Found something on my M1A

[mattw]

So I've had this Springfield Armory M1A for about 6 or 7 years now and never really took the time to closely examine it. I haven't even really shot it all that much, probably only 400 rounds down the pipe. Its an awesome rifle, I just don't have the cash to feed it, being a poor college student.

So Today I go curious as to whether or not the barrel on my brother's AR15 was magnetic particle tested (it was). Then I though I might check the barrel on my M1A to see what type of markings were on that barrel and if it were marked as being MP tested or Chrome lined. It wasn't marked that is was MP or C, but I saw that it was marked "Winchester --- Feb --- 61 --- R."

So I found out that the M1A I bought a few years ago, supposedly after SA stopped using USGI surplus parts and began cranking out sub-standard M1As, had a really nice Winchester 1961 M14 barrel.

I'll tear it down later on tonight and look for other markings that would indicate USGI parts. Any one know where to look? How are USGI op rods marked? What about the trigger housing groups?

 

[vzenmn]

Congrats on the find.

I think my dad's has an H&R barrel and a mixture of other USGI parts. But he bought it used in 1999. Unfortunatly I don't have one but have every once in a while pondered selling half my guns, left nut, and soul to buy one. But with the current price on ammo and the election coming soon that will never happen.

How bad are the new production parts anyway? I'd be really wicked PO if I forked over 1300 dollars for a gun and have parts break left and right.

 

[mattw]

Honestly I doubt the new production parts are bad. I was just alluding to what some people on other boards have said. Mostly ridiculous crap about how if you don't have a forged LRB receiver your rifle is junk.

 

[Rugerlvr]

Every USGI part that has a marking (some don't) should have the maker's mark. SA for Springfield Armory, WRA for Winchester Repeating Arms, HR for Harrington & Richardson, etc. That would give you a clue.

Some of the barrels on H&R Garands were made by LMR (Line Materials Resarch) But I don't think that applies to your M1A.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

I have a new production rifle. I only have about 500 rounds through but I am already head over heels for the girl. Accurate, reliable...we just click in an almost magical way.





Crap? I think not!

 

[MechAg94]

I guess they could turn up their noses and forge everything, but I bet the price would go up considerably. I doubt most would like that.

 

[BigGunsMoreFun]

I found something on mine too

One hell of a big, over blown price. Other than that, I love it.

Molon Labe,
Joe

 

[Andrewsky]

Congrats on the find.

I wish my rifles were all GI parts, more for authenticity than perceived reliability.

Some people act like cast SAI bolts are made out of rubber.

It is probably a good idea to change out the extractor for GI. The Taiwanese are a wonderful and industrious people but they haven't mastered the art of machining M14 extractors.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The early SA cast bolts have been recalled, if you have one, check with SA, they replace them with a forged bolt. My 1981 standard came with a Wilson NM six groove barrel, SA op-rod, GI trigger and now has a SA forged bolt. The only part I have changed out is the extractor. Personally I think the USGI thing is a bit over hyped. USGI=lowest bidder.

 

[vzenmn]

Thanks for clearing it up.

MTMilitiaman, That M1A and 1911 are beutiful and make a great pair. The M1A looks like my dads except for the SS barrel and that krinkly paint on the stock is not chipping off by the bucket on yours.

 

[martinc64]

I just bought an SA M1A on saturday and have put about 80 round through it. Accurate as I could ever want it to be right out of the box.

If this rifle is junk I wonder what good rifles are like.

 

[Andrewsky]

Martin, I've found that SAI M1As are at the top when it comes to fit and finish.

This is why I always go when people talk about SAI M1As like they're junk.

My M1A Standard was certainly worth $1249.99 thank you very much.

 

[MassMark]

I recently looked at a Springfield Armory Loaded, (2007 manufacture). The trigger group, oprod, bolt and piston were all USGI. My M1A SOCOM is also sporting USGI parts - including what appears to be a match tuned USGI trigger group. If SAI is out of USGI parts, it must be a new thing...

 

[Match14]

Just to let you know the Winchester M14 parts often do not say WRA on them. I have a confimed USGI bolt, OpRod, and Trigger Group that are all Winchester, they have the 5 or 6 digit drawing number for Winchester, but are not stamped WRA. Check out www.m14forum.com for details.

 

[Andrewsky]

My bolts and operating rods are marked SA.

I haven't checked the numbers against a database, I'm just assuming they're SAI, not USGI Springfield.

 

[BeJaRa]

it is funny how people will bash an SA M1A for not having forged or USGI parts but will turn around and sing the praises of a folded sheet metal AK variant. Most of us could not wear out a MIM or cast reciever in our lifetimes. the guys who can afford to shoot a 308 enough to wear out a cast reciever can afford to buy what ever they want anyway.