What would be a reasonable good deal on an M1A?

[Monkeyleg]

Ok. I can't afford one, but I want one. Usually that means that I'll cough up cash I can't afford, at a time I can't afford it, and spend too much. Impulse buying.

But, over the next many months I'm going to be spending more time at gun shows than I have in the last ten years combined.

Let's say I come across a basic SA M1A that's been shot a little, but appears just about new in box. Or, a loaded model that's likewise been fired but appears like new in box.

What would be a "good deal?" And please don't tell me $400, or even $600. At what price should I shove the money into the seller's hand, grab the rifle and put it in my trunk before he can change his mind?

 

[Doctari]

Hi Monkeyleg,

I have been agonizing over the same gun for some time. Even toyed with the idea of buying a reciever and having one built.
Cant decide if I want one set up for high power or to go with a scoped scout type set up.

Needless to say I have ogled, handled, and looked at many both at shows and online. For a standard grade USED m1A you would be hard pressed to find one under $900. I have seen one or 2 for $950. If you want match grade or scout type the prices climb in a hurry.

I wouldn't hold my breath but if you find a used gun for $8-900, I would first think "What's wrong with it?" Then if it looked well cared for and the owner had a story about "needing money desperately for ____" I'd snatch it up. In fact if you find two like that buy one for me.

But again I would doubt you'll run across many like that. The Chinese guns are now going for $6-700 at the shows which is ridiculous, considering I feel they are only good for the reciever.
So if people are getting 6-700 for their Polytechs or Norincos the SA M1A will certainly command substantially more than that.

Best of luck,
Mike

 

[Gino]

I'm also looking for a used M1A. I haven't seen any used M1As for less than $1000 for the last two years, and I go to a lot of gun shows. Heck, I really haven't seen that many used M1As for sale!

I'm hoping that we'll see a few more coming up for sale in the next year or so. I have to think that there are a bunch of these in people's homes (bought for Y2K) that have never been fired.

I don't expect to see any for less than $900, and I really haven't seen any for this inexpensively yet!

 

[A.Rex]

Guys, they are out there. Check the for-sale boards from time to time on the other forums and even the gun-site auctions. A show I went to 2 months ago, some fella had a preban with 10 mags for $1200. Show me the money! They are out there. Consider a kit gun from US Armory or whatever. I don't know how to put one together or I would have.

 

[Steve Smith]

If you just want an M14 style rifle, but don't want all the match stuff (or will just add it later) then get yourself a Norinco or Polytech. They should run you about $500 to 600. That would at least get you the rifle...you can add slowly and affordably from there. The receivers are forged, and will a little work are good rifles.