From: HODGSONT@QUCDN.QueensU.CA (Jake Hodgson)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: New M1A report and questions
Date: 27 Aug 92 13:22:32 GMT
Organization: Queens University at Kingston


 
    Hello Again!
 
   It's been awhile, but I've finally got my M1A and thought I'd let
you all know how I made out.
 
   Finances being what they are I settled for a rack grade M1A
with a new black synthetic stock.  This seems to be the current base
model rifle- the walnut stocks are an extra cost item.
 
   Things started out on a sour note.   When I finally had a chance to
unpack and strip the rifle (it sat it its original packing for a couple
weeks for reasons beyond my influence) I found the gas cylinder plug
rusted in place and a buildup of corrosion on the gas cylinder piston.
The piston is 'stainless' so the corrossion had to have come from the
inner surface of the gas cylinder.
 
   I called Springfield Armoury in Illinois.  They were less than
helpful.  The technician tried to suggest that what I saw as rust was
actually a mix of powder fouling and oil.  Bull.  It was rust.  The
gentleman at Springfield Canada was more helpful.  He sounded quite
shocked that the rifle was shipped in that state.  He suggested that
I send the rifle in ('when I can afford to part with it for 2 weeks')
to the Canadian warrenty centre for refurbishing.   He also offered
to send me some odds and ends 'for my trouble'.  I haven't sent it
in as the corrossion was quite superficial (less than 1 mil pitting
on the gas cylinder plug was the worst of it) and it seems to function
flawlessly.   I will keep the offer under consideration however.
 
   Once I had the rifle cleaned up and ready to go I headed out to the
range.  I'd say that I'm still not up to the rifle and it's taking me
a bit of time to get used to the ergonomics of the stock and the sights
but I'm shooting 3moa 100yd groups from prone position.  The groups
aren't too well centred yet, but I'm not going to move the sights around
until I'm sure I'm treating the rifle properly.
 
  Overall, I'm very happy with my new toy and I'm looking forward to
many years of shooting it.   I'm a little concerned with the state
it was received in, but that asside I'm content.  I've heard that
Springfield Armoury is having financial rough times and is cutting
corners here and there to boost production.  I hope this isn't so as
such behaviour is more likely to hurt their reputation than help their
bottom line.
 
   I'd like to thank a certain rec.gunner for his long email msgs
and help in getting me shooting!
 
 
   Now... the inevitable questions....
 
   I've been kicking around the idea of reloading for my M1A in order
to get the most out of it and have been looking at bullets... especially
'match' bullets.   I was wondering if, apart from match shooting, there
is any practial use for such bullets?   The boat tail hollow point seems
to be the worst combination of an FMJ and a soft point.  The hollow
nose would collapse on impact- impairing penetration but the full case
would prevent any significant expansion.  It would seem that target
shooting would be the only use for such a bullet.  Possibly it might
serve for varmints, but I'm not so sure.
  It's rather a pitty that 'practial' bullets aren't available to the
same standard of uniformity as match bullets.  It would be outstanding
to get some modicum of match bullet accuracy in a hunting bullet.
Well, if I do start reloading I'll have enough variables to work with
before I start thinking of custom crafted bullets :)
 
  Also, what would people suggest as useful/essential aids for prone
shooting?   A good sling comes to mind and a spotting scope will
save me some running around, but what else would I require?
I'm at a loss for finding coaching locally, so it's just me, my patience
and what tips I can pick up from books and here.
  Any and all advice on service rifle shooting would be greatly
apreciated.
 
 
                                               Warm Hearth!
                                                     Jake
 
Jake Hodgson____________________________________________________________
HODGSONT@QUCDN.QUEENSU.CA               |  All skill is in vain when
Disclaimer: It must be my doing because |  an angel pisses in the
            THIS bunch won't take       |  touchhole of your musket.
            responsibility for ANYTHING |  -old German proverb

[MODERATOR:  You should be able to get access to an NRA publications catalog.
Check out the reprints on highpower shooting.  I especially recommend the 
book "Semi Auto Rifles", which will help you on both handloading and on the
question of extra doodads to consider buying.  For more serious help on the
task of learning to shoot your M14 well, then see if you can find the USArmy
publication FM 23-8 on M14 rifles and rifle marksmanship.]