M1A Repair update

[Well Regulated]

I recently posted that I had problems with Failure to Extract catridges in my new Springfield M1A Loaded (National Match Barrel). I sent it back to Springfield and they replaced the bolt which made a larger headspace. This did not fix the problem as 200 rounds later I started to have the same problem. I just sent it back to Springfield and basically said fix it or replace it. It returned yesterday with the following work done. 1) Exchanged Gas Cylinder 2), Wolff Op-Rod Spring 3) New Extractor, 4) New Extractor Spring 5) New Ejector Spring. They fired 120 rounds with no malfunctions. I sure hope this works because they are going to get it back one more time before a lawsuit is initiated to get my money back. I'll keep you posted when I go to the range.

 

[ChiefPilot]

I wish you luck. My rifle (M1A standard) had to go back several times before they got it right. It works alright now, but it will take a while before I "trust" the rifle.

 

[varoadking]

Sorry about your issues, but I'm not sure why you'd think you need to sue anyone. If the rifle cannot be fixed, SA will refund your money if you just ask...

What part of Vuhginya you live in, and where did you buy it?

 

[Well Regulated]

The probability of Springfield fixing it or refunding money is quite low from my expereince so far. Force is the only thing companies understand. The Rifle was bought at Quantico Arms.

 

[MechAg94]

I have an M1A standard. Never had any problems. First I have heard of M1A problems. Is that common? Just currious if others have had trouble.

Good luck with your rifle.

 

[dave3006]

Springfield is a typical American company. They probably get 20% back due to poor workmanship. Pretty sad.

 

[SnakeEater]

Springfield is a typical American company. They probably get 20% back due to poor workmanship. Pretty sad.

Dave I think maybe you meant to say a typical large American company. I find that dealing with the little guys is much better, even if it's usually more expensive. My experience with S.A. is limited but after having bought, and quickly sold, one of their 1911's I'll never deal with them again.

Well Regulated, may I suggest that you simply sell the M1A. Someone out there would buy it. Full disclosure of course. Then have an M14 built using an LRB reciever and all USGI parts. You'll get a much better rifle and have a much better investment. Just my not so humble opinion.

 

[varoadking]

The probability of Springfield fixing it or refunding money is quite low from my expereince so far.

Well, ya need to chill, frankly. They could not fix a TRP 1911 for me. After 2 failed shots at fixing it, I told them I wanted my money back. 'Bout a week later, I got a check for the full purchase price, background check and tax included...

Ya didn't say where you are in the Commonwealth...

 

[varoadking]

Then have an M14 built using an LRB reciever and all USGI parts.

How long have you had your LRB, and how do you like yours?

 

[SnakeEater]

How long have you had your LRB, and how do you like yours?

Going on 3 months now. I truly love the rifle, so much that it's hard not to talk about it all of the time. I've went through roughly 1K rounds with not one hiccup and I can clear the AQT with it.

 

[Farnham]

Called SA when my extractor broke, they gave me a return number to put on the box, I boxed up the bolt, sent it in, got it back 6 days later. This was after almost 2000 rounds through my Standard, 2 years after I bought it, no questions asked. It's run perfect since (about 500 rounds) so I have had nothing but good experience with Springfield.

Give 'em a chance, they'll make it right. If they don't, ask for your money back and hit LRB or Fulton. Hope it works out,

S/F

Farnham

 

[Matthew748]

I bought a standard M1A a little over a year ago and had a problem with it the first time I took it out shooting. After firing about 6 rounds the rifle failed to cycle. The bolt would not even close on an empty chamber. I field stripped it at home and when I took the bolt out the bolt roller fell onto the ground. I called Springfield and returned the bolt on a Monday. I got it back by Friday and it has worked like a champ since.

I like the rifle, but if I could do it all over again I would save a little longer and get a Fulton Armory M14 reproduction.

 

[LeonCarr]

It is amazing how you can spend 1300 DOLLARS or more on a rifle and still have problems with it. Hopefully Springfield got your rifle fixed.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[dmftoy1]

It's posts like this that make me nervous about buying one. . . .

