Armory Sponsor
Posted: 3/31/2004 5:25:15 PM EDT
|
Hi, I was wondering what the word is on the Springfield Armory M1A model MA9103? I am looking to buy one in the next few weeks and would like to know what others think of this particular model. I am buying one new in the box for just a little over a grand. Thanks Arvin |
|
I have one and I would also go with the walnut. Im against wood on rifles, especially here in AK, but it looks hot on the M1A. All in all, a very good rifle. I wish I would have invested in an SPR though. Anyone wanna trade?????? Email me [email protected] |
|
Unless you're building a match rifle, almost an oxymoron in terms of the M14 as the M16 wins the National Matches, look for an M1A with a USGI chrome lined M14 barrel. Get the serial number of the rifle you're looking at and call Springfield Inc. They'll tell you what barrel was in the rifle when it left the factory. Birch stock is the best wood stock around, lighter and stronger than walnut. Doesn't look as good. New walnut stock, as removed from a real M14 Rifle, runs about $85 so it's no biggie to swap later. -- Chuck |
|
I just got one. It's the standard with the USGI Chorme lined barrel and the "USGI" Birch stock. Probably the best deal for the money as authenticity goes as the Birch stock is closer to USGI contour than the oversize walnut stock. Plus, birch is harder. It's also nice that it's the cheapest M1A too. If you find one get it now. Springfield, as of 2004 is OUT of USGI Chrome lined barrels. There's still plenty of pre-2004 rifles out there, but they won't be around forever. Rich |
| Thanks for all the replies. I am not looking to spend a whole lot of money because I am on a limited budget, that is why the 9103 appealled to me. The ones I found all have chrome lined barrels. I was also wondering what comes with the rifle as far as accessories go too? Thanks Arvin |
|
Arvin, Incoming mail. Also, another reason the 9103 is a good choice. Most of your M1A'a now come with (maybe) a USGI barrel and that's it. If you're going to replace the commercial parts with USGI anyway, why spend the extra money for "Loaded" (ie. cast commercial) stuff you're going to swap out anyway? Rich |
|
In my experience, birch stocks can be dyed to be indistinguishable from walnut at anything beyond arm's length. As Chuck said, they are functionally the best wood stock. A USGI fiberglass stock from Fred's would save that pretty wood from a few dings, and be totally impervious to moisture/swelling as well. YMMV. |
| Some folks are hard over on swapping out the lifetime warranty SA parts for "who knows how used they are" usgi parts with no warranty. I've never had a failure with a commercial part in my M1As and if I did I like the thought of having the factory fix my rifle for free. Try to get the guy on ebay you bought your parts from 2 years ago to do that. Just food for thought. |
True that the GI barrel will outlast the commercial non-chrome lined one by at least 2 or 3 times. But consider that SA is installing "used" USGI barrels. SA has told me that they will not install any with a TE greater than 2.5 which is half the max acceptable TE reading. Meaning that used USGI barrel may last not much longer than a new commercial barrel. Also the chrome could be coming off in the used GI barrels which will affect accuracy, so check carefully. Just a few more points to ponder. |
|
semi, I think what Chuck is getting at is that Springfield has run out of USGI barrels and as of 2004 they aren't using 'em anymore. As to the quality of the "commercial" parts. I've known guys to have the non-USGI op rods fail. Some things, it doesn't matter much. Others I'd say it does. For instance there are several well known M14 'smiths who will not do NM trigger jobs on "commercial" trigger groups. They've said they don't hold it as well. I swapped my Springfield bolt, Op Rod and trigger group. I guess it boils down to what ever makes you sleep better at night. Later Rich |
|
There is nothing wrong with the Springfield commercial parts. I own one and shoot it constantly with GI mags with no problems. I think this whole USGI thing can be BS. I have seen some USGI M14 parts at gunshows that I wouldn't use as paper weights. USGI-awesome stuff Commercial SA-awesome stuff |
Armory Sponsor