Myths Surrounding the M1A Rifle
June 30, 2009 by M1A Scout
Filed under M1A Rifles
The M1A Rifle is a popular rifle that many use on a regular basis. Those who own the rifle know of the actual abilities and facts of the rifle itself. Those who do not own the rifle may still believe some of the myths about the rifle itself. Understanding as much as possible about the M1A rifle when looking into a gun will help you to find fact from fiction. A little research may help you to understand that this is the best rifle for you.
The M1A is Fully Automatic
One of the biggest myths surrounding the M1A is that the rifle is an automatic rifle. The M1A is actually semi-automatic. The M1A is not actually completely (fully) automatic. Some people claim that they can modify the M1A to turn it into an automatic weapon. The M1A cannot be turned into something automatic. Any M1A that claims to be fully automatic is not the rifle that you are looking for, as it is a fraud.
The M1A is Military Grade
Another myth revolving around the M1A is that it is a military grade firearm. Many believe this myth simply because of how close to truth this can be. The M1A is close to the M14. The M14 is an actual military rifle. The M1A was created as a normal version of the rifle. It is not made to military grade standards, and is therefore not a military grade firearm.
The M1A Matches the M14
This next myth stems from the idea of the military M14. Many are led to believe that even though the M1A is a “normal” version of the military rifle, they are the same. There are multiple differences between the M1A and the M14. The M1A is much less expensive than the M14 because of the process that creates it. The process to make this rifle is not nearly as complicated as the process for the M14. The M14 is created to handle more than the usual M1A.
There are certain types of M1A rifles that are no longer created. While you can still find these rifles around, there are no new ones being created and built. A small myth revolves around the fact that it is easy to find the M1A rifle. While it is not impossible, it is harder than it has been in the past.
It can be easy to believe any of the myths of the M1 A rifle. Many fail to do research about the guns that they are looking into. They simply have heard about a gun and want to make sure that they have that gun. Learning as much as you can about the myths and facts about the M1 A rifle will help you to know exactly what you are getting into. The M1 A rifle may be perfect for your needs. Without the proper research, however, you might not know that.
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I am waiting on an M1A rifle. It is my understanding that it is impossible to get a real M-14 rifle. Is this a fact ?
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m1arifles Reply:
July 13th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Usually. I’m pretty sure it’s near impossible here in the states.
Good luck in your search.
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Richard Paul Halstead Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:49 am
No it’s not! I have a full auto M14 on a form 3. It just needed to be regestered befor 1986. Has to be legal to own in your state There are less than 100 out there. Also I have a Silencer and a 100 round beta Mag. You talk about sweet. Just so you know if you have a silencer it reduces the recoil to like a .22 rifle as well as the sound is less then a .22.
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Do you make a M1-A in cartridge .243 Win, or 7mm-08? I would like to avoid the actual .308 Win (aka 7.62 x 51 NATO) since I shoot .30 caliber cartridges that are slightly longer, or shorter. The downsizing of the neck would prevent confusion.
Also, do you make the M6 survival rifle in .22LR over .410? Are you planing to make a M6A1 in .223 Rem over 20gauge? If not please consider the M6A1 since I believe that this would make a VERY practical emergency back pack gun and feel free to use this suggestion without any hassle from me.
Tim
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I qualified with the M-14 ( Army ) in 1969. I grew up with firearms and hunted with rifles and shotguns from age 8. When I saw what that “old issue” 14 could do, not just for me but for guys that had never fired a weapon before, I was completely sold on Springfield rifles and military firearms training. You can speculate about minor differences between the models of the M1A, but if you’re holding your breath and squeezing off a shot behind a Springfield, that’s about as good as it’s gonna’ get.
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Springfield armory did in fact make fully automatic M1A’s until the Hughes Amendment of the Firearm Owners Protection Act went into effect in May 1986. Also back when Springfield Armory was in Devine, TX, they used USGI parts for their M1A’s. All they made was the receivers, some of which were full auto capable, but most were not.
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I never realy figured out why the M14 had a full auto option any way, it only has a 20 round mag(30 round mags have lots of problems) and the recoil makes full auto not very acurate. I I wanted a full auto 7.62X51 I would get a M60 that way you gave 100 round belts and the added weight dampens the recoil
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m1arifles Reply:
October 14th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Yeah, 20 rounds is not a lot of suppressive fire. A belt of 7.62 makes sense. I guess thats why the M1A and M14 fit the sniper and Dm role today.
