Military Surplus Collectors Forums - M1 Garand/M14/M1A Rifles

NEA oversized M14 magazine release review

Claven2 — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:45:10 GMT

Jeff at IMA was kind enough to send me one of their new oversized M14 mag releases to try out so I thought I would post some photos and provide a little review for anyone thinking of this upgrade. (rifle is a 2009 Polytech in a Troy MCS stock)

For starters, this mag release is designed to fit ONLY Chinese M14 trigger groups. This means Polytech and Norinco. It is NOT a drop-in part for a USGI or Springfield Armory Inc. trigger housing since these units use a smaller roll-pin. You COULD use a sleeve or collar to decrease the pin hole diameter on the mag release and it might still properly index the magazines, but I have not tried this and I don't know if the centre-point of both roll-pin holes is in the same location on each type of housing - some experimentation would be needed.

My friendly advice to NEA is that if they want to tap the vast American M14 market, they will either need to make a separate run of these with GI pin holes or they will need to supply an adaptor collar for those customers, assuming the alignment is the same for both hole diameters.

Now that that's out of the way, lets talk about build quality. It's excellent. This is clearly a CNC machined part. It is made of hardened stainless steel and blacked commercially. You will note the horrible degree if fit and finish on the Chinese part by comparison.

Also note that the Chinese (and USGI) releases are slightly curved - this is to get the release farther from the mag to increase leverage, while the NEA release has a straight face. The curve is not necessary on the NEA part as the larger radius provides plenty of leverage and the linear smooth face seems to make mag changes slicker as you slide the mag up along the face of the release, guiding it into the magwell. If you have a reasonably long index finger, you could operate the release with the grip hand, though due to the M14 design, the mag still won't drop completely free, but it will speed up changes slightly.

The back of the paddle is serrated but not so roughly as to irritate the pad of the thumb when using it. It is also slightly wider than the width of a magazine, which really takes the guess work out of fast or blind mag changes. The tolerances were tight enough that I can not notice any binding issues due to the thumb pressure not being in line with the centre of the magazine. It is also ambidextrous, though since I am left handed the photos will reflect that.

GI type release:

NEA release:

Now as for changing this part out, if you're not careful you will almost need 3 hands! If you follow these steps, however, it's pretty straightforward.

1) Drift out the roll pin with an appropriately sized punch. A roll pin punch is best.

2) Do NOT drift the pin out all the way. Stop just after the pin clears the old release.

3) Using a tight fitting punch, push the new release more or less into place and work the punch into the side opposite the roll pin.

4) Using the punch to wiggle the release around until the holes line up, tap the pin into place with a small jeweller's hammer or with a brass punch.

5) Done!

These Canadian made releases are selling for about $46 at select Canadian dealers and their nearest competition is likely the Sadlak mag release. The Sadlak, generally, is available only with the USGI type roll pin hole and won;t reliably fit a Chinese trigger group. The exception is a run Fabsports had made up special by Sadlak, but they are no longer on the Fabsports website and may not be available any longer.
Sadlak release:

Having tried both, I personally prefer the NEA release much more. It is easier to find without looking down and the serrations are horizontal as opposed to the vertical serrations on the sadlak. With my hand positioning, the horizontal serrations provide a more positive purchase on my the thumb pad. Checkering might be even batter, but no checkered releases are yet available that I know of.

If you do anything with your M14 where fast reliable mag changes are required, I give this product a very strong two thumbs up. The build quality difference alone is almost enough to justify the upgrade over the stock chinese part.

I timed myself doing rapid mag changes with both release types on the same rifle and by my calculations I'm about 10% faster with the NEA release.

Hope this helps anyone who is on the fence about picking one up :)

Is there a 5.5 Mil SA Garand ??

pastprime — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:26:26 GMT

I just bought what was advertised as a 5.5 mil SA receiver. After looking at some serial number listings I found, I see the that a receiver in that serial number block should be a HRA.

So, is there such an animal or not. I think I remember reading the there have been some serial number duplications between manufacturers ...It is not a big issue for me since I just need a nice, usable receiver. Just curious.

