Tips on breakign in an M1A

[Nighthawk439]

I just picked up an M1A Loaded with the stainless steal barrel. Does anyone have tips on seasoning the barrel and getting the action broken in. Thanks

 

[Klong]

Whose barrel?

 

[Dans40X]

If it's the newer SAInc rifle/barrel,shoot it as if you stole it.
That is, if it will function!

 

[people]

I would also say just shoot it. It is hard to clean a rifle from the muzzle with out hitting the crown. That is what I do with my M1. It has a Krieger barrel on it and I did not break it in and only clean the barrel when accuracy goes away. That is only after a couple hundred rounds. I only take the rifle apart to clean the internals after it gets rained on or at the end of the season to get a new coat of grease. This M1 will clean the 600yd target consistently provided I do not get stupid and crank wind for a 15 and not a M1 shooting 186SMK bullets.

Now that is embarrassing. Shooting a good string of X’s and tens then a 7 or a 6.

 

[Mudcat]

Shoot it.

 

[tonyben]

Just shoot it and clean it. Here are detailed disassembly, and lubrication instructions written by yours truly...

http://independencearmory.com/downloads/M14_Articles/

Here are a set of cleaning instructions written by the same bonehead....
http://www.m14.ca/cleaning/Basic_Rifle_Cleaning_Tutorial_with_Pictures_1_.pdf


But if you must break it in, shoot 5 and clean. Repeat for a total of 25 shots. After that, clean after every range session or when accuracy degrades.

 

[Nighthawk439]

I guess I should have been more clear. I intend on shooting it, and shooting it alot. My poorly asked question was more geared to honing the action and possibly fire lapping the barrel.

Thanks for the advise.

 

[fdshuster]

Firelapping the barrel would be at the bottom of my list of things to do. Just take it out and shoot it. Dewey makes a nice muzzle bore guide that will help keep the cleaning rod away from the crown. I use it with my M1 and it works fine.

 

[tonyben]

I don't know if it's on the loaded model or not, but a NM spring guide will really smooth out the action in most cases unless the inside of the operating rod is too narrow or unless the operating rod guide is misaligned, causeing the operating rod to operate at an angle. I have a Sadlak spring guide and it really smoothed out the action. It takes the clanky noise out that you hear when the spring snakes left and right on a standard spring guide. You can find one for about $35 to $40.

Some SAI receivers are a little rough (okay, really rough) inside where the top rear round section of the bolt rides. It can be smoothed out wiht crocus cloth or it will smooth out over time. Other than that, a proper coat of fresh grease will keep things smooth. Clean the gas system every 500 rounds or so and get a set of gas piston drill bits from Sadlak. The sizes needed are not easily found and ACE and Harbor Freight won't carry them. (Sizes O, P and #15).


Also, here's a list of things you can check...
http://m14forum.com/reference/73926-m14-m1a-health-check.html

 

[Nighthawk439]

Tonyben,
I read all the threads from the link you added to your post. All great ideas and I appreciate them. Be advised I will cover all of them on my rifle with a fine tooth comb. A bit of information for you, it is a Loaded model with the stainless barrel and synthetic stock.

Thanks for the great information.
Nighthawk439

 

[tonyben]

No problem. These rifles are addictive.

Tony.