Bush Rifle w/Choate Stock, 5 mags, sling, mount: $1800 good buy?

[Lake713]

So I love the Scout Squad but am enamored by the older M1A-A1 Bush Rifle. They are hard to come by in my area but I have found one nearby for $1800. It comes with the Choate folding stock, a sling, 5 mags, box, papers, and scope mount. It looks to be in good condition and I recently bought an OD Green stock off a guy who has a SOCOM 16 that I believe will also fit the Bush Rifle.

My question is: Is this a solid purchase? What do I need to look for when inspecting a Bush Rifle? And is $1800 a solid price point or is that too high?

I know I can get a Scout Squad for around $1400 but I have no desire for a scout scope setup and like the 18" barrel of the Bush/Scout.

Your thoughts on the Bush Rifle? Especially at this price?

Thank you for your time and expertise/opinions.
J

[Bandy]

My .02 is you want it, your bills are paid and you have the cash, why are you waiting?

Sounds like a good deal with all the extras that come with. Also not a fan of the "scout" scope idea. I would try and talk the guy down though. Well just cause..

[Lake713]

Yeah, I didn't know if $1800 was an inflated or reasonable price.

And if I need to check certain aspects of the rifle for wear and tear or worry about the barrel condition.

[Blackmore]

I would only pay that much if it also included the original stock.

And ... 19.25" M1As for the win.

[Lake713]

How much should be taken off the price if it DOESN'T have the stock?

Also, which M1As come with 19.25" barrels?

[Blackmore]

How much should be taken off the price if it DOESN'T have the stock?

Also, which M1As come with 19.25" barrels?



I'd say about $100-$150.

James River Armory (https://www.jamesriverarmory.com/products.html) makes a 19.25" on their in house receiver. They also sell just the 19.25" barrel in two different grades. 19.25" allows you to use a non-neutered USGI flashhider and still remove the gas plug. There are other vendors for that barrel length, too.

[Lake713]

I'd say about $100-$150.

James River Armory (https://www.jamesriverarmory.com/products.html) makes a 19.25" on their in house receiver. They also sell just the 19.25" barrel in two different grades. 19.25" allows you to use a non-neutered USGI flashhider and still remove the gas plug. There are other vendors for that barrel length, too.

Thank you, Blackmore. I'll see if he'll take $1650 or $1700 for it.

[ghf]

You could, of course, unscrew/ remove the offending forward scope mount off the Squad Scout and put a GI handguard on the gun.

Then sell the offending forward scope mount and original handguard w/ the hole to accomodate the mount.

I think that the Scout and bush rifle both have 18" barrels.

Just a thought.