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View Full Version : Just got a new rifle...Springfield M21 some questions!


johnle
April 9, 2010, 01:40 AM
I just got a used Springfield M21 for a bargain, can someone tell me some basics about this rifle?

I know it's basically a Super match M1A, so I do have some questions. Since it's glass bedded does that change the way I should clean the rifle when compared to a normal M1A? Last thing I want to do is mess with the bedding on a rifle this beautiful!

What kind of accuracy should I expect with match ammunition?

Thanks a whole bunch!
This is my semi-auto .308 based on the M1A, I've only owned an AR-15, Saiga 5.45 and bolt action rifles before hand so pardon my newbie questions.

madcratebuilder
April 9, 2010, 05:48 AM
I highly recommend you spend some time here.

http://www.m14tfl.com/upload/

SR420
April 9, 2010, 07:00 AM
You will find this forum very useful.

http://www.rifle-company.com/phpbb3/

azredhawk44
April 9, 2010, 10:30 AM
I know it's basically a Super match M1A, so I do have some questions. Since it's glass bedded does that change the way I should clean the rifle when compared to a normal M1A? Last thing I want to do is mess with the bedding on a rifle this beautiful!

My thoughts on bedded combat rifles:

I have a very slick custom Armscorp M14, in a springer supermatch bedded stock.

I was told not to disassemble the rifle by the fellow that did the bedding. He's a long-time M14 smith here in Arizona, and I respected his opinion. The reason for this, the lugs grind at the bedding material as they slide against it, and the trigger leverages against the wood and compresses it each time it is released/engaged.

So, he said if I disassembled it for cleaning every 500 rounds or so that would be sufficient. I'd need to have it rebedded somewhere between 2500 and 5000 rounds, then.

Well, I did that.

And the bolt roller didn't get greased often enough.:mad:

Result? I broke the retaining washer that holds the bolt roller onto the bolt. Let me tell you, getting that fixed is a PITA if no one has the parts and tools to repair a $0.10 failure, but they can sell you a complete bolt for $300.

I have ended up removing that rifle from the drama-queen stock. Just not worth the lack of serviceability, IMO. It's currently in an old USGI Fiberglass stock, though I have a custom supermatch-profile fiberglass stock on the way that should give me the "best of both worlds." I really like the grip profile of the supermatch stock, but I like the consistency and reliability of a simple, serviceable fiberglass one.

I'll tell you right now: Bedding on an M14 is disposable. Heck, your wood supermatch stock is disposable.

Your bolt, and related parts on your rifle... are much harder to replace.

Disassemble the rifle and clean it regularly. Grease it properly. Don't skimp on maintenance.

A wood supermatch stock costs all of about $50. A bedding job costs another $30. Do that every 2-3 years, and disassemble the rifle for cleaning regularly.

kraigwy
April 9, 2010, 11:44 AM
I've been shooting a super match for over 30 years in High Power.

Yeap you shouldnt remove it from the stock. You can clean and lube everything you need to clean and lube without removing it from the stock.

Now between matches and practice I went through a heck of a lot of rounds in a year. After the shooting season, I'd take it out of the stock for a complete going over, I'd check everything with the gages used to put one together. I'd complete strip it down to the action and barrel, clean it good and then throw it in the blueing tanks. That really got it cleaned. Then I'd put it back together and touch up the bedding, let it set, then shoot a couple of good practice sessions to seat it in the stock.

Now that was just me, a normal person can go two - three years without pulling it out of the stock.

You want to know about M1As get John Kuhnhausen's book, THE US 30 CAL SERVICE RIFLES, a Shop Manual, Vol 1-II

That will give you all the info you need in maintaining a M14/M1A (Garand also).

Dont be afraid to shoot the sucker, I got mine in 1977, and except for shooting out a couple barrels, and some stretched out slings, I've had no problems with it. You can grease everything that really needs grease without removing it from the stock. You can get to the gas system to clean it without removing it from the stock.

Just study the rifle a bit, if you see shinny spots, grease it, you can also force grease into the roller of the bolt.

http://photos.imageevent.com/kraigwy/posting/websize/M1A%20_1_.jpg

bfoosh006
April 9, 2010, 04:37 PM
I was taught not to remove it from the bedding/as little as possible. Keep oil off of the bedding material as it can break it down. Clean it upside down. Keep the gas plug/gas piston carbon free. And mine needs bore/piston/gas plug cleaning every 200 rds to keep the best accuracy up.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=4124/sku/2_oz__J_B_Bore_Bright...try some of this to help keep the bore clean , use it sparingly. You'll be surprised the extra fouling it will remove.

The other links are very good, join M14tfl.com...you won't be sorry.
And these first two pages are great for info...http://www.zediker.com/downloads/m14.html...poke around on his site, there is more cleaning info.

Order these springs also... http://www.davidtubb.com/tcom_images/speedlock/m14spgs.pdf....

http://www.superiorshootingsystems.com/SpeedLock_Springs_All-M1A_M14_Op_Rod_Hammer_CS_Spring.html...they will dang near last forever.