M1A/M14 Question(s)

[oubeta]

I'm wanting to purchase my first M1A/M14, but I have a few questions:

Are they set up to use heave loads without damaging anything? (168, 175's)
If I remember right in my Garand they told me not to shoot heavy bullets as it could damage it.
It looks like they make a model that has a 1/10" twist, so I assume it's ok to shoot the heavy loads through it.
Do you have to modify anything to avoid damaging it?

I'm wanting to install a SAGE/EBR stock on it as well.
Are these stocks 'plug n play'?
Their website says there is no gun smithing involved in installing the stocks.
Is there a model that's better for the Sage conversion (SOCOM?) than another, or all they all the same except the barrel length?

Thanks

 

[sgtbutt]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

I've used 168s in my M1A with no problems at all. The M1A should handle whatever factory loads you can feed it.
As far as the Sage EBR Chassis being plug and play....... Sure once its set up. Everything can be done by a competent individual who has basic knowledge of tools and firearms.
The Operating Rod Guide is replaced with one that bolts into the Chassis. Therefore the Op Rod Guide becomes the forward most connection with the barrel and free floats it about 6 inches or so.
To replace the Op Rod Guide the FH/Comp/MB needs to be removed which requires a castle nut pliers and the gas system needs removed.
Its a decent project to do, just takes the time to do it. PM me if you have any questions on it.

 

[NoExpert]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

You can run up to 175gr. safely in an M1A. Higher than that you'd want either a grooved piston from Sadlak or a vented gas plug from Schuster to vent some of the gas.

The Sage is pretty easy, just need the tools and time. I think it took me an hour to get mine together and I was going really slow. It's still got a ways to go before it's "done".

 

[samnev]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

I've been shooting 168 SMKs' in match shooting for years. If you go higher in weight follow NoExpert's advise.

 

[MK14 SEI]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oubeta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm wanting to purchase my first M1A/M14, but I have a few questions:

Are they set up to use heave loads without damaging anything? (168, 175's)
If I remember right in my Garand they told me not to shoot heavy bullets as it could damage it.
It looks like they make a model that has a 1/10" twist, so I assume it's ok to shoot the heavy loads through it.
Do you have to modify anything to avoid damaging it?

I'm wanting to install a SAGE/EBR stock on it as well.
Are these stocks 'plug n play'?
Their website says there is no gun smithing involved in installing the stocks.
Is there a model that's better for the Sage conversion (SOCOM?) than another, or all they all the same except the barrel length?

Thanks

</div></div>

The SAGE chassis system is fairly easy to live with as long as you have the proper tools and instructions.

All of my M14s have 4 groove 1:10 twist barrels and I shoot everything up to 175 gr and 180 gr sub sonic.

Barrel length: I have 16.25", 18.0" and 22.0" barreled actions in SAGE stocks, all are great, but my favorite general purpose M14s have 18.0" barrels.

Note: The 16.25" CQB 16 is new and I have not fired it yet.
It has a folding butt stock and a near perfect center of gravity with the scope installed and 25 rounds in the mag.

I hope that helps.

 

[pawprint]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've used 168s in my M1A with no problems at all. The M1A should handle whatever factory loads you can feed it.
As far as the Sage EBR Chassis being plug and play....... Sure once its set up. Everything can be done by a competent individual who has basic knowledge of tools and firearms.
The Operating Rod Guide is replaced with one that bolts into the Chassis. Therefore the Op Rod Guide becomes the forward most connection with the barrel and free floats it about 6 inches or so.
To replace the Op Rod Guide the FH/Comp/MB needs to be removed which requires a castle nut pliers and the gas system needs removed.
Its a decent project to do, just takes the time to do it. PM me if you have any questions on it. </div></div>The powder choice for the 308 load for use with an M1A are very important, for a expertly written piece-see Sierra's write up ref gas operated guns, the M1A and the M-1 are very well covered. The idea that you can shoot any factory/mil surplus rounds from the weapon, is wrong-damage to your system can and does happen with the use of wrong choice of powder. IMR 4895 is the common-best powder used in loading the M1A/M14 due to the 12,000+- port pressure design. If you load powders that may well be great in bolt guns-they can and do damage these gas guns. We have no way of knowing what "factory" ammo is loaded with. In fact, I've seen new 3006 ammo made "for use in M1s" for example, same problem. Great 3006 ammo for bolt gun-bad M1 ammo-not due to bullet weight, but port pressure in the gas system.

 

[geevee35]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

Pawprint,
would you happen to have a link for that Sierra write up? thanks!

 

[jwsnydes]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

I have always wanted a m-14 in a Troy Industries MCS. They are just sexy.

 

[TACCORD]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoExpert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can run up to 175gr. safely in an M1A. Higher than that you'd want either a grooved piston from Sadlak or a vented gas plug from Schuster to vent some of the gas.

The Sage is pretty easy, just need the tools and time. I think it took me an hour to get mine together and I was going really slow. It's still got a ways to go before it's "done".

</div></div>

SEXXXY, SEXXXY! Very Nice!

 

[pawprint]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

w<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: geevee35</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pawprint,
would you happen to have a link for that Sierra write up? thanks! </div></div>Sierra load manual IV, but I do have a link to one of the best concerning loading for an M1A:
www.zediker.com-downloads-14, very well written. A must have for the serious handloader. Remember, you can buy all manners of 308 ammo, to include products such as "lite magnum" etc. You stand a fair chance of harming your rifle, or worse, when you "shoots anything you can load in it" type work. A little reading will serve those shooting an M1A-or other gas guns-well. It will keep them and their weapon whole.

