How to tell if a M-1A has all GI parts or new cast parts?

[Trebor]

I ran across a nice looking Springfield Armory Inc. M-1A at a local shop today.

I know that early rifles used all USGI parts, except for the receiver, and that SA started making cast parts as the GI parts got scarce.

How can I tell if the parts on this rifle are USGI or repro?

The serial number is 095095 if that helps anyone date the manufacture of the rifle.

 

[Telperion]

According to Lee Emerson, SA had full parts kits until at least the 100000 mark. That serial number probably dates the rifle to the late '90s. Can you ask to field strip it and take note of the markings on the barrel, op rod, bolt, and trigger housing?

 

[ROMAK IV]

You just have to disassemble the rifle and examine the parts. Even after SA switched to cast parts, they would substitute GI parts if there was a failure, so some rifles might have mixed parts. The only difficult part to replace, were you wanting to convert back to GI parts wuld be the barrel. The receiver is investment cast and it is sufficiently strong. The bolt can be seen without disassembly, and if it is a cast past from Springfield, most likely the rest of the parts are, but aren't necessarily so.

 

[Trebor]

Actually, this rifle has a SA Inc scope mount on it and I can't get a good look at the bolt markings. I just can't see them under the mount.

I'll see if they let me field strip it. You never know.

The rifle is probably over priced. It looks clean, but they want $1,400 for it. I'm hoping it hangs around for awhile without selling so they'll cut the price.

 

[Gator]

Sounds over priced, if it is a standard model. Throw away the SA scope mount. The bolt and op-rod are the main cast parts to be concerned about, some info here.

 

[casio02478]

Why are the bolt and op rod major concern? I just picked one up and was wondering what are the reasons that I should switch it out for USGI? Also is the trigger a area of concern? In term of the bolt is the entire bolt suspect or the stripped down part?

 

[30Cal]

I dunno. I've put over 10,000rds on my cast oprod (midway through my 2nd barrel). It fits better than the new GI one I have.

 

[Slamfire]

Dabble in the excellent forum at Battle Rifles. The moderator Different, has collected the largest selection of M1a data any where.

Try this direct link to the FAQ http://www.ambackforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=27362

 

[eldon519]

I'm curious how much it really matters as well. I just got a new SA M-1A not long ago, and it seems to be a pretty high quality weapon.

 

[Gator]

SA, Inc. had so many problems with their cast bolts, including a recall, that they chucked them all together and now forge their own bolts. The op-rods fit, they just tend to be a bit soft and wear out quickly. 30Cal must have got a good one, but mine only lasted a couple thousand rounds before it started "jumping the track". The SA, Inc. trigger assemblies work fine. Check out the links provided for MUCH more info. "Different" literally wrote the book on M1As.