How can I tell if my M-14 barrel is properly indexed

[Squinty]

I just bought an M-14. It is dated 2011.

It seems well made, but how can I tell if the barrel is properly indexed?

I read all this stuff here about possible problems and the whole thing worries me. Is there a chance that my rifle was properly made? The sights look like they are on straight, but am I missing something?

 

[Roost]

if it shoots and feeds fine i dont see why you should be worried, thats just me though. maybe someone with a little more insight can get into details

 

[chalkriver]

If your front sight is not leaning to the right or left you are good to go.And if you are planning on putting a scope on it the barrel indexing doesnt matter anyhow.
A few other things to check are -

Does your gas cylinder lock get really tight at the 6:00 position ? Alot of these need to have the gas system shimmed or turn the guide around to get them tight .

Do your rear sights function correctly ? If you are planning on putting on a scope dont worry about this either.

Is your Op rod guide loose , as in does it move from side to side a bit ?
If so this needs to be tightened , another easy fix though.

 

[Hungry]

If your front sight is not leaning to the right or left you are good to go.And if you are planning on putting a scope on it the barrel indexing doesnt matter anyhow.
A few other things to check are -

Does your gas cylinder lock get really tight at the 6:00 position ? Alot of these need to have the gas system shimmed or turn the guide around to get them tight .

Do your rear sights function correctly ? If you are planning on putting on a scope dont worry about this either.

Is your Op rod guide loose , as in does it move from side to side a bit ?
If so this needs to be tightened , another easy fix though.

Yup, we got yer back!

Cheers,
Barney

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

I just bought an M-14. It is dated 2011.

It seems well made, but how can I tell if the barrel is properly indexed?

I read all this stuff here about possible problems and the whole thing worries me. Is there a chance that my rifle was properly made? The sights look like they are on straight, but am I missing something?

Put the rifle in a vise. Lay a straight edge across the front sight ears, and another one across the back sight ears. The two should be pretty close to aligned. If not, then your barrel isn't indexed properly.