Springfield Armory M1A

HellsEngineer · September 03, 2011, 23:25

Looking to purchase a new SPringfield Armory M1A. Looking for some input from owners of these firearms.

**phillyray** · September 04, 2011, 09:09

I have one that shoots great. I have not had any malfunctions either.

Maggotman · September 04, 2011, 10:04

Great warranty. Hit and miss on assembly/function issues...

The older rifles typically have many USGI parts. Today's Springfield contains mostly offshore parts.

Great first M14/M1a. You also can replace the offshore parts as you go.

Enjoy.

MM

Ctguy · September 04, 2011, 14:26

+1, I would look for a 90's or earlier manufactured rifle. I have had several over the years and all have been good for me. Expect to pay $1,200- $1,300 or there abouts....

ICU308 · September 04, 2011, 15:01

You will not regret it ...
Buy plenty of ammo , you will want to shoot it all the time . I started with a G3 , then an STG58 , which I still love , but I repetetively grab the Springfield . Learn to shoot it through the peeps .

randy762ak · September 04, 2011, 18:04

I have a Mid 90's NM with no bayo lug=It shoots great -The receiver Is a casting But that Bothers me Not!

**phillyray** · September 04, 2011, 20:25

Are the current SA M1A rifles not made at the Imbel mfg. in Brazil? At least thats what I was told. If that's what is meant by offshore parts then that is fine by me.

jbrooks · September 04, 2011, 20:47

SAI M1As have never been made in Brazil. M1a receivers are cast here in the US. SOME MINOR parts MAY BE produced offshore, but I don't know for sure. The barrels are made in the USA, AFAIK.

Up until 1996, SAI receivers were cast by Gray-Syracuse, and machined by Valley Ordnance Co.

SAI obtained the tooling from Valley Ordnance Co. in 1996, and the receivers are machined at SAI in Genesco, IL.

Not sure who casts the current crop of receivers, though.

The above was obtained form Different's "M14 Rifle History
and Development", which I highly recommend.

I'm sure he'll chime in when he sees your question, and correct my errors.

JWB

Maggotman · September 04, 2011, 20:48

Quote:

Originally posted by phillyray
Are the current SA M1A rifles not made at the Imbel mfg. in Brazil? At least thats what I was told. If that's what is meant by offshore parts then that is fine by me.

The offshore parts are Taiwanese or Chinese.

MM

**phillyray** · September 04, 2011, 21:00

Quote:

Originally posted by Maggotman

The offshore parts are Taiwanese or Chinese.

MM

Is this fact or internet rumor? Not trying to argue but is this posted anywhere by Springfield? Would one made in early 2003 have these parts?

Maggotman · September 04, 2011, 21:17

Quote:

Originally posted by phillyray
Are the current SA M1A rifles not made at the Imbel mfg. in Brazil? At least thats what I was told. If that's what is meant by offshore parts then that is fine by me.

No offense taken.

http://m14forum.com/modern-m14/91572...parts-now.html

MM

jbrooks · September 04, 2011, 23:43

Well, this has certainly been an eye opener for me.

From post #15 in Different's reference:
http://m14tfl.com/upload/showthread....ghlight=import

"

Named parts made overseas for SA, Inc. M1A rifles in the last sixteen years that I know of for sure:

(1) Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings or stampings * Canada
(2) Barrels * Korea

(5) Muzzle attachments * Taiwan and Korea
(6) Bolts * Korea

(8) Operating rods *
(9) Gas pistons *
(10) Trigger housings * Taiwan and Korea
(11) Triggers * Taiwan and Korea
(12) Hammers * Taiwan and Korea
(13) Sears * Taiwan and Korea
(14) Disconnectors * Taiwan and Korea
(15) Buttstocks *

(17) Forearms, handguards *
(18) Magazine bodies * Taiwan 20 round magazine
(19) Followers * Taiwan
(20) Floorplates * Taiwan

"

So I guess those post-ban SAIs are NOT American Made.

Just like my ChiCom Polytech. But at least I knew that from the beginning.

JWB

Different · September 05, 2011, 06:01

Korean made M1A bolts have been in use for eight to ten years now. Springfield Armory, Inc. will change its parts suppliers from time to time. Example, Wayne Machine, Inc. was making gas cylinders until 2004 but within the last five years, some M1A rifles have been assembled at the factory with Smith Enterprise, Inc. gas cylinders. SEI gas cylinders are made in the United States.

Different · September 05, 2011, 06:03

Quote:

Originally posted by Maggotman

The offshore parts are Taiwanese or Chinese.

