Noob with a few Q's

1171 Views 11 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Kipling, Jul 18, 2004

Kipling

Discussion Starter · Jul 16, 2004

Hello all, I have a Springfield M1a Standard with a TRW barrel, It also has a commerical bolt. I would like to replace the bolt with a TRW unit. Ive already purchased the Bolt assy which is new or like new.
Theres a local smith who does a lot of highpower work, and ill have him do the fitting for me. Its my understanding that the correct way is to fit the bolt to the barrel not the other way around,.Correct?
The main reason I want to replaced the bolt is that the current bolt likes to spit its exactor out and of course everything else with it. Ive also heard that this is common with USGI bolts as well. Is this true? if so WTF OVER!.
Is this common only on worn bolts and exactors? Or just one of those things? Thanks, Kip
*edited becuase typing on a laptop sucks

P.S.S: As long as Im here I might as well ask: Can the standard barrel be cut down to scout length? Will it screw the chrome lining? Who would you recommend for all the above work?

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1 - 12 of 12 Posts

pbiggs

· #2 · Jul 16, 2004

Kip,
I would not cut down a TRW barrel!!They are very sought after if in good shape. If I were you Id take it off buy a Scout length bbl (fulton has them I think) and either save the trw bbl or sell it (I know someone here would buy it)

P.S Welcome to the board, It is a cool place with GREAT people here.

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fubar

· #3 · Jul 16, 2004

do not cut a GI barrel. the chrome plating can chip during hte process and if it does you are out a barrel. there are scout length chrome lined barrels on the market now. sell your TRW barrel and buy two.

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Hillbilly

· #4 · Jul 16, 2004

As for your bolt flying apart, send it back to Springfield. They will repair or replace it. If they have to replace it they will need the complete rifle to ensure that the headspace is correct. If you still want to put in a GI bolt, you'll have the Springfield as a spare. I have several M1As and several spare bolts. So far everyone I have tried have gaged correctly. If your smith has headspace gages the job might be as simple as putting the bolt in and gaging it. That however is no guarantee.

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Kipling

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 16, 2004

Copy that, No cutting

What would the TRW barrel be worth with 600 rounds down the bore?
Would it be unreasonable to assume that a good smith would exchange the TRW barrel for the labor to install a scout barrel,the bolt and a general "once over" on the rifle?
Does this forum have resident smiths? and if not whom would you recommend?.............Thanks, Kip

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Quagmire

· #6 · Jul 16, 2004

Kipling said:
What would the TRW barrel be worth with 600 rounds down the bore?

Would it be unreasonable to assume that a good smith would exchange the TRW barrel for the labor to install a scout barrel,the bolt and a general "once over" on the rifle?

Does this forum have resident smiths? and if not whom would you recommend?.............Thanks, Kip

Since most available USGI M14 parts were taken off de-milled M14s (esp. barrels), it probably has way more then 600 rounds down the bore. Assuming that the bore, throat & muzzel are in good shape, it's worth $250-$300 at the going rate.

You might could work a trade like that, easier to just buy a bush/scout barrel, have it installed and then sell the TRW barrel.

Try PM'ing Warbird or Ted Brown here on TFL, they are both good M14 gunsmiths.

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Kipling

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 16, 2004

Yes I'm considering sending it back to SA,...It all depends..
Plan A:Send it to SA, When it comes back have the USGI bolt installed and keep the SA bolt as a spare.
Plan B:Have someone install a 18" barrel,Set up the USGI bolt and Fix whatever is the issue with the SA bolt, Then have the SA bolt as a spare.

Plan A is of course cheaper. But I'm a little fart,And have grown use to "That black rifle that shall not be named here" :wink: And am having a difficult time changing over to 22''s of full on battle rifle. Hence the Bush rifle Idea.

Most of my shooting is offhand or "field" postions out to about 300 yards. I figure any noticable difference in accuracy will be me, Not the Irons or 4"s less barrel.

.............................Kip

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BKENNEDY

· #8 · Jul 17, 2004

bolt

I'm wondering does anyone know what's up with his bolt doing that? If someone knows, please let me in, as I've never heard of that before 8O

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fubar

· #9 · Jul 17, 2004

aftermarket extractors have a bad habit to do that. replace it with a GI extractor.

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Kipling

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jul 17, 2004

fubar said:
aftermarket extractors have a bad habit to do that. replace it with a GI extractor.

Already done that,...No really I did. Is there something else I should be looking at?.....Everything else is USGI on the rifle except the Op rod...Kip

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