M14 build progression question.

[Jacobean]

I was wondering how involved the process of putting together an m14 is with the IDF parts kits and a receiver, in terms of physical changes having to be done to the parts. What I mean is lapping, cutting, etc. The reason I ask is because eventually down the line I want my heavy parts kit to go into a NM LRB receiver. But as most of you know, the monetary investment to that is something that either takes the time to save or the money to immediately throw down. With that in mind, creating the rifle from a Norc receiver sounds like a good idea simply to get the platform up and running to use while saving over time to eventually build the rifle I know I want it to be. So how much change is performed to the parts when matched to a receiver, and are those changes drastic enough to have them not work or fit (however you want to see it) in a new receiver down the line?

TL;DR: If I get the work done to my parts kit to fit it into a Norc receiver, will it cause the parts to not function as well/at all in an LRB receiver down the line? And if it will run, will there be adverse effects (loose fit, risk of damage to parts from the swap, etc)?

 

[tiriaq]

Barrels are torqued to receivers. Sometimes adjustment is necessary.
Remove the scrap receiver ring from your barrel. Turn the barrel into your Chinese receiver. See where it stops. Will it pull to index with reasonable torque? If so, you're golden. If it is too far off, either way, adjustments are necessary.
Alter the barrel to fit the M305 receiver, who knows what will happen when you install it on the NM LRB?

 

[Tom Morrison]

I did a heavy IDF / LRB build that required taking a bit off the barrel shoulder to get it to index properly. I used a lathe. The other potential issue is head space, you need to measure it and insure it's in spec. It's possible that a barrel won't work with a specific receiver without mods.

 

[Sh0ckw4v3]

I was wondering how involved the process of putting together an m14 is with the IDF parts kits and a receiver, in terms of physical changes having to be done to the parts. What I mean is lapping, cutting, etc. The reason I ask is because eventually down the line I want my heavy parts kit to go into a NM LRB receiver. But as most of you know, the monetary investment to that is something that either takes the time to save or the money to immediately throw down. With that in mind, creating the rifle from a Norc receiver sounds like a good idea simply to get the platform up and running to use while saving over time to eventually build the rifle I know I want it to be. So how much change is performed to the parts when matched to a receiver, and are those changes drastic enough to have them not work or fit (however you want to see it) in a new receiver down the line?

From experience, you can screw your heavy barrel onto a good Norinco receiver without damaging your valuable barrel, but you very likely might need to modify the tab on your (very rare) operating rod to make it fit the narrow channel in the Norinco receiver. Were I in your situation, I would happily use the strong forged Norinco operating rod in your temporary build, and leave the SAK operating rod tucked away unless it's worn enough to drop in and move without any binding.

Removing the stub off of your heavy barrel without damaging it might be the toughest of part the process once you have the correct tools (and standard M14 barrel tools aren't going to cut it). The barrels on these parts kits can really be torqued on, so get yourself some proper penetrating oil (not just WD 40), soak everything in it and let it work for 24 hours, and you'll have an easier time with the stub removal and the set screw on the Norinco receiver as well.

Once the barrel is off of the stub it should screw on to the Norinco receiver and time correctly without any modifications whatsoever. You can very easily tell if your barrel is correctly installed and headspaced by looking at it once it's been timed: if a barrel which was previously installed in a rifle and headspaced correctly sits perfectly flush with the new receiver you're good to go; if it's inset or protruding you're not.

 

[m14medic.ca]

Every single IDF HB Ive installed onto a norinco reciever has spun on and timed with-out any trouble. The headspace however was very tight. To date I've built about a dozen HB builds, all of them required a re-cut chamber as the headspace was 3-8 thou under SAMMI minimum for 308 Winchester.

My $.02

 

[Tom Morrison]

My chamber was just over SAMMI (won't close on the + .001 gauge)

 

[Jacobean]

Every single IDF HB Ive installed onto a norinco reciever has spun on and timed with-out any trouble. The headspace however was very tight. To date I've built about a dozen HB builds, all of them required a re-cut chamber as the headspace was 3-8 thou under SAMMI minimum for 308 Winchester.

My $.02

I knew you were going to be busy after all the dust settled. Likely one day in the future you'll get some form of notification and it'll be me asking if things have cleared up for you haha.

 

[45ACPKING]

if your plan is to innevitably install these parts on an LRB receiver..... I would put them in storage until that time instead of fitting them to a norc receiver as a temporary let's get shooting measure.
for what it's worth, reseating a barrel..... you must achieve 80 to 90 foot pounds torque at index to install correctly.

these are things best left to a professional.

the community has once again reached a point where we have lots of guys new to the platform attempting to figure out there builds.
Really, the internet is the wrong place to glean correct info even though folks have good intentions in thier answers. "most" of the time folks are giving poor advice though they may not realize it.
I've said it before, I'll say it again.... Jerry Kunhaussen's 30 caliber service rifle manual (M14 and M1garand) should be in the posession of anyone who is going to work on these rifles AND for anyone who gives advice, technical info.

building an m14 with the right tools is actually quite simple..... doing it "right" is another matter entirely.