After a couple weeks (I assume holidays slowed them down) I got my rifle back. All of the issues, besides the loose hand guard, were due to the stock being 'compressed' and after a quick call to JRA I got a prepaid return shipping label and sent it back in. Hand guard was loose, the mag the rifle came with didnt latch in the rifle, and there were a few other small things. Well I have an update, finally received my James River Armory (JRA) built Rock-ola M14 just before Christmas and its as nice. I just don't want anyone else who is like me to miss out, I just read they only have 5 of the 19.25' ones left so I had to throw it up here. I have no affiliation with James River, Classic Firearms, or Bula. Original Military Configuration - by J.R.A. Rock-ola M14 Semi-Auto Rifle, 7.62x51 NATO w/ 20 Round Mag. Rock-ola M14 Semi-Auto Rifle, 7.62x51 NATO w/ 20 Round Mag, 19.25 This isn't a bad thing necessarily, as a high quality firearm parts maker called Bula is providing the parts, but if you are like me and looking for at least one true USGI setup in your safe than now is the time! I sold off two of my rifles last month so I'd be ready for this purchase. After they sell out of this shipment at Classic they will start making them with more and more new manufactured parts. The reason I post this is that I have some insider info saying these are the last of the true USGI parts kits rifles build with a new forged receiver (might have new bolt and barrel made to USGI spec's). It might sound goofy to say this about a gun but it truly is a dream come true for me, there is no other gun that I have ever wanted since as long as I can remember! I just ordered the 19.25' version and I am really excited. You'd be better off with a Springfield Armory or buying individual parts and having a reputable builder assemble it for you.ДЇor years I have felt the draw of the M14/M1A rifle and I've always wanted one with USGI parts on a (new) forged receiver, the way they were issued! Well the cost of a rifle built with this quality of parts has always been way out of my reach, as in close to $3,000! Well now a smaller high quality builder (James River Armory) apparently is offering them via Classic firearms for under $2,000 for either a original 22' barrel version, a 22' NAtional Match variant (NM), or a cool 19.25' variant. Also their assembly of the rifle is lacking attention to detail overall.

Overall you do get a good deal for a forged receiver, all US made parts, and a lot of USGI parts but what I have found is that the USGI parts will be of 'ok' used quality and not 'like new' as they are advertised. After sending it back to James River and then having them send it back to me with most of the issues remaining I can no longer recommend buying this specific manufacturer M14/M1A rifle by James River. Edit: Found some problems with my rifle after through disassembling and cleaning it.

Lrb m14 vs bula