MM

Springfield Armory, Inc. has and does use parts from Taiwan or Korea but not from mainland China. Armscorp and Federal Ordnance, both out of business, did use mainland Chinese parts in some of their rifles.

Super B · September 05, 2011, 08:22

I have a M1A loaded (stainless walnut) that I bought in 2001. I had a problem with it doubling. Got that fixed and now I am quite satisfied with it. The only problem I had was the ARMS scope mount would occasionally trap brass and cause a jam. one out of a hundred approx.

Thor · September 06, 2011, 00:33

Glad mine's an early 90's manufacture. Just sayin'.

STGThndr · September 06, 2011, 02:24

My M1A was VERY proudly purchased in @1984 and the parts are USA. I understand the receiver was cast(!) in the USA. Was not pleased to discover the receiver was CAST! Still I treasure that rifle and cannot recall any problems with it offhand(?) brain aint as steel-trap as it once was. Anyway I have enjoyed it -love at first sight- from the first moment I laid hands on it at the dealer's who ordered it for me. It came with sights marked "NM" tho it is just the stock rifle... feels "right", like a man's rifle should. Got a steel mount for it and a nice scope which can be removed and replaced.
I too would advise any new owner of the M1A to get to know the mil peeps... you won't regret it and you will understand WHY so many love the weapon. Save scoping for later when you don't see quite so well.
There are other rifles out there which I enjoy and use well.. AK, AR, HK, FAL... but that M14 "clone" from 1984, Geneseo Ill really has the warm spot in my heart.

4duece · September 06, 2011, 10:14

I have one made by Springfield Armory in Geneseo Ill. They are excellant rifles. Got mine in 1982 for a little under $800.00 . All parts on it are new U.S. surplus parts except for the reciever. I don't think you will be disappointed if you buy one. These are great shooting rifles.

**Wolf1952** · September 14, 2011, 01:34

How can you tell when it was made? My bought mine in the early part of 2000 and the Sr# is 128959.

YardDogOne · September 14, 2011, 06:00

Quote:

Originally posted by Wolf1952
How can you tell when it was made? My bought mine in the early part of 2000 and the Sr# is 128959.

Made in

June or July 2000

**parallaxbill** · September 14, 2011, 08:43

I have two, one post ban 2001 with a 1964 GI HRA barrel and the other built up on a pre-ban receiver with a GI NM barrel. Both are accurate and run great but the one with the GI HRA barrel has helped me take 1st & 2nd place in the Drop 8 events at Moses's CR-PC steel plate match.

I love them both!

Clark · September 17, 2011, 09:21

Quote:

Originally posted by parallaxbill
I have.. post ban !

Bill,
you banned me years ago for posting that I sporterized a Mausers.

I am post ban.

**parallaxbill** · September 17, 2011, 10:34

Nope, I have never banned anyone for that alone.

Delta-3 · September 17, 2011, 11:28

I have "heard" that the receivers with serial #'s with a T are made in Croatia. Can't prove it though.

Clark · September 18, 2011, 08:46

Quote:

Originally posted by parallaxbill
Nope, I have never banned anyone for that alone.

2003
http://parallaxscurioandrelicfirearm...ned#reply-2812

**parallaxbill** · September 18, 2011, 12:47

This is not the place for this so these are my last words on it.

Your last post on that thread said you were no longer banned.
But upon checking again a clark.ma was banned in 2007. If that was you I don't recall who banned you or for what reason. That handle has been reinstated. I can promise you that I never ban anyone who hasn't broken my rules or tried to fight it out with me. I don't do the later, I don't have the time or desire to argue over my rules which are clearly posted and always have been.

To the original poster. I did not ask for this to happen. My apologies.

**Cava3r4** · September 19, 2011, 09:42

I bought my SA M1A in 1980 it is serial 016xxx for $600 even. (I knew the guy who owned the gunstore at that time)
I originally ordered it with the E-2 wood pistol grip stock which I later removed as I do not acquire a good cheek weld with that stock. I put a surplus wood stock on it and it shoots better then I can hold !! I still have the stock and NO, its not for sale!

