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M1A vs. M14

PARAshooterPARAshooter Member Posts: 19 ✭✭
edited October 2001 in Ask the Experts
I am interested in purchasing one of these rifles. My question is what is the difference between a M1A and a M14?
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Comments

  • beachmaster73beachmaster73 Member Posts: 3,011 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    M1A is civilian version(ie semi-auto only no selector switch) of M-14. M-14 had a selector switch for full auto. Most M-14's on the service rifle circuit have the selector switch disabled but I believe ownership of true M-14's is restricted to Category III owners. Some shooters have M-14's issued by the military to them as military competition shooters as well as some civilian shooters from state associations. I don't have anymore info on this but I'm sure some of the other guys out there do. My TRW M-14 is match conditioned and very accurate but I doubt that it would hold as tight as a super match Springfield Armoury M1A. Also I have to carry papers with it whenever I compete...no such problems with an M1A. Beach
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  • nmyers@home.comnmyers@home.com Member Posts: 205 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Beach is correct.The term "M1A" is copywrited by Springfield Armory, Inc., one of many manufacturers of US M14 rifle clones. There are several variations in the names of the clones. The primary difference between the guns is that the original US M14 has a lug on the receiver that allows you to mount the selector switch, while the clones are made without that lug.You probably do not want to buy a US M14. The few real M14's are too expensive, and those made from welding cut receiver halves are of dubious quality.The clones vary in quality. You also need to consider the quality of the parts assembled to the receiver. USGI parts are the best, US-made commercial parts vary in quality, and I would not buy a rifle with Chinese-made parts. I suggest that you browse the forums on www.gunandknife.com and www.jouster.com to learn more about the subject.Neal
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  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Actually the welded up receivers by MKS are very high quality and are becoming sought after guns.
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  • PARAshooterPARAshooter Member Posts: 19 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks guys. Will do some more research and let you all know when I get one.
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  • PARAshooterPARAshooter Member Posts: 19 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks guys. Will do some more research and let you all know when I get one.
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