Spend your money?
Why sure
Here ya go, if you want the best.........
http://www.lrbarms.com/m14rifles.html
M14SA or M25 receiver. Cant go wrong with either imo.
I would suggest their "Tanker", (M14SA or M25 depending on personal preference), and using their 18.5in Criterion chrome lined bbl.
Here is some other ideas for you to chew on..........
* If you want an M14 that is close in OAL to that of a Socom, look at the Smith Enterprise Inc. (SEI) Vortex direct connect flash hider and gas lock front sight. 39.5inches OAL compared to the Socom at 37.25inches. (39in even if you want to install it on an SAI M1A Scout)
The above pic shows the SEI "front end" alongside that of an M1A-A1 Bush rifle, which is the same OAL as that of the Scout model.
Note: The above type is SEI's "Hooded" version, which is similar to the HK type front sights, and is adjustable for elevation. The "D-18" type gas lock front sight can utilize any M14 front sight unit that's out there to my knowledge. I use mine to hunt with, and this set up is just dandy for the application. (Hogs and deer). I also like the std rear sight aperture along with it, as it works better for me in acquisition of a specific target in low light, against a dark background, and for moving targets....compared to the std type front sights out there.
Here is a pic of the D-18 installed on my LRB Arms M14SA Tanker......
* I would also suggest the Criterion 18.5in chrome lined bbl from LRB Arms for a shootin tube. I have had one on another M14 of mine since 2006/7 when it was built, and it will shoot just as well as 3 different M1A "Loaded" models that I have compared it to so far........ and this tube is a std weight/contour bbl, compared to the medium weight 22in chrome molly or stainless steel tube that the Loaded M1A sports.
* Look here for reliable, current production, NIW, M14 magazines...
http://www.44mag.com/category/m1a_m14_magazines_usgi
I have bought quite a few mags from here, and they only sell the real deal. No used surplus, or "junk" mags, and these folks are very pleasant to do business with.
* Stocks: Wood, synthetic, pistol grip folders, etc....... It is about personal preference really. I prefer the M14 synthetics on my "working" rifles...
I fill in the selector lever holes, sand them up for shape, then paint them. Easy to "freshen" them up after a week of hunting, leave um as is, or give um a camo paint job...... Whatever I'm in the mood for
The options here are plenty.
* Optics: Plenty of options here as well. It all really depends on what you want, and where you wanna mount it.
I like the Arms # 18 older style split rail mount as this gives me the lowest profile I have found to date for a receiver mount. Lower than the LRB M25 even.
* Other: (LRB Arms specific)
They use a mix of USGI M14 parts, along with parts of their own, and in the end, you will have a very well built M14 to use for hunting, target shooting, etc....., and be as reliable/durable as any other type of 7.62x51mm semiautomatic out there now....if not more so.
Have I spent enough of your $$ yet? (LOL)
11B