Ok Experts: Compare M1 Garand to M1a

[nwilliams]

I see the M1a and M14 compared all the time, but what about the M1a and M1 Garand?

Besides the obvious, you know the way they are loaded, and cosmetic design changes that any non-expert could tell just by looking at them. Obviously theyre diffferent in caliber, but what about the reciever, gas system, trigger assembly and other parts that may be hidden or look very similar, how do they compare? I'm thinking a Garand is next on my purchase list and since I already have an M1A and I want to be able to tell people the true differences when I have them side by side.

Forgive me if this topic has been discussed already, I did a search but couldn't find any threads regarding this exactly, but maybe there are.

 

[General Geoff]

It's easier to compare the M14 to the M1 Garand, so I'll do that.

Same basic design; the gas piston doesn't travel as far in the M14, and it discards the en-bloc clip loading design with a detachable box magazine. The receiver is shorter due in large part to the switch to the 7.62mm NATO cartridge, which is 12mm shorter than the .30-06 cartridge. This results in a stronger and more robust receiver overall. It was also made with select-fire capability.
The bottom line is that the M14 is for all intents and purposes, an improved M1 Garand. The M1A is simply a semi-automatic-only M14 (insert complaints about cast vs forged receivers here).

 

[Telperion]

The receivers and bolts are of course different to accommodate the different length of action. The M14 bolt engages the op rod with a roller instead of a simple lug. The M14 receiver has a groove for a scope mount, as well as a stripper clip guide that are not present on the M1.

The trigger systems are nearly identical -- the trigger and hammer are interchangeable between the M1 and M14 -- although the M14 trigger has a slightly different sear to work on full-auto.

The gas system is by far the biggest difference, with the M14 operating with a short-stroke gas system, and the M1 with a long-stroke system.