M14 Tune Up, Looking for Bits and Pieces

phishtapher

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While waiting for my Promag Archangel Precision Stock to ship I'm giving my M14's a once over.

One was bought new from Marstar in 2005. The serial number starts with 010. It is stock except for the USGI fiberglass stock.

The other was bought used on CGN around the same time, serial number also starts with 010. It also sports a USGI stock. In addition it has a Springfield Armor 3ed Gen. scope mount, stainless steel spring guide and USGI spring. The previous owner has also unitized the gas system.

w3cpf.jpg



Inspecting the rifles I have identified some points that need to be addressed:

- Both need their gas cylinder shimmed, they are hand tight around 7 o'clock.

- The op rod guide pin on the used rifle has shattered. The guide on the new rifle is reasonably tight, but not completely.

- The rear sight is loose on the used rifle. Not a big deal, it will be dedicated for scope use.

I haven't checked either rifle for proper headspace, barrel indexing or bolt lug engagement.



What I'm looking for is any spare bits and pieces you have left over from your rifle builds. Shims, pins, etc. I will also post a WTB add in the Equipment Exchange.

I'm also looking for any feedback or suggestions you guys have.

Thanks
 
Too keep a long story short I would say take a Hungry or M14 Doc clinic, these gents can teach you every tip tweak and tune method there is for these babies. Try swapping the bolts from one gun to the other, I did this with a buddies spare bolt and his is much tighter than mine was in my rifle
 
:agree:
I also have 2 spare bolts and if your in the LMZ I let you see if they can tighten up your headspace if it needs to. Also swapping gas pistons has a noticable effect on groupping also.
More than anything these 2 rifles are screaming to be used ;)
P.S. If you are looking for a spare part I useally keep enough spare to rebuild my rifle atleast 2 times over.
 
1) Paint over the giant white Springfield Armory on the scope mount.

2) You don't need to shim the one with the unitizing.
 
Have you tried the gas lock, reversed? Mine were loose until I turned them around then they tightened at around 5 oclock and then tapped into place with a mallet
 
:agree:
I also have 2 spare bolts and if your in the LMZ I let you see if they can tighten up your headspace if it needs to. Also swapping gas pistons has a noticable effect on groupping also.
More than anything these 2 rifles are screaming to be used ;)
P.S. If you are looking for a spare part I useally keep enough spare to rebuild my rifle atleast 2 times over.

So you recommend spending the money on an aftermarket piston? I've been considering that. Which one do you find works the best?

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=24605/ttver=1/Product/M14_M1A_GAS_PISTON

That Sadlak one says it's polished, so I'm guessing that's what you want?
 
All the gas cylinder lock flipping suggestions are great.

Now about that piston replacement... that is great (from Brownells) if you have a USGI gas cylinder. The Norc Gas Cylinders are slightly different interior diameters.

This is also ONE of the reasons I like to replace the chinese gas cylinder; they are great pieces of gear, but replacement piston supplies are unpredictable (unless you took my advice to buy TWO of them ;) ).

Lemme know if you need a shim or two!

Cheers,
Barney
 
Gotta agree with Hungry on the gas cylinder thing.
As for pistons....
There is a fella from the U.S. , a true M14 guru and ex armorer named GUS FISCHER. This man's intimate knowledge of this rifle as an armorer and shooter is hard to match. Gus has written a few articles on the firing line m14 forum. He has his own sub forum there. For those interested in learning more about swapping out pistons for peak accuracy, Gus's article is a must read.
He is talking about USGI rifles and pistons but the practice can be applied to chinese rifles and pistons.
 
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