M1A care and cleaning

[eldon519]

I'm about to pick up a new Springfield M1A, and I was wondering what the preferred way to clean the barrel is. I'm not really interested in a bore snake.

I do have a one piece Dewey cleaning rod. I am currently trying to decide between purchasing a muzzle guide or an Otis pull-through cleaning rod. Does one do a better job cleaning the barrel without damage compared to the other? I already have a nice Tipton jag set, would I need a knew set of jags for the Otis kit?

I've read alot on cleaning barrels lately, and it seems some people do not like pull through systems because of the possibility of it breaking or unscrewing in the barrel.

Any experienced M1A shooters have some advice for me?

TIA

 

[Steve in PA]

Never used an Otis, never plan to either.

I have a muzzle guide I use for cleaning my M1 Garand, works great.

 

[pgeleven]

there is nothing wrong with a bore snake. had one before, during and after iraq and i still stand by them 100%. itll help you on cleaning your barrel without complete disassembly, and you truley should never push a bore brush through the crown first, especially on something as nice as an M1A.

 

[Onmilo]

Use a muzzle guide,
insert the rod through the bore and into the breech,
screw the brush on at the breech and withdraw through the bore,
remove the brush and,,,
Like shampoo, repeat as many times as neccesary.
I prefer a slot tip patch holder to a jag type patch holder for cleaning these rifles and use it the same way as I do the brush.

I turn my M14 type rifles sideways to keep solvent from flowing down into the gas system through the barrel bore gas port, you may also use a chamber guide if you have one.
Old Army trick.

BoreSnakes are great for quicky Range cleaning and field use.
I use them and I like them, but serious cleaning requires a rod.

 

[Slugless]

Where do you guys get the drills for cleaning out the gas piston system?

What's your rule of thumb for when the gas system needs cleaning?

I've seen one company, don't remember who, that had nice but expensive kit.

 

[30Cal]

I would clean the gas system at least every 500rds. It'll run a lot longer, but it causes more violent cycling. I use a dewey rod for the barrel--I stuff a slotted jag + patch into the chamber and pull it through.

 

[Mark whiz]

Definitely go with the bore guide and rod method for cleaning. The Bore snake is ok for a quick clean out at the range, but they just don't get "down and dirty" enough for my taste for a good clean.

It is best to close off the gas system and clean the rifle with it upside down so that solvent doesn't get into the gas system. I usually run a pipe cleaner thru the gas port when finished, just to make sure it is clear.
By no means use the new foaming spray cleaners as it will definitely find it's way into the gas system and gum things up.

The drill bits for cleaning the gas system can be found at Brownells, MidwayUSA, Fulton Armory and other sites. You could also probably find them at a Fastenal Store if you have one close by.

As fas as how often to clean the gas system - that kinda depends on how accurate and consistent you want to be on target. A dirty system does affect accuracy - so if you are shooting competatively, working up loads or checking different types of ammo you will want to start with a clean system. If you're just out plinking, 200 rounds is a typical accepted # of rounds between cleanings. Personally, I've noticed a significant difference in accuracy out of my Loaded Standard with fewer than 100rds thru the gun, so typically I clean the system almost everytime I shoot.

 

[YardVarmint]

PM sent.

 

[MassMark]

Where do you guys get the drills for cleaning out the gas piston system?

Here you go: SADLAK

Also, as much as I love THR, check here: LINK for more M1A/M14 information than you can imagine....