then you need to replace the rear sights on about 50% of the chinese rifles average is 95.00 for standard sights. Then you have to decide what your going to keep or replace on the rest of the parts Lastly, if God forbid you die, and your wife has to sell your "Chinese" rifles she is going to get hosed on the value because a chicom is a chicom is a chicom no matter what to the gun shop. The way I see it a Poly is no value, good rifle yes, value not so much |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you have to change bolts, stocks, or anything else then you have to ask yourself was It worth it. think if you could start off with a stripped Chineses receiver, then you got the makings for an excellant rifle. By the way sweet looking rifles. Thanks. The point I'm making is that ANY Chinese M14 is a better deal than building on a stripped LRB receiver no matter what you do with it or how many parts you end up replacing. My first two builds used CAI marked Norinco receivers. So you are saying that a Chinese rifle is a better deal for a build than an LRB Yes. A Chinese rifle or a rifle built on a Chinese receiver is a better deal than building a rifle on a stripped LRB receiver. BTW, you are going to get hosed If you or your wife sell any gun at a gun shop no matter who made the rifle. |
| I have a Norinco M14 that headspaces correctly with a nato gauge. It's had over 800 rounds of 7.62 fired through it by me. Not sure how many rounds the guy I bought it from put through it. I replaced the stock with a fiberglass M14 stock from Freds. It has the best trigger of all of my rifles (including my accutrigger Savage 10FP). I've been buying the CMI mags for $25 from 44mag.com like candy. |
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Did I get a Springfield? (Page 1 of 2)
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