Ok, ok...UNCLE!
If you haven't watched Full Metal Jacket, I think you would gain an understanding of the tradition of naming inanimate M14's...
Here is Alli, my first M14.
I had recently recovered from a bout of Garanditis, when I thought I would try an M1A/M14 style rifle. I initially wanted to buy a Springfield M1a (the model number 9222 comes to mind...) and when my local gun shop told me it was impossible to find a springfield M1a and they were too expensive (yes, they actually told me that), undeterred, I took a step back and started to do some research, which brought me to TFL, where I heard about 7.62. I was looking at dropping 1500-=1800 on the springfield, so 600+699+250+250+75 for the 7.62 isn't far off that mark, and I think its a great price comparitively. Additionally, with the parts kit, I didn't have to pay all the money at once....
I lucked out and got me a TRW parts kit from CMP. I didn't check the TG components to see if they were TRW, but most of the parts from the kit appeared to be TRW from what I could tell. After saving some cash, about a month later I sent it off to 7.62 to put it together on one of their receivers, and I also bought a bolt and barrel from them.
So, compliments should go to Chris and 7.62 for not only the quality of the receiver, but the build as well.
Here is the inside of the receiver heel:
Op Rod Rail
Receiver finish. A buddy of mine who is a machinist, and a very anal one at that, works on airplane/rocket ship parts was with me when I picked my rifle up from the FFL. He was not compelled to mention anything negative about the finish, and when I asked him about it, he said that it was just a matter of bead blasting during the manufacturing process. I would imagine if you bead blast excessively, you could remove enough material to make it out of spec. I like the finish, it gives it character and I think it is just dandy.
Top view.Note the tool marks on the USGI Stripper clip guide.
Receiver heel. My china marker skills need help...
The Op Rod finish was the only thing in the CMP kit that had finish blemishes, or did not appear newish:
Here is the ammo, DAG (can't remember the date, early 90's?), got it from
Cheaper than dirt
I have 2 20-rd Promags, because no where near me sells Checkmates
More pictures, and garands and tanks and airplanes are
on my flickr page here/
JMPWNG2