Thinking to get an M1A rifle

[Stupid]

I am thinking to get an M1A rifle made by Springfield. does anybody know a good place to buy from? Also what would be a good optical for M1A (scout version)?

[elwood blooz]

I know of two right off the bat in the Conroe & Cleveland area but it depends on your location I guess

[4t5]

I have several M1A's including a SOCOM 16" barreled one. I thought about putting optics on it due to farsightedness. It got real heavy real fast. I took a standard model, put a hooded rear sight on it , and a diopter lens in it. I can now hit a man sized target with open sights at 500 yards with it. The cheapest place to buy a full sized one is from Bachmann Pawn at a gun show. You can get the base model for about $1300. If the budget is higher, you can replace the trigger group, bolt, and operating rod with USGI parts, which will add about another $500.

[Stupid]

I am in Houston area, actually. I really like that Oak Camo scout version of m1a.

[G.C.Montgomery]

I am in Houston area, actually. I really like that Oak Camo scout version of m1a.

An acquaintance may have one in that exact configuration if you are interested in a second-hand, rifle that has at most 200 rounds through it. I'll check to see if he still has it and is still interested in selling it.

Several friends have reported that Carters Country often has good prices on M1A and M1A Socom rifles. I'd mention Top Gun but I know there are better deals to be had unless you are part of the employee purchase program. Last time I bought an M1A, I did it through Bachman at a gunshow. Another option is to find a local FFL willing to handle the transfer for $25 or less and then buy the rifle online via Auction Arms, Gun Broker or another website.

[Stupid]

Thank you, G.C., I would not mind if it's in good condition. Let me know what you find out.

[packina45]

I'd love to buy one thru the CMP, but our local club isn't a CMP-affiliated club. That being said, I could get a M1 Garand in "Service" condition from the CMP for about 600 plus shipping, or I could get a Remington 700 BDL tactical model with synthetic stock and pre-drilled for scope mounts in .308 for about the same price, brand new and under warranty.

Since I already have an AR, the Remington looks like the better deal for a long-range tack-driver.

[Stupid]

Not sure if it's just me, so far, I have had far better luck with locals such as Bachman and AJC etc. All the auction sites such as Gunbrokers, Gunsamerca, and Auction Arms seem to have insanely high prices.

[KBCraig]

For all things Garandish --M1 and M14/M1A-- go to the real experts:

http://www.fulton-armory.com/

Didja know that the old Chinese "Polytech" receivers are great, even though the bolts and fire control parts were junk? Read what Fulton has to say; they really know their stuff, especially Dr. Walt Kuleck.

[G.C.Montgomery]

+1 for Fulton-Armory. The downside is, their stuff ain't cheap. The good stuff is almost never cheap. Personally, I've been thinking of turning my current M1A into a "Crazy Horse" rifle similar to those built by Smith Enterprises.

[SkipB]

I saw one at one of the gun shops in Waco the other day that was used in WWII and came with a case and all. I've thought about it a couple'a times but really have other obligations so I have to pass on it.

[Stupid]

fulton armory, wow, the price.

[Mike1951]

I'd love to buy one thru the CMP, but our local club isn't a CMP-affiliated club.

From the CMP Q&A:

When will M-14’s be available from the CMP?
Although one never knows what may happen in the future, we doubt that M-14’s will ever be available for purchase from the CMP.


Edited to add:

As far as qualifying with the CMP, a membership in TSRA works.

[hoss4570]

I'd love to buy one thru the CMP, but our local club isn't a CMP-affiliated club. That being said, I could get a M1 Garand in "Service" condition from the CMP for about 600 plus shipping, or I could get a Remington 700 BDL tactical model with synthetic stock and pre-drilled for scope mounts in .308 for about the same price, brand new and under warranty.

Since I already have an AR, the Remington looks like the better deal for a long-range tack-driver.

The CMP don't sell M-14s or M1As. Sorry.