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Posted: 3/8/2011 8:43:54 PM EDT
| How good/bad/ugly are Polytech M1As? I've found one for a decent price, are they anywhere near as good as a US made M1A though? |
| Buy it check the head space. Go shoot it. My norinco...same as a polytech....went 15k rounds without a problem. Head space was at the outer limit. Never a hickup. Some have had weak op rod springs and junk rear sights. For 700 you get a forged reciever and a chrome lined barrel. Lots of really nice rifles have been built on those. |
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Nothing wrong with them. Recevier geometry is good, better than Springfield's. Receiver may be slightly softer than a USGI, but plenty hard enough. Poly receivers range from 41 - 60 HRC, and USGI are 47 - 60 HRC.
Barrels are good, and chrome lined. Biggest issue is the bolt. Poly's with the original bolt tend to have headspace that is set up to NATO specs which is a little longer than commercial specs. For this reason, most recommend using only Mil Spec or Mil Surplus ammo in them. There are reports that the lugs on the bolts are not done to the proper angles, resulting in increased wear. However, there are lots of Polys out there that have fired LOTS of ammo without any problem. You can always get a gunsmith to check the headspace, but a NATO chamber will swallow a commercial head space guage. Converting to a USGI bolt is not hard to do, and lots of people do it. But many do not do it, and have not had any problems. Usualy, just changing to a USGI bolt shortens the bolt to commercial specs. Easiest bolts to use are Winchester, HRA, and Springfield. TRWs often take more work, but are more sought after and cost more money. The chu wood stock doesn't look as nice as a USGI stock, but is servicable. Though a USGI stock is a drop in fit, and fairly cheap to purchase. Some people have had issues with soft elevation knobs and sears on the triggers and hammers. All these parts are easy to replace and relatively cheap to purchase. Garands parts are a direct drop in. I have 3 Polys, including one heel stamped on. I found another Polytech at $700, I would jump on it. |
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I use my Norinco for Elk hunting and have never had an issue.
I think some of the rumours of crappiness were spread by Springfield who didn't like the competition And I have to agree with a post above me, my Norinco outshoots my Springfield Scout. Wish I had held onto my Norinco 1911. |
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No such thing as a Polytech M1A. Don't they call theirs M14S? I have only ever heard good things about them and would not hesitate to pick one up for $700. 
You can't touch a new stripped forged receiver for that price.  Yep, M14S. I really, really like mine. 
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| Norinco- Poly are nice for the money.I don't think springfield spread rumors about norinco and polytech.Poly and Norinco had problems when they stormed the beachs of the USA!! I never owned a poly or norinco. I saw the problems my friend had with his jam or stove pipe never finished a 20 rd mag.Walt had it 3 months then he noticed mushroomed bolt lugs sold it.Bought a springfield no problems!I have 2 springfields a 97 model has GI trigger group and op rodthe other one is new no GI parts.I might have problems later on I dont know only have 300 rounds thru it If I do its covered.I would like to shoot a new poly or norinco.I know sai is cast but none of my shooting buddies has had a problem with it!! I'm getting readyto build up a 762 forged rec my TRW parts kit is getting lonely. |
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Somone had one on here at $725 the other day.... I am about to Pony up $925, and that seems fair market value for them on GB and locally, and that is about what I know I can sell it for and get a DPMS AR-10........................ I guess that's supposed to be funny. 
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I bought an M14S about 5 years ago and have happily fired many 1000's of rounds throught it. I did change the bolt to a TRW GI bolt, not because it needed it but more for the fun of doing the conversion. It also has a Boyd's commercial stock installed. The commie wood was really crappy looking.
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Just got a new in box Polytech M14S a few weeks ago for $1000. Its pristine and still has cosmoline in the nooks and crannies. Its going to get some range time for sure real soon.
I have had other Polytech rifles with the USGI bolt conversions. I was debating on doing it to this one but I am going to shoot it as is and just keep checking headspace. I will likely keep a spare USGI bolt on the side if the need ever arises. OP hope you bought it, thats a great deal. |
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.... but I am going to shoot it as is and just keep checking headspace. I will likely keep a spare USGI bolt on the side if the need ever arises. Really good idea; buy a USGI bolt and keep it on hand. IF and when your Poly MIGHT need a new bolt, you'll have on hand what you need for the upgrade. USGI bolts aren't getting any cheaper! Russ also made a great point, the original chinese wood is pretty poor. Get a USGI wood or fiberglass stock. Either one would be a very good and easy upgrade. IMHO; you'll likely get many years of service and fun out of your new purchase. Enjoy! |
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Least year I got a M14S. Paid $850 for it.....and it included a USGI Bolt, and a Scope mount Can't beat that.
Headspace was way out, so I had the USGI bolt installed, and everything's hunky-dory. I plan on replacing the op-rod spring just in case, just ain't got around to it. Ain't shot it a whole lot, couple hundred rounds. Does NOT....like ball ammo, 3.5" with DAG, reman US ball or South African. Does like 168 match ammo though only fired three, four shot groups (Only had the one box locally at the time so I was conserving). and they all went right at .5".....
Wish it shot better with ball ammo, but I ain't gonna complain too badly. Nice gun. |
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