Okay, just in preperation.

  A M14S stumbled across TFL boards....$850 including a USGI bolt.

   I have a feeling it's already spoke for, but I emailed the guy anyway, asking for pics and some questions.

     As I get the pics, I'll put them up here. Anyway.

I asked these questions:

First, any particular reason you are parting with it?  I ask because
I remember (and found) the thread where you said you had acquired it.

Second:  The USGI bolt, I assume it is not installed.

Thirdly, concerning the USGI bolt, what is the manufacturer, and has
it been modified (attempted lapping for installaion)?

  Any followup questions?  Anything to look at?

 This is highly preliminary, but I'm wanting to line everything up IN CASE...I'm "first in line",etc. and the like.

   I'm kinda pinched for money at the moment, but I'm selling two cows next week, and if I drop the 180B enough it'll sell eventually.   

I just had to seriously enquire though.  Unless something's royally )*()@@ up, a M14S and GI bolt for $850 is a good buy.  Too good to pass up.

P.S.  Hence why I think "something" must be wrong.    Although the guy has done business before with seemingly good review. 

Okay, in response:

The USGI bolt is not installed, I actually got it from a friend of mine before I got the gun because I read all th stuff about soft bolts.  It does not have any name on the bolt, it just has numbers: 7790186 66118-B  It is used and shows some finish wear.  The reasons I am selling the gun are:

And in testing the gun:

I took it to out right after I got it and fired six rounds through it (the exact number of 308 rounds I owned) it worked fine, the brass looked good, and into the safe it went.

Considering the bolt isn't installed....good deal...yes?   Considering it is used....But I think alot of the GI bolts are used, correct?

   I replied and said I'd think on it till this evening. 

Yeah, I'd be leery if the bolt was installed. Too many people screw that up, ruining a non-renewable resource (GI bolts).

I love my Poly. It's my favorite firearm, by far, and nicer than any SAI M1A. I have a Norinco that's going to get worked over eventually, but it's not as nicely finished as the Polytech.

Do it. Then ship it to Warbird or SEI for the bolt conversion and trigger job. Keep the chicom barrel and unitize the gas system. Add some NM sights and it will build into quite the shooter, much better than a SAI.

I had SEI do mine, and Ron didn't require a new barrel. He's a surly old man, but I still have the chicom barrel. I wonder what changed in his shop? 

 Okay. just a few quick notes.   I just had a bit to minutely examine the rifle.  It just arrived...yay..I think...

  ANyway. A few points:
 #1. The "USGI bolt" is actually a STRIPPED...USGI bolt.  So the question:  Can the extractor, firing pin,etc. everything other than the body, be bought at reasonable prices? or cheaper to just buy a complete bolt?

#2.  When the bolt is fully retracted, if you pull up on the handle, the bolt will lock back...I don't really see what's catching, although I think the top of the lugs might be contacting the receiver....Normal? or not?

 Other than that, it looks in good shape.   It came with a scope mount marked "Military Armament Corp", which apparently also made the MAC10s...so quality, who knows, it seems to fit solid, so nothing much loc-tite can't fix.

     

 Okay, had a chance to look it over better.

First: thanks.  I didn't know, and figured I should put the question out there about bolt parts, just in case

   Anyway: The gun.  Good shape, probably had a few rounds through it, however nothing looks worn.  The bolt looks identical to a USGI bolt.  I know that ain't garunteeing it's safe, but it isn't...uhh...curved...like I saw a picture of one set of lugs 

  I'd like to headspace it, but humm...no locals have 7.62 Nato gauges, only .308.     Most I'd be able to test would be a 308 field gauge, if it didn't close on it, it would be okay to shoot.  So...no-fire.  I THINK...it'd be okay for a few rounds..but I dunno.  I'd hate to accidentally ruin something that couldn't be fixed....

   The USGI bolt looks to have a little wear, more then the Chinese bolt (That said, I don't think the Chicom bolt's had more than 20 rounds.  I put more wear marks by me cycling it).

  Scope mount...didn't know that MAC produced M14 scope mounts.  Look like the ones out of CTD awhile ago.  That said, it does lock up tight, so loc-tite will hold it on.  Two screw holes, one in the receiver, the other onto the stripper clip guide.

    I don't know when I'll get ahold of Warbirds for the conversion job.   I might ask in advance if I buy the bolt parts and send them with the rifle, or if he would just install the needed pieces.

 Calling all Arizona members:

Ever heard of "FulL Canopy Armory" in Flagstaff?
http://www.fullcanopyarmory.com/

On some M14 bolt conversion thread I came across the link, and just now, I had the owner post on perfectunion.

I dunno...Ain't heard of him, but at least one person was happy (And now I can't find the thread).