Isnt the springfield M1A a "civilianized" version of the M14 ? If it is, still watch your thumb.
Check out the web site for "Gunbroker.com" as well as the Civilian Marksmanship Program. The CMP has grades for the M1A1 and they will be able to tell you what it may be worth in the different grades.
01 2500CQSLT Blue, 4X4 short bed, auto, Fab Four Black Steel Bumper, 70 Gal extra tank in bed, ATS Torque Converter, BD Exhaust Brake, 9000i Warn winch for front and back, Leer Topper, pulling a 10K Holiday Ramble Trailer.
For the guys talking about watching their thumbs, you're referring to the M1 Garand which was clip fed from the top. Great guns and I own a few. The civilian M1a successor is magazine fed from the bottom.
If its an auto ANYTHING watch ALL body parts the M 60 was a great weapon until you ate the bolt and then it wasnt so good anymore. As far as having a bayonet on your weapon must have been a different conflict