[Cliff C]

Welp... In this thread (http://www.familyfriendsfirearms.com/cgi-bin/fff/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=8&t=000055&counterhit=yes) I detailed the first inspection of my new M1A.

I mentioned that it seemed 'ready to run' right out of the box with regards to condition and proper lubrication. I also mentioned that I wasn't going to field strip the rifle prior to shooting it.

Well... it wasn't and I did. When I cycled the bolt the action just sounded, well, wrong. Too metallic, like something was grating. I just had to get in there and dig around. :)

I broke the rifle into three groups, unlatched and removed the op rod spring guide, pulled out the op rod spring and found... oxidation! :mad: The spring wasn't pitted, but there was a fine reddish coat on it. Not only that, it was bone dry. Not a lick of grease or lube on it. To top things off, the spring is slightly bent.

I cleaned the spring with some CLP and then used my fingers to apply a light coat of Plastilube. I also applied a light coating on the underside of the barrel where the op rod rides. It sounds better, but I'm ordering a new spring. Fortunately, they're only $5.00. Still...

So much for the bad and the ugly. :)

More rambling follows - you folks who have M1A's, or who are considering buying one, may be interested.

As long as I was mucking about, I decided to see what parts were USGI and what parts were commercial (cast) copies. This is (mostly) the "good" part. Naturally I don't include every little roll pin, but the major parts were of interest.

Receiver - Commercial. Springfield Armory (But then, we knew that).
Operating rod - USGI (Springfield Armory)
Bolt - USGI (Springfield Armory... looks like it was mfr'ed in May of '62... I think)
Operating rod guide - USGI (Couldn't see the mfr - verified by dimensions.)
Rear sight - USGI (Not sure about the aperature)
Trigger assembly (Including guard) - Commercial (Springfield Armory)
Stock - Commercial
Barrel - Commercial (I think it's a Barnett - medium gauge)
Bolt lock - USGI (I think - not positive)
Gas assembly - USGI (With the exception of the gas cylinder lock)


Now... why are these things so freekin' expensive?!?! :eek:

Using prices from Fulton Armory (not the cheapest place in town, but I know their parts are good quality), I broke some of the major components down (note: stuff like $199.95 gets rounded up to $200.00).

Bolt - USGI, complete: $200.00
Operating Rod - USGI: $200.00
Rear sight - NM, complete: $115.00
Gas Cylinder - (Including lock and plug): $75.00
Gas Piston - USGI: $ 20.00
Trigger Group, USGI, complete: $170.00
Barrel - Fulton Armory, medium weight, NM: $250.00
Front sight and band: $20.00
Stock - New walnut: $110.00
Butt plate assembly: $30.00
Flash Suppressor (repro): $40.00

According to my calculator, that adds up to: $1,230.00!!

This does NOT include the price of the receiver (figure $600.00 to $700.00) and all of the other misc. parts.

Yeah, I know. Buying automobile parts is a lot more expensive than buying the whole car. But USGI M14 parts are mongo expensive and getting scarce. If you have a rifle with mostly USGI parts, treasure it. If you don't, upgrade what you can. In the not too distant future those parts will be long gone.

Apologies for the long dissertation. And yes... I do (finally) have some time on my hands. :p

Cliff

[Carston]

Cliff,
They are so freeakking pricy cause there are a select few of us out there that will pay the price.

Just thing the mags are $35.00 plus but you could have had a FAL and $8.00 mags...Did you wnat a FAL, Did I want a FAL....no sireeeee
We want to be specail and have a full grode up version of Stu's Mini Thingies :rolleyes:

As for mine, being a standard and all I had an awefull trigger. Well got to looking at it and playing with it, a few ligt swipes with a small file, and some surface cleaning with a Daimond emery board and it is much better...I may just have to get some Brownells Action Magic 2 and see what that does for it.

Let us know how it shoots.

Carston....

Kicking back and relaxing while Stu is away, sorta quiet and peaceful. Hell, that is just the calm before the storm....he will be back full of Pi$$ and vinagar about us missing the shoot.

[Cliff C]

Carston mentioned: They are so freeakking pricy cause there are a select few of us out there that will pay the price.

True. Some might say "misguided" rather than "select", tho. :D

I remember the first time I saw a photo of an M14 I was all of about 10 years old. I thought it was a *beautiful* rifle and wanted one for my very own. It only took me 40 years later to acquire a commercial version. ;)

What didn't you like about the trigger on yours? Was the break heavier than you liked, lousy takeup... what? You're a braver man than I messing with it. It's not unheard of for some folks to try and make the break a little lighter, stone off a little TOO much, and the rifle starts doubling on them... or, goes full auto. :eek:

I'll let y'all know how mine shoots... 10 more days. :(

Don't mind Stu... he's just cheesed 'cuz Blue broke his Thompson.

Cliff

[Carston]

Cliff....
Oh Misguided......we ARE a select few. You with your new prize and the M1 should be like grand PUPA.
Now as for what I did to the trigger group was just clean up the rough egdes.....I would dare say I now have a 2-3 pound pull..alot of take up but once there it is a very light squeeze.
Well been shoping the boards... Smith Mount coming with Leupold MKIV rings for the ATN scope.

I want more mags, I need more mags.....what an awesome feeling to know you paid to much but they work.
Hey wait...I was just thinking back...I have been paying way to much all along :rolleyes:
I mean face it, years ago a movie, dinner and maybe get lucky in the back.....well you know was $10.00

[ 08-21-2001: Message edited by: Carston ]