Front stock ferrule on M1A.

[MTMilitiaman]

I have a Springfield Armory M1A with the factory synthetic stock. I have the stock with the rubber butt pad rather than the cleaning kit and stuff in it. The rifle has been a sweet shooter for me but recently has started throwing rounds, and I've noticed a dramatic shift in POI. Upon investigating I noticed the front stock ferrule is missing, resulting in a perceivable amount of play in the front of the stock. I ordered a replacement from Brownells, however when it arrived it was way too small. I am wondering if installing it is supposed to require fitting--and it wouldn't be what I would call a minor fitting job either--or if Springfield uses a proprietary stock that requires a different part. The part Brownells sent me is small enough that I have to wonder if they are screwing around with me. Its outside diameter doesn't look much, if any, larger than the outside diameter of the stock. Springfield doesn't have the part listed on their website under "parts," so it would be something I would have to call up and order direct from them. I am at a loss here. This isn't something I expected to turn into a difficult job. It's perplexing to me that Brownells could send me something so obviously Micky-Mouse, so I am trying to wrap my head around it by considering other options, and I am open to suggestions.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Springfield in my opinion has some of the best customer service out there. I'd give them a call. Might even get the part for free. If the part you get doesn't fit or fix the problem I suspect Springfield will fix it for you at no cost and may even pick up shipping both ways.

 

[YankeeFlyr]

There ain't one...

There is no stock ferrule on the synthetic stocked standard M1A.

Dunno why, but my 2004 came without one...just the "depression" where one might have been on a wood-stocked gun.

Look at the website pics at SA and "enlarge" or whatever it says...in the full screen view you can see there isn't a stock ferrule on that model.

 

[madcratebuilder]

There is a stock ferrule on every wood and GI glass stock I have seen. I have a half dozen out in the shop. The stock ferrule is a very important part. The ferrule transfers the preload of the stock to the barrel band. Without it you well have major accuracy problems.

The front ferrule can be very difficult to replace. You need to open it up so it well slide over the end and then it needs to be compressed so it is very tightly held in position. The bottom of the ferrule rubs against the lip of the barrel band. These two contact surfaces need to be very smooth and greased.

 

[YankeeFlyr]

They don't come with one.

Look at the SA website's pics. I got mine NIB and it doesn't have one.

It's maybe not a "G.I. stock"?

 

[MTMilitiaman]

Hmm. I don't remember losing it, but if it didn't come with one, something else is wrong. I don't remember having the flex or space in the forend that it has now, and it is definitely shooting 3 to 5 MOA lower than it was, and throwing rounds when it didn't before.

 

[1KPerDay]

SAI used to use GI fiberglass stocks repainted/refinished with the selector cutout filled in. They had ferrules and were generally stiff, good stocks. The current plastic stocks don't. A lot of people feel the plastic stocks are too flexible if you're looking for accuracy.

However that doesn't explain why your particular rifle started throwing rounds.

Stupid question: have you changed ammo? Optics? started using a sling? anything else?

 

[YankeeFlyr]

On mine I can move it some with my thumb, at that far end...but on it's own it's lightly preloaded against the barrel band tang.

IS your front sight and/or flash suppressor loose?

Are you tensioned enough on your rear sight so it doesn't migrate around?