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Posted: 5/3/2012 9:34:14 PM EDT
| I would like to build an M1A for my Dad for Christmas this year. He is a Vietnam veteran and the M 14 was his weapon of choice. He's always wanted one like he carried but would never buy one for his self, So I would love to be able to build one for him. Where do I start??? I've built AR 15's and customized a couple of other rifles and handguns but never messed with the M1As. |
| Unless you've got the tools for barreling a receiver, you'll want to have a gunsmith do that for you. So, you'll need a parts kit from CMP, Treeline, etc. If the kit doesn't include bolt and barrel, you can get a pre-barreled receiver from Fulton, LRB, and others. Or, you can purchase a parts kit and send it off to someone like LRB, or 7.62mm Firearms and have them assemble your parts kit on their receiver. |
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I've "built" a couple of M1 Garands. I bought 2 H&R barreled receivers from the CMP and then bought the rest of the H&R parts off the computer and at gunshows over a period of a few months and put the parts together with my son (one for me and one for him build).
You'll have to check the headspace once you get the barrel put on (gunsmith if you don't have the tools/knowledge) and get the bolt. The rest of the parts shouldn't be too hard to put on yourself. There is a special set of pliers for installing the nut on the flashhider though. An assortment of punches, allen wrenches and a screwdriver or two with a good book on M14/M1A assembly. It should be fun and you'll have the satisfaction of having built it yourself. |
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