Polytech M14

[zachsw15]

I just bought the gun that i have always wanted a M14 its not a Springfield but for 800 i could not pass it up espically seeing how in a week I will be at Paris Island for Basic training. If someone could help me find a date of when my babe was made it would be great! the serial number is 21087. Thanks for the help!

 

[gunrunner]

You need the lotto no's off the side of the reciever. Here is a link that should help you.
http://m14forum.com/reference/92640-poly-tech-manufacture-date.html

I will say this though. After google-fuing this topic this morning i have learned the following. When you get back from boot camp and training. You may want to send that baby off to fulton armory or warbird and get the chinese upgrade done. Seems almost everyone that gets one of these and actually shoots it needs this done. The way i understand it polytech versions all have chrome lined barrels. The above two companies will do the conversion while leaving your barrel, To keep costs down. If you ever want real accuracy out of it though you will have to change the barrel. Chinese metallurgy sucks balls and thats just the way it is. The bolts are "soft" and will lose headspace rapidly due to the ever shrinking locking lugs on the M-14 bolt.

Hope this helps.

 

[zachsw15]

the numbers are 3 6 26 37 9 imported by IDE USA SFLD MICH thanks for all the help!

 

[Jimbob2.0]

These are actually pretty good guns, I have almost popped for one off and on. They probably can be made even better than the current base springfield.

My understanding is also that a GI bolt assembly will fit these quite well, as the polytech bolts had some cracking issues. That said it wouldnt worry me much, as there are lots of guns people say have issues that never do.

 

[Markp]

the numbers are 3 6 26 37 9 imported by IDE USA SFLD MICH thanks for all the help!

My guess would be that this rifle is 26 June 1993 from what I have read. The high serial number would kind of confirm that too.

Mark

 

[armedsks]

Congrats on the rifle!. You will be very pleased with your polytech. Go out and find some GI mags or some T57 mags (taiwaneese). Order some ammo online and have at it.

Check the rear sight make sure it has positive clicks and holds elevation and windage.

 

[lee2]

You need the lotto no's off the side of the reciever. Here is a link that should help you.
http://m14forum.com/reference/92640-poly-tech-manufacture-date.html

I will say this though. After google-fuing this topic this morning i have learned the following. When you get back from boot camp and training. You may want to send that baby off to fulton armory or warbird and get the chinese upgrade done. Seems almost everyone that gets one of these and actually shoots it needs this done. The way i understand it polytech versions all have chrome lined barrels. The above two companies will do the conversion while leaving your barrel, To keep costs down. If you ever want real accuracy out of it though you will have to change the barrel. Chinese metallurgy sucks balls and thats just the way it is. The bolts are "soft" and will lose headspace rapidly due to the ever shrinking locking lugs on the M-14 bolt.

Hope this helps.

i'm guessing you dont own one.
i do. theres nothing i would do to these to fix anything. rumors of soft/bad parts were started by fulton armory.(guess what they sell). to try to discourage buyers from getting the then cheap polytech guns.
they are great guns.

 

[gunrunner]

i'm guessing you dont own one.
i do. theres nothing i would do to these to fix anything. rumors of soft/bad parts were started by fulton armory.(guess what they sell). to try to discourage buyers from getting the then cheap polytech guns.
they are great guns.

You are correct sir. I do not own one, I thought was pretty clear about that. I simply wanted to convey the info I saw yesterday. Just so you know I didn't get any info from fulton. Everything I read was complaints and failures from guys that have them.

 

[mawkie]

Marstar Canada still imports and sells the Norinco M14 clone to our northern cousins for the outrageous price of $429 CD and the word is that most owners are very happy with theirs.
As to Polytechs, what I've heard is generally positive. And any problem items can be easily replaced with quality US GI components so you can "upgrade" as your wallet allows. If you're looking for a fun, all-purpose M1A then this is an affordable option. If you want to shoot hi-power then I'd go with a Smith Ent., FA or SA.
The good:
Forged receiver
Chrome lined barrel of decent quality
Forged OP rod
Parts built to US GI specs
The bad:
Rear sight quality
Stock material of marginal quality
Some soft bolts reported (Rockwell'd in the low 40s)

If it was mine I'd swap out the rear sight and stock for US GI and then buy a set of head space gages to keep an eye on things down the road. I've heard too many stories to know what's true and what's crap. Better to have the tools on hand to verify the condition of the bolt yourself.

 

[backnblack]

.... in a week I will be at Paris Island for Basic training.

Thank You

 

[zachsw15]

Thanks for everyones help and i shot it yesterday and at 100yds it will shoot a squirels nuts clean off but again thanks for everyones help SEMPER FI!

 

[Tower43]

Good luck devil pup... what MOS Field?

 

[JOBU]

I will be at Paris Island for Basic training.

Enjoy the chigger bites.

 

[zachsw15]

combat support and yeah they are goin to suck lol