Question on M14 rifle

[Medusa]

Due the ongoing training I'm given a M-14 (real US military surplus, one from those 150 000 rifles the US didn't want/need), as a basis for sniper rifle (yes I know it's rather a DMR).

Real question is, that as I have the ability to chose between a few examples, what to look for? I mean to see preliminary which one would be in better condition (and the groove where the optics mount goes, what to look at in there?) and later check out which one shoots the best.

This would be the issue rifle, real sniper rifle will be my own bolt action somewhere in the future, but for training I can have a M-14 (pseudo M21 when dressed up).

If I get one next week, the pics will follow if wanted.

ADDED: I have only shot one, once, so my knowledge on the rifle is limited. For cleaning, what areas are those that I'd need to pay special attention?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

First of all, look at the rifle's overall condition -- does it appear to have been abused? Next, turn the rifle end-for-end and listen for the click -- that's the gas piston moving freely. Check the bore carefully with a borelight. Because of the flashhider, it's difficult to be sure the muzzle crown is good, but look for any evidence of abuse with a steel cleaning rod at the muzzle.

Check the fit of the stock -- stocks can become compressed with time. Try the trigger. And finally -- ask the rifle. Shoot it and see how it shoots.

 

[30Cal]

As Vern said, getting a look at the crown will be virtually impossible.

Check that the suppressor and gas system have no movement--that's fairly easy to fix assuming you have access to the special wrench to remove the flash suppressor castle nut.

Assuming the barrel is in good shape, the condition of the bedding is the major factor in whether the rifle will shoot well. Lean on the receiver--it should not shift or click in the stock.

Take a look up through the bottom of the mag well (pull the trigger group to do this). Look at the bedding behind the reciever legs (you're looking for cracks and chips=bad). If they bedded the rifle with the stock liner in place, there'll be a thin layer of glass between the receiver leg and the stock liner--this is where bedding often starts to give up first. Poke and prod all the bedding--it should be as hard as glass. Prolonged exposure to solvent will soften it up.

When you put the trigger group back in, it should be very stiff when the trigger guard is about 3/8" from fully shut. Grab the forend of the rifle at the ferrule. It should take several pounds of force to be able to get a gap between the stock ferrule and the band.

If the rifle is not bedded, then look for the one that seems to have the tightest stock fit and some pressure up at the forend of the stock.

Check the scope mount fasteners for evidence of abuse.