Bought a complete National Match set up "Everything" Rare

[Bob Seijas]

Because the M14 NM was long delayed by the select fire controversy, SA had to build many more NM M1s than planned. By 1959 they were about out of parts, and the lack of barrels was critical. They scrounged all over the ordnance system for tight barrels until 50,000 1953, 1954, and 1955s were found stored at Schenectady. The '54s were particularly high quality and SA grabbed them. That's why 1954 dates are the most common barrel found on Type 2 NM rifles built between 1960 and 1962.

---------- Post added at 12:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:50 AM ----------

It has a 1960 code mark on the barrel, so that's when it was first built. The last four serial numbers should be written on the front face of the trigger housing. The hooded sight indicates a 1962 upgrade.

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[Joe W]

[/COLOR]It has a 1960 code mark on the barrel, so that's when it was first built. The last four serial numbers should be written on the front face of the trigger housing. The hooded sight indicates a 1962 upgrade.

What is your take on the front sight being marked on the left side as opposed to the right ?? Also, any chance the rifle was rebuilt by SA in 1963 or at least had the NM/2A base installed in 1963, but kept it's original barrel from the 1960 build ??? I know the 77 barrel was the one normally used on 1963 builds, but the lack of the 1962 STAR code makes me wonder. Guess it really doesn't make much difference.