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I recently bought a Springfield Armory M1A Loaded on a synthetic stock in OD green. I have the old Mark I eyeballs produced in 1952, and I can’t usually see squat without a good scope on my rifles. I took my M1A to the range a week ago, and using the iron sights I was able to absolutely flog a 10″x10″ steel plate at 200 yards. At that distance, the plate appeared the same width as the front sight post. I was amazed at the accuracy using irons.
I have since added a Sadlak side mount topped with a SS 10x42HD scope from SWFA, mounted in low profile 30mm SWFA rings. I can’t wait to get back to the range and zero the scope.
I also own a Remington 700 VSF in .308 with a 26″ heavy fluted barrel, topped with a 4.5-14x50mm Leupold scope. It is more accurate than the M1A, but not sufficiently more accurate to deter me from using the Springfield to hunt with. Whatever the Springfield lacks in accuracy compared to the bolt rifle, it more than makes up for in comfort and more rapid reacquisition of the sight picture after a shot. The semi-automatic action soaks up some of the .308′s recoil, while the bolt action transmits all of it back into my shoulder.
I love both rifles, but when the zombie horde invades, the Remington will be relegated to sniping from a hill top, while the Springfield will carry the fight to them. It is a most excellent rifle. I’ve wanted one for 30 years now, and I am very pleased to have finally been able to fulfill that ambition.
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oldbikefixr Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
My eyes are vintage ’51 so I can sympathise with you. I found myself squinting too long between shots and decided to get a scope. I did not want anything that would require modification or removal of parts on my M1A. Ran across the Bassett Machine mount (Dripping Sprigs, Texas) and bought a low, standard mount. It is attached with a single screw and aligns via a long rod that fits into the groove on the left side of the reciever. Medium height Weaver mounts and a Nikon Prostaff completed the assembly.
MUCH better and more fun.
I followed Bassett’s mounting instructions and was pleased with the result. I hardly ever shoot more than 80 rounds a session. Even though there is only a single mount screw, the mount has never shot loose.
Also….
I remove the mount/scope assembly as a unit when cleaning the rifle. It does not require re-zero when I return to the range.
I am not trying to advertise a product, but you other ofd fXXt’s may want to consider this mount.
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Is $1599.00 a good prive for a National Match M1A with the green stock and $1699.00 for the walnut version? Also is the rifle practical for hunting or is it better suited to traget shooting. Thanks
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KSod Reply:
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:15 pm
I just paid $1499 for a fantastic condition 1987 pre ban Standard M1A in Marines style camo, chambered for 7.62 with flash supressor. Came with M2 bipod, camo sling, camo SA voodoo style drag bag, 3 twenty round mags and 1 five round mag. Given the price vs 23 years old, the desirability for the rifles on the market, I’d say your price is in the ball park. Good luck!
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Visit the Springfield Armory and Fulton Armory websites. They contain their pricing for the various configuration M-1A’s. Use that as a starting point for negotiations if buying used or from a dealer. You don’t want to pay MORE to a dealer than a new rifle will cost you. Both are great rifles, the Fulton version is more expensive than the Springfield.
The M1A is an excellent hunting rifle. I would suggest that if you take it hunting that you use a small capacity magazine or just under-load a 10 or 20 round mag. The extra rounds are just a bunch more extra weight.
The standard iron sights are great, national match sights are not necessary for hunting. Scopes make everything, hunting or target shooting, much easier.
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I recently purchased a preban SA M1A 22″ 1/11 twist Standard from a gunshop off consignment. It is in fabulous condition. It is decked out in Marines style camo paint, camo sling; original M2 bipod, camo Voodoo style drag bag with 5 mag pouches and extra compartments; three 20 round mags and one 5 round mag. It has a flash suppressor and bayonet lug. It is chamber for 7.52. SA tells me it was manufactured in 10/87. Has a Winchester barrel and TRW bolt.
I sent it to SA for them to glass bed it, guage the head space…a complete going over with a trigger job as well. They sent me a new owners manual, Army TM manual, a six page artical on “The Mysterious Slam-Fire” and a two page article on aiming the M1A. As far as I’m concerned, SA is second to none in customer service!
I live in CT, the shop owner said I didn’t need to change the suppressor to a brake and I needed nothing else per post ban laws in CT. Is that true? He said this rifle, being a SA did not require any special tax thing. I’m still reading the laws.
Can you tell me any history of this paticular rifle in 1987. Re; why they installed a Winchester barrel, TRW bolt, who they sub contracted with, etc…there was an ’87 recall on TRW bolts, they will look into that.
I learned mant gun manufacturers used clock manufacturers for some of their parts…maybe springs, etc.
Is there a web link II can read more on this one?
Thank youu.
