[Matt P]

Obviously joined to get more information.
This appears to be just the best place to help one interested in learning more.
Trying to learn more about this particular rifle.

Hopefully the images will tell you enough over what I can say. I have very limited knowledge of these.
I did absolutely research as much as I could about the early ones.
This appears to be an unmolested National Match in the 900 serial range.
So 1972 manufacture I think. The action is bedded. Rear Sight and barrel marked NM. The trigger unit was not attempted to be removed due to concerns over disrupting the bedding. Upper handguard was not removed. There appears to be bedding compound under the rear heat shield clip.
The trap door on the buttstock was opened but none of the items removed from within. So left in place.
This is about as much information I was easily able to learn about the physical gun.
There appears to be no other lettering on the barrel. If there is I may be able to direct the individual where to look.
Not looking for an estimation of pricing/value. This in keeping with the forum rules.
Just trying to discover any additional information from the many experts here.

Thanking you in advance for any and all help.

 

[bustedknuckles]

That's real nice!
SAK NM barrel is nice, I'd gage it just to see.
Being 40 sum year ole, I doubt the bedding Is tight, just go slow and easy.
Glen Nelson did most of SAIs match rifles, but being as early as yours it's hard to say.
Call Springfield. Give em SN.

 

[gunrunner99]

Are there any initial in the bedding compound under the action? Looks like a nice rifle

 

[Deacon]

Very nice looking rifle. Could possible be built by John Holden, who built match rifles for Elmer Ballance. If so, it will have his initials, JJH, stamped in the barrel channel.

http://m14forum.com/devine-m1a/118893-how-many-jjr-marked-rifles.html

 

[bustedknuckles]

I was waiting on that reply. Didn't want to mention that because I'm unsure of the facts, I just know what deacon told me about the one he had.

 

[Capona]

What's with these old serial numbers getting resurrected lately? People must be
Passing on.
Nice rifle, I wish it was mine.
Call SA with the SN

 

[Phil “Murphy” McGrath]

I doubt SAI would have any info on it or Glen Nelson even touched it, as its a Elmer Balance era rifle. All in all with good ammo it should make for a good shooter.

I did notice that it has the sight disk glued too the receiver ear.

 

[Deacon]

That's real nice!
SAK NM barrel is nice, I'd gage it just to see.
Being 40 sum year ole, I doubt the bedding Is tight, just go slow and easy

Busted's probably right about the bedding. If it was mine, I'd have to take it apart to see what all the parts are, check the condition, clean and re-lube. Plus, we'd like to see more pics!

You can search the Devine section for barrel markings. If it's the original barrel it will be marked, at least the ATF required it. Most of them are on the bottom of the barrel between the gas cylinder and the flash suppressor. I have seen reported on the forum of markings under the hand guard (another reason to disassemble). There's also the possibility it was re-barreled.

 

[Matt P]

Thanks guys.
I will follow up and get the additional images.
I have confirmed there is no lettering forward of the gas transfer area other then NM.
So obviously he will need to disassemble.

 

[Phil “Murphy” McGrath]

Thanks guys.
I will follow up and get the additional images.
I have confirmed there is no lettering forward of the gas transfer area other then NM.
So obviously he will need to disassemble.

There is the possibility that if there is no address the barrel was replaced sometime in the rifles life or that it was a receiver that was sold or traded for parts.

 

[3Gunnah]

I also noticed the repair disk. There is a chance that this rifle was used heavily by a match shooter, who wore out the elevation. And who knows how many barrels it has had!GI1

 

[bustedknuckles]

I'm curious if there is an address.
Being a SAK barrel I would bet there is. Unless someone replaced it with somthing they would have used in that era, to be somewhat correct for the rifle.
Be sure and let us know of any stampings you find under the stock please.

 

[Matt P]

I was able to get some additional images.
They heat shield is also epoxied in place on the front so not easy to remove that cover.
No initials observed in the barrel channel for the stock.
Top of hammer is polished.

 

[Matt P]

Additional images

 

[m1sniper]

Nice rifle you have there Matt. Thanks for posting.
Interesting it has a solid (brass?) pin securing the op rod guide,, and even tho I had heard of and posted this other trick for "stabilizing" the hand guard, I have never actually seen one done. Note the HG retainer clip where it meets the barrel. The clip groove in the barrel has been staked to help prevent the HG from moving front to back.

 

[Matt P]

Great information. And thank you to all.
I will call Springfield tomorrow for more info if possible.

So no Texas address on barrel. I'm pretty sure this rifle does not have it.
The barrel is still correct for the age?
I noticed the epoxy on the clips for the heat shield. Is this common?
The gas manifold/transfer does not appear to have the screws through the rear to join the heat shield front anchor to it. But the heat shield is epoxied to it anyways.
Thanks for clearing up what that dimple in the barrel was for.
The trigger unit obviously matches the receiver. Could not find other parts serialized to the receiver. I could certainly accept as offered that maybe this was a well used rifle. Such that the rear sight needed the shim fix due to use versus upgrade. Bolt replaced due to use? Possibly restocked or maybe sold as receiver only?
What about the trigger unit? Could anyone electro pencil that. The serial number actually appears twice in the side. Fewer numbers above and less distinct, but the same last 3.
I have no clue for how long the barrel on it was available for purchase as a replacement. Would that barrel possibly more define an age of this build due to its inclusion?

I am appreciative of the info offered so far.
I have been reading through all the posts in the Devine portion of this forum. I am only at midway on the second page. All of it has made for excellent reading and my understanding has grown considerably.

 

[M1AScout]

Did you look closely under the gas plug?

 

[m1sniper]

In all those numbers stamped on the barrel, you will see 8-69. The barrel was made in August, 1969. That's just the barrel and does not signify when the rifle was built. However, with such a low serial number, the receiver was made in the 70s. There is a good chance that barrel was brand new old stock when mounted to that receiver.

 

[Matt P]

I see forward of the chamber on the bottom of the barrel F 2 74 stamped.

 

[garandguy10]

I see some extensive modifications done to the hammer hooks and trigger. Be very careful when you shoot that rifle until you are confident that the trigger is reliable.