M1A--any worries

[The Freeholder]

I have a line on, among other things, a like new Springfield M1A. I'm guessing it's a older gun, pre-94. Owner hasn't shot it much--he collects, and just has more than he can shoot.

I'm curious, though. It looks like a lot of GI parts in this one. I've heard the typical Internet rumors/horror stories that having the wrong USGI parts can get one into various sorts of Class III sans license hot water.

Can anyone tell an M1A newbie what, if anything, he should watch out for?

 

[Kaylee]

With an M1A, I don't think you have anything to worry about. So long as there isn't a little slidy bar on the right side of the action with a little knob in back above the trigger on the right hand side, you're cool.

The M14 autosystem was a bit of a hack anyway, so I can't think of anything in the trigger group that's even different -- someone kindly correct me if I'm wrong?

Anyhow, a commercial M1A reciever won't *let* you install the autoparts, so no worries.

 

[MechAg94]

Sounds like a good buy to me if you like the price.

 

[SoCalShooter]

Sounds like you will be ok, if he is a collector most collectors are very picky about their weapons, even if it has a few odd parts they can be easily fixed by you or by taking it to a gun smith, the m1a is a very very very good rifle and will treat you well.

 

[Eat Beef]

There are a number of sources for "fake" full auto selectors, which are there to provide the look of a real M14, so even if the rifle has a selector, you're still prolly OK.

Like Kaylee said, if is stamped M1A or M14s, chances are it's a semi, IE, the reciever doesn't have the proper nooks and crannies to allow full auto fire.

You could always load a few rounds, say, 20, and check it out.