ID an older M1a please

Oro · Oct 25, 2025

My brother has inherited this older M1a build. It belonged to his FIL, an ex pre-Vietnam and Vietnam era Marine who bought it "a long time ago," e.g. before say 1990. Could be any vendor or kit seller from the '70s or '80s. He asked me to ID it and I can't.

Don't have it in hand yet; it's on the east coast and he's going to go retrieve it and other things next month. S/N is C08xx. Not sure what else is on the receiver, can't examine it. Anyone recognize that s/n format? Possibly an old CMP kit build? Does not seem like an SA s/n, but I am not expert.

I know it's not as helpful w/o seeing the receiver up close, but thought I would ask as the s/n might be easily ID'd by the right person.

roseburger · Oct 25, 2025

@Nibbs

MTpockets · Oct 25, 2025

These are my guesses...

Serial C-08## would be a Century Arms Inc imported rifle, or a CAI rifle built on Federal Ordnance receiver.

Federal Ordnance, Inc. (South El Monte, CA) CSA14, M14, M14A, M14SA, M14S 60308 + 1411 (C series prefix serial numbers made for Century Arms International) + 500 (VCE / VME series) ~ M14br.com

Receiver Heel
U.S. RIFLE
7.62 MM M14S(A)
CENTURY ARMS INC
ST ALBANS VT
C-####

If it is a C08## ( without a dash), there is this info, but it indicates that those serial numbers were issued to the EBR Series.

Smith Enterprise, Inc. (Mesa and Tempe, AZ) EBR, M-14, M-14 NM, M-21, M25 more than 176 (select fire pre-'86 FA series) + 2603 (pre-'94 ban) + 80 to 85 (post-'94 ban serial numbers starting at 5000) + 1 (M-21) + 1 (M25) + 0433 (post-'09 M-14 series) + C0003 (EBR series) ~ M14br.com

Others on the M14forum mention that they have Poly Tech M14/S, and Norinco receivers marked with a C prefix.

An Official Journal Of The NRA | This Old Gun: Poly Technologies M-14/S

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then a lot of firearm flattery has emanated from the People’s Republic of China. While developing some of its own unique firearm designs, the country is also known for making copies of everything from C96 Mauser “Broomhandle” pistols to Thompson...

www.americanrifleman.org

So I don't know any more than you...

Towhead · Oct 25, 2025

Possible Smith receiver?

Nice.

ron · Oct 26, 2025

Federal Ordnance produced M14s with there receivers and GI parts. Selector cut on stock
this is a GI stock. I had one it shot good and was reliable.

Oro · Oct 26, 2025

MTpockets said:
These are my guesses...

Serial C-08## would be a Century Arms Inc imported rifle, or a CAI rifle built on Federal Ordnance receiver.

Federal Ordnance, Inc. (South El Monte, CA) CSA14, M14, M14A, M14SA, M14S 60308 + 1411 (C series prefix serial numbers made for Century Arms International) + 500 (VCE / VME series) ~ M14br.com

Receiver Heel
U.S. RIFLE
7.62 MM M14S(A)
CENTURY ARMS INC
ST ALBANS VT
C-####

If it is a C08## ( without a dash), there is this info, but it indicates that those serial numbers were issued to the EBR Series.

Smith Enterprise, Inc. (Mesa and Tempe, AZ) EBR, M-14, M-14 NM, M-21, M25 more than 176 (select fire pre-'86 FA series) + 2603 (pre-'94 ban) + 80 to 85 (post-'94 ban serial numbers starting at 5000) + 1 (M-21) + 1 (M25) + 0433 (post-'09 M-14 series) + C0003 (EBR series) ~ M14br.com

Others on the M14forum mention that they have Poly Tech M14/S, and Norinco receivers marked with a C prefix.

An Official Journal Of The NRA | This Old Gun: Poly Technologies M-14/S

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then a lot of firearm flattery has emanated from the People’s Republic of China. While developing some of its own unique firearm designs, the country is also known for making copies of everything from C96 Mauser “Broomhandle” pistols to Thompson...

www.americanrifleman.org

So I don't know any more than you...

Great info. That sounds likey. I am not sure if the hyphen is there, I am going off an old typed inventory.

I did not get even into Garands until c.2020 (mistake to wait). I personally have been wanting an M1a to play with so we will enjoy shooting this later this winter or in the spring. Did not fully appreciate how great the platform is soon enough.