Springfield M1A National Match Bedding Issues

[metalhd9034]

Hello Everyone,

I need some advice/ideas, here is the scenario:

I just bought a "used" Springfield M1A National Match" that has had very few rounds through it, and only one owner. I know there has to be a very low round count, since I discovered this problem after firing 30 rounds through the gun. Over the course of sighting in the rifle I fired my last string of 3, and noticed everything felt "loose" all of a sudden. I felt around with my trigger finger and noticed the trigger guard lever had pivoted out and the rifle was loose in the stock. Try as I might, (by hand) the trigger guard will not pivot closed without feeling some serious binding between the action and the stock. Here is my first assumption: The glass bedding job from the factory is possibly a few thousandths too thick, and the trigger guard was only staying closed by a thread and in the process of firing, popped loose and is now unable to close again. I don't really want to pound the trigger guard closed with a soft mallet or anything (forcing something into place is never a good idea) but is that a common occurance with a glass bedded M1A? Does anyone have a glass bedded M1A? And if so, how do you keep the trigger guard from popping out over after an undetermined number of shots? I want to avoid sanding it down, but ultimately I want to get the gun up and running again. A gun isn't any fun sitting in the safe in various pieces. I guess my main question is, even if an M1A is glass bedded, shouldn't that trigger assembly just snap in tight and stay tight? What are my options? I have considered the following: 1. get a standard GI stock (it may be loose, but at least the rifle will shoot) 2. Get a mcmillian or other composite stock that doesn't require glass bedding. or 3. Sand existing stock ever so slightly until rifle snaps easily back together without forcing. Please let me know what you think! I can provide pictures if necessary.

Thanks,
~Jeff

 

[nbkky71]

Do not pound anything on your rifle metalhd9034! Put the mallet down!

I've seen a similar issue once with my buddies NM M1A. He bought his new and after a few hundred rounds he disassembled the rifle for a detail cleaning. Afterwards, he could not get the trigger guard to latch back into place. His turned out to be a bedding issue. Luckily we were on our way to Camp Perry and Springfield Armory took care of it while we were on-post.

Check the obvious things first... make sure the trigger group is fully seated correctly in the stock.

Check the locking arm slots in the receiver legs to make sure that nothing is jammed in there and preventing the trigger guard from latching closed.

Is there any wear on the bearing surfaces of the trigger guard locking tabs? That might indicate the TG was forced shut prior to you getting ahold of the rifle. When latching the trigger guard closed, some resistance is normal for the last bit of swing. However, you shouldn't have to force it closed.

Worst case, you can always contact SA, Inc. about getting it fixed under warranty. If you're anywhere near Camp Perry, OH, SA, Inc. has set up shop on post for the national matches. They might be able to take a look at it there.

 

[metalhd9034]

I'm in Youngstown OH so Camp Perry is just over on the other side of the state. I may have to take a little trip up there. Thanks for the help!

 

[nbkky71]

It's only a couple hours away so you should definitely make the trip. My wife has relatives in Warren so I've been to Youngstown several times.

 

[nicholst55]

Is the hammer cocked? The TG can't latch if the hammer is in the fired position.