A few M1A questions

[myhandle87]

So the other day I picked up a decently priced, used Springfield M1A and I have a few questions about it. I know it's at least a National Match since it has a NM barrel and the sights have a hooded aperture, however is there any way I can figure out if it's a Super Match? Also, could someone post a close up picture of the bolt face so I can compare for wear? It looks like the gun was fairly lightly used, but I just want to double check just in case.

 

[Jason_G]

I know it's at least a National Match since it has a NM barrel and the sights have a hooded aperture

Not necessarily. It could have been a Loaded model that someone put a hooded aperture on. Is the barrel a medium contour or heavy contour? SAI makes both, and both say "NM" on them.

however is there any way I can figure out if it's a Super Match?

Did it come with the oversized stock? If not, I would venture that it is either a Loaded or a NM.

I guess what I'm getting at is that the M14/M1A is easily "accessorized" with NM parts, etc. For all you know the thing might be a Standard model that has had work done on it.

Here's the way to tell for sure:
Email the serial number to Springfield. They can tell you what the rifle left the factory as.

Congrats on your new rifle.

Jason

 

[Slamfire]

" I can figure out if it's a Super Match?

I purchased a Super Match rifle in Jan 92. This was one of the first Super Match versions on the market, so production had to start 1991.

Previous match versions of the rifle had the heavy stock, all GI parts, heavy Douglas barrel, glass bedded with Bisonite, NM everything, but the receivers were not rear lugged.These were called "National Match" at the time the Super Match came out.

The Super Match rifles had rear lugged receivers.

It looks like the gun was fairly lightly used,

Very few match rifles incurr heavy use. The owners shoot a couple matches, like the sport, upgrade with new equipment, shoot that rifle a couple times, and quit. They typically quit when they graduate up to Expert class. The reason is, to win Expert, Sharpshooter, etc, takes a lot of work.

We live in an society of instant gratification.

So, you will often find high dollar match rifles in excellent condition.

 

[myhandle87]

The guy who sold it to me was doing so on consignment and it sounded like the one he was selling it needed some money back, hence selling off his M1A and his ARs.

How can I tell the difference between a rear lugged reciever and a normal one?

 

[glockman19]

As others have said, SA M1A Loaded model comes with a national match barrel, sights and trigger group. At least mine did.

they are great rifles. Congrats. What did you pay for it? If $1,500 or less I doubt it was anyghing more than a Loaded.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

How can I tell the difference between a rear lugged reciever and a normal one?

Rear lugged receivers have an additional lug in the rear of the receiver to increase bedding surfaces, as seen in these pics, courtesy of LRB Arms website--http://www.lrbarms.com/m14receivers.html

Standard M1A/M14 receiver configuration:

Rear-lugged M1A/M14 receiver configuration as would be found in a Super Match rifle:

 

[myhandle87]

Well I'll be damned. I managed to get a Super Match for just shy under a grand. That just made my day. Thanks for the problem solving, folks.

 

[dmftoy1]

You probably answered an ad for a used chevy and found a 63 Vette Split Window for $1500 too didn't you? (*$^^*($)^$)(^

Glad you got a good deal!

 

[H2O MAN]

myhandle87 is there any way I can figure out if it's a Super Match?

Call Springfield Armory, Inc. with the serial number and they will tell you how it was configured when it left the factory.

 

[Mass-Diver]

Pics?

 

[glockman19]

Well I'll be damned. I managed to get a Super Match for just shy under a grand. That just made my day. Thanks for the problem solving, folks.

If you are correct, that is a smoking deal. Congrats.

 

[Kingcreek]

I purchased a Super Match rifle in Jan 92. This was one of the first Super Match versions on the market, so production had to start 1991.

Previous match versions of the rifle had the heavy stock, all GI parts, heavy Douglas barrel, glass bedded with Bisonite, NM everything, but the receivers were not rear lugged.These were called "National Match" at the time the Super Match came out.

The Super Match rifles had rear lugged receivers.

Sorry Slamfire, but I think you are not totally correct.
I purchased my SuperMatch in 1986. It was (and is) called a SuperMatch but does NOT have a rear lug. Curiously, it does not have the oversized stock but is glass bedded, air-guaged douglas barrel, etc. It was hand assembled by the late Glen Nelson of Atlanta contracted by Springfield Armory Inc.

a good SuperMatch is a hell of a bargain at $1k.

 

[Slamfire]

I purchased my SuperMatch in 1986. It was (and is) called a SuperMatch but does NOT have a rear lug.

I was unaware they used the name before the rear lugged receivers came out. I am very certain I have one of the first rear lugged SA receivers.

And I believe it too was assembled by Glen Nelson. I later called him up and bought some stocks from him. Sad to hear he is no longer with us.

 

[30Cal]

You'll be able to see that rear lug when you pull the trigger group out. If you know what you're looking at, you can also tell by how the bedding is done around the receiver heel.

 

[Kingcreek]

I might also advise that you seldom remove that bedded action from the stock-if ever.