M14 Forum

sven556

Well I'm a complete newbie to m14s also, and I just received a couple grade A kits today. I think the spline they are referring to is on the right side of the trigger housing (as seen from the rear of the rifle). It's a rib running at 90 degree's to the stock. Now, what difference does it make if it is buggered up or not? And; how does this spline get peened and buggered up?

Whatsinaname181

so how much would it all cost together? The kit + a qualified smith to build it??

Al Mack

How much is up to you. What barrel what bolt and whos receiver. I did some checking today. It'll cost me 20.00+25.00 for the Brady to get a receive avvepted at my FFL. I looked at Fulton Arnory forthe receiver 449.99 + shipping 25.00? there's 520. An A kit from CMP 600.00 plus 27.00 shipping. We are at 1147.00. I have a good medium weight barrel, but I'll need a bolt. The GI bolts are getting a bit pricy, So an LRB bolt I think they are 175.00 stripped. so because I thimk the guts come with the kit, I'd get this. But if I'm wrong 225.00 fot a complete bolt. now the cost is 1322.00 and I fogot shipimg for the bolt 11.00= 1333.99
I couldn't help adding .99. Getting the cost is up to you and who you select to do the build. A you have an almost GI M14! I hope this helps. Oh and I have several good stocks.

GreatPlainsRifleman

Agreed Al. That's the best part - it's as USGI as it can get.

I don't know if Fulton will build for free. But if they do, and you pay $450.00 for their receiver, with a $250.00 GI bolt and a $250.00 Criterion barrel, you'd probably come out almost exactly at $1600.00 including shipping and FFL fees. You could find a GI barrel for around $250.00 if you wanted to go that route.

I ended up getting lucky with the nearly NOS GI barrel that my kit was built with. I don't think it's any less accurate than a non chrome-lined Criterion light weight. But others might not be as lucky.

USMC 711 - I really like that stock a lot. It's nice. Nice work.

Prince Humperdink

That stock looks pretty good,as do all the other parts!Can't wait to see pics of the completed Rifle.

Whatsinaname181

Nice. Except wow, i thought they came with USGI bolt and barrel. Still- something i would like to try in the future should funds allow. Thanks for the info gents.

GCBurner

The spline is the rib on the trigger group that fits in the slot in the stock metal. The fit can get loose after thousands of times of practice stripping and reassembly in its service, so the armorers would take a cold chisel and peen it a few places to make it a tighter fit.

USMC 711

Yes, I know understand the issue concerning the spline, and as you can see from one of the earlier photos, there is some cross hatching that was well done by an armorer, and does not detract at all.

As GC Burner and some other threads have maintained this was done to tighten up everything after heavy use. I don't think this is going to be a problem at all. Really love the finish and the subtle wear on the inner parts tells me it is not going to be a struggle to lock up the lower to the upper.

Incidentally, a very nice representative from the CMP emailed me today advising a replacement buttplate is in the works and I should have it in a couple of weeks.

Oh Boy!

711

bigblock

The trigger housing spline goes into a slot in the receiver not the stock.

USMC 711

I began to clean off the gas system parts - lots of carbon but thankfully no pitting. As you can see in an earlier photo my Criterion barrel screws up well with the flash, etc.

Taking windex and an old t-shirt, I began to clean the wood stock - the walnut grain became more evident as years of dirt build up was cleaned off - in fact, the windex even took off the old finish (which was not spectacular to begin with) and the wetting action alone helped to remove some of the dings, which just popped back up on their own.

The round white label with "77" had to go (Sorry I destroyed "history") but that exposed area under the label told me the rifle was issued without any finish, and whatever I removed around the label was probably wax.

When I get my spanner from Bill Ricca, I will get all the metal out and begin the process of refinishing the wood to Springfield Armory standards - something I am well adept at doing.

This involves Chestnut Ridge military stock stain with a hint of red, and BLO. I can vary this with other stains, but the walnut base makes my work easy and don't want to mask too much of the original beauty. (Photos forthcoming)

711

USMC 711

Just starting to clean up the wood, I will wait for Bill Ricca's spanner wrench to take down the stock - once all metal is removed, except the front swivel, I will go over one more time with a mild solution of wood alcohol, water, and fine steel wool to get off all the dirt. Then attempt to steam out some of the worst dings.





Mocked up with a USGI magazine I am feeling some accomplishment, even though I have a long way to go.....




The CMP came through with their promise to send me a replacement buttplate assembly, which arrived today.





711

MFD

Perhaps old news to some, but just looking at Ohio Ordnance Works catalog and noted that they are offering excellent condition M14 barrels from H&R, SA(not INC.) SAKO, TRW and Winchester. Prices range from low of 206.00 to 288.00 Don't know if those are good prices or not, but those wanting original barrels to match up with other parts, may of interest.

Tipler

Mine was very poor and was luck of the draw mail order. Was not Grade-A, looked like it was a former drill rifle that had been thrown around. Stock beat and flash hider had impact marks. Op rod handle also had same.

Kit went back and ill hand pick if i can on my next trip.

Bandanabandit1

thats a fantastic looking kit you got there...

Its just a shame to know that most if not all of the receivers that were used with the kit were all destroyed :(