New M1a

[Devil Dog]

I just traded for an S.A. M1a. It cost me a nice Garand, an '03 Rem. and some cash. I haven't fired one since '65 boot camp and look forward to shooting it. I have heard the the older S.A.'s are more desirable. (sellers statement). My serial # is 050856. Is that considered an older gun? Mine has a walnut stock with a FG handguard. Are walnut handguards available? Any other info would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Dean-DGR]

Wenig use to make hand guards with the stock set they cut for the M1A, but you would have to call them to see if you can get just a hand guard.

Dean-DGR

[budmant]

Dupage has new made walnut M14 HG for $29.99

[SMOKEY]

If I traced it right yours was made somewhere around September of 89. Should have several GI parts on it. Bolt most likely TRW

[Major Tom]

My issue M14 while in the Army had a ventilated FG handguard. So, replaced the wooden one with FG.

[gulliver62]

Sounds like you got a very nice rifle. I agree late '89 from Lee Emerson's collected info. I can't remember when they made the change from a 5 line heel marking (including the 7.62mm designation) to the current 4 line but you are in that area. I personally like the original GI look of a DOD marked walnut stock and nice fiberglass handguard but any combination you want is available.

[bd1]

SAI has a toll-free number you can call and give them your SN. They'll tell you when your rifle left the factory and in what model configuration per catalog in effect at that time. Happy shooting.

[Devil Dog]

If I traced it right yours was made somewhere around September of 89. Should have several GI parts on it. Bolt most likely TRW

My bolt is marked:
7790186
66118-DD
Does that indicate who made it?

[Devil Dog]

Sounds like you got a very nice rifle. I agree late '89 from Lee Emerson's collected info. I can't remember when they made the change from a 5 line heel marking (including the 7.62mm designation) to the current 4 line but you are in that area. I personally like the original GI look of a DOD marked walnut stock and nice fiberglass handguard but any combination you want is available.

My heel is marked with five (5) lines. The stock is not GI but a very nice commercial stock with no markings.

[Col. Colt]

I believe you have a Winchester bolt. All USGI parts were made, gauged and hardened to the same spec - or they were rejected! Some people favor one brand or another, or seek all one maker parts - but if it's a good condition USGI part, it's hard to improve on that!

Your serial number falls into what some think of as a "Golden Age" - lots of GI parts, very high quality recievers. Enjoy your new M1A!
CC

[Devil Dog]

The seller thought it was a Winchester bolt but I could find no "WRA's" anywhere. Are there any other GI parts that I should look for? Where would the barrel markings be?
Thanks, for everyone's help.

[2111]

Congratulations. I had a nice M1A N.M. back in the late 70's early 80's. Sold it sold it in the late 80's and have regretted selling it every since. That will be my next purchased but, I too, will need to sell or trade an M1. Have you tried the M14 forum at http://m14forum.com/forums.php Sure will get all the answers you need over there. Semper Fi, Joe

[Devil Dog]

Thanks for all the information. Do you remember the feeling when you got your first Garand? I'm having it again.

[StockDoc]

At a Range that I frequent, the owner said that he bought a SA inc M1A and everything was TRW including the barrel, but he no longer had the rifle.

[Matt K.]

Cogratulations. The "golden age" M1A rifles fall below somewhere in the 63,000 serial number range. They are considered "nicer" because, well, they were built with love. The assembly and fit received a lot of hands-on attention that went away as production became more business-like.

[2111]

Thanks for all the information. Do you remember the feeling when you got your first Garand? I'm having it again.

I remember the feeling well. I was scared shxxless. PISC 1956 Semper Fi

[2111]

This one, #47300, just sold on G.B. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=440375223 I considered bidding but was afraid of a bidding war and didn't want to go much higher than the one bid it got. Looked like a real nice rifle.

[Devil Dog]

That M1a looks EXACTLY the same as mine. Adding up the stuff I traded, I probably paid just a little more than the $1500. it sold for. I'm happy so far....though I still haven't fired it yet.

Joe, I went through PI about 8 years after you. I never saw a Garand there. As a 2111, did you work on any M14's?

[Griff Murphey]

The only walnut handguards I ever saw on M-14s were the ones in the Army training films, which were made with very early production rifles. I think they went away rapidly because of charring in full auto (which was expected to be an important use of the M-14, although it proved ineffective) and sustained semiauto fire.

[Rock]

The only walnut handguards I ever saw on M-14s were the ones in the Army training films, which were made with very early production rifles. I think they went away rapidly because of charring in full auto (which was expected to be an important use of the M-14, although it proved ineffective) and sustained semiauto fire.

I have read some battle accounts of M1 wood handguards bursting into flame during sustained semi auto fire. They just kept firing.

[2111]

That M1a looks EXACTLY the same as mine. Adding up the stuff I traded, I probably paid just a little more than the $1500. it sold for. I'm happy so far....though I still haven't fired it yet.

Joe, I went through PI about 8 years after you. I never saw a Garand there. As a 2111, did you work on any M14's?

No, I was discharged in 1959, a few years before the M14 was issued.