Thanks

M1 stock affects on elevation setting

Jason60chev — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:28:58 GMT

I have an M1 with a new CMP stock which is really tight when I close the trigger group. While shooting this rifle at 100 yards, I was at 10 clicks UP from bottom before I was getting hits in the middle of the target where I was aiming. Using both LC 69 Ball and new Hornandy 168 A-Max. Hornandy ammo shot well. Anyway....will a really tight fitting butt stock affect the elevation settings? If so, how is the stock adjusted/ losened? Thanks.

I don't usually pass these on,...

Bodyman — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:39:46 GMT

Maybe the message is a little off topic and maybe even just a little bit cheezy, but there are a few Garands in there ... All I know for sure is that it drew a tear out of me.

YouTube Video

ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.

Outstanding.

The Guns at Springfield (DOD Video)

Badger — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:28:42 GMT

An interesting video for Springfield collectors ... :thup:

Quote:

THE GUNS AT SPRINGFIELD - Department of Defense 1971 - PIN 3027

SHOWS THE STORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE US ARMY'S SMALL ARMS FROM THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR THROUGH THE VIETNAM WAR, IN A TOUR THROUGH THE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MUSEUM.

Did Fifty Collectors Really Ruin 50 Early HRA Corrects?

Charlie59 — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:38:12 GMT

According to the article in todays' GCA Journal, it happened! The article, about late SA Corrects with non SA parts, said CMP delivered 50 early HRA Corrects, with one or more SA parts(a legitimate variation) some time ago. It went on to say ALL 50 were returned, demanding HRA parts be swapped back on. Well, those rifles are no longer original, or correct, IMHO. I guess I'm not in the market for an early HRA now. Not only that, but the article went on to say that late SA Corrects also, with mixed parts, will possibly be given their own classification as being collectible! Does this mean mixmasters will be worth more than "origionals"? This article is a "must read" IMO!!

Charlie

CMP Garand And Custom-Made Garand

pendennis — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:40:36 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, I went to Camp Perry, and visited the CMP store during the national matches. I wasn't looking for a Garand. Ostensibly, I was headed to Vendors' Row for some bullets, surplus M1 parts, and some Wolf Match Extra.

Before I could get out of the CMP store, the siren song of the M1 called, and I ended up with a CMP Springfield Special Grade. It's one fine rifle, and a ball to shoot. The only thing I did, was to clean the rifle, then take it to the range and run some M1 ball through it.

The second rifle is a bit of serendipity. I took two others to a local gunsmith; one for a new barrel, and one to have the barrel remounted (It had been over-turned and was about four degrees past TDC.) He handled both rifles perfectly. While there, I noticed a rather different Garand in his sale rack. It turns out that this one is a custom-made commercial receiver. It's chambered on 7.62mm NATO, has a match barrel, custom stock, and Redfield Palma rear sight, and I swapped out the orlginal front sight for a Redfield Olympic. The heavy stock, and the 7.62mm caliber make it a ball to shoot. The original, now late, owner only used it in four matches.

Here are a couple of photos of the rifles:

Winchester Ammunition

pendennis — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:14:50 GMT

I have several boxes of Winchester 7.62x51 ammunition. The projectile is the 147gr FMJ. It functions perfectly in my M1's, M1A, and Panther Arms LR308. It's also very accurate. It's commercially sold, and comes in the white box.

The case heads show "WCCC", 2-digit year, and the NATO cross imprint.

Is this ammunition MILSPEC; i.e. crimped primer pocket, military thickness, etc.? Nothing on Winchester's web site states any more detailed specifications.

Elevation comeups for all service rifles - M1/3006, M14 with M872?

beekeeper — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:28:10 GMT

Have been a hanger-on and registered.

A general question about come-ups for Service Rifle. Long ago, I recall a thread by Master Po?? on the old CSP website that had general elevation comeups for all service rifles - M1/3006, M14 with M872?? ammo and AR 15.

Would someone supply? Thanks, Tom

M1 Garand peep sights ?

mac1911 — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 04:23:35 GMT

by design: Are they designed for one eye or two eyes open ?

M14 Kits available from the CMP

Dr342 — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:04:48 GMT

Looks like they released about 400 kits. Price is $600. Sales page lists them as Grade A Kits less Reciever, Barrel & Bolt. Doesnt sound like the folks at the Tfl.com are very impressed.

