Springfield vs. Polytech

[spencerhenry]

i have a polytech, it has never failed to function in any way. some people see it and think it is a springfield. i have been told that the polytech is such a good copy that parts are interchangeable.

[Not_A_Llama]

Norinco/Polytech: Incredibly good forged receivers across the board, a small number of incredibly shitty bolts out there. Good project guns.

Springfield: Soso cast receivers. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[bryjcom]

springfield has been having alot of problems. I personally would get a polytech and get it rebuilt or get a LRB build.

I personally have rebuilt a polytech and if you have any questions let me kow.

[Troublco]

It's my understanding that some Chinese parts, like the bolt, are not interchangeable. I've heard some folks that have had good luck, and some that have not (soft parts and such). I had a Chinese, and sold it. Since then I picked up a mid 90's production Springfield NM and have been very happy with it (all GI parts, exc the barrel), and also got one built with GI parts on an LRB receiver. Nowadays, my personal pick would be an LRB receiver with GI parts. LRB receivers are forged and machined, like the original GI guns. Everyone else uses investment cast receivers, even Fulton. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but Forged are still stronger and I personally like them better. Just my $.02!

[bryjcom]

It's my understanding that some Chinese parts, like the bolt, are not interchangeable. I've heard some folks that have had good luck, and some that have not (soft parts and such). I had a Chinese, and sold it. Since then I picked up a mid 90's production Springfield NM and have been very happy with it (all GI parts, exc the barrel), and also got one built with GI parts on an LRB receiver. Nowadays, my personal pick would be an LRB receiver with GI parts. LRB receivers are forged and machined, like the original GI guns. Everyone else uses investment cast receivers, even Fulton. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but Forged are still stronger and I personally like them better. Just my $.02!

The reciever needs to be relieved to accept a GI bolt. sometimes the side stamped polys will take a GI bolt no problem.

As far as barrels the criterion chrome lined barrels are superior to the GI barrels and they cost a little bit less in most cases. There are lots of good commercial parts manufactures that are making quality parts.

Smith vortex flash suppressor is better than GI
Criterion barrels are better than GI
SEI op rods are better and cheaper than GI
Bolts, gas systems, rear sights are all being commercially made equal or better than GI

My dream m14 would be LRB m25 reciever with criterion chrome lined barrel, Smith gas system, smith rear sight, TRW bolt, GI trigger group, Smith oprod,

[Birddog1911]

Like others have said; the Poly receivers are forged, but may need to be relieved to replace the soft bolt.

Yes, Springfield uses investment cast receivers. Absolutely nothing wrong with it; show me a destroyed receiver and I might believe that they are inferior. The problems that Springfield has had of late have been extractors. The great thing about Springfield is a lifetime warranty; you won't get that with a Poly.

[bryjcom]

Just went to the gun shop today and held a new springfield m1a. I was absolutley amazed at how crappy the action felt. The bolt was binding and getting jambed just before rotating into battery. It would lock down but you had to give the oprod a thump