Fulton Armory M14 Owner's Opinions

flyingtorpedo

I've been looking at M14/M1A's and wanted some feedback from Fulton Armory owners. I thought about an SA but I have one of their garands and let's just say I'm less then thrilled with the quality and costumer service-don't get me started on that. [V][:(!][xx(] Kind of makes me think I'd be disappointed with their M1A quality after a year as well. I'm really thinking of selling the garand. I could get a Fulton Armory M14 for what I would spend on a SA M1A plus what I get out of the garand. So I thought I'd ask you folks some questions.

1.What are there any advantages to the Fulton over the SA, besides the better quality of parts used? Does it have a better feel than the SA?

2.Have you ever needed repair work to your Fulton Armory? Sadly they only give a 1 year warranty while SA gives a lifetime. I'm not talking about a new barrel b/c you shot it out. Anything ever break?

3.Did you feel it was worth the extra cost?

4.If had it to do all over again would you still go with the Fulton or get the SA?

I'm looking at the service model, with a few small upgrades. I'm not a match shooter, nor will I ever be, so I don't need their top of the line. Besides, their service model will most likely out shoot me. I just want a good, quality, rifle that will last me for 50 years. I'm really interested to hear your thoughts. If you don't want to post it for the world to see, feel free to email me. I would also love to see some actual pics, not the token one they stick up for the description. As always, thanks for your time. [:D]

Nwcid

I have 2 older SAI M1A's. One is a 98', and the other a 99' and both have a good fit and finish. I have not shot my newest one yet, but I am very happy with my older one. The older ones are made with many USGI parts, the more the better. The other nice thing is that you can pick up good used M1A's for pretty decent prices these days.

I have only heard good things about the FA guns, but I do not have any first hand experience with them.

For the $2500 base price tag they carry you can buy a good used one and completely rebuild it and still be less money into it. If you really want a nice rifle FA makes them.


I am about $900 into the black one, and I just picked up the stainless one which is basically "loaded" version for $1300. I just ordered a Sage EBR stock for the black one and I have a Sadlak Airborne mount and IOR 4-14x50 scope coming for the stainless (not included in the rifle prices above).




There is a great vendor here on GB that sells USGI 20rd mag called 44mag. FWIW they are posting that when their current stocks are gone there is going to be a bit of a price increase. Right now I believe you can still get 10 mags shipped for $239.




UPDATE for "tommy"

It is a Springfield Model 9825 made in July of 99'. This is how it came from the factory and is equal to what is now a "loaded" version. I did not "need" another M1A but it just looked way to nice not to take home. It is the one I have the scope and mount coming for.

pjpjr

I currently own a SA M1A mfg in 1994 and I love it. My gun's fit and finish rival the Fulton guns in my opinion. My gun also sports all USGI parts. The model is the standard service grade black synthetic stock rifle. Shoots better than I ever will and is reliable as a Honda Civic!
I'm into gun for $1250.00 + magazines etc. I would hunt one down if I were you. They are readily available and are a great investment rifle!
My $0.02.............

BTW my rifle is officially a PREBAN rifle, for what it is worth.

nmyers

While I don't own an FA, I've been inside their shop, & I've talked to several of their gunsmiths at local gunshows, where they often have a table with their products. The biggest difference is that their rifles are built one at a time by a skilled gunsmith who gauges every part & carefully checks the fit, finish, & performance before signing off on it. Other than receiver, barrel, & stock, parts are surplus USGI (at least, they used to be the last time I checked).

You have to be willing to pay more if you want a hand-assembled rifle, even a service grade. No, an FA isn't going to "feel better"; but it's not likely you will have to send it back for repair. Only you can decide if it's worth the extra cost.

Neal

"You get what you pay for, sometimes less."

tommy45autos

Nwcid: What is the wooden laminated stock on the SS bbl unit called and who made it.Thankyou

remingtongeo

I've owned a Fulton M1A Peerless for a number of years. I started out with a SA M1A Match rifle, then bought the SA Super Match and sent the Super Match to Fulton after I shot it out.

I had problems with both of the SA rifles, triggers, sights, bedding and so on. When I sent my Super Match to Fulton it took them a year to rebuild the rifle. When I got the rifle back all I could do is just kick myself in the butt for not buying their product from the start.

I have the first double cryo'd Kriger barrel that he ever mounted. The care to detail, timing, fit and finish are the work of true craftsmen.

There were times when I felt that I could shoot better than my Springfields, but I have never been able to come close to out shooting my Fulton. I own five high power match rifles. My M1A is stil my favorite.