Poly Technologies M-14/S Rifle M1A .308 25” Semi-Auto Rifle M14s Polytech
SOLD FOR: $1,181.99
WOA#: WY240605DM025
Make: Chinese State Arsenal 356 (Exported by Poly Technologies Inc.)
Model: M-14/S
Serial Number: 04731
Year of Manufacture: 1988-1989
Caliber: .308
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left of the receiver is marked “M-14S308/ IDE USA SFLO MICH./ POLYTEH CHINA / 04731
Barrel Length: 25” with muzzle device
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with protective wings and the rear sight is a military aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is walnut with a checkered semi-pistol grip. The upper handguard is a synthetic brown polymer. The stripper clip guide is dovetail and allows for a Scope Mount to be attached to the receiver. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One detachable 5rd 7.62x51mm / 308 Win box magazine in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is little to no visible erosion in the bore. 10/10 bore rating in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows only minor surface wear from responsible prior use and storage. There are minor scuffs and discoloration on the wood. The screw heads are sharp and pins are serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Cleaning kit and accoutrement in the buttsock
Our Assessment: 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 submachine guns.
The origins of communist China-made M14 rifles (not to be confused with licensed manufacturing of the M14 in Taiwan using U.S.-supplied machinery) began soon after the United States started producing the design. These Chinese-made rifles were either reverse-engineered from captured specimens or built with “acquired” copies of the original technical data. Intended to be sent to communist rebels around the world, and in order to disguise their origin, the rifles copied U.S.-made M14s down to their markings. The plan was thwarted after several shipments were intercepted on their way to the Philippines, and many of the select-fire rifles that remained in China were destroyed.
Following the success of other Chinese firearm exports in the mid-1980s, production of semi-automatic M14-style rifles was revived for the commercial market using newly manufactured receivers and parts left over from the original 1960s production run. Importation into the U.S. began in 1988. All Chinese-made M14 rifles brought into the U.S. were manufactured at one location, State Arsenal 356, and then exported through either Poly Technologies, Inc. (PolyTech) or China North Industries Corporation (Norinco). In addition to the United States, semi-automatic, Chinese-made M14-type rifles were also exported to Australia, Canada and Europe.
While the wood and metal finish of most Chinese M14 rifles is not up to American standards, the rifles were built with forged receivers and operating rods and have chrome-lined barrels. Many parts interchange with U.S.-made M14-type rifles, though some components use metric-pattern threads.
Imported Chinese M14 rifles will be found in several configurations. A few of the earliest rifles were imported before a March 1989 ban that included “M14S” as one of the 43 named models barred from importation. These rifles had complete original features, including bayonet lugs and flash suppressors. Those imported after that date either had parts such as the flash suppressor added in the United States before they were retailed or used an unslotted flash suppressor without the bayonet lug. From 1990 to 1994, Century Arms modified Chinese M14 rifles by removing the flash suppressor portion of the front sight base and replacing the military-style trapdoor buttplate assembly with a rubber recoil pad. Collectors differentiate between “side-stamped” rifles, with their markings on the left side of the receiver below the rear sight, and “heel-stamped” rifles with their markings on the receiver’s upper rear surface, as on the original M14. A May 1994 executive order banned the importation of all firearms from China, preventing any further M14 examples from appearing stateside.
The example shown here is side-stamped and was imported by IDE (one of five companies that brought the rifles into the country) and exported through PolyTech. It features the solid flash suppressor with no bayonet lug and a military-style trapdoor buttplate. It is brand new, unfired since it left the factory, and includes the originally supplied magazines, and maintenance kit. These early IDE rifles have a reputation for having some of the nicest fit and finish of all the Chinese-made M14s, and this example even appears to have a walnut stock.
While the importation of Chinese-made M14 rifles was short-lived, the foreign-made, faithful copies have introduced countless shooters and collectors to a quintessential American battle rifle. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