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I don’t mean to debug your opinion on not bein able to modify a m1a to fire in full auto …. Because you can though it is very illegal to do so. But in the trigger mechanism there are two hammer catches. Disable the correct one and it will allow the hammer to fall in full auto while you hold the trigger down.
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Richard Halstead Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
That won’t work because the hammer rides the bolt and won’t impact the firing pin. If you want to make a full auto you need to mount a lug in the cut out of the stock and assemble the full auto parts to it. Then grind off the dimple on the back side in the connector assembly as well as a little bit on the front under side of the connector assembly. I don’t think that is illegal because you aren’t modifying the receiver. But if I where you read the law in your state and federal law as well. Contact BTAF and ask them.. Ha! Ha!
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Jabo Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 4:35 am
Your thinking to hard about it. What I’m talkin about is highly illegal so I don’t recommend trying it, but let’s go back to what you said. First off the hammer doesn’t ride the slide, it’s actually the exact opposite and all the slide does when the hammer is the subject is push it out of the way. Now with that being said, the slide and the hammer never leave contact so once that round is cambered the hammer will be in contact with the firing pin and the momentum of the two allow the pin to strike the primer with enough force to discharge the round. The only thing that selector switch does is disengage that catch that was talking about. If you still don’t believe me then the next time you clean your rifle, as an experiment, reassemble it without the stock and hold the catch back while you charge it, or pull the slide back and see what happens when you release the slide.
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There is a hundred round mag for the m14 made by Beta Mag and works flawless.
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It is true… all you have to do is pull back the rear catch and you’ve got full auto. That’s how the gun was designed.
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I JUST STARTED RELOADING MY SPRINGFIELD M1A. USING BRAND NEW CANADIAN MILITARY BRASS WITH NOSLER 168 GR BALLISTIC TIP BULLETS. POWDER IS IMR 4895. I SHOOT MY FIRST HAND LOADS. EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE FAIRLY MORE ACCURATE THAN FACTORY LOADS , I HAD SOME LOADING & EXTRACTING PROBLEMS. USED A CHRONOGRAPH , MOST LOADS WERE IN THE 2700 FPS. I MADE SURE MY CASES WERE THE CORRECT SIZE , FULL LENGTH THEM BEFORE LOADING. I DID NOT TRIM TO CORRECT CASE LENGTH THOUGH . DOES ANYBODY HERE RELOAD THIS RIFLE ? ID SURE LIKE SOME EXPERENCED ADVICE. MY EMAIL IS THERIFLEMAN45@AOL.COM ~~~ THANK YOU
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you are wrong the hammer will ride the bolt forward creating a slam fire with the bolt possibly not closed at full lock. hence if you will look at a select fire control group it is designed to only pull on the catch once the bolt has the lugs fully locked ready for fire. your idea at releasing the hammer will be really hard on your highly prized weapon and potentially dangerous.
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Has anyone been successful in lessening the trigger pull on a M1A to about 4 pounds? If so, how? I belive as the trigger and hammer “share” the same spring just putting in a lighter spring would/could significantly reduce the weapons reliability due to a light hammerfall – am I missing something?
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Jack Reply:
August 4th, 2011 at 7:30 am
Send you trigger assembly to Smith Enterprises or Fulton Armory.
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I was in the U.S Army from 1958 to 1967. I was issued the M14 and loved It from the get go. It a lot of rifle. .308 Wim or 7.62* 51mm Was Hard hitting. I rarely used fully Automatic fire. But My the end of 1966 I was given a Toy called the M16. I could not believe it. It was so different form the M14
It seamed like a child’s toy. Luckily, I was discharged in 1967. and did
not have to defend myself with it. The M14 did the talking for me. DCGJ.
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I just bought my first M1A, a nationa match. Do I need to shoot match grade bullets to preserve the barrel or can I shoot standard ammo. Also, I would like to find out the year of mfg. Is there a sight that gives this info. I will be reloading for this rifle, is there a proven load worth starting at?
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oldbikefixr Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:14 am
That’s a great rifle you found.
-You do NOT need to fire match grade cartridges. If you are shooting for accuracy, use a match grade round…there are many around. The barrell should last 100000+ rounds.
-Contact the manufacturer and ask for the date of manufacture…they do maintain these records.
-The M14 was designed to run on 147 grain ammo, heavier bullets are more accurate at a distance. There is a LOT of information on reloading info on these two sites: Team M14 and M14 Forum. Just search the web and subscribe. If you can contact the manufacturer, ask about the heaviest bullet recommended. Most ALL M1A failures are the result of ‘hot’ reloads.
Keep it clean and greased.
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