Am I correct in assuming that LRB of Long Island makes a decent M14 rifle? They do use forged receivers.

I was thinking of ordering one; their lead time is only about 3-5 months. I had inquired about ordering one from Smith Enterprises last year, but they had a 12-18 month wait then. I just can't wait that long for something.

Also, what would be better - the 18.5" or 22" barrel? I'm leaning towards the 22".

LRB will build a decent rifle.

Charlie Maloney will build an exceptional rifle, in a mater of days after receiving the parts. You can either gather the parts, or have him collect everything. He's built 6 rifles for me, and several for friends. On Armscorp, Norinco, Springfield Armory, LRB, and SEI recievers.

He'll build it just the way you like. Drop him an email. Very nice man.

I take it you're just looking for a basic rifle? Got to get it in it's classic form, 22".

Thanks, Arc; I was hoping you'd post.

Thanks for the tip about Charlie Maloney; I'll have to check out his work.

I will second what arc said about Charlie. I have never met him but have a rifle he built and if I ever put one together myself Charlie will be building it.

Barrel length depends a little bit on the application. 22" is certainly the "classic" and what I'd get if it were to be my only M1A. I have a NM (w/ the 22" obviously) and it is stupid-accurate for an off-the-shelf semi automatic. My SAI Bush however, with the 18" barrel, is one of my very favorite rifles. The shorter barrel with a USCG brake makes for a very handy package, and would compete only with my Para Fal 18" for a SHTF scenario.

When the coin you're dropping is approaching 3k, it's time to go deeper than the commercial outfits.

quote:

Originally posted by arcwelder76:
When the coin you're dropping is approaching 3k, it's time to go deeper than the commercial outfits.

+1

Here's one that might still be for sale:
http://m14tfl.com/upload/showthread.php?t=58631

quote:

Originally posted by benny6:
Here's one that might still be for sale:
http://m14tfl.com/upload/showthread.php?t=58631

My only reservation on that is the barrel has 171 rounds of moly coated bullets down it. Otherwise, not a bad price.

For standard flavors of rifles, I'm for buying used. When it starts to get custom, I say have it built new by a pro.

Smiths with AMTU training, and years of experience, are getting old. Get one built by these guys before they die.

The LRB M1A's are very nice rifles. I've handled a few of them and they are GI quality. The finish of the receiver is of exceptional quality.

Lou is serious, no doubt. LRB produces the finest semi-auto M14 receiver, ever. The quality is such that only Smith Enterprise receivers can approach the dimensional accuracy.

The forged/cast topic has been something hotly debated, but that issue is second when it comes to a decent, and long lasting, M14 receiver. The first issue is the accuracy of the critical dimensions of the product.

LRB cannot be surpassed currently. And Smith Enterprise receivers are so rare as to only be available or affordable to the informed collector.

As I stated earlier, LRB will build a decent rifle. Their product is better than a Springfield Armory Inc, and rivals Fulton. But their business is receivers and parts, and secondly producing rifles.

I'm telling ya though, that THE path to take with an LRB receiver, is to find an AMTU smith, and let them work their magic.

A sidenote, is that the smith I've suggested, Charlie Maloney, among other achievements, basically taught Fulton Armory how it's done. Why go to the students, when you can go straight to the master? It'll be done and in your hands like greased lightning.

I have a LRB receiver which I waited 10-12 months for and a rifle that took two years to locate all the parts for. It is a great project and not one for the tight wallet. Do it right the first time and spend the money is my opinion.

I have a LRB build, with all NOS TRW parts.
It is a tack driver. My best ever shooter.
I've had five other M14 types, and this one is the best by far.
M