Springfield M1A question

[gunnut44]

I have a question about a Springfield Super Match M1A.

I really don't know too much about these so I am wondering how to tell the difference between a Super Match and a National Match.

Is there barrel stampings or something else to look for to tell the two apart because they look the same to me?

I am going to look at one and is said to be a super just want to make sure. It is a pre ban from the early 90's with a ton of factory accessories in like new condition. So if anyone can tell me what to look for or any info on this rifle would be most appreciated.
Thanks gunnut44

 

[kraigwy]

The super match is going to have a rather heavy stock. It also has a heavy barrel. The barrel will appear to be the same size as the standard forward of the forarm, But if you look inside where the op rod moves back and forth you'll see the barrel is quite heavy.

The Standard match M14 was used as the M21 when you attached the ART Leatherwood scope.

From the two pictures you should be able to tell the difference. The first is the M21 I was using during the USAMU Sniper School in '78, the next picture is my Super Match. Pay attention to the stocks on the two rifles.

 

[Dave from Pa]

Throat erosion and a muzzle reading are imperative when buying a used M1A rifle.Muzzle wear will be hard to determine without removing the flash hider,difficult without special tools.Throat erosion is easier but you will need a gauge.Gauges are sold by the CMP,check around you may find a service rifle shooter,M1 Garand collector who could help.Match/Super match rifles were all glass bedded,many older M1a's were built by Glenn Nelson at Springfield in Genesco Illinois up until the early 90's to around serial #100000 but don't hold me to that.As stated previously super match rifles are heavy barrel stainless or chrome moly.SA made SM rifles in a heavy wood stock and offered a Mc Millan stock as a option.Sight should be a 1/2 min hooded rear,NM marked front.062 or .072.if its glass bedded leave it in the bedded stock,worst thing you can do is knock it out of the glass since it loosens the bedding.Gas system will be unitized(one piece) and front of the stock should take about 8-10 lbs. of pressure when you squeeze it together.You cannot turn the spindle valve to turn off the gas system since this is where it's screwed together vs the welded system preferred by the marines.Most are 1-10 twist and shoot bullets up to 175 gr very well.If you are a loader limit you powder to something with the burning rate of IMR 4895.hope this helps

 

[peyton]

Keep us up to date on how big of a wheel barrow of cash that you carried to pay for one of those now On GB they are crazy expensive.

 

[tomtheturner]

Crazy Expensive

They are crazy expensive on GB right now, BUT you never know when a deal will come along. Last Nov. I got the opportunity to buy a Scoped Nat. Match with bunches of accessories for $800.00. It had only had twenty rounds fired through it. I did not have the money, but I bought it anyway! I saw one just like it NIB, just the rifle, sell for $2495.00 last night, and I have seen them go upward of $3000.00.

This buying madness is just crazy!! I don't think there are going to be good deals like my one above around for awhile, but you just never know. Keep your eyes peeled.

Best Wishes,
Tom

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I have both and when you pick up the Super and the National, it is obvious. The Super is thicker stock, heavier barrel and more massive. By comparison the National is almost "dainty". Look for epoxy/bedding compound around the receiver and then look in the op rod cut out to see that the barrel is thick up to where the guide is. That is the basics of looking for the guns.

Here are mine.

Super with the scope and National without. I don't shoot opens that well any more. Bad eyes. Both are 50 shot groups, off the bench at 100 yrds.

 

[BigBill]

I was on my way to purchase a new M1a at my local gun shop when i spotted a rack full of the new russian izmash saiga's in 308win with the 16" barrels for just $289 with two mags at the time. Using south african 308 ball surplus ammo benchrested she can shoot 1 1/2" groups at 100yds.

I just picked up a chinese norinco M14s for under $400 with some free trades i had. It has a forged receiver and chrome lined barrel and chamber. I added a national match op rod guide and wold HD op rod spring. I fixed the loose op rod guide block too. Now she is ready to sight in soon.

My next M14 will probably be a build by one of the pro builders on the m14 sight. I want the forged receiver and the chrome lined bore too. If i'm going to pay $2k to $2.5k for a SA I might as well go to $3.5k for a build the way i want it.

My point is if you want just a plinker or hunting rifle
the brand new russian izmash saiga is hard to beat after all its a battle field proven ak/akm designed rifle. Right now there around $500 in the sporter form. If you want a semi auto 308win rifle that will take a beating and want more the russian saiga is it.

 

[Harrison]

When you start talking $3,000 for a commercial match grade rifle. You may be better off buy a good used plain jane M1A or a new one if you can find it at a fair price. Send the rifle to a gunsmith that specializes in building match grade rifles and let him lay hands on it and do things right. You can make up some of your costs by selling the stock, barrel etc from the plain jane. You might actually come out ahead and with a more accurate rifle. It you don't plan of shooting competition, than go with the commercial rifle.

 

[gunnut44]

Thanks for the replys and pics guys. I get it tomorrow and looked at it today. It is almost perfect with around 500 rounds fired. Factory scope, mount, bipod, bayonet, 6 mags, cleaning kit, sling, and 580 rounds of ammo. It was bought in 91-92 by orig owner and has spent most of it's life in the safe. Owner is in his 70's and figured it was time to pass it on to someone else I can tell he really loved this gun and was good to talk guns with him. He priced it at $2500 and I accepted.

 

[chud333]

I have both and when you pick up the Super and the National, it is obvious. The Super is thicker stock, heavier barrel and more massive. By comparison the National is almost "dainty". Look for epoxy/bedding compound around the receiver and then look in the op rod cut out to see that the barrel is thick up to where the guide is. That is the basics of looking for the guns.

Here are mine.

Super with the scope and National without. I don't shoot opens that well any more. Bad eyes. Both are 50 shot groups, off the bench at 100 yrds.

Those are both Beautiful Rifles sir.
And by the way good shooting too.

Chuck

 

[BigBill]

My correction;

I think the brand new, not someone's butcherd rework russian izmash saiga in 223 or in 308win will fill most shooters, plinkers needs without breaking the bank or wallet. I lubed the trigger & bolr carrier with moly and it cycles so fast and smooth its unmatched in its class.

If you have the wants for a M1a/M14 the SA would be an entry level one if you want a new one. The chinese norinco with its forged 5100 steels is a great platform for doing builds from or leave it in its orginal condition as a great shooter too. If your going to compete in accuracy like camp perry competitions the m1a/m14 is the way to go.

When i say about doing a build i know it will run into cost over runs so 3k isn't a nailed down amount.

Warning, If your reloading for any military semi auto rifle with a floating firing pin you need to use the CCI #34 nato primers these have a thicker wall so slamfires won't occur. For the semi's in 223 its the CCI #41 nato primers. Besafe and do it right. The gun powder for the larger bore semi auto rifles for the correct cycle timing for the proper burn rate I use the IMR 4895 in all my 308's, 7,5 french, 6,5mm swede and my 8mm mauser.