Norinco M14 Soft Bolt Test ???

[pastprime]

I just bought a Norinco M14, M1A or what ever the correct name is. I have been reading about these for a couple days on as many sites as I could find trying to learn about them; its my first one.

I want to make it safe to shoot maybe 50 to 200 rounds a month. Not a lot by some standards but I am 65 and I will be reloading for it so I'm not in a hurry to burn powder .

I also don't have a lot of money to put into it. I bought it for $650.00. I am reading that at a minimum I should upgrade the bolt but I have a few questions:

I have seen some posts that say only the earlier bolts had the problem of being "soft" and that the later ones were fine for many, many rounds. True or not ?? Serial number is C076xx.

How do I tell when the bolt is unsafe?? I have taken the op-rod spring out and measured the bolt movement within the locking lug recesses. It is .011" using my shim stock to check. Is that OK or not ??

If I do not change the bolt now, what are the consequenses ?? Rifle blows up, brass splits or bulges, or what ??

I just want a safe rifle to take to the range occassionally and see how bad my eyesight really is...

Any and all information and advice will be welcomed.

Hank

 

[pastprime]

And, what is the best ammo for the money. I have found that none is not cheap but I do plan on reloading as long as the brass last (boxer primed a must).

I've got a few thousand rounds of new Wolf 7.62x39 and wonder if a 2 for 1 swap is worth asking about ??

 

[gun addict]

good price you picked that one at! I too have a Polytech M14 that i was abit concerned with when i first bought it due to internet rumors. But you've gotta realize those rifles got a bad reputation due to the badmouthing by Springfield Armory in the 90s, after all, how can SA compete with the Chinese forged receiver/chrome lined barreled rifle when they're selling for $400?

however in the case of a soft bolt and excessive headspace your rifle will start jamming and not cycling, don't worry, nothing will blow up. If you desire look for a stripped USGI M14 bolt and sent it to http://www.warbirdscustomguns.com/ to swap it out. Unlike Fulton Armory they won't lie about having to swap out the Barrel for extra fee. I check my brass at the range everytime i shoot the Polytech and so far there hasnt been a single case of jam or weird brass formations. I have about 300 rounds down the tube so far and will start to look into scoping out my Chinese M14

 

[X - Man]

For peace of mind have the headspace checked by a competent M14 armorer/gunsmith. This will verify what you have now, and serve as a datum point, so you can watch for any changes.

Most of these rifles are fine. There are thousands of them in Canada, for example, and they are greatly loved there. And Warbird is highly recommended for upgrades and shop service.

I have a Polytech, and have made the following changes; new USGI operating rod spring, Sadlak NM spring guide, USGI fiberglass stock, and USGI flash hider. Changing the spring and guide really help a lot with tightening up your groups.

Go out and have fun shooting your new rifle. Keep an eye on the brass and watch for any bolt wear, but you should be fine.

 

[pastprime]

Thank you very much. These are the responses I was hoping to hear. I thought that if there was an injury or heaven forbid loss of life issue (on the shooters end) with the Norinco M14 Sporter imports there would be a hue and cry throughout the land; so to speak.

I have sent an email to Warbird since I have seen many posts commenting on the quality of their work. I cannot afford to waste money but if their prices are within my budget, it may be cost effective a bolt swap now rather than in a year or two.

Thanks again....now to find some ammo that I can afford to buy that is reloadable.

Hank