m1a question

[Luchtaine]

Okay, silly question. my M1a is approaching 1000 rounds and I am thinking the gas system probably could use to be cleaned though I haven't had any problems with is yet. Anyways I can't get the thing opened up. anyways I was wondering if anyone has gotten theirs open without getting the gas piston wrench that wraps around the link between the barrel and gas system.

I'm not really too worried about the whole thing, since its only fired non corrosive ammo, low humidity etc, just getting to where I think I might clean it just to check it out. Eventually I take everything apart if I need to or not its just my mechanical side at work.

 

[Telperion]

It's recommended to clean the gas system every 300-500 rounds, but if the piston moves freely when the rifle is titled up and down with bolt locked back, it is probably ok.

Opening and cleaning the gas system takes several tools. You need a combo tool to loosen the gas cylinder plug, and a gas cylinder wrench to support the gas cylinder while unscrewing the plug. The gas cylinder is made of stainless steel, and that material tends to stick and gall, so quite a bit of torque may be needed to loosen it. Once the plug is off and the piston out, you need a pair of drill tools to scrape out the carbon in the piston. Don't use any abrasives on the exterior of the piston. Most of the tools you can get from Fulton or brownells.

 

[Luchtaine]

Thanks for the info.

yeah the gas system is still working fine I just thought I would get around to cleaning it.

Guess I'll get the wrench next here Already got the combo tool found an m14 cleaning kit that had one cheap so I bought it

 

[nbkky71]

Another necessary tool are the gas system drill bits, used to remove excess carbon buildup from the piston.

Many places carry them and you can even make your own (I don't remember the exact drill bit sizes off the top of my head). I got mine from Creedmoor sports, but here's one from Champion's Choice

http://www.champchoice.com/detail.php?item=CCGS20

 

[Luchtaine]

Thanks for the help everyone. guess I will have to collect that stuff I suppose. M1a is going to have a little downtime my ammo stash is runninglow and the next gunshow isn't till october. Plus I needed to asses the aviability of funds before I drop another couple hundred bucks on 7.62.

unless of course does anyone know what aim does with their copy of your drivers license, I'm not a big fan of sending info to people, and they are the only ones with a decent deal on .308 at the moment unless any one knows if I can get linked in california or not I am thinking not.

Its one of those "ammuntion feeding devices" with more than 10 rounds I am leery of ordering it.

oh well too bad its Portugese too.

 

[John Deere]

You can use a vice (don`t crunch down on it), or a big (15"-24") adjustable wrench, pad the jaws to keep from scratching your rifle. The drill bit sizes you need are 'P' and an extra long #15, use them by hand only. I wipe everything down with Hoppes #9 and put a little anti-seize compound on the threads.
Aim uses the info to make sure your old enough to buy ammo, thats all. (Good people to deal with BTW) Regards

 

[30Cal]

Apply penetrating oil to the nut.

The piston can be cleaned using brushes and solvent--the drill bits are just quicker (much quicker). You need to make sure you clean out the smaller diameter semi-round section as well.

Ty

 

[Luchtaine]

Thanks I appreciate the INfo once again. I'll proboably go get a drill bit from the sounds of it. I take it I should avoid getting any oil or anything like that in the gas cylinder I know the piston has to be dry, I am just curious about the insider walls though what I assume it to be like might not actually be the case I guess I will see when I open it.

 

[30Cal]

Oil won't hurt the gas system. Just make sure you wipe it off before you reassemble it. If you lube the gas system, it will gum-up.

FWIW, for the times I don't clean the gas system, I put 1-2 drops of Hoppes into the gas system (the hole on the bottom of the gas cyl).

Ty

 

[Luchtaine]

Thanks I kinda envisioned the oil causing extra build up so was curious but then again somoeone said the thing was stainless anyways.