M1A1 at the gun store

Hello All,
I would like start of that this is my first post but I have been a long time lurker (mostly the picture galleries). I come from a family of non gun owners so I really don't have much working knowledge in firearms or people to go to for advice. Currently I own a HK P30 pistol that I really like and never plan to part with.

I was at the store the other day and they had a M1A1 rifle in stock. It was sold back to them from a customer. They are telling me its match grade but I wouldn't really know how to tell if that is the case or not. Would there be a markings that would indicate that? It looked extremely clean and the gun shop worker said the gun was barely used and mostly stayed in the safe. From the looks of it, he is right. The walnut finish is in perfect condition outside of a small barely noticeable nick from when he took it out of the safe. It has only iron sights and a leather strap. But they are asking for $1500. Would that be considered a good deal for the gun? I have always like the M1 rifle family and always wanted to own one above all other guns.

Thanks All

Welcome to the party, Jim

A match M1 should have NM(national match) stamped on a few places. Bbl. and rear sight I think. It should also have a NM 2 stage
trigger. If you can dry fire it, second stage should break around 5 lbs. crisply.
1500.00 seems like a fair price for a used one. The entry grade versions go for 1100.00 all day long.
It should have at least 2 mags.
Those rifles beg to be shot with iron sights. They can be scoped, a propper scope mount and cheek pad will set you back a few hundred more. Good gun.

Also check for used ones on gunbroker, buds gunshop,etc for comparable prices. My quick check saw a basic M1A1 for 1500.00 on GB.

Thanks very much DVCER. I felt like it was time to move on from fishing at the beach lol.

I have the gun on hold so I will stop by there again next week and check out if it has some markings. Its such a lovely and heavy gun. I was smiling the whole time holding it up. I would definitely one day add a scope and bipod to the gun when I learn how to shoot with irons. I always wanted to make it "tactical" (jae-100) but after seeing it and the way it looks in person. I will leave it alone as it looks too good to change.

Thanks again for the advice, im going to check out those sites to see what the going rates are.

Ask if they have the box for it. You can get the model number and look it up, or you can call in the serial number to Springfield Armory. They'll tell you what it is. Prices vary on location and websites. Just depends on how long you want to wait.

Looks like this is going to be your first rifle? Have you shot one of these before?

That is a good idea. I'm going to see if i can get the serial number. Yes this will be my first rifle and I never shot one, sadly. Like I said I don't know anyone so i have few people to fall back on for advice.

This is an M1A1


Also an M1A1


as is this


This, is not, an M1A1

True I am sorry about that. Its just the M1A Springfield Rifle.

Damn you! You beat me to it.

It's cool, I knew what you meant. They are one sweet shooting rifle. I'm a big fan of any rifle with that kind of sight radius.

Haha thanks guys. Ya it looks like a sweet gun, can't wait to get it and go on the range.

Just asking because I don't know. But how much of an improvement would a JAE-100 stock do on a M1A rifle? I am just curious why you would buy a complete gun and then strip down its stock and replace it. Seems like a lot of money.

Oh yeah!!! Thats not what Cope's says LOL Cope's M1A1

I knew this was coming. Go easy guys he's a newbie. Baby steps. We will guide him won't we?

I'm a newbie too!!!

it's done in the pursuit of accuracy. Learn to care for and shoot your new rifle in its original configuration. And continue until you can shoot better than it does than worry about wringing every last bit of accuracy out of it is my advice. Enjoy and learn

Thanks YoteSlayer69, that is what i plan too.

But i will not be getting that gone. I checked the gun again and found out it was a regular loaded gun and it only came with 1 clip. I just don't think a used loaded for $1500 is worth it. Or is it?

Only if it has ALL USGI parts except for the receiver and the match grade barrel.

Not used no.

I thought that I was giving him guidance.

You are!

Here new loadeds are bringing more than that. Standards in glass stocks are right at 1500. It depends on where in the country your at as well as how many USGI parts are in the rifle.

How many magazines?

where are you located in ct?
I think Hoffmans in newington has quite a few m1a's on the shelf.

The clip police will be along shortly

:) I meant magazine. Only 1 for the gun. I went today to check the gun out and found out they didn't hold it for me anymore. They sold it to "steve". Oh well. I hope he enjoys it. It was loaded anyway. I asked if he could get a new m1a national match and he said yes he could and it be only 1800. So for 300 more, I could buy a new national. I'll wait though. There is a store in upper CT I heard that is real good. So i am going to check them out.

What do you guys think of these? Trying to get a feel for prices and I was seeing what online offers.

Springfield_M1A_Super_Match_308 - 2199.00
http://www.gunsamerica.com/942336247/Guns/Rifles/Springfield-Armory-Rifles/M1A-M14/Springfield_M1A_Super_Match_308.htm

M21_Tactical_Springfield - 2100.00
http://www.gunsamerica.com/968186348/Guns/Rifles/Springfield-Armory-Rifles/M1A-M14/M21_Tactical_Springfield_Armory.htm#

*I thought M21 Tactical would be more expensive in general.

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