Yup, the LRB deal may be a good one, but not what I'm looking for for now. Budget is only SEMI flexible, not enough to assemble a rifle or I'd be looking at an assembled LRB rifle anyways.
As far as the accuracy requirement, is 2 - 2.5MOA out side of the capability of a Standard? Am I correct looking at the Loaded or is that superfluous money spent? Looks like the biggest difference is the NM barrel.
When I shoot my Garand from position I can hold 4 MOA easily, 3 on a good day. I'm getting better with practice, so I want a rifle that's going to perform well. No need for a >1 MOA shooter yet.
No need to worry about scope mounts. I shoot with irons on all my "combat" rifles.
As for the parts interchanging, I know they're not Legos and parts need to be fitted. What I'm concerned about is being able to source durable parts easily that aren't dependent on the SAI factory. So, what is the story on these? Lots of mixed info floating around and it is hard to follow.
Later,
Chrome...
MOA is dependent on the gun, the ammo and shooter. There is never a guarantee. Some days you will shoot it, some days you might shoot better, some worse, but 2.5 is not asking too much from it...
There is no guarantee on getting GI parts and some GI parts are worth more than others. Original GI parts are parts made many years ago. Sometimes you find them, sometimes you dont, but in any case expect to pay premium prices.
Most manufacturers (Fulton, LRB, Smith, 7.62 Firearms (7.62 Firearms is up and coming, so dont know much about them but I think they are on the up and up)) produce good parts.
Unless you have asthetic(?) reasons for having real GI parts dont get too hung up on it. Just make sure the parts you do buy are from a reputable source. I hate to say it, but you are starting in this game a little late in life or you are young and missed the "glory days" of the M14 (though that is changing a bit). There was a time that a good GI bolt, for instance, could be had for a song and were plentiful. Those days are over. Whats left out there is whats left and the demand is high when available. Like land, they aint making anymore. Dont sweat it, a GI bolt in an M1A receiver isnt going to make your rifle shoot any better...
Dont completely discount having one built. Like all things, we always "want it now", but most of us here spend upwards of a year or more building these things. If you do want the creme-de-le-creme and you think over time you can save for the other stuff that may be the way to go. You will ultimately wind up with a finer product...
