low priority M1A question

dog3 · October 13, 1999, 03:15 PM

Not a big deal, but an annoyance.
Springfield M1A, was feeling pretty lucky, as
for the most part the weapon fires well and doesn't exhibit any improper fittings or such. Right up until I attempted to reload
from a stripper clip. Seems the clip guide
is too small, which is to say the dogs are too shallow to accept a stripper clip.
The width is correct, but the "front to back" clearance is off.

I was thinking I could just carefully file the dogs back a bit, but thought I would ask here first.

Thanx in advance.

As a side note, Springfield gets a lot of money for this firearm, why is it they appear to not care a lot about final product?

James K · October 13, 1999, 05:37 PM

If you are using the correct M14 clips and having problems with more than one, then I would say to cut the clip guide until the clip fits and works OK. Take it slowly. The clip should go in easy, allow easy stripping, and pop out when the bolt is closed. (Mauser or Springfield clips are not right.)

Many of the modern makers never think that clips will be used and rather ignore the clip guides.

Jim

George Stringer · October 13, 1999, 10:29 PM

Dog, I couldn't agree more with Jim. Anytime there is a choice between permanent alterations to a firearm or altering a magazine, stripper clip etc, always do the filing to the cheaper or the two. George

Wallew · October 14, 1999, 10:56 PM

dog3,
I concur with George. Modify stripper clips, not gun. If you feel you have to modify gun, call up Clint McKee at Fulton Armory and get an extra 'cartridge clip guide' for $7.95 and a 'cartridge clip guide pin' for $1.00 (his stuff should be USGI). Those prices are out of Sept. 20, 1999 Shotgun News ad. That way, you can modify the part out of the gun (easier to work on)and then install it in place of the one you got from Springfield. You can get to Fulton Armory by visiting www.fulton-armory.com or by calling 800-878-9485 (orders only) or 301-490-9485(technical/questions/help). Clint is one of the more knowledgable people I know of when it comes to M1A's. PS - Quality control is always the first to slip on any firearm, as it is the most labor intensive part of manufacturing(most expensive). That's why if you see a firearm that has 'custom' work done to it, it's so expensive because most smiths (me included) generally charge $50/hr and up for custom work.

dog3 · October 16, 1999, 02:28 PM

Thanx all for the excellent replies.

I have a bunch of strippers, and none of them fit the weapon, but all of them fit the stripper guides for my mags. So I expect it is the weapon that is at fault.

At some point I may do a NM upgrade to the rear sights, at that time I'll decided whether or not to mess with it.

Strip clips make sense. I don't know why more folks don't use them.

again;
thanx.

October 13, 1999, 03:15 PM	#1
dog3 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 1999 Posts: 194	Not a big deal, but an annoyance. Springfield M1A, was feeling pretty lucky, as for the most part the weapon fires well and doesn't exhibit any improper fittings or such. Right up until I attempted to reload from a stripper clip. Seems the clip guide is too small, which is to say the dogs are too shallow to accept a stripper clip. The width is correct, but the "front to back" clearance is off. I was thinking I could just carefully file the dogs back a bit, but thought I would ask here first. Thanx in advance. As a side note, Springfield gets a lot of money for this firearm, why is it they appear to not care a lot about final product?

October 13, 1999, 05:37 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	If you are using the correct M14 clips and having problems with more than one, then I would say to cut the clip guide until the clip fits and works OK. Take it slowly. The clip should go in easy, allow easy stripping, and pop out when the bolt is closed. (Mauser or Springfield clips are not right.) Many of the modern makers never think that clips will be used and rather ignore the clip guides. Jim

October 13, 1999, 10:29 PM	#3
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	Dog, I couldn't agree more with Jim. Anytime there is a choice between permanent alterations to a firearm or altering a magazine, stripper clip etc, always do the filing to the cheaper or the two. George

October 14, 1999, 10:56 PM	#4
Wallew Junior member Join Date: October 3, 1999 Posts: 910	dog3, I concur with George. Modify stripper clips, not gun. If you feel you have to modify gun, call up Clint McKee at Fulton Armory and get an extra 'cartridge clip guide' for $7.95 and a 'cartridge clip guide pin' for $1.00 (his stuff should be USGI). Those prices are out of Sept. 20, 1999 Shotgun News ad. That way, you can modify the part out of the gun (easier to work on)and then install it in place of the one you got from Springfield. You can get to Fulton Armory by visiting www.fulton-armory.com or by calling 800-878-9485 (orders only) or 301-490-9485(technical/questions/help). Clint is one of the more knowledgable people I know of when it comes to M1A's. PS - Quality control is always the first to slip on any firearm, as it is the most labor intensive part of manufacturing(most expensive). That's why if you see a firearm that has 'custom' work done to it, it's so expensive because most smiths (me included) generally charge $50/hr and up for custom work.

October 16, 1999, 02:28 PM	#5
dog3 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 1999 Posts: 194	Thanx all for the excellent replies. I have a bunch of strippers, and none of them fit the weapon, but all of them fit the stripper guides for my mags. So I expect it is the weapon that is at fault. At some point I may do a NM upgrade to the rear sights, at that time I'll decided whether or not to mess with it. Strip clips make sense. I don't know why more folks don't use them. again; thanx.