M305 shorty mods?

Gormley Green

Gormley Green

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EE Expired
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Squamish, BC
Wondering what might be the weak links in this new gun. It's my first M14 as well, so I'm new. If you were going to swap some parts out with aftermarket to make this gun super reliable, what would be the mods to do.

I have no complaints about it at all. But I'm wondering if the world was going end, what would you want to ensure is bomb proof on this gun that may not be from the factory?
 
I second the spring Op Rod Guide.

Then I would consider trying to attend a seminar by Hungry or M14 doctor on how to get the most out of your rifle.

Replacing the Chew wood stock with a USGI m14 stock in wood or fiberglass. Adding rigidity and strength.

If you keep your eyes open on the EE you should be able to locate the mentioned above for fairly reasonable prices.
 
I have seen the op rod spring guide mentioned around here as a common part to replace. Is the Norc one subject to failure commonly? Is it a high stress part? Who makes a good replacement?

The shorty came with a plastic stock, not wood. Not pretty but seems strong enough.

I was also wondering about the bolt and firing pin quality, with respect to longevity. It is not something I'd want to fail.

And thank you for the tips, looking forward to more.
 
The op rod spring guide swap is an accuracy thing, not really a durability thing. There are quite a few companies out there that make them, NEA, M14doctor, Sadlak, etc. Replace your rear sights if they aren't running right and swapping the plastic stock for a USGI fiberglass stock is a nice upgrade too.
 
Op rod spring guide is quick and easy, shouldn't take longer than a minute. It should certainly help with the consistency of your groups, and maybe even increase accuracy a tad. I've read also that the Norinco spring should be replaced, and I believe it costs $15.00 I don't remember why though. Probably because it sucks, but it could be because you can cut it up and give your tonka trucks a 6 inch lift job.
 
I ordered a North Eastern Arms op rod spring guide from Fabsports and I'm looking at stuff on Brownells site...springs and the like. Maybe a stainless gas piston?

Also, I'm quite interested in the gas cylinder lock front sight mount. While I don't mind the flash suppressor on the shorty [I hacked/filed the bayonet mount off], it's still only slightly shorter overall than my Garand [<2"] and so I can foresee the day when I might want a smaller suppressor, or even none at all. Then it would truly be a 'shorty'. I'm also interested in a forward-mount scope rail, but those are a little more spendy than I feel like right now. But Christmas is coming!
 
No doubt this question has been beaten to death - but Brownells will ship parts up to Canada?

And I guess I'm reading I can source the op rod spring guide from Fab?

Any other sponsor dealers that supply M305 parts?
 
Gormley Green said:
No doubt this question has been beaten to death - but Brownells will ship parts up to Canada?

And I guess I'm reading I can source the op rod spring guide from Fab?

Any other sponsor dealers that supply M305 parts?
Click to expand...


Yes Brownells ships to Canada, as long as your total value of gun parts only is less than $100, that said some parts are restricted for export and some cannot be exported because the manufacturer doesn't have an export certificate for their business.
 
The $100 dosnt apply to all products from them , as i just got an Ultimak M8 rail from them for my shorty ..no problems and it sells for $205

h ttp://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=23465/avs%7CMake~~Model_1=Springfield__M14/Product/M14-M1A-M8-FORWARD-OPTIC-MOUNT
 
That all depends on how far you want to go... ;)

DSCN1848-1.jpg


In all seriousness though, my top recommendations include:

1) Op rod guide.
2) GI-type recoil spring (SAI springs work pretty good and brownells sips them here)
3) GI rear sight assembly. M14 if you can find it, M1 garland if you cannot.
4) Gas cylinder shim kit.
5) A new stock. Anything is better than chinese wood, but I like either a chassis or a GI stock.
6) MAYBE a new flash hider. Check if yours is machined square to the splines. If not, replace with something else.
7) Barrel indexing. Make sure it is indexed or you will have zeroing issues.
8) Perform a gas piston vacuum test. If it is not providing adequate seal, get a 762mmfirearms or SAI gas system and install it.
9) Check your headspace. If not within NATO (forget SAAMI) Field, either change the barrel or change the bolt. Both are expensive fixes - maybe more than the cost of the whole rifle. Luckily mod of these guns don't have this issue.
10) Do the SAI op rod guide pin mod. Much better than the possible stick stock fix.
11) Bed your GI stock.

That should make a good start :)
 
USGI fiberglass stock , M1 Garand rear sights, Springfield armory muzzle brake,NEA op rod spring guide, Ultimak m8 rail,Bushnell TRS-25 red dot

Shorty1.jpg


I havnt shot it with the rail and red dot mounted but I can cowitness my iron sights.
 
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