Held one in my hands today and now I want one.

They have one with a wood stock and one with a synthetic stock. I am definitely getting wood.
These are new guns and the price is $1,299.  I've read here in the past that there are quality
issues with Springfield M1A rifles, but I also know they have a lifetime warranty.

Should I hold out for a cheaper used Polytech/Norinco from a gunshow or just get a
Springfield? What kind of money are the Chinese M1As going for these days?

Springfield M1A:

I have one of each and a new SOCOM.. Go with Springfield, they really live up to the warantee.  One of mine is perfect, the other (NM) needed some bolt work.  The NM will now shoot a sub 1/2 inch group at 100 meters with Berger 168 grain pills driven by TAC.

Does look very nice. I am fondling my Springfield Scout right now. It came in black fiberglass but I bought a nice wood stock for it from Fred's.

Quoted: Held one in my hands today and now I want one. They have one with a wood stock and one with a synthetic stock. I am definitely getting wood. Uhhh  We all know you like the rifle (hey we do too!) but we HOPE that you are speaking about the stock!!!   I've owned several Springfields and Polytechs and have not seen a noticable difference between the two in performance.   The Polytech has a much better receiver at a much better price.  The parts are not "U.S.G.I." (but then any recent Springfield Armory Inc. rifle is not much U.S.G.I. parts if any!)   However, if you need service, then Springfield is around relatively local. BIGGER_HAMMER www.springfield-armory.com/images/rifles/MA9102Large.jpg