HTH
Bob

September 04, 2011, 09:09	#2
phillyray Veteran Member Contributor FALaholic #: 43105 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charlotte Posts: 1,542	I have one that shoots great. I have not had any malfunctions either. __________________ "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have." -- Thomas Jefferson

September 04, 2011, 10:04	#3
Maggotman Registered FALaholic #: 54807 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: ca Posts: 164	Great warranty. Hit and miss on assembly/function issues... The older rifles typically have many USGI parts. Today's Springfield contains mostly offshore parts. Great first M14/M1a. You also can replace the offshore parts as you go. Enjoy. MM __________________ "My bet is on the cockroach"

September 04, 2011, 15:01	#5
ICU308 Registered FALaholic #: 49888 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kettering , Ohio Posts: 47	You will not regret it ... Buy plenty of ammo , you will want to shoot it all the time . I started with a G3 , then an STG58 , which I still love , but I repetetively grab the Springfield . Learn to shoot it through the peeps . __________________ "I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious." --Thomas Jefferson In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm , and three or more is a congress . John Adams

September 04, 2011, 20:25	#7
phillyray Veteran Member Contributor FALaholic #: 43105 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charlotte Posts: 1,542	Are the current SA M1A rifles not made at the Imbel mfg. in Brazil? At least thats what I was told. If that's what is meant by offshore parts then that is fine by me. __________________ "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have." -- Thomas Jefferson

September 04, 2011, 23:43	#12
jbrooks Registered FALaholic #: 10395 Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,621	Well, this has certainly been an eye opener for me. From post #15 in Different's reference: http://m14tfl.com/upload/showthread....ghlight=import " Named parts made overseas for SA, Inc. M1A rifles in the last sixteen years that I know of for sure: (1) Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings or stampings * Canada (2) Barrels * Korea (5) Muzzle attachments * Taiwan and Korea (6) Bolts * Korea (8) Operating rods * (9) Gas pistons * (10) Trigger housings * Taiwan and Korea (11) Triggers * Taiwan and Korea (12) Hammers * Taiwan and Korea (13) Sears * Taiwan and Korea (14) Disconnectors * Taiwan and Korea (15) Buttstocks * (17) Forearms, handguards * (18) Magazine bodies * Taiwan 20 round magazine (19) Followers * Taiwan (20) Floorplates * Taiwan " So I guess those post-ban SAIs are NOT American Made. Just like my ChiCom Polytech. But at least I knew that from the beginning. JWB Last edited by jbrooks; September 05, 2011 at 00:15.

September 03, 2011, 23:25	#1
HellsEngineer Registered FALaholic #: 6388 Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 125	Springfield Armory M1A Looking to purchase a new SPringfield Armory M1A. Looking for some input from owners of these firearms.

September 04, 2011, 14:26	#4
Ctguy Registered FALaholic #: 55939 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Ct Posts: 131	+1, I would look for a 90's or earlier manufactured rifle. I have had several over the years and all have been good for me. Expect to pay $1,200- $1,300 or there abouts....

September 04, 2011, 18:04	#6
randy762ak Registered FALaholic #: 25888 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: From the commie state of stinking NY Posts: 1,486	I have a Mid 90's NM with no bayo lug=It shoots great -The receiver Is a casting But that Bothers me Not!

September 04, 2011, 20:47	#8
jbrooks Registered FALaholic #: 10395 Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,621	SAI M1As have never been made in Brazil. M1a receivers are cast here in the US. SOME MINOR parts MAY BE produced offshore, but I don't know for sure. The barrels are made in the USA, AFAIK. Up until 1996, SAI receivers were cast by Gray-Syracuse, and machined by Valley Ordnance Co. SAI obtained the tooling from Valley Ordnance Co. in 1996, and the receivers are machined at SAI in Genesco, IL. Not sure who casts the current crop of receivers, though. The above was obtained form Different's "M14 Rifle History and Development", which I highly recommend. I'm sure he'll chime in when he sees your question, and correct my errors. JWB

September 05, 2011, 06:01	#13
Different Registered FALaholic #: 63735 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Posts: 49	Korean made M1A bolts have been in use for eight to ten years now. Springfield Armory, Inc. will change its parts suppliers from time to time. Example, Wayne Machine, Inc. was making gas cylinders until 2004 but within the last five years, some M1A rifles have been assembled at the factory with Smith Enterprise, Inc. gas cylinders. SEI gas cylinders are made in the United States. Last edited by Different; September 05, 2011 at 06:11.

September 05, 2011, 08:22	#15
Super B Registered FALaholic #: 404 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Tallahassee, FL,, USA Posts: 1,632	I have a M1A loaded (stainless walnut) that I bought in 2001. I had a problem with it doubling. Got that fixed and now I am quite satisfied with it. The only problem I had was the ARMS scope mount would occasionally trap brass and cause a jam. one out of a hundred approx. __________________ 'The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' -G. K. Chesterton

September 06, 2011, 00:33	#16
Thor Registered FALaholic #: 12414 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northeastern Kentucky Posts: 237	Glad mine's an early 90's manufacture. Just sayin'. __________________ "Thor" "We few. We happy few. We band of brothers. For he this day who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother."

