Re: Source for M14/M1A Match Operating Rods???
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: juniorARshooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">this is what I am talking about (from Fulton Armory Page):
"The final op rod design is that with drawing number 7790722-RA (Remington Arms) or -SA (Springfield Armory). I like to call it the "77" op rod, but as it is often found stamped "NM" it is widely known as the National Match op rod. It had a subtle change to the tube's curve to fit it somewhat more tightly around the barrel. This design was originally intended for and used in the building of Type 2 National Match rifles at Springfield. When the supply of good op rods dried up, this design was used for general rebuilds in the '60's. Quite a few went to Korea and have come back again as parts and on rifles. You'll see them both with and without the "NM" marking, but the rods are identical nonetheless."
guess I need to look for 60's op rods?
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I just checked the Fulton website, I read the info you have posted. The reference is concerning M1 Garand Operating Rods produced post WWII. The M14 Op Rod is entirely different. There were 4 manufacturers of M14 rifles during their production; TRW, Winchester, Harrington & Richardson, and of course Sprinfield Armory. There were some M14 rods made as replacement parts after the production of rifles ended around 1963, one is the SAK or General Dynamics and the other is a rod made by Mercury Machine & Tool. The only rod that is really the best one is the one that fits your rifle correctly and is not worn out or a reweld. Some prefer the TRW rod due to it's construction and there has been some reference to the Mercury rod as being substandard in comparison to the others. Any 60's era military Operating Rod is now a valuable piece to the collectors, if you want a new part that will do the job well I would look at the Smith Enterprise part.