You can get a Springfield M1A for around $1500. You can't get M14s because they are all considered machineguns even if they are set up for semi-auto only. The receivers can readily take the full auto parts so the ATF deems them too dangerous for us peasants.
I've got an M1 Carbine handed down from my father. I wish the US rifles weren't so expensive. It's amazing how many foreign military rifles I can buy for one US rifle.
thanks for clarifying the ability to get m14's I was unsure of that.