Here is a list of the current M14 type rifle makers out there now.
The companies already mentioned first.
Springfield Armory Inc. : (SAI) Cast rec.
Fulton Armory : Cast rec
Smith enterprises Inc. : (SEI) Looks like they are soon to release their new rec out
LRB Arms : forged rec.
Here are 2 more that haven't been mentioned yet.
7.62MM Firearms : cast and forged rec.
James River Armory : Same as above. I am fairly certain that they are using 762mm receivers and LRB receivers for their builds.
Here are my favorite pair of M14/M1A...
At top is an SAI M1A-A1 Bush rifle built at the factory with USGI parts min us rec,bbl, and front sight post. ( Op-rod, trigger group, and bolt are TRW)
The One below is a custom build M14S Tanker with a Norinco receiver at it,s heart. GI/SEI/OEM parts with 18.5in Criterion chrome lined bbl. ARMS #18 split rail mount to top her off.
Both shoot just fine and with 0 issues so far. My favorite of the 2 rifles above would have to be the M14S, as I use this rifle the most ...to include hunting hogs.
I'm not much into the cast-forged debate. So far....I haven't broke either..
It's nice that a body can opt for either...or both.
Some close up shots of the Norinco M14S tanker (left) and the SAI M1A-A1 (right)....
SAI on the left with the Norinco on the right...
SAI at top...Norinco at bottom......
SAI on left withthe std castlenut/front sightassembly/flashhider layout....and without the bayonet lug.
The M14S sports an SEI direct connect Vortex flashhider along with their gas lock (hooded) front sight.....
top to bottom....
Norinco M14S Tanker
SAI M1A-A1 Bush rifle
Bayonet replacement device...( SAI XD service)
Note: SAI std weight 18in bbls are not chrome lined and sport a 1/11in twist rate. The Criterion bbl I picked up from LRB Arms is chrome lined, with a 1/12in twist rate. It is also a half inch longer, but shorter in OAL due to the SEI "front end" pictured above.
Note: The difference between a Scout and a Bush model is as follows......
The bush rifle uses a flash hider instead of the SAI muzzle brake, does not have a forward optics mount, and uses a std hand-guard instead of the Scout's "cut out" version because of this reason.
I like all of the bbl lengths (22/18/16)..... but the 18/18.5's are my favorite shooters by a long shot.
Note: SAI M1A's built with GI parts seem to retain their value a tad better than the rifle's built otherwise.
Last but not least......... My advice is that you should take some time and really research as to what you want in the end. If your end cap financially = 1500, then this will eliminate most of the list, and narrow it down to either an M1A, Norinco/Polytech M14S, and push the envelope on a 7.62MM M14S cast receiver build. ( Last I looked, they were using Criterion bbls, and they produce quite a few of their own parts as well.)
Good luck with your decision.