M1A Help...

[McCrown]

So I got a used M1A standard a couple of weeks back and finally got out to shoot it last weekend. When I got home to clean it I found that the bolt has been eating into the receiver .

It still shoots OK, but is this normal ?

I don't know what the previous owner has done with it or how many rounds shot through it. What should I do about it?

[Bongos]

So I got a used M1A standard a couple of weeks back and finally got out to shoot it last weekend. When I got home to clean it I found that the bolt has been eating into the receiver .

It still shoots OK, but is this normal ?

I don't know what the previous owner has done with it or how many rounds shot through it. What should I do about it?

I don't see any eating! Just normal wear, remember to use grease not oil and you can change the recoil spring for cheap. As long as the gun functions, it's fine

[adamsreeftank]

There is nothing wrong that I can see in your pictures. The inside of an M1A receiver has a clearance milled for the rear of the bolt. You would see some major shiny metal at the back of the bolt if it was rubbing on the receiver.

[tommyid1]

everything looks fine to me? maybe circle the question areas?

[shooterdave]

the rifle looks fine if you can see shiny areas thats where you need to put GREASE not oil. the m1a like the m1garand requires grease for proper lubrication.

[McCrown]

The area is where the numbers are, it goes 159 then part of a 4 and I don't know what the rest of the numbers are that are missing.

I know its hard to see, I might just be paranoid. but it has worn the side of the receiver quite a bit.

area in question circled, pics being uploaded. Hope that helps.

[munkeeboi]

You'd most likely see bare metal if it was eating away anything. I can't see anything wrong, even after the circled pics

[Mr. Joshua]

It's called wear, don't worry about it. Just get that thing well greased and you'll be fine. Try White Lithium grease, I've been using it for years in M1A's, Mini-14's, Garands, etc.

[30Cal]

I don't see anything abnormal. Grease what's shiny.

[Jonathan Doe]

The area is just a machined part. The rifle appears to be fine. Use grease and shoot. Don't worry about it.

[doc1buc]

Can someone point out exactly where to grease or just grease the whole bolt?

[M1A Rifleman]

Looks all normal. The finish wear at the top of the bolt is just that - no worries. The other marks appear to be tool marks left over from manufacture, again no worries. If it functions, then shoot and enjoy.

[M1A Rifleman]

Can someone point out exactly where to grease or just grease the whole bolt?

Go to the Springfiled Armory webpage and download the manual. Basically, you apply a small amount of grease to areas where you see finish wear including, its no big deal:

• Operating rod rail
• Lugs on either side of the bolt
• The bolt roller
• The hammer area where the bolt rides over upon return
• The top of the reciever just under the stripper clip guide where the bolt contacts

You want to use a stiff grease to prevt it from flying off. Basic automotive moly grease works fine and its cheap.

[McCrown]

Fair enough... For my rediculousness I'll have to take my M1A to the range and give it extra love.

[Jonathan Doe]

I bought a 1lb can of military weapons grease and it lasts a long time.