M14 / M1A Receiver Brand and how it affects build?

bclark1 · December 28, 2008, 01:09 PM

Well I am just gearing up for all my little projects, and was considering adding a semi M14 clone to the mix. However, I was curious about how receiver quality factors in.

LRBs are too pricey at this point, and I don't see any of the Chinese clones on the market as receiver-only, so it's probably Armscorp or Fulton. If I went with one of these, unlugged, as a build for a standard M14 clone type rifle, would their quality be sufficient to later upgrade the rifle if I sought to accurize it? Are there any suggestions someone who's been through this would make?

SR420 · December 28, 2008, 04:48 PM

LRB wants about $1K for a stripped receiver, but I don't think they are currently selling
complete rifles at this time. Also, I don't think Fulton has any receivers to build on. PM sent.

Jason_G · December 28, 2008, 05:10 PM

An LRB would my first choice, with a Polytech running a very close second. If neither of these is available to you, then a SAI receiver can be had from Champion's Choice (I believe that's the name of it), but if you're going to build on a SAI receiver you may as well just buy an M1A. Their parts are rock solid, with the one exception being the extractor which can be hit or miss. If you want an all USGI rifle (save receiver), then it might just be worth it to save up for an LRB.

Jason

30Cal · December 28, 2008, 05:58 PM

If it's going to be bedded, then the finish of the metal below the wood matters a little for longevity. If the finish is rough, it'll get beat up faster when you need to pull the action for occasional cleaning.

Other than that, as long as it's dimensionally correct, one should work as well as the next.

December 28, 2008, 01:09 PM	#1
bclark1 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,531	M14 / M1A Receiver Brand and how it affects build? Well I am just gearing up for all my little projects, and was considering adding a semi M14 clone to the mix. However, I was curious about how receiver quality factors in. LRBs are too pricey at this point, and I don't see any of the Chinese clones on the market as receiver-only, so it's probably Armscorp or Fulton. If I went with one of these, unlugged, as a build for a standard M14 clone type rifle, would their quality be sufficient to later upgrade the rifle if I sought to accurize it? Are there any suggestions someone who's been through this would make?

December 28, 2008, 04:48 PM	#2
SR420 Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2005 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 3,336	LRB wants about $1K for a stripped receiver, but I don't think they are currently selling complete rifles at this time. Also, I don't think Fulton has any receivers to build on. PM sent. __________________ The History and Development of the M14 EBR

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December 28, 2008, 05:10 PM	#3
Jason_G Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,902	An LRB would my first choice, with a Polytech running a very close second. If neither of these is available to you, then a SAI receiver can be had from Champion's Choice (I believe that's the name of it), but if you're going to build on a SAI receiver you may as well just buy an M1A. Their parts are rock solid, with the one exception being the extractor which can be hit or miss. If you want an all USGI rifle (save receiver), then it might just be worth it to save up for an LRB. Jason

December 28, 2008, 05:58 PM	#4
30Cal Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2002 Posts: 1,264	If it's going to be bedded, then the finish of the metal below the wood matters a little for longevity. If the finish is rough, it'll get beat up faster when you need to pull the action for occasional cleaning. Other than that, as long as it's dimensionally correct, one should work as well as the next.