M1A: Sloppy Handguard Clip

[BerettaNut92]

M1A: Sloppy Stock Fit

My handguard clip is fitted sloppily and both the handguard and stock wobble.

SA said if I put silicone on it, should hold it in place, a little, and it's not that big of a deal but if I want to send it in, I can.

Any advice so I save my self some time and a few bucks? Someone was about to buy it today, and I felt really bad because I didn't notice until he showed me. He already paid the DROS then he noticed it...I don't know if it was this way the whole time. It's a low mileage rifle, by the way.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Steve Smith]

You should be able to tighten the clip some, but a very common NM mod was to silicone the front of the handguard to the ferrule. Let the rear float.

 

[BerettaNut92]

Clarification, it's this part, not the handguard clip...don't know what it's called but this is the piece...I think the stock is too small...I'm sending it in tomorrow

 

[Steve Smith]

Stock ferrule.

 

[AZ Jeff]

Skunk, as Steve Smith noted, it's properly called the Stock Ferrule. It does two jobs:
1. holds front of handguard in place
2. locates front of stock on barrel

The part is designed to be "slightly" loose on issue rifles. The key word is "slightly", and it's kinda subjective.

On match-tuned rifles, this piece is permanently bonded to the gas cylinder by welding or screws, along with the appropriate glass bedding.

You might try looking for a real GI-Issue ferrule, as it may be built to slightly tighter tolerances, and may reduce the looseness.

Otherwise, if it really bugs you, the best solution is to have the gas system "unitized" by someone who knows what they are doing, preferably someone who match tunes U.S. Mil gas operated rifles.

 

[daver]

Skunk,

Is the loose part in question on the stock or is it the band behind the gas cylinder. It sounds like you have a loose front band. The stock ferrule is the metal cap on the end of the stock that the front band's lip slips over when the barreled action and stock are assembled. I had the same problem with a loose front band and got a shim kit from Fulton Armory that took care of it.

 

[twoblink]

Skunky, you sold your SKS I mean your M1A?

Mine has a little play, but is not "loose"..

 

[BerettaNut92]

OK I'm a complete idiot. The gas cylinder lock wasn't tightened down enough so the barrel band (that's the part) wasn't being held in place.

What is it with me and rifles? The SLB2000 seems to be idiotproof other than the overcomplicated takedown....nothing to adjust or crank down or tighten...so I hopefully won't screw it up