M14 inspection

[Guest AreSeeFiddyWon]

I recently traded for a Norinco M14. It looks pretty old, but also seems to be in very good shape. I'd like to try it out, but in researching it a bit I found that this rifle could have a problem if the headspace is out of spec. I'm kind of paranoid about pulling the trigger on an .308 when I'm not VERY confident that the weapon is safe to fire.

That leads to my questions:

1) If the headspace is out of spec is there a danger of pieces flying, or is it more of a feeding and/or slamfire thing?

2) Is there a reliable way(without headspace gauges) to determine if the rifle is safe to fire?

3) Any recommendations for HONEST gunsmiths in the Maryville/Knoxville area that will inspect it for less than an arm or leg? I'm in no hurry, so if ends up on someone's bench for a month that is no concern.

Thanks!

[poak]

Take it to one of the folks at CCA?

[hkusp40cal]

This may answer some of your questions. Lotsa good information on that site if you haven't visited before.

M-14 Firing Line Public Forum

[MikeW]

You need someone to Go,No-Go, & Field gauge it for you. CMP Armorer Explains Garand Headspacing Procedures AccurateShooter.com Bulletin

I gauage my Garands for all three when I get a new one or sawp bolts between rifles.

The link is for a Garand but same idea. You can order the Cylmer gauges from brownells or call clymer direct (218-853-5555) The gauges run about $25 each + shipping. Or, any gunsmith with a set of gauges should be able to take care of it for ya.

Congrats on the new toy.

#1. not just a slam fire thing - bad headspace excessive or not enough can cause a very bad day.

#2 Not that I am aware of

#3 CCA can fix you up... should not be a huge fee to know that it is safe to shoot. http://www.dgrguns.com/ is also up your way but may be a M1 guy only.

Edited April 24, 2009 by MikeW

[Guest AreSeeFiddyWon]

Thanks for the links. That M-14 firing line looks to have a lot of good info.

I'd saw the gauges on Brownell's before, but I didn't have any luck finding how to use them properly.

I think the first go I'll have a pro look it over because I'm sure there's more that should be checked other than headspace. Maybe I can get a few questions in about how to properly check the headspace and I can do it myself after that.

[Guest gcrookston]

At the time the Norinco's were the only Forged receivers in-Spec and were assembled with almost all USGI parts (though some were assembled with "soft" Chinese bolts and these are to be immediately replaced).

As stated above: Any Smithy with a good set of go/no go guages can let you know what you have. At the very least odds are you should have an excellent receiver to build upon. If it is one of the early ones with a USGI bolt, you have a 99.9% chance of it being in spec.

Edited April 26, 2009 by gcrookston

[Guest gcrookston]

1

Edited April 26, 2009 by gcrookston