M14

[jon]

Hello all,

I am trying to find information on an semi auto M14 for a co-worker.

He is working on getting some more info for me on it.

He can't remember the maker (I will get it up here as soon as he figures it out) It is not a Springfield Armory. The guys who started the company supposedly came from SA. They were in California but then went out of business?

Jon

 

[Scrivener]

Sure it's not the Chinese copy?

 

[PatMcD]

Federal Ordinance was based in South ElMonte, CA and went out of business.

 

[jon]

This is not a true M14. I would call it an M1A if that were not the Springfield Armory trademarked name.

He said it was not a Norinco or a Polytech. That make me think its a Fulton Armory or a Federal Ordnance. Being out of business and based in CA I am guessing Fed Ord (ugh).

He is looking to sell and trying to figure out a decent price. I guess from my research i need to find out the serial number

 

[jon]

alright so it is a Federal Ordnance,

But a low serial number one. Like low 2xxx sort of number. He is thinking of selling and trying to figure out a fair price. This would be for the gun, its case (no idea what figure a cheapy) bayonet, bipod, and 4 mags.

any thoughts.

 

[vellnueve]

Well, that's about the lowest form of life on earth for M14 clones. I'd say somewhere in the $700-900 range.

 

[PatMcD]

Well, that's about the lowest form of life on earth for M14 clones. I'd say somewhere in the $700-900 range.

If it had all USGI parts, I would consider that price.

 

[jon]

Just to share my research:

it seems that under s/n 9000 the Fed ord used USGI parts.

The following excerpts are from the M14 Rifle History and Development Second Edition by Lee Emerson

4) Buy a safe queen (older SA, Inc. M1A or older Armscorp M14 or Federal Ordnance s/n under 9000) loaded with USGI parts from someone in financial trouble. These deals are out there. I have used this option myself and am glad I did. Federal Ordnance M14 rifles from serial number 20XXX and up were built with Chinese parts. The transition from USGI to Chinese parts occurred somewhere between the two serial numbers

Federal Ordnance began production of its M14 type rifles by 1986 and ended around 1992. Karl Maunz supplied some receiver castings in 1987 to Federal Ordnance. Federal Ordnance M14 type rifle serial number 22XX was inspected in the factory on February 26, 1987. Likewise, rifle serial number 677X was inspected at the factory on November 17, 1989. Federal Ordnance receivers machined while Jack Karnes was on board were of good quality

Federal Ordnance built two types of M14 rifles, one with USGI parts and one with Chinese parts. USGI parts were used extensively in Federal Ordnance rifles through at least S/N 8877. Through at least serial number 394X the USGI parts were taken off USGI M14 rifles imported from Israel. By serial number 205XX, if not earlier, Chinese and Taiwanese reproduction parts were used to assemble its rifles. For example, Federal Ordnance M14SA serial number 502XX was assembled at the factory on September 13, 1991 with Chinese manufacture bolt, operating rod, trigger group and barrel. Federal Ordnance sold complete rifles as well as stripped receivers.

So it sound like the low 2xxx serial number means it is one of the few good Fed Ord ones.

 

[vellnueve]

If it had all USGI parts, I would consider that price.

True, a good USGI oprod alone can bring $300.