Anyone going to take a chance, why or why not? Personally, Im in for another Woodless WRA from the CMP. No M14 Kit for me.

Hello all !

mako2231 — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:28:26 GMT

Hello to all you gents up north I am an avid fan of the M14 I have five LRB rifles and one SAI rifle. Two of the LRB rifles are built and the rest are waiting for me to put them together. Just thought I would say hello. I am a member on the M14 Firing Line Forum down in the states my user name is 82nd abn

M1 Garand ejection problem

NateC — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:51:37 GMT

I just bought a new-to-me M1, and I have run into a problem. I have greased all the recommended points, and checked the rifle to the best of my ability. But here is the issue;

I can feed single rounds into the chamber, and they eject flawlessly.

If I put in a loaded enbloc clip (I tried 7 rounds too, just to make sure) it will not eject the fired case. Although sometimes it will, but 9 out of 10 times it won't.

I *think* the problem is the operating rod spring, but I am not certain. To put an enbloc clip into the magazine takes a lot of effort on my part...

I'm sure someone has run into a problem like this before.

Thanks in advance.

Would you sell a Mini 30 to buy a second Garand?

Laufer — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:52:39 GMT

My first arrived less than three weeks ago. This is the coolest thing I will ever own/lease/rent:bow:, age 55 and don't even want a laptop-just classic rifles.

Over at 'Gunandgame', 'Garand' most guys say yes, there will always be Mini 30s. This should be no surprise on G. forums.

The basic wood/stainless Mini 30, which is only used to blast plastic bottles on a river bank, is complimented by the SKS in that caliber, using cheap Russian ammo (no tedious reloading). Have Not yet hunted, but will soon try feral pigs with a friend in Texas. With travel expenses/time, can not do this often.

1950s LC Ammo

reed12b — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:13:26 GMT

I have two questions about some old ammo. My dad just gave me two .30 cans of what he called Lake City ammo that he picked up in the late 50's or early 60's. One can has the normal boxes of ammo that are infact marked LC. The other can has what he called machine gun ammo, as it is a very long belt of ammo that every 5th one is marked with orange painted tips. We think this is a tracer round.

One question is does anyone know or think this is corrosive ammo? Two what is the opinion of shooting this in a M1? I have read all the posts I could find on cleaning after shooting corrosive ammo, so I feel comfortable on how to do that. But is there any risk the corrosive bits will get into the gas cylindar?

The 1903A3 will likely be the receiptant of this ammo, but thougth I would ask the questions.

Thanks
Barry

Interesting 1941 Winchester

RCS — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 15:35:38 GMT

This Winchester had the inside of the receiver machined a little too close and the cutter broke throught the front section under the forward part of the rear sight base. I know of a 1941 SA
with the same feature - will not affect the function of the rifle.

This Winchester still has the original barrel and the bolt still had the WRA firing pin.

Attachment 15165 -- Attachment 15166 -- Attachment 15167 -- Attachment 15168

Attached Thumbnails

U.S. RIFLE, CALIBER 7.62MM, M14 (U.S. Training Film)

Badger — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:13:30 GMT

The following training video has been extracted from the Videos Category (click here) of our main Knowledge Library (click here) and added as a "sticky thread" to the top of this forum.

U.S. RIFLE, CALIBER 7.62MM, M14 - Operation and Cycle of Functioning (U.S. Training Film)

This video is an official U.S. Army training film. This is an excellent training video, which demonstrates through cut-a-ways and other training aids, the detailed principles of operation of the M14 Rifle. Includes design and capabilities - field stripping provisions, cycle of functioning, feeding, chambering, locking, firing etc. - semiautomatic and automatic operation. Department of the Army. Office of the Chief Signal Officer. (09/18/1947 - 02/28/1964). DVD Copied by Master Scanner Thomas Gideon

U.S. RIFLE, CALIBER 7.62MM, M14 (U.S. Training Film) (click here)

Regards,
Badger

U.S. RIFLE, CALIBER 7.62MM, M14 (U.S. Training Film)

Badger — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:06:21 GMT

Quote:

The following video(s) are excerpts which have been extracted from the Videos Category (click here) of our main Knowledge Library (click here).

U.S. RIFLE, CALIBER 7.62MM, M14 - Operation and Cycle of Functioning (U.S. Training Film)

This video is an official U.S. Army training film.

