[Mudborne]

Was looking at new M1As and came across a used one that looks like it might be a better option.

I am new to these rifles and would like your opinion on whether this is a go or no-go and any idea of current value. I have verified that this left SAI as a Standard M1A May 2004. To the untrained eye this looks in pretty good shape but I could not see down the bore. Looks chrome lined with some GI parts (they would not let me pull the trigger pack today 50-50 change GI I suspect). The sight looks GI as does the butt plate. NM front sight. SA(I?) bolt and SAI barrel. Scope mount looks like it was done well in stripper guide area. No need to shim gas as far as I can tell. Stock has a few scratches. Side by side with a new 367XXX serial number this 164XXX one looked much better.

More pics to follow. I know the suggestion to get as old as you can has been made, and 2004 is not that old, but I can look at this one locally and not wait for inventory on gunbroker, etc. I did not want to buy used, but looks pretty good so far. Would send probably send it to SAI for its match check if I buy it.

 

[Mudborne]

Additional photos

 

[KurtC]

Sub-200,000 serial number rifles usually have more parkerized parts than current models, which have some parts that are blued.

The rifle in question has a USGI buttplate flapper and windage knob. The barrel looks commercial. Chambers are usually polished and will be shiny silver, chrome lining looks matte.

If you buy it you should definitely send it to SAI, as the bolt is cast. You will want them to replace it with a forged one. It is usually free.

 

[Mudborne]

If I send it to SAI for the $65 inspection will they recommend that and do they even have forged bolts to replace it? Otherwise, does this look like a better than new? It did to me.

 

[KurtC]

All their bolts made in the last 10 years are forged. The heat number on the bolt will start with an F.

When they ran out of USGI bolts, they briefly tried cast (A prefix) and billet machined (B prefix). The cast ones have been known to fail and any rifle sent in with one will get a replacement forged bolt.

Give them a call on Tuesday, just to be sure.

I would prefer a 160k numbered rifle over one made today, but that may be just me. RNGR2

 

[Buelligan]

I imagine included in the SAI check is measuring head space and throat erosion. If the bolt is going to be replaced, they'll be re-establishing the head space anyway. I think on a rifle so unused, I'd forgo the $65 SAI will charge for an inspection and just let them replace the cast bolt.

I'm sure you're aware of this already, but the SAI lifetime warranty extends to the rifle, not the life of the original owner, so the warranty is still good.

If that rifle is being offered for a what you think is a fair used discount.... I'd buy it.

 

[noob14s]

You're looking at two nearly identical rifles so whichever is the cheapest is what I'd get. Unless that used one has a shot out barrel or something but I doubt that.

 

[RDS]

I returned a M1A to Springfield for the cast bolt replacement last month. There was no charge and they paid shipping both ways. The rifle was from the early 1980s. Bolt was replaced with one of their new forged bolts. Headspace was set at 1.631. They also replaced the safety, firing pin, ejector, ejector spring, extractor, extractor spring and plunger. Turn around was about 12 days.