M14 rifle/M2 bipod failure

After 20 some odd years usage (roughly 1984- Not all in my possession) the angled side plate of my Bipod, Rifle,M2 decided to part company with the rest of the assembly. Unlike the "cheap" copies, the original is welded to the two cross pieces only at the locating tabs. (The copies, some of them, are welded the full width of each cross piece as well.) The tabs show a fairly classic "fatigue" failure; the hardened outer surface failed early on and were burnished whilst the softer core held things together. Just taking the rifle from storage, and CLANK, off comes the leg and sideplate- didn't even touch the assembly...

So, off to the TIG welder and to buy a "crappy" knockoff for everyday use.:p

That's so sad, it's just that when you get to trust something it unexpectedly gives up the ghost. I had a 45 slide come apart for no good reason I could see, except pure meaness on it's part!

I use the Chinese M2 copy and find them well made. Adapted to M76 Zastava usage and it works well. It mounts as on my M14E2. Recoil pulse is similar. It's also a lot cheaper than my GI issue M2. Gary

I think Clint Smith's adage is "Two is one and one is none." (For items that you might REALLY need right NOW.) Fortunately, the bipod on this weapon is often attached just to add weight, but its good for long prone shooting sessions as well.

The Chinese replacement 'pod was tested yesterday. It was locked on using a wrench to tighten the locking nut, but after about 60-80 rounds it was discovered to be quite loose! Looks like coarser threads.

I think a set scew w/ a lead ball under it might keep it the lock screw from letting go.

Otherwise, no dramas.

There are two different imports. The ones that look rough and are cheap are from Red China and junk. The ones that look more like the GI and are a lot more money are imported from Taiwan and are much better quality.

Timely topic. Went to gun show today and bought a Chinese M2. This one made with shorter legs. Attached to M1A and it is much more compact and tall enough for function. I'll take pics and demonstrate. Regards, Gary

To make matters further confusing, a large dealer is now selling imported bipods from Taiwan to the Navy Seals because there are no more in the system. Government purchase of commercial "off the shelf items" gives lots of dealers the interpretation to advertise them as "US GI". Same thing with the M14A1 Barrel Stabilizer and the cast repro POS T37 Flash Hider for the Garand.

Military Units will continue to purchase reproduction junk as time goes on and the designation of "US GI" will continue to grow. Buyer Beware.

For those that think anything the military purchases defines it as US GI, then everything in the world is US GI, because just about everything on the commercial market was purchased somewhere, sometime, by some part of the military.

This one is probably Taiwanese. So, that's not good for the GIs!

Sarco

Old stuff breaks. The more its used, the earlier it breaks. Ask my body.

Old stuff gets repaired!

A friend TIG welded it back together and now its just waiting for the parkerizing tank session at another friend's place.