M1A questions

[gunsmith]

Ok, I admit it, without doing any research and totally on impulse I walked into a FFL's shop a few miles down the road, all I was going to do was get my AR fixed.
Next thing I know I have an M1A with a scope and tripod and spare stock and my bank is 1600$ poorer.
I took off the scope (it had a metal thing to hold it on very heavy)...
how do I use that there rear sight? it moves both left and right and up and down
I think the front sight is fixed..I didn't see any way to adjust it.
Also it shoots funny, not funny haha but funny boo hoo ( and the guys I bought it from are far away and it was a consignment)
nearly every time I shoot it I have to charge the bolt.
I am using south african ammo (in the green waterproof bags) and some gi mags I got at the gun show...
anybody have any hot tips for a new M1A owner?

 

[colt.45]

did you clean or inspect the rifle before you took it out and shot it? what brand is it? the south african ammo is filthy, its good plinking ammo, but verry dirty. quote:"how do you use the rear sight" are you kidding me!!! its 1 moa clicks i think you can figure it out.

i think the next time you buy a rifle you need to do some research first. you probably have a cheap chinese rifle.

my hot tip is do some research and clean it.

 

[nucstl1]

Check the gas valve

There is a valve, I think in the left side, near where the stock meets the barrel. Its where the gas from the barrel flows through to push the bolt back. If no gas goes through, the bolt will not recharge. Don't have my rifle handy, but I think the face of the valve(flat head screwdriver or combo tool) should be turned so the line is vertical. I have an M1A Loaded with a scope, but prefer the irons.

 

[gunsmith]

gee whiz mister

step away from the caffiene!

it's a Springfield with a winchester barrel.

yes I can "figure it out" asking questions is part of that process.

It's the real mccoy, I own a POF AR15, a lever action Marlin .357, a Ruger sp101 in the same caliber as the lever gun, a glock in .40 s&w and now a M1A.

I don't buy Norinco..well I have not yet...I might buy one of those mak 90's I see all the time.

 

[nucstl1]

My bad....The valve face is on the right side. Pg 49 in the FM.

 

[gunsmith]

nusctl

welcome to thr, my caffiene verbage was directed at "colt.45"...
I will go hunt out a manual for this gun...thanks

 

[MechAg94]

It is usually good practice at least on this sight to state the rifle make and manufacturer as this tends to avoid confusion.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/Manuals/M1AManual.pdf
Springfield Armory's M1A manual from their web site. I thought that valve was up near the gas cylinder plug. Page 4.

 

[gunsmith]

thanks!

I love THR!
Believe it or not my friends and family think I'm a gun genius, I don't really know much, you kind thr members make me look like I'm a brilliant gunsmith.

Even with having to charge the gun every time it's really fun to shoot the M1A

 

[nucstl1]

I thought that valve was up near the gas cylinder plug. Page 4.

You are correct. Between the cylinder plug and the stock.

 

[30Cal]

How is it failing? For short stroking where the bolt is closed on either an empty chamber or with the spent round still in the chamber check:
Gas plug is tight
Tilt test: remove oprod spring, put stock back on without the trigger group and tilt the rifle up and down 45 degrees. The bolt should cycle under gravity. If not, find what/where the interference is and clear it.
Make sure the extractor is clean and not broken/deformed and that the extractor spring is in place
Remove the gas plug and make sure the gas cylinder lock is threaded fully down, then, if it doesn't stop near 6 o'clock, you should back off the lock as necessary to get the nut back in place.
Clean the gas system. The inside of the gas piston (including the semi-round smaller portion) needs to be cleaned occasionally (I do it every 500 rds).
Reasseble the gas system, gas cyl lock threaded fully down, then back off as necessary to get the nut in place.
Tighten the gas plug. 15ft/lbs is about right--tough to overtorque with the combo tool.
Clean the chamber with a GI chamber brush after every firing.
Spindle valve slot needs to be vertical. They sometimes break and spin freely.
Lube with grease the oprod tube, groove on the receiver for oprod and bolt, spur of the hammer and any other rub marks you find.

Ty

 

[ALS]

Gunsmith:
Here is a board that should answer any and all your questions on your
M1A with out the sarcasm. M-14forum