Springfield Armory M1A - - why are TRW parts more desireable that others?

[JB3rd]

Springfield Armory M1A - - why are TRW parts more desireable than others?

looked at 2 nib m1a s recently. both standard gi spec w/ gi wood stock. one had TRW bbl, other was marked something else (probably SA?). both had SA bolts. does springfield inc. make barrels now, or are they still using gi barrels for all of the gi spec M1As in current production? would the trw barrel really be better than any other new gi spec barrel?

just curious....really like the rifles.....might even get one, one day.

 

[juicy]

they use krieger nm barrels, and crome lined usgi barrels on their standards..

as of late SA seems to be having QA issues... people prefere trw parts for thier reliability.

i have a loaded sa m1a.. have around 2k rounds though it... and i havent had one problem yet

 

[Sven]

TRW [Thompson-Ramo-Wooldridge] parts are 'revered' by some because TRW made engines/spaceships and were known for their precision manufacturing tolerances and quality assurance procedures.

That said, TRW is a 'snob' thing... doesn't really matter that much, frankly, honestly what USGI parts you have - as long as they are USGI. Still, I searched high and low for TRW parts for my M1A build because... well.. because I'm a snob.

A little history:

http://www.scripophily.net/thomprod.html

 

[vanfunk]

My stock M1A of '95 vintage-or-so has a TRW chrome lined barrel and assorted GI parts. I'll do 1.5" at 100 yards in the arms of someone who knows how to shoot it. Uh, that wouldn't be me... all I can manage with open sights is about 2.5"...the shooter would be my neighbor:banghead:
I dunno if TRW is the "best" or not, but, gosh darn, it is a beautiful barrel!
HTH,
vanfunk

 

[Blackcloud6]

My Springfield M1A has a TRW bolt. Onnce the extractor came flying off during shooting. No biggie, you just put it back together if you can find the spring and detent.

Then next year the roller came off as the roller ring fell apart. I had to send it back to Springfield to fix it as I don't have the required tool. Didn't cost me any more than shipping and time. Springfield's service was great.

As to the TRW bolt? its still in the gun and holding up fine. But as tu superb TRW quality? Hmmm.....

 

[Sven]

My Springfield M1A has a TRW bolt. Onnce the extractor came flying off during shooting. No biggie, you just put it back together if you can find the spring and detent

From what I've heard, this is one of the most common malfunctions in M1As, and why some carry spare bolts - but only if headspaced to the barrel.

 

[uglymofo]

I've got a pre-ban (Nov '92) Springfield Super Match. As far as I can tell, there are damn few USGI parts, and no TRW parts, w/ the OEM Douglas chrome moly barrel. No problems whatsoever after 2500 rounds. Maybe the key phrase is 'pre-ban'. I've certainly read that the SA QC control has slid in the last few years.