SA M1A Rifle Owneres Ref:Bolt Release & Spring Guide R&R
- Thread starter mildot
- Start date
Dimensional variances between U.S. M14 type rifles (M1A, LRB, USGI ect) and their chinese counterparts (M14S/M305/M305B) will be something to consider when looking to accessorize your rifle.
The Chinese bolt stop roll pin is larger than the american item. To my knowledge and examinations, the NEA and the Rooster33 (not made anymore) are made to fit the chinese roll pin. The M1A receiver won't fit a chinese roll pin without forcing it and this is NOT good. Using a chinese spec bolt stop (NEA or rooster) with a US spec roll pin will cause undesireable play of the bolt stop on the pin. A lot of force is on this part both vertically when the mag empties and horizontally when the bolt locks back. During these operations, any slop of the bolt stop on the pin CAN and will over time, weaken and deform the roll pin.
It's my recommendation that those with M1A or LRB rifles to use American made bolt stops such a Smith Enterprise.
The spring guide rods made in Canada are primarily made to chinese spec, which is smaller diameter than USGI/M1A. The M14Doctor guide rod is slightly larger than chinese spec so as to bridge the tolerance gap between chinese and M1A oprod springs, I haven't measured the NEA for diameter so can't comment.
It is not imperative to match a US guide rod with a US spring but it is desireable, with one exception, a US guide rod will NOT fit into the chinese spring. Long and short, I don't recommend a chinese spec part as an M1A upgrade when there are high quality items, made to your M1A's dimensions (IE: smith enterprise, Promag for bolt stops and Sadlak, Brookfield and springfield for NM guide rods.
The Chinese bolt stop roll pin is larger than the american item. To my knowledge and examinations, the NEA and the Rooster33 (not made anymore) are made to fit the chinese roll pin. The M1A receiver won't fit a chinese roll pin without forcing it and this is NOT good. Using a chinese spec bolt stop (NEA or rooster) with a US spec roll pin will cause undesireable play of the bolt stop on the pin. A lot of force is on this part both vertically when the mag empties and horizontally when the bolt locks back. During these operations, any slop of the bolt stop on the pin CAN and will over time, weaken and deform the roll pin.
It's my recommendation that those with M1A or LRB rifles to use American made bolt stops such a Smith Enterprise.
The spring guide rods made in Canada are primarily made to chinese spec, which is smaller diameter than USGI/M1A. The M14Doctor guide rod is slightly larger than chinese spec so as to bridge the tolerance gap between chinese and M1A oprod springs, I haven't measured the NEA for diameter so can't comment.
It is not imperative to match a US guide rod with a US spring but it is desireable, with one exception, a US guide rod will NOT fit into the chinese spring. Long and short, I don't recommend a chinese spec part as an M1A upgrade when there are high quality items, made to your M1A's dimensions (IE: smith enterprise, Promag for bolt stops and Sadlak, Brookfield and springfield for NM guide rods.
This is a FYI for all you M1A owners, and congrats to M14Doctor for the "heads up".Too bad that didn't happen at the manufactures level when I inquired about the compatibility? Don't they know the spec's?? "should be" WTF, M14Doctor knew?
It could have saved me the inconvenience of buying the parts and re-selling them or returning them.
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