Springfield vs. Polytech

[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

[agent-smith]

My M1As have all worked flawlessly; I've never known anyone personally that has had an issue with theirs. In my experience, the whole perception of "Springfield Armory M1As* have quality control issues" is just based on people repeating things that they have heard.

If someone isn't speaking from personal experience, I don't pay any attention to their opinion.

Personally, I wouldn't consider supporting a manufacturer from communist China when I could support an American company.

*Yeah, I'm aware that M1A is a Springfield Armory trademark and therefore by definition any M1A is a Springfield Armory (yeah, I'm also aware that Springfield Armory is a private company without any relation to the military Springfield Armory).

[bryjcom]

Go over to m14tfl.com. Do some searching and you will find broken oprods, barrel indexing issues, broken reciever, bolt roller impacts problems and lots of malfunctions and problems with springer m1as. I even heard a report about a barrel specing out at .311 on another site

The fit of the bolt on this rifle I held the other day was horrible. My friend has a m1a super match and it is a fine rifle with sub moa groups but I have personally inspected and shot this rifle and it happens to have the "bolt roller impact" problem on the reciever.

Springfield armory has built some good rifles and they have their periods of greatness but as of lately I have been hearing alot more reports on their poor quality control

Again my choice would be LRB arms

[jmg8550]

Go over to m14tfl.com. Do some searching and you will find broken oprods, barrel indexing issues, broken reciever, bolt roller impacts problems and lots of malfunctions and problems with springer m1as. I even heard a report about a barrel specing out at .311 on another site

The fit of the bolt on this rifle I held the other day was horrible. My friend has a m1a super match and it is a fine rifle with sub moa groups but I have personally inspected and shot this rifle and it happens to have the "bolt roller impact" problem on the reciever.

Springfield armory has built some good rifles and they have their periods of greatness but as of lately I have been hearing alot more reports on their poor quality control

Again my choice would be LRB arms

Hey! your just jealous of my SM M1A. No seriously, It does have the bolt roller impact recall. Just waiting for winter to send it in to be fixed. It is true some of the newer M1A actions are a little on the rough side, Maybe it will get better with use, and lots of grease. But my M1A is not your standard everyday rifle. It was hand assembled and fitted by one person. Alot of attention was given to this particular rifle. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Springer. I would just inspect it a little more before purchase. Pick the best one.