The local gun club sponsored a public shoot last Saturday and Springfield and Armalite came down and let people shoot their stuff for free. I was shooting the M1A "Super Match" and it was incredible. (I'm not a good shot with a rifle but I was hitting very well). http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-rifles-super.shtml

I sat and watched for about and hour and 1/2 and one person after another shot that rifle (5 rounds at a time) and it never hiccupped. I would have like to have watched for the whole 8 hours to see if any problems developed.

I also shot the "loaded" version and it was the one I was thinking about buying. The $ for one is what holds me back . . I don't mind spending the money but I'd expect the rifle to be "perfect" if I'm spending that much and I'm not sure if it's worth the risk to try one. (It would be a once in a lifetime purchase for me)

(also shot the Leatham 1911 . . wow! )

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[ChiefPilot]

I bought a standard M1A a little over a year ago and had a problem with it the first time I took it out shooting. After firing about 6 rounds the rifle failed to cycle. The bolt would not even close on an empty chamber. I field stripped it at home and when I took the bolt out the bolt roller fell onto the ground. I called Springfield and returned the bolt on a Monday. I got it back by Friday and it has worked like a champ since.

I bought my M1A standard in early November of 2004. Due to a host of problems (failures to feed, fire, and eject), it spent the last part of November, all of December, and most of January at Springfield. They returned it once during that time period, apparently without fixing anything.

When I got it back in late January, I found that the flash suppressor was not completely tight and that the bolt roller was broken. I sent just the bolt to them and it took them almost six weeks to fix it. I decided that they weren't worth the trouble for the flash suppressor/front sight and ordered a NM suppressor and castle nut pliers from Fulton.

It works fine now, so far, but I've only put about 500 rounds or so through it since it came back.

 

[Kingcreek]

Well Regulated,
I can understand your frustration with a new rifle that didn't function flawlessly out of the box. But if I'm following this correctly, its been pretty thoroughly reworked, returned to you, and is now functioning as it should, right?
Why not save the huffing and puffing for another time, like IF it fails. I hardly think a lawsuit will be necessary, as SA hasn't demonstrated they are unwilling to make it right or satisfy the customer.
In the meantime, shoot it and maybe, just maybe, you will never have any trouble with it. Seems to me, your enjoyment of this rifle might depend on wether you expect it to function or you expect it to fail. If you are sure you can't enjoy it, then go ahead and sell it as mentioned above.
FWIW, I have Springfield Armory M1A's, a Supermatch and a Bush rifle and have never had any problems. I have had warranty work with Ruger, Browning, and Remington.

 

[Well Regulated]

Shipping Costs Money

Kingcreek:

I have not shot it since I just got it back on Friday. Springfield Armory has yet to reimburse me for the Fedexing. Not only has the gun been going back and forth to them, it is costing me money as well as the loss of the use of the rifle. If this was a bent sight problem, It wouldn't be so bad, but when you start talking about a major malfunction, paying shipping to return a new firearm, then that is something to get upset about.

 

[Ranald]

FWIW I have an M1A I bought new in '83 or 84. It blew the extractor at about 2000 rounds. If I recall it was some crappy Indian ammo involved- SA took the bolt anf replaced the extractor, no charge. It has worked well since on mixed German and Yugo(?) milsurp plus some handloads.
The rifle has been semi-retired since the ass-ban went into effect, replaced by AKs and a CETME and suchlike.
Lately it has been calling me from it's place of deep repose. She's a beauty- nice oiled birch, I think, with real nice figure. Original steel mount and a Leupold scope.... I like my Yugo AKs, but the M1A is a real POUNDER in power comparison.
The only problem I ever had with her was that busted extractor.

 

[Kingcreek]

WR,
OK some cost to you, I can sympathize with that. I thought SA covered shipping on warranty work. I hope you can find complete satisfaction and still enjoy your rifle at some point.