My new Springfield M1A, looking for advice on upgrades.

[freedom]

What upgrades do ya'll recommend? I've read replacing the extractor is must, but it seems some aren't happy unless you purchase a new gun piece by piece.

Where do you buy bulk ammo that doesn't break the bank? Bulk bullets and brass?

Unrelated question. I'm buying a reloading kit before the year is out. Are there good deals available black friday/cyber monday? I can get a RCBS rockchucker kit for $276 with free shipping from PSA now, what I'm leaning toward.

 

[spencer60]

Take a look at the parts available from Sadlak Industries.

When I had mine I used their spring guide and their TiN piston. The spring guide the factory installs looks like a piece of welding rod, not impressive. The Salak unit is supposed to keep the spring aligned better, providing straighter op-rod travel. I can't say that it's a big deal, but it's a pretty low cost upgrade. The TiN piston is just easier to clean than the stock unit.

As for ammo, I haven't seen any good deals on 308 lately. Pre-Sandy Hook you could find good surplus at way under 50 cents a round. Nowadays it's all almost $1 a shot everywhere and I haven't seen any good surplus at all. Reloading is definitely a good idea.

 

[GAgunLAWbooklet]

my only "upgrade" on my M1A has been a scope (fixed 4x, very bright and clear and rugged), S&K scope mount, and a lace-on cheek pad.
Oh, and I bought a 10-round magazine for easier handling at the range or while hunting. My 20-round mags are set aside for the zombie apocalypse.
*** EDITED*** You already have a GI sling. Good.

As for ammo, I'd check what the guys at the M14 forum say about ammo. They keep tabs on all the good deals, especially military surplus stuff that used to cost only 40 cents a round just a year or two ago. I think about 2 years ago I saw new factory ammo (cheap FMJ range ammo) for 50 cents a round in 250 or 500 round cases. Now it's basically about 80 cents or a dollar a shot! I'm not buying any until the prices drop.

http://m14forum.com/

 

[freedom]

I purchased a 1907 style sling to try out. I think I'm going to get a hooded rear sight with a smaller aperture, and a lens insert from Bob Jones.

 

[TheGman]

Palmetto State occasionally has a 500 round case on sale for $299.
I have read that the bolt is the weak link (if any) but its all likely based upon how much you shoot as are most things.
Nice rifle congrats.

 

[Georgia Gun Club LLC]

attend an Appleseed, learn how to shoot with a USGI cotton sling.

replace extractor and bolt guts, go to the range and find out what she likes to eat, try everything, once you know, back up the truck and buy a TON...salt it away.

Buy 20-round CMI mags now while you can, become a rifleman.

 

[charlie hotel lima]

.44mag.com is a good source for the mags..just shoot it, get to know it..A nice trigger job will do wonders.

 

[Shemp]

Get as many USGI parts as you can afford...

 

[freedom]

attend an Appleseed, learn how to shoot with a USGI cotton sling.

replace extractor and bolt guts, go to the range and find out what she likes to eat, try everything, once you know, back up the truck and buy a TON...salt it away.

Buy 20-round CMI mags now while you can, become a rifleman.

I'm an instructor , thanks for the seventh stepping.

 

[dial1911]

I like the hooded rear aperture- definitely an upgrade worth the money in my opinion. A national match front blade is nice, but not required.