M14-Pattern Scout - .308 Load Development

[MeatyMac]

Yes, 6.5 Creedmoor, the barrel started as a Douglas Ultrarifled 6.5mm chrome moly blank that was turned to a M14 match barrel profile by Roland Beaver several years ago, I installed the barrel on the LRB receiver and finished reamed the chamber; I don't have the skills to turn blanks into M14 profiled barrels but I do have access to a lathe and can turn the barrel shoulder to achieve the right timing when installing the barrel on a receiver. I'm not sure how complex building them is compared to an AK or G3, but turning a commercial barrel shoulder to time correctly, action bedding and finish reaming the chamber for proper headspace are the more difficult processes of a M14-pattern rifle assembly, the rest of the assembly isn't too complicated.

Tim's work is top-notch, his specialty is making short barrel "Tanker" M1 Garands that accept M14 detachable magazines and he's the current master at the process.

[PogoJack]

This thread is starting the M1A itch for me again.

MeatyMac, what do you think about an off the shelf Bula rifle for a noob?

https://atlanticfirearms.com/bula-m14-rifle-22-mod-gi-barrel

Are the 19 inch paratrooper models accurate, MOA?

Sorry for the thread jack.

[MeatyMac]

This thread is starting the M1A itch for me again.

MeatyMac, what do you think about an off the shelf Bula rifle for a noob?

https://atlanticfirearms.com/bula-m14-rifle-22-mod-gi-barrel

Are the 19 inch paratrooper models accurate, MOA?

Sorry for the thread jack.

Thread jack, smed jack, PogoJack

Bula's been having issues for the past year+, they seems to be on the Hold-Off-For-Now list over on the M14Forum, I myself had an issue with a Bula/JRA 'Rock Ola' receiver back in 2020, the op rod guide rail was out of spec and allowed the op rod to jump out of it's track, Jeff at Bula replaced the receiver promptly, but in all honesty the receiver should have never made it out of the factory.

If you don't have an M1A and just want to try the platform out used Springfield Armory M1A's pop-up in this forum's marketplace often enough, I'd get a full size 'Loaded' model if it's your first one. If you want to go one & done and are willing to spend the money and wait a while buy one from LRB Arms, they're making the best production M14-pattern rifles w/a forged receiver currently on the market IMHO.

[xrMike]

Mr. MeatyMac, what kind of chronograph is that you're using? Thanks.

[MeatyMac]

Mr. MeatyMac, what kind of chronograph is that you're using? Thanks.

https://magnetospeed.com

[PogoJack]

M14-Pattern Scout - .308 Load Development

Thread jack, smed jack, PogoJack

Bula's been having issues for the past year+, they seems to be on the Hold-Off-For-Now list over on the M14Forum, I myself had an issue with a Bula/JRA 'Rock Ola' receiver back in 2020, the op rod guide rail was out of spec and allowed the op rod to jump out of it's track, Jeff at Bula replaced the receiver promptly, but in all honesty the receiver should have never made it out of the factory.

If you don't have an M1A and just want to try the platform out used Springfield Armory M1A's pop-up in this forum's marketplace often enough, I'd get a full size 'Loaded' model if it's your first one. If you want to go one & done and are willing to spend the money and wait a while buy one from LRB Arms, they're making the best production M14-pattern rifles w/a forged receiver currently on the market IMHO.

[MeatyMac]

[smoothy8500]

Pretty much my experience with the M14 parallels MeatyMac. A lot of people are disappointed with the M1A Loaded and its 1-1/2 to 2 moa performance. It takes a little work and careful fitting of parts, but will get closer to 1moa. Thing is, it's not meant to get a bipod, scope, and only shoot 100yd groups. Unfortunately, that's a vast majority of buyers.

[PogoJack]

http://shuffsparkerizing.com/shuffs-bm14-garand/

$2700 for a full rifle with a forged Winchester receiver out send in your M1 Garand and $1500?

I have a Philippine return service grade Springfield M1 mixmaster in the 5M serial range. I think that would be better than a Springfield M1A right now, do you guys think?

[smoothy8500]

Or rebarrel your Garand in 308. A couple tricks and tweaks, less than $500 later you have a 1 moa Garand.....

[MeatyMac]

I like smoothy's idea and post-war SA M1 receivers are nice to build accurate Garands with. Are you in SoCal or NorCal, PogoJack?

[PogoJack]

[smoothy8500]

CMP E-store is out of stock on Criterion 308 Garand barrels. They show up every few months but sell out quickly. They are usually about $50 cheaper than any other source-if available. I think everyone is waiting for Criterion to finish a batch of barrels.

[bigbossman]

I don't knock the black rifle folks either, because the truth is that if you want to win, you better have one in your hands. I'm with you though - I still show up with my M1A and give it all I've got. There was a time when M1A's ruled the line, but once they figured out how to make an AR15 accurate at 600 yards, that time came to an end.

Here's the thing - the AR15 is forgiving. It won't push you out of position like an M1A will if you're not set up properly. And it is responsible for getting a lot of younger folks into the sport, so there's that. Also - there is a whole generation (or two) that are very familiar with that platform, and they do well with it.

[MeatyMac]

Well, as stated previously, adding optics to Service Rifle just killed it for me, but I’m one of those guys that would occasionally show up to the firing line w/a national match M1903, a real Springfield Armory made one, not a copy, not that I expected to win anything, just because I enjoyed the .30 Government, steel butt plate, bolt action punishment, among other nostalgic, but not so practical, reasonings…That was 20+ years ago, today they have ‘vintage’ matches, like it’s a carnival ride or something…