M1A from the Past

[lmc08541]

So I just acquired this M1A but all the parts don’t add up. Got a deal on it from estate sale. Low serial Springfield receiver, Hart barrel, TRW bolt. Looks to be a build. Receiver is bedded. I emailed Springfield so I’ll be interested to hear what they say or any of you M1A aficionados!

 

[MikeMiller]

Earl M1As had mixed parts but the Hart barrel and bedded with standard rear sight is a build give away. Looks like nice rifle. How does it shoot

 

[bfoosh006]

Where is the gas plug ?

 

[lmc08541]

Haven’t shot it yet. It is missing gas plug and piston. It was suggested on another site that it is a Super Match “factory gun” as sold by Springfield and that Glenn Nelson built the rifle for them by the serial number. It is bedded very well and the trigger is superb at 4 lbs and solid 2-Stage. I’m waiting on Springfield to respond to email. Hart responded this morning confirming that they did supply barrels for late 80’s, early 90’s super match rifles but their records stop at 1999.

 

[lmc08541]

Ordered from sadlak at the moment. I’m going over to the estate sale tomorrow to rummage thru some boxes there and hope to find it.

 

[MikeMiller]

Super match had wider area in wrist area of stock. Sear slot in stock was not present on the super match. This stock looks like GI walnut Supure Match came with match sights. These are GI 1980/90’s Super matches were bedded with Microbed

This does not appear to be super match

 

[mr45acp2u]

The stripper clip guide is not a GI spec part. I wonder if it could be a full custom gun.

 

[Faronth]

Your serial number was sold between these dates:
12/84
02/85

Ref:

SA, Inc. M1A serial number born on date database (000001...

www.m14forum.com

 

[MikeMiller]

The stripper clip guide is not a GI spec part. I wonder if it could be a full custom gun.

That’s a scope mount piece that goes into the clip slot.

 

[NCgreentick]

I highly recommend the Sadlak TiN piston. Spendy but worth it.
https://www.fulton-armory.com/gaspistonnmtincoatedsadlak.aspx

 

[sinister]

That’s a scope mount piece that goes into the clip slot.

I believe that's the rear screw mount for a Leatherwood ART II:

 

[lmc08541]

It also came with this stock. Which has also been bedded.

 

[lmc08541]

Went by the estate sale this evening and picked up the 2 gas pistons and plug. The gas block has been unitized and you are correct it is a M14 stock.

 

[Hobo Hilton]

You have a "good find".. I would not be concerned with the parts "adding up". Who ever built it was fortunate to have found so many "USGI" parts.
It would be quite a challenge today to procure that many parts and build that same weapon.
If you are wanting to gather more knowledge, these guys have a lot of historic info.

LRB Arms M14 Specialist

M14 Rifle Manufacturer specializing in custom built rifles. M14 / M1A parts and accessories. USA made, Genuine Hammer Forged receivers.

www.lrbarms.com

 

[NCgreentick]

Score if that's an ART II clip slot mounting block. ART II's are often for sale without it.

 

[lmc08541]

Score if that's an ART II clip slot mounting block. ART II's are often for sale without it.

It is. Working on getting the rest of it now.

 

[Berkenen]

It also came with this stock. Which has also been bedded.
View attachment 8324472

View attachment 8324473

Cool, nice to have options! However, I hope you keep the USGI M14 stock, nothing beats the look of solid walnut!

 

[lmc08541]

GI stock is staying in place.

 

[lmc08541]

Your serial number was sold between these dates:
12/84
02/85

Ref:

SA, Inc. M1A serial number born on date database (000001...

www.m14forum.com

Springfield confirmed early 02/85 bare receiver