Smith Enterprises M1A receivers

[broom jockey]

Are these any good? I have never heard of them. Your comments appreciated, thank you.

[Ernie]

Only from what I have read, their customer service is poor. I have never dealth with them but about a year ago there were many negative posts. I like the new Rock Ola's from James River, and LRB has always been the gold standard but expensive.. Both Fulton and Springfield have lifetime warranties. I own all except Smith. If I was doing another build today I would choose a Rock Ola I suspect. Just my opinion, again with no personal experience with Smith other than what I have read.

[gulliver62]

According to Lee Emerson's books, the early Smith (pre-94) receivers were excellent quality. I would not hesitate to pick up one of those. I agree with Ernie and I just bought 2 of the Rock-ola receivers for next builds. Up to now, all of my M1A's have been Springfield. I would not hesitate to buy a Fulton as I have not heard anything negative about them. But, if you can wait for a sale and get a Rock-Ola forged for only $100 or so more do that (at least that was my reasoning). I will let you investigate all the comments around about the current Smith Ent and make your own judgements. Go over to M14tfl.com and you will have a lot of material to study.

[StockDoc]

I have built 3 Fultons, no probs on any of them. Smiths are forged*, which I feel is over doing it for the Civilian shooter

* my bad, yes they are Billet, still think that is over doing it. Investment cast is really quite good now a days. It not like the old Cast steel, that was prone to cracking.

[bd1]

Forged or cast (Smith made both) from the '80's are good. They were civilian highpower shooters' first choice.

[nf1e]

I own all the rest, but Smith's customer relations have kept me from even trying theirs. To the best of my knowledge, they are not forged, but machined from billets. James River and LRB are the only forged receivers on the market and both come highly recommended.

[Jay Johnson]

nf1e is correct, SEI's receivers are machined from billets, LRB and James River (RockOla) are currently the only two forged semi-auto M14 pattern receivers on the market.

James River has their barreled receiver with their bolt on sale currently for $995, pretty good deal when you start adding everything up http://www.jamesriverarmory.com/rock...rs-detail.html

[nf1e]

Just a note to the OP. The only producer of M1A rifles is Springfield Armory INC. It is their trademark. All others produce some variation of the M14 rifle, for what it is worth.

[gulliver62]

Jay, that is a good deal. Fitting of the barrel and the bolt as well as the parts. I don't own a Bula barrel but will read up on them. Maybe you could talk them into putting on an op-rod guide and then you could pretty much just put on parts. I paid $644 for a JRA receiver only in my hands at the 4-July sale.

[garandeguy10]

In the interest of common knowledge and fairness, I must point out that Smith Enterprises Inc. (SEI)has been known to sue individuals for criticizing their products and production methods, causing people to hire attorneys at considerable expense to fight their vexatious lawsuits.
They are also known for treating customers with disrespect. I have previously bought components from them, but after they sued someone for commenting on their heat treating, I refuse to do any more business with them. If you find SEI products on the used market, you may be better off than dealing with SEI directly.

BTW, it is my understanding that SEI lost that particular lawsuit, however, the defendant is still on the hook for his considerable attorney fee's.

Your call if you want to deal with SEI.