I am getting interested in the M14 rifle. I know some of you guys have one, two or more than that. Tell me about them. I know the ammo is expensive, but some things in life is that way. Tell me what you like, don't like, etc. I have heard good and bad about Springfield, Polytech, and LRB. Any good sites to read up on?
Thanks

The M-14 has a very short service record. However, it is a fantastic rifle. Very accurate, very durable, very dependable! Also very pricey..... I recommend it highly. I would go with springfield. They have alot of options to suit almost any need.

it was to big of a head ache for me to ever pick up....

The M14/M1A is a great rifle.

It's accurate, reliable, and rugged.

What I like about them?

Shoots less than 2 MOA with surplus ammo. It can shoot MOA or better with handloads.

They are very reliable. They have easily adjustable sights. The trigger is usually pretty good, and if not, is easily tuned.

What I don't like about them?

They're getting expensive. Even Norinco and Polytechs are getting close to $1000 when you can find them. Springfields are approaching $1.5-2K for even "plain jane" variants, and LRB's are through the roof expensive.

7.62 NATO ammo isn't cheap anymore. that's about it, I guess. Everything else is pretty good <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I recommend picking one up.

I picked up a Springfield M1A National Match and its sweet and well worth the money.

I love the FAL and got away from them when I could not get ammo cheap anymore. I know, but I had shot all my stash up and coughed at the replacement price of 300 a case. I sure miss the days of Portugese delivered for 135.00.

Anyway, I might have the oppurtunity to trade into a Polytech M14s that was imported through MI, and is supposed to be the best of the Polys that came in. I have seen the rifle and the stock will be replaced and eventually the bolt if I end up with it. I am thinking that I can get into the rifle, a 1000 rds of reloadable Privy ammo, and 24 mags (20 Checkmates and 4 older GI) for about 1700 trade. Not too bad by todays standards I guess.

Keep em coming guys.

Great bench rifle, very accurate. To big and heavy to pack around for long.

http://m14tfl.com/upload/

Check out the link above.....it is a great source for info. I have 3 and love them all very much. They are great guns and well worth the investment.

I am really liking the standard brl, the one they call the Brush, and even the SOCOM if it has a real flash hider on the end vs the muzzle brake. I do believe the loading and unloading of the mag would be similiar to the AK series, and the safety is in a great position. More and more I am liking what I am seeing.

Then again, the price of ammo just plain sucks--the reason I got away from the FAL in the first place :^(

I have a Springfield Armory M1A Loaded Model. Great gun. Many NM parts. Shoots 1-2" depending on ammo, and if I do my part. SA has a great customer service policy if the need ever arises. Check out that site M14tfl.com. Great and very knowledgeable guys over there. They have helped me out with numerous questions. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I know they make excellent show rifles for parades etc.

Wiggitty, thanks for bringing this up. I was just getting to find this thread and make my comments on it.

After thinking about it for a while nad looking rifles over I decided I was going to go ahead and do a M1A or M14s rifle despite the cost of ammo. I figured that I will just buy good reloadable ammo as I can and save the brass.

I was able to trade a black powder cartridge rifle that I could not shoot in comps due to an eye problem for a May of 1994 manufactured standard M1A. This M1A has a H&R brl, TRW bolt, H&$ op rod, SA sights, H&R trigger group, a synthetic black krinkle painted stock, so all GI except the receiver. The standard also has a S gen III mount. Shoots really well. All I want to change is camo the stock, get a GI butt plate, NM the flash hider, get a nice tiger striped or high figured wood stock, a GI sling, and a bayonet.

The next day I ended up trading off my varmint AR due to the same eye problem and learning to shoot left handed behind a scope. This time I traded for a SA M1A SOCOM. The rifle is stock, but has had the stock camoed. I love the balance and feel of the SOCOM. I figured that it will be a good pig/deer gun. I want to add a Aimpoint T1 or H1 on the scout rail since this allows me to shoot rt handed, a 2 pt Vickers dling, a rail section for a light, and that is about it.

I can think that I need to acquire some spare parts as I like having them on hand but it is nice knowing that the rifles are factory guns from SA and carry their warranty.

Anyway, I took both out last Sunday after church and fired some rds. I could not tell a lot of difference in recoil or accuracy at 100 yds. I am happy to say the least! Thanks for all those who replied to this thread too. I know, pics will come but you guys have figured I am a little slow in the pic dept.