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.