This is an excellent training video, which demonstrates through cut-a-ways and other training aids, the detailed principles of operation of the M14 Rifle. Includes design and capabilities - field stripping provisions, cycle of functioning, feeding, chambering, locking, firing etc. - semiautomatic and automatic operation. Department of the Army. Office of the Chief Signal Officer. (09/18/1947 - 02/28/1964). DVD Copied by Master Scanner Thomas Gideon.

Quote:

To view this video, press the PLAY button, or any area in the centre of the video window. Note the other optional video controls also available on the control bar located underneath the video screen. You may use the PAUSE and other buttons to adjust your personal viewing preferences, or click on the video itself to stop and start playback. Make sure you turn on your speakers and set the volume appropriately.

Quote:

U.S. RIFLE, CALIBER 7.62MM, M14
(U.S. Training Film)
Video length = 28 Minutes

WTK: Value of SA 3rd Gen M1A Scope mount

giguy41 — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:56:06 GMT

Gents, I have a couple of the 3rd gen Springfield Armory M1A scope mounts that I am thinking of taking out to a show this weekend and wondered what the collective wisdom is on what these things are worth? Both are excellent and complete, no rings of course !
I would appreciate any help you can give me on the subject !

receivers with the extra wide rib

RCS — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:53:57 GMT

So far, around a dozen or so have been found, all in the 30,000 and 40,000 serial number range, all being revision 1 receivers. Most have had the correction to the guide ribs. There is a small group of collectors tracking these serial numbers if anyone has anything new to add ?Attachment 15111

Attached Thumbnails

Problem with single shot modified clip - SOLVED

RBruce — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:37:06 GMT

I've had this single shot clip for about ten years. I've used it in matches. I believe it came from Aggressive Engineering Corp. of CA, since I also have their two round and five round clips, and packaging.

The problem was that their engineering was different from the example provided earlier on this forum. Their version trimmed the left forward section even with the middle section that locks into the left of the receiver magazine area. They had the short forward section bent in slightly to allow a screwdriver or similar tool to bend the left side in to allow removal of the clip. However, their arrangement made it very difficult (and time consuming) to bend the clip far enough to have it release. Then, the middle section would catch on the left receiver rail requiring using the tool to bend the clip in again.

After several trial re-bending, I finally got the clip to release completely, and to not catch on the receiver rail. If they had left the left forward section as shown in the design provided earlier, it would have been much easier to bend the clip enough to release.

Thanks again for all of the help on this. Now I'm going to try to make one myself.:thup:

Feedback on Garand dealer?

Leggett71 — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:59:00 GMT

Does anyone have any experience with buying garand parts or ammo from "Packrat"? looking to buy some bulk ammo / M1 accessories and he seems to be reasonable. Looking for feedback before i give up any cash.

Thanks in advance,
Leggett 71

New M1 Owner needs recommendation and advice.

miltymann — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:15:45 GMT

New to M1s, but not things that go bang - lol. I just received two M1s for some work I'm doing. Both are Blue Sky imports and need new barrels. One is a WRAs and the other a SA. Both date to 43. I may just rework one now and leave the other as is for the time being. Assume both in about the same condition, does one command a better price/following than the other??

Anyway, I've looked at a few websites that offer m1 services. Any recommendations? Lessons learned?? Etc. My goal, to end up with a nice shooting grade rifle. I'm not looking to make either of these a correct "safe queen" or National Match clone. Just would like a very solid shoot'n rife. Heck, I'm not all that worried about looks for that matter. Much more worried about function and with all things in life - price, turn around time, ease to work with.

Thanks in advance.

Milton

M1 Garand ammo clips question.

dude67 — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:09:24 GMT

Hello,
I have inherited my father-in-laws M1 and ammo stock. My question is: The markings in the circle of the back of the clip has various letter stamping. Can you read the markings like Ammo? He had some "China" clips mixed in with some of the "US" made stamped clips. These China clips don't have as well defined stamping and they tend to load with more difficulty. I think I want to pitch the China made clips. They are crap.

Questions about single shot adapters

RBruce — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:09:49 GMT

I have a modified garand clip that allows loading a single shot. This is used in Garand slow fire matches. The question is, does it require removing the trigger assembly to remove it? I have not been able to remove it otherwise.

