Can someone help with mfg date for new M1A?

[colreed]

Just picked up a new M1A, SN 40544 and would love to know the date of mfg.
Is there a website I can go to to get some info on this rifle?
Many thanks.
Reed

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[snapperm1c]

Around May 1988

See Lee Emerson (Member "Different" in many M-14 forums)

EOTAC Forum – the Elite Operator Tactical bulletin board

and

M-14 Firing Line Public Forum - Powered by vBulletin

HTH,

SN1

[Maniac]

Off hand I'd say around 1987 but let me find you a link to a serial number thread. You've got a good one, it has the "7.62 mm" designation on the heel that makes it look a lot like a USGI M14. That was changed a few years later. Bet it has a lot of USGI parts too. Good score!

[Maniac]

Here you go:

EOTAC Forum – the Elite Operator Tactical bulletin board

According to this database, M1A s/n 40555 was struck about March, 1987. If you get a chance check out the moderator's (Lee Emerson, aka Different) for lots of great M14 info.
Good luck with your new acquisition!

[colreed]

Thanks, Charlie,
Yes, it is marked with 7.62mm and has the M14 stock with cutout. I've been told that the stock is the "slim" version. Very nice. It does have the synthetic top hand guard. Was that std for the '87 period?
Now for some ammo. Need to make some noise.
regards,
Reed

[Maniac]

Thanks, Charlie,
Yes, it is marked with 7.62mm and has the M14 stock with cutout. I've been told that the stock is the "slim" version. Very nice. It does have the synthetic top hand guard. Was that std for the '87 period?
Now for some ammo. Need to make some noise.
regards,
Reed

The handguard was the third version of the handguard, the first being walnut and the 2nd being a slotted (ventilated) fiberglass that proved to be fragile and allowed a hot barrel to distort the sight picture.
As far as stock thickness, there are some replacement stocks that are preferred by match shooters (as well as those with big hands) due to their bigger profile but I believe the majority were basically the same size. Does yours have a DOD stamp and is it an "ink" stamp (sanded) or deeply impressed in the wood?
If the Lithuanian milsurp 7.62x51 ever comes back at a reasonable price you might want to check it out. Very accurate in many M14 clones but there is a lot of different types out there that are good. Stay away from the Indian milsurp though, not a good deal at any price.
HTH

P.S. Here's a couple of links that may prove informative, you really should check out Lee's (Different) website: Different
Here too: EOTAC Forum – the Elite Operator Tactical bulletin board

[colreed]

Charlie, you have shown so much interest in my new find, thought I'd post a link to some pictures for you.
The only marking on the stock is the Proof P in circle under hand grip, and it is stamped, not inked. Stock doesn't appear sanded so I really don't know what I have. I do know it is not the large (beefy) one. My hands are small.
the only other code I can find is the PN on the bolt.
It is:
7790186
TRW ZH
I am assuming it is pretty much a std commercial M1A with maybe a replacement stock.
Thanks for all your help.
Regards
Reed

M1A pictures by colreed1 - Photobucket