After the Crime Bill of 1994 passed, I decided it was time to acquire those firearms I always wanted, but hadn't pick up yet. At the top of the list was the legendary 7.62mm NATO M-14. Arguably one of the most accurate semi-auto rifles in the world. I am certainly not the first, and won't be the last to experience the sticker shock of a Springfield Armory M1A ($1,000 basic rifle). A good Match version of the M1A goes for about $1,800. I started to research why this rifle cost so much. My inquires surprised me.
The Springfield Armory (SA) M1A is actually a clone of the military M-14. You see, the modern Springfield Armory is not the same Springfield Armory that developed the legendary M1 Garand and military M-14. The original SA closed and the current SA bought the rights to the name. The M1A is just as much a clone as the Norinco, PolyTech, Smith, and Federal Ordinance examples. I was also surprised to learn that the M1A does not meet all U.S.G.I. Military Specifications (MIL SPEC).
This was enough for me to entertain the idea of buying someone else's M-14. I decided on the PolyTech M-14/S. It was the cheapest option, but price was not the main reason. The Chinese M-14 can be made into an excellent rifle. Yes, I said can be, as stock, right off the boat Chinese M-14s can be unsafe to shoot. Most Chinese M-14s work fine right out of the box. Problems can occur later after 1,000 rounds or so have been fired.
My M-14 wasn't a stock PolyTech though. It was sent to Smith Enterprises in Tempe, AZ. There are four reasons I strongly recommend the services of Smith Enterprises:
They can also do a "trigger job". The hammer is too soft. Stock Chinese hammers show significant wear and material loss after a few hundred rounds. They re-harden the hammer and adjust the trigger pull to 4.5 pounds ($60). If your trigger pull is safe, you can save money by just buying a U.S.G.I. surplus hammer ($15). If you opt for the latter you should also replace the trigger and sear assembly with the U.S.G.I. equivalent ($6). Changing these parts in the trigger group is quite simple, and doesn't require a gunsmith if you're mechanically inclined.
It is very important to make sure your M-14 has a safe headspace. There are four levels of headspace:
0.1630 MIN Minimum acceptable
0.1633 GO Nominal
0.1636 NO GO Still safe but marginal
0.1640 FIELD Excessive and dangerous
My PolyTech right out of the box had a headspace of 0.16355. That was barely on the good side of NO GO. If this is indicative of Chinese M-14s, it is reasonable to assume that some may come out of the box with a headspace greater than NO GO (0.1636). The soft locking lugs on the Chinese bolt will deform during use and headspace can increase to beyond FIELD (0.1640). This degradation in headspace can be assisted by the bolt also having the wrong helix angle. The M-14 uses a rotating bolt which turns like a screw during the last portion of the closing sequence. The helix angle on the lugs should be 3 degrees. The helix angle is like a guide threading for the bolt to mate into the receiver as it turns. A poorly matched bolt/receiver may not provide an adequate helix angle (0 degrees). A low helix angle (less then 3 degrees) will cause the bolt to slam the lugs harshly against the receiver and cause deformation of the lugs and increase head space. Also it is important to insure that the firing pin bridge reliably engages and retracts the pin while a round is being loaded.
The Smith Enterprises heat treatment will check the bolt for proper fit, headspace, helix angle, and firing pin bridge function. If a bolt does not pass the above inspection, they have several replacement Chinese bolts to find the best match with the receiver. The matched bolt is heat treated to U.S.G.I. MIL SPEC hardness. Like the receiver, the hardened bolt has a beautiful dark black finish. They can reparkerize the rifle for $75, but I prefer the black heat treated finish. Oh yeah, the heat treatment package (receiver and bolt) costs $175 (+$20 shipping).
I also recommend the Smith Enterprise M-14 combat muzzle break to replace PolyTech's non-functional flashider. It cost about $60. It eliminates 90% of the climb and about 30% of the recoil. Smith "Vortex" brakes were used in Desert Storm by Delta Force, and Isreali Defense Forces. It's 100% legal!
I do not work for Smith Enterprises nor am I affiliated with them. I'm just a extremely happy customer that wants to pass on this worthwhile alternative to other fellow shooters. How does it shoot? I get 3" groups at 100 yards with just my eyeball and the iron sights. I'm sure a scope would cut that in half. The staff at Smith Enterprises is excellent and Ron Smith is recognized by many as the M-14 authority. It is my opinion, that my Smith Enterprise's heat treated PolyTech M-14, with combat brake, is a better rifle than a Springfield M1A. And I only paid $699 for the whole package. That's a PolyTech M-14 with a USGI MIL SPEC hard receiver and bolt. The bolt is matched for proper functioning headspace, helix angle, and firing pin bridge. Complete with Smith M-14 combat break for $699. You have to buy the M-14 yourself. They run about $450. Send it to Smith Enterprises for heat treatment ($195 w/shipping), plus $60 for the combat break and your set.
Smith Enterprises can be reached at (602) 964-1818. Ask for Ron or Troy.