Jeff Thomas
New member
I am absolutely convinced I must own an M1A. My problem is that I don't have any experience with these rifles, and I don't think I will really have an opportunity to get that experience without buying one. And, as soon as I begin discussing this with a potential seller, they of course ask me what options I want, stock, etc. For many of these questions I don't have a clear answer.
I really like the wood stocks, so I either want a walnut or collector / GI wood stock. Besides aesthetics, how would I choose? And for barrels, there are a slew of choices - stainless steel or carbon (?) barrel? National match or ?? Standard length barrel or 'tanker' / short barrel? Sights ?? Chinese or American parts?? Boy, I'm a bit lost here.
And, what about a source? Springfield Armory seems the most prolific and likely. However, we have Smith Enterprises right here in Arizona, and I hear they put together some of the best M1A / M14's in the world. Any other sources? But again, any manufacturer / seller obviously wants to know what I want on the rifle.
I'll spend most of my time learning to use it at the range, and I'll want to learn on relatively short (100 - 200 yards) out to long range targets. I doubt I would ever compete with it, but it would be nice if I had that option. Most likely serious use would be deer / elk hunting. I know it is a heavy rifle, but it is a darn good looking rifle, and it has a fantastic reputation ... just want to own one and learn all about it.
I'll keep reading up on what I can, but I feel like I need some good advice right now, so I thought I'd ask my friends on TFL. Thanks.
Regards from AZ.
I really like the wood stocks, so I either want a walnut or collector / GI wood stock. Besides aesthetics, how would I choose? And for barrels, there are a slew of choices - stainless steel or carbon (?) barrel? National match or ?? Standard length barrel or 'tanker' / short barrel? Sights ?? Chinese or American parts?? Boy, I'm a bit lost here.
And, what about a source? Springfield Armory seems the most prolific and likely. However, we have Smith Enterprises right here in Arizona, and I hear they put together some of the best M1A / M14's in the world. Any other sources? But again, any manufacturer / seller obviously wants to know what I want on the rifle.
I'll spend most of my time learning to use it at the range, and I'll want to learn on relatively short (100 - 200 yards) out to long range targets. I doubt I would ever compete with it, but it would be nice if I had that option. Most likely serious use would be deer / elk hunting. I know it is a heavy rifle, but it is a darn good looking rifle, and it has a fantastic reputation ... just want to own one and learn all about it.
I'll keep reading up on what I can, but I feel like I need some good advice right now, so I thought I'd ask my friends on TFL. Thanks.
Regards from AZ.