M1A parts

[Bull]

I have a Springfield M1A SOCOM, and I want to upgrade some of the internals. I am doing more research now, but have read a lot about extraction failures, and various other issues, which led to my desire to upgrade. From what I have found, replacing the extractor and ejector, or even the entire bolt with USGI parts is what many folks recommend, in order to avoid any problems. Sadlak has what seems to be a pretty good operating rod spring guide and gas piston, so I will probably get those. When I finally get home after this 6 weeks of work I plan on talking to the local gunsmith where I bought my rifle. I also need to get a gun-smithing book or something so I can really learn about how everything actually functions and understand each parts purpose better. I definitely don't know enough about this, but it seems that I could use some USGI parts upgrades. Additionally, the gun has only had about 75 rounds through it, so everything is relatively new. This means that when I upgrade, I'll probably buy two of everything that may go bad, and that will give me two spares; the originals and the extra upgrade.

So, I was hoping someone has some knowledge they would like to share about this. If anyone knows of a good source to get a USGI ejector, extractor, springs, etc, or could point me in the right direction I would be very appreciative. If anyone has any other info or advise, that would be great. And if anyone could tell me about a good book to get that would really explain what everything in a gun does, and how it all works, that would be nice as well. Then I'll be able to look for parts, and actually know what the he!! I'm doing and why.

Thanks in advance.

[eeyore]

I have (had) a nornico m-14 copy. The information would be good to know. The only failure i had with that gun, was while shooting very dirty ammo. the unburned powder had jambed the bolt release button. and the bolt remained locked open until i could properly clean it.

[rice paddy daddy]

Bull, congratulations on owning a Springfield M1A. Mine's a Standard Model that was built in the early 90's with all USGI parts (except reciever, of course). I wanted a Standard because that's as close as I could get to the M14 i was isued in the Army.
There are two sites that I would highly reccommend you look at:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/

http://m14tfl.com/upload/

On the left hand margin of Surplus Rifle is a list of weapons, click on M14, and that page will give you detailed disassembly/reassembly instructions, specifications, etc. They also have an excellent forum.
The Firing Line has a whole section on our beloved M14's with many "stickies" covering parts, maintenance, even magazines. There is much, much more to the site than just M14's, but you will have to register to se everything. It's free, and well worth your time.

[Bull]

Thanks for the info guys. Now I'm also looking at getting an aftermarket stock. I like the looks of the McMillan MSF-14,( http://www.mcmfamily.com/mcmillan-st...list.php#mfs14 ) but haven't talked to anyone there about pricing. The other one I like is the VLTOR Modstack ( http://www.vltor.com/socom.htm ). Anyone know anything about the quality of these stocks?
@rice paddy daddy - I'll definitely check out those sites. Thanks again.

I tried to include links but you might if anyone is interested, but you might have to paste them in your browser.

[Klayton]

I have always thought of buying a few M14s for the home armory.
October I graduate from this pain-in-the-4th school and start working full time again, this is "prepping money" as me and wife made good decisions and can live off our current retirement checks. Would you purchase 5 M14s, or 5 AR15s, or 5 AKs?

My only hesitation on M14s is the odd way I have seen some scopes mounted to them (looks like a serious weak point). The above picture seems to not have that problem...

[rice paddy daddy]

Another thing to look for would be copies of US Army manuals. The FM's (Field Manual) are fairly simple and geared toward the individual soldier. The TM's (Technical Manual) are more detailed and just what the name implies.
43 years ago the name and function of each part, how to clean and maintain, feed and fire, field strip and put back together blindfolded, etc was hammered relentlessly into my brain.
But all that has been forgotten over the years, so my major resource is The Firing Line web site.:)
I cannot recommend that site enough for afficianados of military surplus weapons in general, and the M14/M1A in particular. And for my veteran friends: you will be at home here, many moderators and members are vets and we have our own child boards.

[Bull]

I was looking at The Firing Line last night and was really impressed. There was a ton of good info. I kept finding more and more things to look further into. Thanks for that. It has already helped a lot.