PSA re: bolt failures in recent import M-14 pattern rifles

[Claven2]

I can now confirm that the Marstar 18.5” Socom is a model that has MIM bolts.

John

My guess is that all the bolts are now made via mim, but that the supply of machined bolts was used up, perhaps spread across a serial range randomly.

I doubt the core M14/m305 components are made at more than one factory.

Luckily, though expensively, we have a current supply of USGI and well made LRB bolts to put in receivers if people are inclined to pay.

But mim bolts in the cheap guns is bound to limit any new interest in cheap M14 rifles unless rectified.

 

[Apple tree]

I will see tomorrow what my warranty repair from NS is.

 

[Claven2]

I will see tomorrow what my warranty repair from NS is.

Get ready for them to say it's your fault, the ammo mfgr's fault, anyone's fault but theirs.

 

[D3vin]

I can now confirm that the Marstar 18.5” Socom is a model that has MIM bolts.

John

Does one rifle confirmed mean their entire batch is potentially unsafe?

 

[Claven2]

Does one rifle confirmed mean their entire batch is potentially unsafe?

No, it means that some MIM bolts are showing up in SOME Marstar rifles.

 

[#1bcshooter]

But Marstar has an Iron Clad Guaranty !
lol

 

[SigWig]

Thank you everyone for this thread.

 

[Deathrawt]

But Marstar has an Iron Clad Guaranty !
lol

At least they will do something about a broken m305, unlike North Sylva
Anytime I had a problem with an order or question they were quick to answer questions and resolve any issues, unlike North Sylva

 

[m14medic.ca]

Does one rifle confirmed mean their entire batch is potentially unsafe?

No, it means that some MIM bolts are showing up in SOME Marstar rifles.

I agree with C-2, it means one rifle was effected, which means you can no longer take it on faith and the rifles must be examined.

But Marstar has an Iron Clad Guaranty !
lol

At least they will do something about a broken m305, unlike North Sylva
Anytime I had a problem with an order or question they were quick to answer questions and resolve any issues, unlike North Sylva

In this case, the warranty at Marstar kicked in and they offered full refund (including shipping costs) to my customer.

Say what you will about Marstar, I still deal with them. There’s some stuff that only they have and they’ve always treated me with respect and honesty.

John

 

[ipscgraz]

I hope this sort-of applies here. I doubt if anyone doesn't know how a Garand action operates but it shows how fast the bolt moves to the rear. Lots of stresses here, esp. on the rearward stroke.

 

[just having some fun]

I hope this sort-of applies here. I doubt if anyone doesn't know how a Garand action operates but it shows how fast the bolt moves to the rear. Lots of stresses here, esp. on the rearward stroke.

The stress of the bolt going forward is small compared to the stress of a round being fired

Also note that
Stripping a round from the mag slows the bolt down to reduce the chance of a slam fire (no spring on firing pin)

If you single load you have to hold the bolt back with your hand 50-75% of the way to slow the bolt down = no slam fire (or reduced chance)

 

[D3vin]

Well I did a layaway order on a socom through marstar. I respectfully asked if they could take a pic of the bolt on my selected rifle top to bottom and they were willing. So ill keep you guys posted on that.

 

[Apple tree]

I hope this sort-of applies here. I doubt if anyone doesn't know how a Garand action operates but it shows how fast the bolt moves to the rear. Lots of stresses here, esp. on the rearward stroke.

That right lug gets forces in every direction all the way through the cycle. The extractor cut removes a lot of meat from that one as well. Its where it broke on mine.

 

[Claven2]

And yet forged bolts virtually never break unless there is a reloading error. Not so with the mim ones.

 

[Joel]

There's probably like 7000 psi of rearward force on that bolt while the shot is firing, I doubt it cares much about an oprod yanking it back while it is free to move.

The right side does do a lot of the work if your lugs are not in contact with both sides, but like Claven says the forged ones aint snappin' like that.

 

[Johnny_Zanni]

I got a 22" ATAC's version from SFRC ordered in early October. Checked the bolt through the magwell and I do not see circles.

 

[yomomma]

If you single load you have to hold the bolt back with your hand 50-75% of the way to slow the bolt down = no slam fire (or reduced chance)

Why be foolish. NEVER single feed and you will never have an issue.

 

[joe6167]

Why be foolish. NEVER single feed and you will never have an issue.

How would you single feed on an M14? If you have a magazine inserted, the follower would hit the bolt catch. And what would you do without the magazine in place? The danger of a slam fire not withstanding, single feeding sounds needlessly complex and dangerous.

 

[yomomma]

Some people throw one in the tube and let the bolt fly.

 

[Claven2]

How would you single feed on an M14? If you have a magazine inserted, the follower would hit the bolt catch. And what would you do without the magazine in place? The danger of a slam fire not withstanding, single feeding sounds needlessly complex and dangerous.

The M14's charger guide is there so people can top up. You can easily push a single round down into the mag with your thumb and single-feed that way. No sweat.