m1a/m14 question

[Evil Monkey]

I have no experience with the m14 system, but I'm wonder about something I saw on youtube.

I watched a disassembly/review video on a persons m1a rifle.

I noticed that the recoil spring guide rod also serves as the front lug that fits through the front locking hole on the magazine.

While the guy was messing with that guide rod, I noticed it moves considerably back and forth with slight pressure and the protrusion that allows the mag to seat in properly appears to clear the receiver. Also, that protrusion, from the bottom of the mag well, is at an angle.

Theoretically, doesn't this mean that you don't have to rock in the magazine, but just shove it straight in there?

I assume the front lug would simply slide outward until the mag hole lines up, then "pop", in would lock in place and so would the rear lever.

here's the video, watch 3:05 to 4:00 and notice the guide rod and what I assume to be the front locking lug for the magazine moving back and forth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vEcynF9Ruk

 

[Sunray]

"...just shove it straight in..." Nope. Gets put in front first and 'rolled' in the back. The recoil spring guide is the front lock, but you can't put the mag straight in like you do an M1 Carbine or AR-15.
There's a .pdf M1A manual here. http://stevespages.com/pdf/springfield_m1a.pdf
That guy should stick to doing something else. Can't talk and doesn't know the part names.