September 06, 2011, 02:24	#17
STGThndr Registered FALaholic #: 14583 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Southern Colorado mtns and desert Posts: 3,409	My M1A was VERY proudly purchased in @1984 and the parts are USA. I understand the receiver was cast(!) in the USA. Was not pleased to discover the receiver was CAST! Still I treasure that rifle and cannot recall any problems with it offhand(?) brain aint as steel-trap as it once was. Anyway I have enjoyed it -love at first sight- from the first moment I laid hands on it at the dealer's who ordered it for me. It came with sights marked "NM" tho it is just the stock rifle... feels "right", like a man's rifle should. Got a steel mount for it and a nice scope which can be removed and replaced. I too would advise any new owner of the M1A to get to know the mil peeps... you won't regret it and you will understand WHY so many love the weapon. Save scoping for later when you don't see quite so well. There are other rifles out there which I enjoy and use well.. AK, AR, HK, FAL... but that M14 "clone" from 1984, Geneseo Ill really has the warm spot in my heart. __________________ Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity. W.B Yeats

September 06, 2011, 10:14	#18
4duece Registered FALaholic #: 19759 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 488	I have one made by Springfield Armory in Geneseo Ill. They are excellant rifles. Got mine in 1982 for a little under $800.00 . All parts on it are new U.S. surplus parts except for the reciever. I don't think you will be disappointed if you buy one. These are great shooting rifles.

September 14, 2011, 01:34	#19
Wolf1952 Member Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 61846 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Mt Hermon, La Posts: 204	How can you tell when it was made? My bought mine in the early part of 2000 and the Sr# is 128959. __________________ FAL-Century L1A1 7.62X51 Nato AK47 Romanianyugo Underfolder 7.62X39 Springfield-M1A1 7.62X51 Nato Springfield-Model 1878 45/70G Harrington & Richardson US Model 1878 Springfield 45/70G Savage Model 99E Savage 300 Colt 1911 Model of 1911 US Army Colt / Uberti 1861 Navy Type II Richard’s Conversion 38spl Ruger Old Model Blackhawk 357 Mag. 10" barrel Ruger Old Model Super Blackhawk 44Mag "Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not..." - Thomas Jefferson Wolf

September 14, 2011, 08:43	#21
parallaxbill Prototype machinist Contributor Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 26251 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NC Posts: 711	I have two, one post ban 2001 with a 1964 GI HRA barrel and the other built up on a pre-ban receiver with a GI NM barrel. Both are accurate and run great but the one with the GI HRA barrel has helped me take 1st & 2nd place in the Drop 8 events at Moses's CR-PC steel plate match. I love them both! __________________ ParallaxBill

September 17, 2011, 10:34	#23
parallaxbill Prototype machinist Contributor Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 26251 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NC Posts: 711	Nope, I have never banned anyone for that alone. __________________ ParallaxBill

September 17, 2011, 11:28	#24
Delta-3 Registered FALaholic #: 36449 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW Ohio but Montana is always home Posts: 330	I have "heard" that the receivers with serial #'s with a T are made in Croatia. Can't prove it though. __________________ Rom 13:4 If you do evil, be afraid. For he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

September 18, 2011, 12:47	#26
parallaxbill Prototype machinist Contributor Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 26251 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NC Posts: 711	This is not the place for this so these are my last words on it. Your last post on that thread said you were no longer banned. But upon checking again a clark.ma was banned in 2007. If that was you I don't recall who banned you or for what reason. That handle has been reinstated. I can promise you that I never ban anyone who hasn't broken my rules or tried to fight it out with me. I don't do the later, I don't have the time or desire to argue over my rules which are clearly posted and always have been. To the original poster. I did not ask for this to happen. My apologies. __________________ ParallaxBill Last edited by parallaxbill; September 18, 2011 at 12:58.

September 19, 2011, 09:42	#27
Cava3r4 Curio & Relic Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 6560 Join Date: May 2002 Location: AZ...originally from St. Paul, MN Posts: 4,299	I bought my SA M1A in 1980 it is serial 016xxx for $600 even. (I knew the guy who owned the gunstore at that time) I originally ordered it with the E-2 wood pistol grip stock which I later removed as I do not acquire a good cheek weld with that stock. I put a surplus wood stock on it and it shoots better then I can hold !! I still have the stock and NO, its not for sale! HTH Bob Last edited by Cava3r4; September 19, 2011 at 09:50.

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