Need help

[WoofersInc]

I have a Springfield Armory M1A standard model that I bought new a while back. I have only had the opportunity to shoot it a couple of times. I am having tons of problems. I cannot get through more than 2 or 3 rounds at a time without it failing to extract. It is feeding fine and I have tried multiple magazines. It simply will not extract the fired case. Looking to the pros here for some help before taking it in to have a gunsmith charge me an arm and a leg. Thanks

 

[Rshooter]

My first question would be what ammo are you using? The M1A works best with Milsurp ammunition. If you are not using NATO 147 grain with a standard load of power I would first attempt to fire that load of ammunition and see what results you are getting.

 

[WoofersInc]

I have been using South African surplus. After a round fires it will not extract the round and the bolt picks up another round jamming it into the back of the round still in the chamber.

 

[jeepguy]

oversized bore and chamber or broken extracter both should be under warenty

 

[WoofersInc]

I have been doing some research and it seems that this is a fairly common occurance on this rifle. I found a USGI extractor and ejector. I ordered those and will see how that does.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Sounds like.... extractor problems.
S.African hasn't been related to extraction problems, though you could have gotten ahold of some under-size rims or as we saw on a lot of Brazilian ammo, sloped extractor grooves.

More than likely a bad extractor.

 

[lipadj46]

For a while there SAI was using crappy cast extractors, look at your extractor you should be able to tell if you have ever seen a real USGI one. Usually they will just come flying out on their own though, the rifle rejects it. Get a few USGI ones anyways because they are getting harder to find. If this is a newer rifle it should not be an issue.

One thing about the SA ammo is that is has black tar neck sealant so make sure your bolt and chamber are really clean as that stuff can gum up a new rifle. One last thing to try is a few different mags. Go to 44mag.com and buy some 20 round CMI mags (CMI are USGI and the same mags that come with your M1A just cheaper).

The M14 is a simple rifle and should not be hard to get up and running properly. Just clean everything well especially when breaking it in. Also use grease.

 

[WoofersInc]

Just an update. I changed out the extractor and ejector with USGI parts and made it out to the range today. Night and day difference. Ran 4 full mags through the gun without a hitch. On a side note there was a small crack through the factory extractor when it was taken out. But it doesn't matter as the gun is now up and running good.