My M1A/Armalite struggle is over!

S

Steve Smith

New member
I went to the gun show today, and looked at everything really well. The salesman that had the best price on the M1A was an a$$ to me, (I guess he doesn't take 25 year olds seriously regarding $1300+ rifles), so I went on a Armalite search. Hmm, they're $100 more than they ought to be (only place at the show with an Armalite selection...Dave's guns). I decided to keep looking. Finally went back to where a friend was working, and agreed to actually beat the a$$ guy's price a little. I wound up with a "Loaded" M1A and I'm very happy with the decision, not that I have it in my hands. I might have been just as happy with the Ar-10, but I doubt it. It's SO FREAKIN' SOLID when it locks up! Obviously a heartier rifle than the AR-10 going by feel. One question...when I initially pull the operating handle (with rifle uncocked) getting the bolt to start moving is quite difficult. I have a match barrel in a 1911 and opening the slide is similarly difficult. Is the bolt on the rifle just fitted tightly? I paid $1325...how'd I do?
 
I haven't kept up with the latest prices, but that sounds about a hundred dollars high from what I saw when I bought mine a few months ago. Great rifles though, very reliable and great iron sights. Some advice: go IMMEDIATELY to www.cole-distributing.com and go to internet specials and buy some used USGI mags for $32 each shipped for five or more. Great deal.
 
If you can, think about how useless that rifle is without magazines, then go to coles and buy a bunch, USGI mags will not get cheaper, just the opposite. Considering how long the rifle could last, 10 mags is a minimum.
The rifle needs to be stripped down and greased. The M-14 was designed to be greased, not oiled, on the sliding surfaces -- op-rod, bolt etc. That should help with pulling the op-rod from an uncocked state. Shooting will also wear in some of the parts and that should help them fit better. Lightly oil the rest of the rifle, its good for the parkerizing.
Cleaning: get a Dewey bore guide and one piece coated fiberglass cleaning rod. Cleaning from the muzzle can do more damage to the barrel than shooting, so be careful. Enjoy.
 
Frontsight - Congrats! Enjoy your new rifle!

Ditto what riverdog mentioned about lubrication. For grease, I recommend Lubriplate 130A - you can get it through Brownells. Plastilube would work great as well.

For cleaning, I highly recommend an Otis kit that will let you clean breech to muzzle without field stripping the rifle. Check out http://www.otisgun.com for details. Lastly, don't forget to pick up some chamber brushes - the ratchet style USGI ones work great and aren't all that expensive.

Cliff
 
Walnut. Back around March, my dealer could have gotten me a walnut stock M1A for $1200. I wound up going with a preban for the same price though.
 
For my area you did about right $ wise.

I'm 25 also. I hate dealers who don't take you serious because of your age. They have no idea that we can be just as impulsive buyers as folks much older. :)
 
I bought my loaded package backin in May of 1998 when I had just turned 21. I paid $1481 after tax and fees. I love shooting that rifle at National Match courses. I too took these guys advice and went through Coles for some mags. A great deal. Get em now while you still can.
 
If you got the loaded model with the national match trigger and barrel, then they are running the same price you paid here in NC.
 
To answer your question: Lube the rifle per specifications with Lubriplate or Plastilube (or other more trendy, currently recommended lubes). Your rifle is normal.

Strongly suggest you check the Fulton Armory site and Culver Shooting Pages at www.jouster.com to get up to speed on this rifle. It is indeed an excellent weapon but works best in the hands of those who take the time to learn it. Inasmuch as it is essentially just a product-improved M1, there is about 65 years of accumulated experience out there on these rifles--and lots of people who will share that experience with you. Just go slowly. You and that rifle should have lots of good years together.

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