Help w/my m1a

[kw12888]

Hello all,
I'm new to m14's/m1a's. Proud owner of an m1a scout. I was out at the range for the first time today to get acquainted w/the rifle and to zero it in. i had bought some usgi 10 round mags and what i found was that it was a little loose in the magazine well (not sure if using proper terms). upon releasing the bolt and firing, i found that sometimes it will not catch the next bullet b/c the magazine is a mm or 2 too low- therefore, failure to load the next round. if i hold the mag up against the rifle while shooting, i dont get this problem.

so, problem..1. is it the magazine (i had 4 magazines, and they had same problem at one time or another)? 2. is there something i should have done to the fiberglass stock to help it press up against the magazine? 3. magazine release lever the problem?

any input would be of great help. thank you.

[Josh]

are the converted magazines?

there are no USGI 10 round mags.

If the mag is loose check the spring guide and mag catch as those are the two things that hold the magazine in the receiver. The stock really does very little in keeping the magazine in.

[kw12888]

thanks..
will check those tonight.

[X-NewYawker]

I had this haen to me last week.
You have to REALLY get the 10 rounders up into the well until they CLICK into place -- it's way harder than getting the 20 rounders in because of the arcing motion needed has less leverage in the short mags.
Front in as far as your can, lift the back and you MUST hear that solid click or it won't feed.

[Black Majik]

Does it exhibit the same problem with the factory SA 10 round magazines?

[kw12888]

to black majik - no, it doesnt have the same issue w/the SA 10 round. it seems like the factory 10 round fits in a little more snug

to x-newyawker - it did click. it feeds fine the first round or if i make sure i push up on the mag when im shooting. it just doesnt feed when it drops down a little in the middle of shooting through the magazine. upon close inspection, even if everyting is snapped/clicked into place, there's just a little too much play going up and down.

everyone is very helpful, thanks. so far, seems to be the same consensus (also on the m14 forum) as what to look out for. this is what i'll trouble shoot tonight.
1. make sure the spring guide is not worn out
2. place in 20rnd usgi mag to see if the 10 rounders i have are a bad batch/low qlty
3. reverify that i'm pushing the mag up into place