M1A Questions........

K

Kaliburz

New member
Well, I need some info on the M1A. I found a nice M1A package that I'm gonna pick up in few days........ but I need some 'info' on M1A's.

I was looking in the rifle selling section and saw something about Springfeild had a defect in the M1A's and that the pre ban being sold there (Ser #20K) was okay. What's this defect? What serial number range is it? :confused:

I found a pre ban M1A plane jane, 2-20rnd, 1-5rnd, and hard case for $870ish. :cool: Looks fairly good to me, but it was a quick look. The receiver and bolt don't show any sign of wear.

I wasn't going to get it, but I suddenly realized it was a preban since it had the bayo lug (hit me like 3 hours after I came home). It's about 1.5 hours away, so I'm looking at a 3+ hour drive if I want to get it.

I'm thinking the price is too good to be true and well........

Any info, suggestions, what to look for ........(okay, I didn't look down the barrel, since I wasn't thinking about getting it untill now)

Thanks.

Kaliburz
 
git it!

The #20k serial # range featured receivers which don't have the defect found in later guns. Springfield Inc. doesn't make their own receiver and contracts it out. Some foundries are better than others and whoever made the #20k group did a good job. Snatch up that Plain Jane and you can always gussy her up yourself.
 
The receiver bridge (web) serves to cam the firing pin away from the bolt face when the action is unlocked. Likewise, when the bolt is locked, the firing pin is permitted to travel fully forward. The defect is a "hump" on the camming surface, which can cause the tail of the firing pin to wear prematurely and break. If the firing pin tail breaks, you can have slam fires. Remedy is to mill the bridge or frequent inspection of the firing pin tail for stress or cracks (if so, replace). The 20k series were good receivers in that they did not have this defect.

For an example of a good bridge, look at the real gubmint M-1 Garand and examine how the area where the camming takes place is cleanly machined. Your M1A should be just as clean and many of the newer ones (above 50k) has a "lump" of extra metal which shouldn't be there.

Springfield Inc. knows about the defect, but has not, to my knowledge, done anything in the way of recall or correcting their current contract foundry to improve their receiver castings.
 
Ah, the info on it.............

Springfeild Armory
US Rifle M1A

Ser # 71K
Bayo lug and flash hider...........

Had the cleaning stuff in the butt stock, 2-20rnd, 1-5rnd and hardcase. They had 4 mags aside for 15 each. Total cost, a tad bit over $920.... no tax.........Oregon :)

(Cost about 35 in gas to go get it and a 4.5 hour total trip)

Barrel looks good, bolt looks good. It's a little dry, needs a good oiling. Has a sling, leather, military type.

Any comments on this 'package'.....

Kaliburz
 
Kaliburz,

Count your blessings...

If it is in any kind of decent shape at all, you got a really sweet deal.

Swampy
 
Hermiston, Oregon........ (right next to Umatilla(sp)..... where the US has it's nerve gas stored)..... the place has a lot of stuff. They have some used AR mags, original Colt, 20 and 30 rounders for $20 each. The M1A mags (4), were priced that.........

Sorry, but it's already sold.........:D It's just one of those things you can't pass up thing...........:p

My dealer buddy said, after we looked at it and took a bore rope down the barrel....... he would rate it at 95%+.

The barrel is bright and clean. Bolt shows a slight rub/scuff, probably where it just rubbed the receiver. The stock.....a few marks, maybe 5 total. Who ever owned it before hand may have hunted w/ it since it has the 5 round mag.

It was just .......... dumb luck. I was down there to visit my cousin, but they were not home when we arrived. Mom forgot to tell me that we were suppose to call them on the cell saying we were passing the Tri Cities (Richland, Pasco, Kennewick...in Washington....state). They said they'ed be another 45 min. So I went over to this place I knew had interesting stuff. Heck, Glock 17 mags, FML for $60 bucks! Beretta 9mm mags for $25......factory if I recall (used). There was an original or early, AR15.......the triangle handguards for $1400 or so.....I've seen better.

Any how, it just caught my eye........ listed $955, but 10% off since it was hunting season. As I said, it only hit me it was pre ban after I got home........

Now it's at my buddies gun show (till I find away to get it in the house......live at home). Getting it past mom is like what married men try to get past their wives....... Yes, I'm a young pup, but I know my limits and I (usually) know a deal when I see/ am presented w/ one.

Shotting it will be the test........ wouldn't you say? I'll keep ya all informed........ (if ya want to know).....

Later.

Looks like the M1 Carbine, Garand and ARs will have a new buddy in the safe........
 
You need to learn these things.

Go shooting early in the morning, unobserved if possible. Take only the AK or the carbine. TAKE AN EMPTY CASE. (See where I'm going with this?)

When you come home, the M1A in the case will have to pretend to be your M1 Garand until it gets to the safety of the safe.

Good luck. If you are caught or captured, we will disavow any knowledge of your actions.

Regards.
 
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