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Posted: 1/30/2016 9:13:02 PM EDT
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I am beginning the first of my M14 projects, having finished most of the REALLY cool projects, so I'm going to try to get the big stuff out of the way on these. So, I have a few questions before I begin. I want to get this as close to USGI M14 as possible.
1.) Is there a difference in quality between the LRB and Fulton Armory? I think I read that the Fulton Armory is cast, which is not authentic to the originals, so I am tentatively leaning towards the LRB Arms and having it reparkerized to a grey. Other pieces I won't worry about as much....but would rather have it look as it would in the early 1960s. 2.) I bought an M14E2 vented handguard, but the paint is very light/worn and it would need to be refinished. I've seen several different finishes, and thought of how best to finish it off to make it at least decent. I don't worry about "service worn", but this one looks to be pretty tough. Would it be best to paint it? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. It'll be a slow project, but I'll try to post pics as they come up. v/r, Jon |
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Lots of threads on different receiver options and the forged vs. cast debate in general over at http://m14forum.com/. You'll probably find an answer to your handguard question there, too.
I chose forged and have two LRB receivers (regular and "M25") that I had barreled by Ted Brown. FWIW, I'm very happy with both of them. Good luck! 
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Welcome to the other side. 
I replied to your hand guard post on M14 Forum. You are starting a very difficult and expensive build, but all the info you need and then some can be found over there. In the name of history, please don't let price tags mislead you and please do it right. Can't wait to see the finished build. |
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Quoted:
Welcome to the other side.
I replied to your hand guard post on M14 Forum. You are starting a very difficult and expensive build, but all the info you need and then some can be found over there. In the name of history, please don't let price tags mislead you and please do it right. Can't wait to see the finished build. I'm not worried on price tags. This is still going to be cheaper than the Colt 601 and will be cheaper than the XM21 will be. Bigger price just means slower build. I'm actually making headway with most of the M14E2 parts. ...from there it'll just be getting the stock so I know what manufacturer I'm going to be going with. Jon |
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Quoted:
I am beginning the first of my M14 projects, having finished most of the REALLY cool projects, so I'm going to try to get the big stuff out of the way on these. So, I have a few questions before I begin. I want to get this as close to USGI M14 as possible. 1.) Is there a difference in quality between the LRB and Fulton Armory? I think I read that the Fulton Armory is cast, which is not authentic to the originals, so I am tentatively leaning towards the LRB Arms and having it reparkerized to a grey. Other pieces I won't worry about as much....but would rather have it look as it would in the early 1960s. Thanks in advance. It'll be a slow project, but I'll try to post pics as they come up. v/r, Jon I accidentally looked over your receiver question. LRB is forged and is currently the definition of perfection in the aftermarket M14 receiver world. To save some time, here is the basic overview of receiver manufacturers and their standing with the M14 Community: - LRB Arms (forged, best option) - James River Armory (forged, very close competition with LRB) - Fulton Armory (cast, very favorable reviews) - SAI (cast, mass producers of the M1A, as such parts can be cheap and break easily) - Smith Enterprise (govt contract holder, but who cares when your customer service is garbage and you sue your own customers. Only a handful of people would recommend SEI, the vast majority highly advise you steer clear) - Gunworks of LA (new to the receiver scene, and so far their work is superb and highly customizable. Good option if you want custom serial numbers or images on your heel, but their finish is nitrided versus the original parkerized look) Hope this helps and remember this "ranking" is based on opinion. The only thing you'll find everyone agrees on is SEI's garbage rep. |
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I halfheartedly started the "E2" quest years ago myself.
Mostly for the pistol gripped stock, which I found one with all parts on it. Since then I found a real GI bi-pod, bayonet ( given to me ) and lots of GI magazines, some NIW from '69. I stopped at the stabilizer to complete as being just too expensive, remember I just wanted a pistol grip only. Started with a '90 SA rifle with a great oversized walnut stock, then found a mint GI fiberglass stock for $10. As I recall the bi-pod's feet can nick the stock so I don't use them on the E-2. My vented handguard is nearly mint, which again, was purchased long ago. I just need to shoot the crap out of it, probably with just the fiberglass stock. |
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Quoted:
I accidentally looked over your receiver question. LRB is forged and is currently the definition of perfection in the aftermarket M14 receiver world. To save some time, here is the basic overview of receiver manufacturers and their standing with the M14 Community: - LRB Arms (forged, best option) - James River Armory (forged, very close competition with LRB) - Fulton Armory (cast, very favorable reviews) - SAI (cast, mass producers of the M1A, as such parts can be cheap and break easily) - Smith Enterprise (govt contract holder, but who cares when your customer service is garbage and you sue your own customers. Only a handful of people would recommend SEI, the vast majority highly advise you steer clear) - Gunworks of LA (new to the receiver scene, and so far their work is superb and highly customizable. Good option if you want custom serial numbers or images on your heel, but their finish is nitrided versus the original parkerized look) Hope this helps and remember this "ranking" is based on opinion. The only thing you'll find everyone agrees on is SEI's garbage rep. Quoted:
Quoted:
I am beginning the first of my M14 projects, having finished most of the REALLY cool projects, so I'm going to try to get the big stuff out of the way on these. So, I have a few questions before I begin. I want to get this as close to USGI M14 as possible. 1.) Is there a difference in quality between the LRB and Fulton Armory? I think I read that the Fulton Armory is cast, which is not authentic to the originals, so I am tentatively leaning towards the LRB Arms and having it reparkerized to a grey. Other pieces I won't worry about as much....but would rather have it look as it would in the early 1960s. Thanks in advance. It'll be a slow project, but I'll try to post pics as they come up. v/r, Jon I accidentally looked over your receiver question. LRB is forged and is currently the definition of perfection in the aftermarket M14 receiver world. To save some time, here is the basic overview of receiver manufacturers and their standing with the M14 Community: - LRB Arms (forged, best option) - James River Armory (forged, very close competition with LRB) - Fulton Armory (cast, very favorable reviews) - SAI (cast, mass producers of the M1A, as such parts can be cheap and break easily) - Smith Enterprise (govt contract holder, but who cares when your customer service is garbage and you sue your own customers. Only a handful of people would recommend SEI, the vast majority highly advise you steer clear) - Gunworks of LA (new to the receiver scene, and so far their work is superb and highly customizable. Good option if you want custom serial numbers or images on your heel, but their finish is nitrided versus the original parkerized look) Hope this helps and remember this "ranking" is based on opinion. The only thing you'll find everyone agrees on is SEI's garbage rep. I built my E2 on a Fulton Armory receiver and am very happy with the results. Fit and finish were well done and the rifle went together with no problems. When I built my E2 the biggest problem I had was finding the front hand grip, my stock came with everything but that. If I remember right I ended up paying a few bucks more for the stock and front hand grip then I did for the receiver.... |
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