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

yup.... history alright.
was asked to censor my posts so I deleted them altogether.
I think this brings my sharing of m14 knowledge on CGN to a close.

cheers folks!!
 
45ACPKING said:
yup.... history alright.
was asked to censor my posts so I deleted them altogether.
I think this brings my sharing of m14 knowledge on CGN to a close.

cheers folks!!
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Ditto. Kinda reminds of the days when gunshows and the local shop was where you went to get the whole story, whether true or not - lol.
 
Claven2 said:
Quote Originally Posted by 45ACPKING View Post
yup.... history alright.
was asked to censor my posts so I deleted them altogether.
I think this brings my sharing of m14 knowledge on CGN to a close.

cheers folks!!

Ditto. Kinda reminds of the days when gunshows and the local shop was where you went to get the whole story, whether true or not - lol.
Click to expand...

Gentlemen - I have always followed your posts here and learned much from your knowledge on the M14 platform. You have always backed your information based on hands on experience and photo's. I don't know what happened here tonight but am disappointed in that you were asked to edit your posts. I hope you will continue to contribute to this forum.

Chas
 
Hitzy said:
That's the one area never mentioned as a "safety check" in any of the M14 guru posts, but probably one of the most important.
I use to mention this a looong time ago too, that it really should be verified that the firing pin notch in the bridge is in spec and functioning properly. Like dogleg, nobody wanted to hear that so I also gave up mentioning it. I suspect many are not in spec blocking the firing pin as intended until the bolt is fully in battery.
The ejector and extractor springs are so stiff in these rifles as well, couple that with 15-20 thou sloppy headspace and it's not hard to imagine the bolt failing to fully close on a cartridge. It may be rare, but it is quite dangerous.
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It has been my experience, that almost 100% of the rifles I’ve seen that fail this basic safety check it is actually the bolt that is out of spec, and not the receiver. I say this as every rifle that has failed this test on my bench doesn’t have the same problem when a GI bolt is tried..... As another note on the subject.... all the ones I’ve seen fail were 2009 Polytech’s, which are generally regarded as “good ones”.... But my sample size is relatively small, in comparison to the total number imported into Canada...

YMMV.

John
 
m14medic.ca said:
It has been my experience, that almost 100% of the rifles I’ve seen that fail this basic safety check it is actually the bolt that is out of spec, and not the receiver. I say this as every rifle that has failed this test on my bench doesn’t have the same problem when a GI bolt is tried..... As another note on the subject.... all the ones I’ve seen fail were 2009 Polytech’s, which are generally regarded as “good ones”.... But my sample size is relatively small, in comparison to the total number imported into Canada...

YMMV.

John
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Good to know!
 
Thanks for all the info John. Do you know of anyone that has had recent success in buying a "recently" imported M305, that still had forged bolts/receivers? As someone interested in purchasing one soon, I'd love to know where to shop... if you or anyone has any good recommendations? Many thanks.
 
Years ago I had a kaboom shooting an m14/m305, sheared the lugs off the bolt and damaged the reciever...I thought it was the handloads, maybe a high primer, most likely just a crappy bolt/receiver. None the less, that ended my career with Chinese import firearms.

Why is this thread highly censored/edited?? Is someone losing money because the community is educating ourselves of the dangers of these firearms??
 
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matt87 said:
Thanks for all the info John. Do you know of anyone that has had recent success in buying a "recently" imported M305, that still had forged bolts/receivers? As someone interested in purchasing one soon, I'd love to know where to shop... if you or anyone has any good recommendations? Many thanks.
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Older used model from the EE, no point in buying new anymore as they truly have turned into junk.
New...only options are Springfield, Rockola/James River, or build one off a LRB receiver.
 
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matt87 said:
Thanks for all the info John. Do you know of anyone that has had recent success in buying a "recently" imported M305, that still had forged bolts/receivers? As someone interested in purchasing one soon, I'd love to know where to shop... if you or anyone has any good recommendations? Many thanks.
Click to expand...

Hitzy said:
Older used model from the EE, no point in buying new anymore as they truly have turned into junk.
New...only options are Springfield, Rockola/James River, or build one off a LMT receiver.
Click to expand...

I wouldn’t buy a new M305, unless I could hold the rifle in the store and inspect the bolt to ensure it and the receiver are not cast.

IMHO, with a Wolverine parts kit and a good reciever, I’m not sure I wouldn’t bother buying a SAI..... US made receivers aren’t that much money. Now if SAI rifles were $1000-1500 like they should be, that’s a whole other story......

John

PS, Hitzy, I assume you mean LRB as opposed to LMT? Unless LMT has started into the platform?
 
I just want to thank everyone for sharing in this thread. I'm thankful we have the experts that we do, and that they bring issues like these to light.
 
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I know a couple of guys that bought an 305 with a MIM bolt....including my self....I will say the lugs are full contact and headspace on a on go gauge..just starts to close...shoots good,no issues yet...I am not sure what to fear since I have seen the regular nork bolt on a couple of guns have mis aligned lugs and closes on a no go...let alone a gi bolt doing the same thing..classic Chinese quality,luck of the draw.

I will say the 305 is rough...kinda a piss off to purchase these things within crooked barrels,poor sights and questionable machineing....can’t Blame the importer....we keep buying them!!
 
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45ACPKING said:
yup.... history alright.
was asked to censor my posts so I deleted them altogether.
I think this brings my sharing of m14 knowledge on CGN to a close.

cheers folks!!
Click to expand...
Disturbing.

I will be asking CGN admin for an explanation of this.

A large part of the value of this site rests in the information available here. If we start censoring informational posts without some very good reasons, the value of the site is compromised, and quite frankly, so is my advertising money.
 
No need for knickers in a knot folks.
I didn't post my comment to start CGN drama
the damage is done and I'm moving on to other things.

edit to add:
Over the past few years as I have withdrawn from the m14 community from my previous involvement, I have seen a steady decline in the quality and safety of these rifles.
When I express my thoughts, opinions, warnings and criticisms of the various import years , I am popular with some and unpopular with others.
For every guy that values my input, there is a business, an importer and yes even that guy in the EE trying to get decent money for his firearm and my experienced input is not welcome at all.
I just don't want to be that guy if I can not speak freely on glaring safety issues without getting darts thrown my way be it by mods or by folks with an interest in selling these rifles at stores and the EE.

There is more than enough M14 DIY information here on CGN from Skullboy, Hungry, Claven2, M14Medic, myself and others who have contributed thier time i typing down vast information to help those new to these rifles.
Use the M14 STICKIES and buy yourself the 30 cal service rifle shop manual by jerry Kunhaussen (best advice you will get from me)
Read up on the works of LEE EMERSON (cgn member 'different')

I'm just some dude with an unhealthy fasination with the m14 rifle...... your journey's will continue without my input I guarantee it. ;)

cheers!
 
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