Poly Tech m14 bolt play

Klondiker

Klondiker

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Alberta for now, back to the Yukon someday
I just picked up one of these last week, new in the plastic oil filled bag, and I have a question about the amount of play with the bolt.

With the bolt closed on an empty chamber, and the 'hammer' cocked, there seems to be quite a bit of play both back and forth and also a bit side to side. However, with either a snap-cap or a sized case in the chamber, there's no play at all, none. The lugs seat tight.

The only other rifle I have to compare it to with this action is a '44 Garand, which locks up tight on an empty or loaded chamber. That's the reason for post. One of these things isn't like the other.

I have yet to shoot this rifle, and I assume there's no problem, but I thought I'd check anyway.
 
Hmmm...
Sounds like you might have some un-even locking lug's. I would get some one to give it a once over before I would blast it.
 
The only way to check for unsafe headspace is with a gauge. If it closes on the NO GO, you have an unsafe gun. But not closing isn't going to make it any more accurate. I'd be taking this one back and bugging the seller to prove that the bolt slop wasn't going to make my widowed wife rich at his expense.
 
There is a lot of information on this subject in the stickies. A small amount of play in the bolt is not necessarily a concern. Regardless, for quality comment you may want to qualify the degree of play. You may also want to verify headspace - or have your new rifle checked out by a gunsmith familiar with the M14. Best practice for any new M14 owner may be to participate (if possible for you) in one of the various M14 workshops you may find posted in this forum. The M14 is a magnificent battle rifle, but ownership also brings a new learning curve. Am sure you probably know that. Best of luck, and have fun.
 
I noticed that as well in my new (to me) M14. Front to back only though. Took it to the range for the first time today, shot like a charm.
 
You can't conclude anything negative just from observing some play in the bolt with no round chambered. If you can rotate the bolt as well, make sure the op rod is closing fully forward and nothing is hanging it up. Sometimes it hits the inside of the stock as it comes forward.
 
A bit of bolt slop is the norm. I recall when Hungry made us compare our rifles bolts to his with the USGI TRW ( I'm worthy) bolt. She was tight.
 
Mine too. Plus I am think mine could close with a no go gauge. Don't care, its like custom brass like any other of my rifles. Once the brass is fireformed it works. (i hope, gulp)

Maybe I'm wrong, but I got about 20 thou stretch in my brass. I just bumped it a thou when I reload it and I'll be good to go.

Its a $500 gun, I can work with it.
 
That's the way they are. Mine has play in the bolt, even though headspace is only .007" over SAAMI minimum (many M14s are in excess of .010" over) as measured with a case micrometer.
 
Thanks for the tips guys. I really appreciate it. I think it would be helpful to attend an M14 clinic somewhere in the Edmonton to Calgary area if they're out there.

I figure I'll put a few rounds through it and see how it runs, and then maybe see if M14Doctor has the time to give it a treatment.

Thanks
 
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