Comments on: Where to Buy the M1A Rifle Online

By: Gene

Gene — Fri, 20 May 2011 18:48:33 +0000

I believe your lowest M1a prices will be found at “Buds Gun Shop”, at least that was my experiance.

By: Oldbikefixr

Oldbikefixr — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:01:10 +0000

I also used an M-14 in the early 1971. I was USAF, and managed to get myself sent to Ft Polk for weapons training for two weeks (M60, M79 grenade launcher, .45, grenades and the M14…can you spell Heaven?). The Army was using all the M-16′s so our small group was issued M14′s. I guess the Army thought we were only borderline competent, so we were NOT allowed to do any maintenance on our rifles, just shoot and clean only.

I became comfortable with the rifle during my first trips to the range. But I fell in love with it on the pop-up target range. This was a 50-350 yard range with human size sillouettes (darn French word) that popped up at random locations between those markers. After my second shot, the rear peep popped into the air and disappeared. I complained to the range sgt who made some innane comments about sloppy maintenance! I immediately switched to the ‘quick fire’ technique we were taught some days earlier where you basically move your left hand all the way forward and simply ‘point’ at the target. I qualified with 89 out of 100 hits. I still have the blister scars on my left hand from thumb-tip to finger-tip. I didn’t notice until after my session was over. Hurt like all get out for several days.
Anyway, that sold me on the rifle.

I currently own two M1A’s. I was re-bitten by the bug on a trip to Cabelas. They had several worn out looking Norinco models for sale. I jumped quickly, knowing that if I thought about the cost too much, I would let the feeling pass. My first was a Springfield NM which I bought when told my Fulton M1A would take at least 6 months. Both rifles are identically equipped with Bassett short standard scope mounts and Nikon Prostaff scopes.

Both rifles are great but the Fulton’s fit is tighter all around and shoots a bit tighter group. I fire standing, using a web-sling at 100 yards (that’s the limit at my local ranges) and Hornaday match ammo. After around 300 rounds each, my average group with the Springfield is 4″, the Fulton shoots 3″. Both are plenty accurate for hunting.

The sounds and smells are wonderful!

By: parish

parish — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:19:38 +0000

http://www.budsgunshop.com therse guys have great prices !!good luck

By: m1arifles

m1arifles — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:43:15 +0000

Thank you for your service! Great contribution.

Have any old pics you can display here?

By: Chris Brown

Chris Brown — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:33:19 +0000

I served in the Marine Corps 1970 – 1975, on duty as an Embassy Guard, Saigon, September 1972 – October 1973. At Parris Island, I had to qualify with the M14 at 100, 200 and 500 yards. In my young mind, it was a magnificent weapon and I carried it all through boot camp. For combat training later at Camp Geiger, N.C., we were issued Matty Mattell M-16′s, an obvious step down in fire-power and range. The only advantage and I mean only, was its select fire option. Fun to shoot at full auto, good for laying a base of fire, and yes, it was light weight and you could carry more ammo. But it did not speak with authority. Later in Saigon, I carried the M-16, but I had access to other weapons I preferred for close quarters such as the winchester pump 12 ga. and the Swedish K submachine gun, that like Stephen Colbert, I could lovingly refer to as ‘Sweetness’. Over the years I have acquried a number of firearms: Kimber .45, Ruger GP .357, Glock 17 and 21, and recently the S&W M&P 5.56. Again fun to shoot, but where’s the beef! I have a CZ Mannlicher in .308, a good cartridge for just about any purpose, so now after all this time, study and shooting, I have decided the one weapon I need and want at my age is the sturdy, reliable M14..but I’ll settle for the M1A so as not to frighten the children. Thanks for the opportunity to speak my mind. Chris Brown