I also have a device sold by Brownells which provides the same function. It ejects when the clip latch is pressed. However, this device requires pressing down on the single round while withdrawing the OP rod slightly, then releasing while still holding the round down. Nasty process, worse than loading a full clip.

Given the choice of the two devices, I find the former much easier to use. However, it requires removing the trigger assembly to remove the clip. That is supposed to negatively affect stock fit over time, and it would be done twice in each match to say nothing about the number of times during practice.

If I remember correctly, each of these items are legal for the CMP Garand match. Neither is an "as issued" part. Nor are aftermarket match barrels.

There is a modification to the OP Rod Catch assembly which performs a similar function to the previously mentioned two devices. This modified OP Rod Catch makes the M1 function like the M-14 in that on the last round the bolt is locked open, and the clip may be ejected by pressing the clip latch. I've been told that this modification is not allowed in CMP Garand matches.

Why? It provides no performance advantage. I have one of these devices, and it is a pleasure to use. It saves wear and tear on the stock, and on my 67 year old fingers. Time for a rule change.

Hole in -2 SA Bolt

George Sr. — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 18:52:47 GMT

What is the purpose of the hole drilled in the right locking lug od -2 M-1 bolts?

Non-political question about proposed sale of Korean M1s

RBruce — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:36:52 GMT

Did we originally sell them to Korea, or were they lend-leased. If Lend-leased, shouldn't they just return them to the US? Are these the rifles that were mantioned some time ago as going to the CMP? Just wondering.

Need advice on M1 garand trouble shooting manual

RBruce — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:31:30 GMT

I've got a shelf full of M1 Garand reference manuals, Canfield, Duff, Poyer, Harrison; and maintence guides both USGI and aftermarket that talk about assembly, disassembly and cleaning; and copies of many USGI TMs and FMs. But, none of these seem to address problems like failure to feed or premature ejection.

What is a good trouble shooting reference manual? I don't plan to do anything serious like installing a barrel, but would like to be able to solve general problems.

Help - problem with premature ejection!

RBruce — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 22:41:51 GMT

I recently sold a very nice M1 Garand that I had for at least fifteen years, The buyer reported that it would not fire more than 3 rounds without the clip trying to eject with unfired rounds still in it. Can someone help me diagnose the problem. I never experienced this condition with the rifle. Thanks for any advice.

US Opposes Seoul's bid to sell old rifles... article.

Akulahawk — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:21:44 GMT

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news...205_71329.html

The article below was published only about 9 or 10 hours ago. Apparently the South Koreans aren't all that happy...

Quote:

[Exclusive] US opposes Seoul�s bid to sell old rifles

The U.S. government is opposing Korea�s bid to sell thousands of aging U.S. combat rifles to American gun collectors.

By Jung Sung-ki

The U.S. government opposed South Korea�s bid to sell thousands of aging U.S. combat rifles to American gun collectors, a senior government official said Thursday.

The ministry announced the plan last September as part of efforts to boost its defense budget, saying the export of the M1 Garand and carbine rifles would start by the end of 2009.

The U.S. administration put the brakes on the plan, citing �problems� that could be caused by the importation of the rifles.

The problems the U.S. government cited were somewhat ambiguous, said an official at the Ministry of National Defense on condition of anonymity.

�The U.S. insisted that imports of the aging rifles could cause problems such as firearm accidents. It was also worried the weapons could be smuggled to terrorists, gangs or other people with bad intentions,� the official told The Korea Times.

�We�re still looking into the reason why the U.S. administration is objecting to the sale of the rifles and seeking ways to resolve the problems raised,� he said.

Critics say the ministry pushed to sell the firearms in a hasty manner without enough consultation with the U.S. beforehand, as calls were growing to increase defense expenditure.

The Seoul government sought to sell the outdated U.S guns back to the United States.

A total of 86,000 M1 rifles and another 22,000 carbines were to be sold, as the weapons have been mothballed for about five decades in military warehouses. The per-unit price of the M1 rifle is about $220 and the carbine is more than $140, according to the ministry.

M1s were made first in 1926 and used in World War II and the 1954-1975 Vietnam War. The carbines were first produced in 1941 and used during the 1950-1953 Korean War.