Hi Everyone. I just recently obtained my PAL and the Polytec M305 has caught my attention from wolverinesupplies.com. I have done hours of reading on various forums and watched reviews on YouTube and have mixed responses on whether or not this is a good purchase. I am very keen on the M14 system but don't like the idea of forking over $2,500+ for a Springfield Armory. I don't mind doing the work but I have little experience with this and don't trust myself entirely for anything major. I live in Ottawa and to my knowledge there is only one gunsmith locally and the only things I've heard about them is negative. I'd have to ship the rifle away for any machining and serious.
I have come to understand that one should put in a USGI bolt, and a new gas piston and cylinder. A National Match Op-rod and spring are recommended too to improve accuracy. It's very clear that the forged receiver and chrome lined barrel are exceptional and don't need to be replaced. Any confirmation on the above would be appreciated.
Again, I'm new to the firearm world but I really am interested and excited in making this work.
In addition, I also have a few questions that I hope someone could help me answer.
1. Do I have ship my rifle away with a USGI bolt to have it installed or is it an easy swap?
2. Do I have to do the same if I need a new gas piston and cylinder?
3. What else should be replaced (if anything) to improve reliability and accuracy?
4. I know I need to be aware of the head space when I first look at it but what else should I look for?
5. If I have to ship the rifle away, where are reliable places anyone knows about? (preferably in Canada)
6. Is everything I've heard true or do I even need to do anything to make this a solid rifle.
Any information and help would be beyond appreciated. Thank you Canadian Gun Nutz!
I think a lot of people chase the accuracy fairy with these rifles.
Like Hungry says: There's things that cost money that work and there are things that cost a lot of money that are pointless.
It's a misconception that they come as pieces of junk. They are actually excellent quality rifles for the dollar value and they will shoot right out of the box.
The main things you will want to address are the following:
- Get a new rear sight assembly (M1A or M1 Garand).
- Check that the barrel is indexed properly.
- You may have to go to town on the front sight blade with a file to get your POI to your POA. This "fault" in the sight can actually be used to your advantage to make it very precise for your style and aiming.
- Check to see that your op rod guide around the barrel is keeping the rod in line with the barrel and gas piston. If it is not you can remove the pin in the op rod guide and if you know anyone who welds or works in a shop you can get them to do 2 quick tac welds to keep the guide rock solid in line where it should be.
- Shim the gas system. I used a thin membrane of JB weld on the front gas plate to keep much more pressure on the whole system. Very cheap, very effective and very reliable fix.
Other than that man you can replace all the parts you want with really expensive USGI parts and stocks ad infinitum but I think it's more of a psychosomatic effect than anything improving accuracy beyond these areas.
You can end up dropping thousands on a $400 dollar rifle and people do.
I just keep reminding myself that it's a reverse engineered battle rifle not a $5000 custom made tack driving sniper rifle.
If you want any detailed info on these very easy to do and very cheap "necessary" mods just PM me man.
Cheers!