 

[MK14 SEI]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TAC-CORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoExpert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The Sage is pretty easy, just need the tools and time. I think it took me an hour to get mine together and I was going really slow. It's still got a ways to go before it's "done".</div></div>


SEXXXY, SEXXXY! Very Nice! </div></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt">
Super SEXXXY!</span>



NoExpert, do you happen to know what your scope and rings weigh together?

Thanks

 

[BimotaBiker]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NoExpert wrote: You can run up to 175gr. safely in an M1A. Higher than that you'd want either a grooved piston from Sadlak or a vented gas plug from Schuster to vent some of the gas.</div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">I just ordered a SureFire FA762K suppressor for mine. Should I be running a grooved piston from Sadlak or a vented gas plug from Schuster due to the increased back pressure that will result from the can.</span>

 

[NoExpert]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: H2O MAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NoExpert, do you happen to know what your scope and rings weigh together?

Thanks</div></div>

I'm going to be finding out Monday since another person asked me the same question. I'm guessing 2 pounds but I'll get you an accurate weight Monday.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BimotaBiker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">I just ordered a SureFire FA762K suppressor for mine. Should I be running a grooved piston from Sadlak or a vented gas plug from Schuster due to the increased back pressure that will result from the can.</span></div></div>

The SEI Socom gas plug would be an option for running suppressed. I'd recommend the Schuster adjustable plug also since you can fine tune it.

 

[MK14 SEI]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoExpert</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: H2O MAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NoExpert, do you happen to know what your scope and rings weigh together?

Thanks</div></div>

I'm going to be finding out Monday since another person asked me the same question. I'm guessing 2 pounds but I'll get you an accurate weight Monday. </div></div>

Excellent.

 

[pawprint]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

I left something out of my earlier post-NOW that's a good looking rifle! You should be ashamed of yourself for those photos! Do you realize how much money is now going to be spent by the guys on this board-to upgrade their rifles? I would be very interested in the shooting results, to include barrel cooling-is the stock acting as heat sink? If so, what are your impressions on reduction in time for cool down?

 

[NoExpert]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: paw print</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I left something out of my earlier post-NOW that's a good looking rifle! You should be ashamed of yourself for those photos! Do you realize how much money is now going to be spent by the guys on this board-to upgrade their rifles? I would be very interested in the shooting results, to include barrel cooling-is the stock acting as heat sink? If so, what are your impressions on reduction in time for cool down? </div></div>

Thanks, I have a little ways to go before it's ready for shooting, shouldn't be too much longer though (I know, it looks ready to go, but it still needs some love here and there).

I'm running a medium weight 18.5" stainless Krieger barrel on it. On the previous setup it seemed to cool pretty well but I'm also interested to see how it cools with the extra venting of the Sage and how heat transfer goes. Should be a good comparison between the Sage and JAE and their weak/strong points.

 

[BimotaBiker]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NoExpert wrote: The SEI Socom gas plug would be an option for running suppressed. I'd recommend the Schuster adjustable plug also since you can fine tune it.</div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Thanks for your advice. I will modify mine accordingly. Here is my work in progress.</span>

 

[MK14 SEI]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

I suppress all of my M14s and use a standard piston with standard and SEI's SOCOM gas plugs.
I've not noticed a need for a grooved piston or a Schuster.

 

[NoExpert]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BimotaBiker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">Thanks for your advice. I will modify mine accordingly. Here is my work in progress.</span>

</div></div>

Very nice M21. Are you planning to ditch the front sight all together or are you going to switch to a GLFS type setup?

 

[BimotaBiker]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> NoExpert wrote: Very nice M21. Are you planning to ditch the front sight all together or are you going to switch to a GLFS type setup? </div></div>

I hadn’t taken that into consideration yet. I plan to run the FA762K with SureFire’s muzzle brake adapter offered. What do you suggest?

 

[NoExpert]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BimotaBiker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> NoExpert wrote: Very nice M21. Are you planning to ditch the front sight all together or are you going to switch to a GLFS type setup? </div></div>

I hadn’t taken that into consideration yet. I plan to run the FA762K with SureFire’s muzzle brake adapter offered. What do you suggest?
</div></div>

If you're running the SF adapter then the SEI GLFS is the only way to go. Personally I prefer the dovetail style since you can correct for windage with it so the rear sight stays zeroed in the center. They also have a ghost ring style which I've tried, quick sight acquisition but having my rear sight over 2 1/2 hash marks wasn't okay with me. It's all personal preference.

Here's some pics of my GLFS:

New setup:

Old setup:

 

[Invstr21]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

Does anyone use BLC2 powder?..I'm about to get my first m1a and was planning on shooting 168 a-max. Thanks for the info guys.

 

[BimotaBiker]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NoExpert wrote: If you're running the SF adapter then the SEI GLFS is the only way to go. Personally I prefer the dovetail style since you can correct for windage with it so the rear sight stays zeroed in the center. They also have a ghost ring style which I've tried, quick sight acquisition but having my rear sight over 2 1/2 hash marks wasn't okay with me. It's all personal preference.</div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold"> Where do you suggest that I purchase the SEI GLFS?</span>

 

[NoExpert]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

I'll PM you.

 

[NoExpert]

Re: M1A/M14 Question(s)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: H2O MAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NoExpert, do you happen to know what your scope and rings weigh together?

Thanks</div></div>

Scope: 2.25 pounds
Rings: .3 pound
Total: 2.55 pounds