Need feedback on M1A Op handle removal

[fmcdave]

I've still not been able to remove my Springfield M1A operating handle despite looking at the books, posts, videos, etc. I have another idea. I'd like to have the receiver/barrel removed from the stock, take out the spring, move the Op handle full forward, and heat up the receiver notch area with a heat gun at 800 degrees. I'm thinking that is not hot enough to hurt the metal, but may expand the notch to the point I could get it out.

Any advice?

 

[sschudalla]

I think you will have a hard time heating the barrel all the way up to 800F with a heat gun. Even if you can somehow get there, 800F is hot enough to alter the microstructure and could cause problems with integrity. Is there a reason you want to get it that hot?

 

[VA27]

Are you taking the action out of the stock before trying to remove the op-rod? It's unclear from your post.

The thing should practically fall out once you remove the op-rod guide and spring. But some are a little more 'fiddley' than others and it may require some 'jiggling'. (Sorry for the technical jargon.) The gun is more like one of those wire puzzles where you have to get it just right for it to come apart, rather than a jigsaw puzzle where each piece only fits one way in one place.

Heat is not the answer. Know any old pre-'67 Marines?

 

[AK103K]

My last M1A, a SOCOM, had an op rod that was a booger to get off. I was never able to get it off without using a small jewelers screwdriver. As VA27 said, they should about fall out on their own. Well, not as bad as the old Fed Ord's though.

Heres what I used to do with the screwdriver. Pull the op rod to the rear and just at the take down point, slip the flat edge of the screwdriver on the receiver, at the "joint" (receiver/op rod) just behind the op rod, and give a pull on the charging handle. The screwdriver acts as a cam, and the op rod should pop out.

Getting it back together shouldnt be near as traumatic.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Go to http://www.m14tfl.com/upload/ There are several articles on removing tight op-rods. Put the heat gun away!!!!!

 

[Chief Engineer]

Some, like mine, require you to wiggle and slight, very slight, pressure with a screwdriver. Remember, it went in, it will come out. Extraordinary measures should not be necessary.

 

[skipbo32]

plus one on this....

i had the same problem. dont worry. some are just tight. take the spring out and make sure your op rod square notch lines up with the detach notch in the rear of the receiver. place a screwdriver head between the receiver and op rod (u might want to wrap head of driver with tape so you dont scratch your gun). you then must pry, but not hard (at first)....the key is leverage from underneath the oprod on the opposite side. i use my finger. pry up top with the driver and pry down low with you finger and try and pull out evenly. put more pressure on the driver if need be. it will eventually pop.