Any Love Out There for Springfield Armory M21

Rio2019

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Minuteman
Jul 10, 2020
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Taos, NM
I had some sniper training while in the Air Force, and their weapon of choice was the venerable 7.62 Springfield Armory M21 (circa 1974). I just loved to train with this rifle. It felt so much more substantial when compared to the M16. Jump forward about 35 years and I found a M21 for sale on Gunbroker. There were many more accurate rifles out there for the same money, but I just wanted to have another M21 in my collection. Anyone out there have a similar story with this grand old dame’?
 
I'm not sure if he's on here but Tony Ben on youtube is like an M14/M1A pro... he's helped me a little with tweaking my M1A loaded...which I love by the way. Such a fun rifle to shoot.

 
A little before your time but you might enjoy putting a few rounds down range with my XM21 Replica - this is a very accurate reproduction (just the commercial receiver is the limiter). Other than the receiver it was built to XM21 Standards.

This is one of my favorite M14 clones!

Here is a link if you would like more build details:


IMG_5539.JPG
 
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This is a beautiful rifle, my friend, and it reminds me of good times. Unlike many of my friends, I enjoyed my time in the service, and it made me a better man.
 
I own a SA M21 ( '96 ), It is a dream of a M1A. I got lucky and found a used one .... I saw it for sale and actually stopped in my tracks gawking at it.
Thankfully, The Gun Shop allowed me to make payments on it. Since I really couldn't afford the price.
It actually taught me to shoot better, it is precise enough to be able to tell when I flubbed the trigger pull or was fidgeting at the bench.

It loves the 168gr FGMM. However, if I don't keep the gas piston clean , precision falls apart after about 150rds.
It has the Douglas Hvy Barrel.

On a side note... I once tried to install a USGI vented handguard... and accuracy promptly went to poop.

As it turned out, I had no idea how much finessing SA had put into every part on the M21.
The Vented handguard was rubbing / pushing the front band.... I filed it down to be a "looser" fit, and that helped, but... then the support ribs inside the vented handguard were a issue... Lol.
I promptly put the Match prepped OEM back in place. That one has the "ribs" ground flush. So no extra barrel contact.

Precision went back to normal.

I still love that heavy beast. It has never once failed to feed or eject with CMI, those Taiwan mags and USGI mags.

Like a trusty tool, that rifle just works.
 
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