M1A Questions

[Colt Smith]

I have two questions about the Springfield Armory M1A Loaded. Walnut Stock with Chrome Moly barrel in case it matters. I did a break in of the barrel with 5-5 shot groups with a cleaning between groups. Ammo currently used is Prvi Partisan 168 gr HP BT Match and Federal Sierra Match King 168 gr BT HP Gold Medal. Shots taken seated with a front rest.

1. I checked the SA website but I couldn't find bedding information. Are the Loaded versions of the M1A bedded?

2. With iron sights and an out-of-the-box rifle, What are reasonable group size expectations, or should I say potential of the rifle @ 100yds? I am new to rifle shooting. I'm currently shooting 1" average groups @ 50yds. So I obviously need a lot of improvement.

 

[M1key]

Back in the day when I shot M1As, my new loaded with walnut stock would shoot .75 inch five-shot groups at 100yds with 168 Federal Match, if I did my part.

Then, after a few months, I noticed my trigger group had taken a "set" or sunk into the wood. I also noticed my groups had spread to about 1.25-1.5 inches.

My synthetic stocked M1A never had this problem. So...

Plan A: I would recommend having a "qualified" smith (preferably an M1A match shooter himself) bed the action for you. Test it for accuracy and then if everything looks good, NEVER TAKE IT APART.

Plan B: get a synthetic stock and don't ever worry about bedding again.

Others may have different opinions, but I think the synthetic stock is the way to go, especially if you want consistent accuracy. Set the walnut aside, and only use it when showing off the rifle to friends.


M

 

[Birdmang]

Where can I purchase a synthetic stock at/from?

 

[M1key]

GI synthetic stocks from Fred's:

http://www.fredsm14stocks.com/catalog/stocks.asp

Better hurry. Looks like he is getting ready to retire.

M

 

[Colt Smith]

M1key,

I'm really a traditional kind of guy. The rifle is beautiful with the walnut stock so it will probably stay. I don't know how much it would cost to have the bedding done but I would consider that at some point. I'm not shooting competition so I don't NEED a lot of custom touches right now. Currently I'm just trying to compare my poor performance with the expected performance of an out-of-the-box gun. The "set" that your trigger group took is intriguing and I will keep an eye out for that with my rifle.

As far as ammo goes, the range officer I spoke with yesterday said if I wanted the ultimate in accuracy to test the gun with Remington 168gr BTHP Match. What are your thoughts about the Remington ammo? Have you tried it?

 

[madcratebuilder]

I'm currently shooting 1" average groups @ 50yds.

That's about average for a "loaded" model. Some well shoot better, others worse. The "loaded" has a NM barrel and semi NM sights, the rest is standard. If you tune up the gas system, screw and glue, shim, what ever method you prefer well help. Send the trigger group to SA for a NM trigger job, last one I sent cost $25.

My all GI rifle shoots 1.5-2moa at best, my non-bedded NM rifle just under 1moa at best.

Do some reading here.

http://www.m14tfl.com/upload/

 

[DANS40XC]

If you purchased a SA Inc loaded rifle-SELL IT.
You'll have more JUNK SAI parts to replace to mil spec than it's worth.

If you want a semi auto w/ lower maintenance, purchase an ArmaLite AR-10-
They'll shoot w/ a SA super match.

 

[Welding Rod]

What part(s) did you have trouble with DAN?

 

[DANS40XC]

A chrome lined Loaded barrel is an ammo blasters barrel.
SAInc parts-
The only parts that could vaguely qualify as Mil spec would be the walnut stock & butt plate.
The non vented hand guard is plastic, not fiberglass.
The receivers,trigger groups,gas cylinders,gas plugs temper/finish is a JOKE.
The re-welded op rods shouldn't be allowed out the doors,let alone be boxed & shipped.