farmerj wrote:Norsesmithy wrote:A base M1A is several hundred dollars more than a base AR pattern .308. And it's not a USGI rifle, in terms of reliability.
You can upgrade it with USGI parts, or buy a more expensive M14, but then you're running in the same range as a high quality AR pattern .308, or a base model AR pattern .308 that's been upgraded to perform more reliably.
Every base AR I have looked at has been in the $1500-1800 range.
Every Base M1A I have looked at has been in the $1500-1800 range.
I got a Polytech M14 for under $500 and put it together with all NM parts replacing the bolt, barrel and operating rod, unitized the gas cylinder and it was still under $1000.
I guess I would like to see the evidence of that which you claim.
My stock 308 "Classic" from DPMS was $950.
Compare to M1a