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Old January 30, 2013, 09:56 PM   #1
Martowski
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Finally "Pulled the Trigger" On Getting an M1A

I've always liked the M1A design but have never gotten one. Well, in light of the current political climate I figured I may as well pick one up now. Was looking on Gunbroker at a number of them, but one came up through a friend recently locally... and I couldn't pass.

This is a Springfield Armory standard model; has NM front sight and a synthetic stock that the previous owner had Duracoated in a camo patter. I'm more of a traditionalist and may pick up a wood stock at some point, but this will do for now. The rifle came with factory box, all papers, a UTG rail system, 3-20 round mags, 1-20 round mags, about 50 rounds of ammo, and the sling for $1,300 cash. I think I did pretty good considering the prices I see on Springfields. It probably only has around 500 rounds through it, and looks like it just came off the shelf.

Just sharing some new gun joy!

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Old January 30, 2013, 10:30 PM   #2
TheDoubleDeuce
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Nice looking rifle! I think you typo'd the mag count though, unless I'm reading it wrong. What kind of mags do they come with these days?
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Old January 30, 2013, 10:43 PM   #3
SR420
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Nice!
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Old January 30, 2013, 10:48 PM   #4
Martowski
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I bought this used from a friend, and he had three 20 rounders and one 10 rounder, so four mags total. I think they only come from the factory with the 10 round mag.

Been watching these on Gunbroker lately and this seemed like a much better deal, especially considering no shipping, taxes, etc.
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Old January 30, 2013, 10:51 PM   #5
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SR420, you appear to have an "addiction" to M14s! Can I pick your brain on some stuff here? I'd like to get a wood stock someday for this. Any thoughts on where the best source for this is and what a good price is for a wood stock with all the metal hardware? I've seen some of the Springfield ones and they seem bulkier than the GI ones, and I like the GI ones better.
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Old January 31, 2013, 12:44 AM   #6
Dr Big Bird PhD
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1300? That's a steal
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Old January 31, 2013, 12:52 AM   #7
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I like it but think maybe there is something wrong with your Garand. Looks like the stock is moldy and there is some weird contraption hanging off the bottom (right in front of the trigger guard)... ;-)

Beautiful rifle. I'd love to pick one up someday. Let us know how it shoots.
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Old January 31, 2013, 03:53 AM   #8
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$1,300? must've been a good friend.

you could turn around and sell it for $2,200+ now.

I have the 18" squad M1A. awesome tribute to battle rifles.
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Old January 31, 2013, 06:51 AM   #9
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Thanks guys! Yeah, it belonged to the "little brother" (as in 32 years old) of my best friend back in high school. He buys and sells a lot of guns, and had only shot this once since owning it. $1,300 was too good of a deal, especially with the mags, for me to pass up.
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Old January 31, 2013, 08:01 AM   #10
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Wow, $1300, heckuva deal! Congrats! I paid $1500 plus tax on my Scout Squad in 2010. I like the tiger stripe job on the stock, very nice.

My M1A is hands down my favorite gun not owned by the Marine Corps (true happiness is a belt fed weapon ).

Enjoy that baby, magazines are a pain to find at the moment, there's a TFL member that has some for sale in the gun show forum, $100 for two good quality 20 rounders.
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Old January 31, 2013, 08:05 AM   #11
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Martowski, check the WTS listings on AR15.com, Team M14 Forum and Gunbroker. Look for a stock that has the selector cut-out.
Another option is to contact Tony at LAW483.com

One of mine in USGI Walnut.

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Old January 31, 2013, 10:09 AM   #12
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Thanks! I actually just placed an order with Fred's for a USGI birch in excellent-plus condition, as new condition USGI slotted handguard, and complete butt stock cleaning kit. I hear he's kind of slow but I'm in no hurry, and people seem pretty happy with his stuff when it arrives.

BTW, that's a beautiful rifle and stock you have!
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Old January 31, 2013, 10:43 AM   #13
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Thank you!

FRED's will treat you right and it's usually worth the wait.
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Old January 31, 2013, 11:14 AM   #14
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Great score!!!

Be careful they are addictive.
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Old February 1, 2013, 08:03 AM   #15
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The GI wood well have a hole on the left side at the heel of the receiver for the original selector switch. Some plug this with wood or you can buy a dummy selector switch to fill it. The slotted hand guards look cool but well allow a lot of heat waves to interfere with the sight picture, only a problem with sustained fire.

Bargain price.


GI glass stock


SAI stock
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Old February 1, 2013, 09:03 AM   #16
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Nice SAI ya' got there mcb.

The Wife and I watched Full Metal Jacket again the other night for the ump-teenth time, lit another fire for my desire to get an M1A to keep the Garand company.
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Old February 1, 2013, 09:42 AM   #17
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My wood stocks are for show and I replace them with
modified USGI fiberglass stocks when I go shooting.

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Old February 1, 2013, 10:02 AM   #18
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$1300 dollars! That’s a steal!

Why can’t I get in on these deals

This is my all “GI” M1a.



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