My new Springfield M1A

Heir Kommt Die Sonne said:

So I finally got one. It feels so right when I lean it against my other rifles.
I had to trade alot for it but nevertheless it's mine now.
View attachment 956138
It's bulky, but handles well. I'm getting used to changing the mags. It's addicting cycling the action.
Only question I have is what's the deal with all the extra wood?
View attachment 956139
Is this normal or do I have to do some fitting? (I'd rather not as it' was expensive)

I would like some advice for this rifle, some drill maneuvers, manuals from the time, etc.
I'll let you all know how it shoots.

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Here is mine with Winchester M14 USGI wood for your comparison.View attachment 956151 View attachment 956152
This stock is not oversized, though the slimest I have owned was a USGI Springfield stock.
I don't think you have any fitting to do to your stock. It is just a larger or oversized stock, which is seen on match rifles.

Nice. Mine, although quite a few years ago, had plenty of wood too.. it now wears Springfields polomer/ plastic as the wood on mine was way to nice for the rifles intended purpose. A bit lighter too.
Dont get caught up in the ' difficult to scope ' thing, as if you desire to do so, ARMS 18 is a great low profile, sturdy platform to mount optics on.
Have fun run a bunch of rounds through it and see if you want to change stuff.
I love mine.

https://www.treelinem14.com/M14-M1A-Stocks-and-Stock-Parts_c2.htm

https://www.treelinem14.com/M14-Parts_c6.htm

http://www.bassettmachine.com/

Great. Steel and wood battle rifle is the ticket.
Add an M6 on that lug.
Basset low mount and Bradley cheek rest for scope if desired.
No hunting ammo.

I've always wanted one, just never followed through on my want. Congrats.

Looks like a big red stock. Made for highpower target shooting. If you want a slimmer, lighter, handier stock, get a GI wood or fiberglass one. Congrats on a great rifle!

I have an old 5 digit M1A that I bought in 1990 that is still my favorite in my safe!! My father carried the M14 in Nam, this is the rifle I learned when I grew up.

Mine has an HRA GI stock that is similar to mshootnit's Winchester stock profile. I also have one of the GI fiberglass stocks that I have been intending to paint for the last several years, but haven't managed to get it done. That's a great looking rifle that you have there. Shoot it, learn it, and enjoy it!

az_imuth said:

Mine has an HRA GI stock that is similar to mshootnit's Winchester stock profile. I also have one of the GI fiberglass stocks that I have been intending to paint for the last several years, but haven't managed to get it done. That's a great looking rifle that you have there. Shoot it, learn it, and enjoy it!
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Yes, the profile and even the grain on that H&R are very similar to my Winchester stock.

Heir Kommt Die Sonne said:

where can I find a pair of 10 rounds magazines?

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FWIW, I just rechecked the usual suspects:

Natchez, Midsouth, Grafs, Brownells and Midway both seem to be either out of stock or don't carry 10-rounders

Springfield's website doesn't really indicate availability, so you takes your chances (and pays through de nose):
https://store.springfield-armory.co...-6-5-creedmoor-58p143.htm?atc=1&idproduct=143

CTD has them if you're OK with ProMag: https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/pro...rounds-steel-black-m1a01/FC-708279010682.html

And then there's gunbroker: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/883662713

Look for them in Colorado as that is all they let us have.....

Try Checkmate magazines, they are OEM manufacturers for Springfield. I’ve got a couple of them.

A GI synthetic stock and checkmate 10 round mags, are what the NM M1A I use, wears.
A cleaning kit in the buttstock is a big plus.
I carry that rifle everywhere, and while Im a huge Mosin fan, my eye sight has changed enough that I use the peeps on the M1A to better effect than the notch Mosins 'V'........and I can scope it if need be.
I also paint my stock with the seasons, and the 10 rounders are comfy, the only improvement I can think of would be a side mounted sling for long carrys.
You have done well, they eat most any ammo that fits in the mags, at least mine does, and shoots 150'gs to 185'g,
Ive settled on PMC Bronze 150's and ding the 8inch steel dong at 200 yards 10 outta 10, with my rear sights set at 200, further is easy at the turn of the drum.
An excellent way to express your 2nd A skills.

Heir Kommt Die Sonne said:

The biggest thing I want for right now is just a couple of 10 round mags, because the 20 rounders are kinda long and get in the way of the sling.

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Try Springfield Armory, they usually carry 5 and 10 round magazines.

I dont think the upper handguard comes in different thicknesses. So having a match-style stock means the upper will look a little anemic by comparison

Another vote for Checkmate mags, if you can find them in stock.

And to contribute to the gun porn, a buddy of mine has this M1A. The original walnut is kept aside, in pristine shape. The guy he bought it from threw in the fiberglass GI stock for free...

Is the Rifle a National Match model? "NM" on the rear sight, barrel, or flashhider?

That would be sweet, and it seems to me that you have a hooded rear sight used on Match Rifles.

You will need some proprietary tools to properly service that rifle. Also, if you are the literary type, pick up a copy of The US M-14 Rifle by Frank Iannamico, and maybe Jerry Kuhnhausen's .30 service rifle book for more tips and history on it.

I have the M1a's baby brother... the Socom16...

You have a match rifle. The stock is not unfinished. They are over-built by design. The bulky stock is the primary reason I prefer the standard rifles to the match rifles. Either way, nice rifle that is still in service to some degree with the US military.