Which M1A Tool(s)?

I see the M1A Gadget, M1A Combotool and M1A Disassembly Tool.

I know the disassembly tool is for the gas piston, but what does the Combotool do? Do I need all 3 or just the combotool?

IIRC, the combo tool is a gas lug nut wrench, ejector depresser / removal tool, collapsable cleaning rod handle and I think a couple of other things. If I understand you correctly, the Disassembly tool is also a gas cylinder wrench, which keeps the gas cylinder from excessive torque while removing the lug nut to get at the gas piston. Don't know what the Gadget is...pics?

Of the two I can ID, you can live without both for a good while since you really shouldn't bust open the gas cylinder or take the bolt down too often. But when you do, you'll need both.

Of course, the ongoing gadget buying is part of firearm ownership. Go ahead...indulge yourself!

S.

Combo tool
http://www.springfield-armory.com/shop/shop_image/product/thumb/M1A_acc/cc5010sm.jpg

Diss'y tool
http://www.springfield-armory.com/shop/shop_image/product/thumb/M1A_acc/ma5060sm.jpg

'Gadget'
http://www.springfield-armory.com/shop/shop_image/product/thumb/M1A_acc/ma5065sm.jpg


Flash suppressor pliers
http://www.springfield-armory.com/shop/shop_image/product/thumb/M1A_acc/ma5014sm.jpg
Will this work on muzzle brakes?

You'll need both the Combo Tool and the Disassembly Tool at some point; the combo will ease breaking down the bolt and the Dssmbly will allow you to yank the gas cylinder plug. If your muzzle brake is tight (PRK or flash hider), and you never plan to change it out, you won't ever need the pliers. Never seen the Gadget, and haven't missed whatever features it offers; have completely stripped my M1A except to the point of removing the rear sight.

One tool you haven't mentioned that is a godsend is the bolt assembly tool. Once you've cleaned the bolt and want to put it back together, you'll need another set of hands if you're by yourself and you don't have this tool. They ain't cheap though.

You'll need the pliers if you want to remove the hider/brake without a lot of cussing and possible damage to parts.

The pliers are really for the castle nut, holding the flash suppressor to the barrel. What is sometimes important is the flash suppressor alignment tool, which is a fancy name for a 30 caliber sized rod that makes sure the flash suppressor is centered. http://www.springfield-armory.com/shop/shop_image/product/full/M1A_acc/ma5066lg.jpg

Frohickey, will THAT work with the muzzlebrake as well?

Yep. Works with the muzzle break too.

On a similar note, one of the accuracy tips in the Scott Duff M1A book is to ream out the tines in the flash suppressor a bit more, giving the exiting bullet more space. According to the book, sometimes, you have to shoot in the rain, and rainwater collecting on the flash suppressor might be enough to change the bullet path drastically.