M-14 (non- Springfield)

FTSLT488

How is the accuracy and reliability of the Federal Ordnance M-14 M1A. Springfield is a little pricey. Is $750 reasonable for a federal ord M-14 (standard) with walnut stocks plus extras that has 500 rounds shot through it? Thanks and Happy Holidays everyone.

Der Gebirgsjager

A personally interesting question! I have 3 of these which I purchased 'way back when. Fed Ord advertised these in the SGN before they actually produced them and solicited advance sales. I already owned several firearms produced by them, and was aware that they could be a "mixed bag" as Fed Ord's M.O. was often to take completely worn out military weapons and re-hab them into something useable and saleable. But anyway, I took a chance, and eventually received the 3 rifles pretty much as advertised except that I ordered them all with walnut stocks and two came with birch. So, it was off to the range where I found that two were capable of firing one inch groups at 100 yds. with issue sights and my handloads, which consisted of a 180 gr. Sierra B.T.S.P. over 41 gr. of H-4895 and a CCI #200 primer. The third rifle disassembled the operating rod from the bolt every shot (only 3 shots actually, I got tired of field stripping and reassembling it) and it was returned to the factory. They sent it back with a new receiver bearing the same serial no.---but I've never gotten around to firing it again. That was in 1987, so I guess I move kind of slow. Kuhnhausen doesn't seem to think too much of them in his book "The U.S. .30 Caliber Gas Operated Service Rifles" but I've been very satisified with mine. I shot them extensively in the military on a battalion rifle team and can't tell much difference. Of couse I'd probably rather own the real G.I. rifle, but since it's a select fire, and I don't believe the govt. has ever released them, (they delight in cutting up things we taxpayer buy them) most of us mere mortals are unlikely to have the privilege. The Blue Book says they're worth about $625, but I'd want $850 or $900 for mine; so maybe $700 isn't a bad deal especially if a few goodies are thrown in like some 20 rd. G.I. mags., sling, etc. Everything on the rifles was genuine military production stripped off existing rifles, or new unused parts. The only thing Fed Ord did was screw the parts onto their newly made investment cast receivers, so there is really no reason why these rifles should perform any less well than the G.I. model (service/rack grade). So, if you can get around the nay-sayers, I say, "go for it".

nmyers@home.com

I personally find the subject interesting, but from a different perspective than DG.I owned a LATER M14 from Fed Ord, and found it to be a piece of junk. EVERY part, with the possible exception of the receiver, was Chinese-made. Nothing was close to milspec, and the finish was ugly; it had a fake flash hider and the stock looked like it was carved by a 12-year-old. I couldn't wait to get rid of it. If the one you are considering has all USGI parts, then DG's advice is sound; otherwise, the asking price is outrageous.Neal[This message has been edited by nmyers@home.com (edited 12-22-2001).]

FTSLT488

Thanks for the input guys. A friend more knowledgeable than me took a look at it, compared it to his NM Springfield M1A and pronounced it a good buy - so now I'm really confused. BTW how can you tell they're USGI parts? Thanks again.

Rocklobster

I believe the GI ordnance components have a "flaming bomb" proofmark.

Gunslinger1

BEWARE of the metallurgy on the receiver of any Federal Ordnance firearm...........

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E-mail us at gun@gunslinger1.com or visit our site at www.Gunslinger1.com

nmyers@home.com

Larger parts (barrel, bolt, op rod, trigger housing) will have a 5 or 6 digit drawing number and a manufacturers code stamped on them if USGI.Neal

cpermd

I may be wrong but I can not remember a flaming bomb on any M14 part ever.Win parts have OM or 66118 SA parts have SA and the drawing #H&R have HRT,HRT,HRB,HRN.TRWSAKCA