M14 Forum

1saltygrunt · February 15th, 2012, 01:58 PM

Ordered a National Match yesterday from my local shop and in an effort to be able to take down & clean when I receive it, I e-mailed Springfield Armory Customer Service to inquire what tools and/or accessories are shipped with their rifles. With that information I would be able to purchase what I needed to maintain & service my new firearm.
Springfield Armory replied to my inquiry with "no tools or accessories are shipped with our rifles except (1) 10 round magazine.
I don't want to sound cheap, but don't you feel that a cleaning kit would be a nice addition for the manufacturer to ship with their $2000 rifle???

apf383 · February 15th, 2012, 02:17 PM

One would think.

pine snake · February 15th, 2012, 02:22 PM

i don't know but i haven't heard of any company giving away too many freebies even with expensive rifles. maybe ask the ffl when you pick it up if he/she will throw in something?

what will save you a lot of time and money is search this forum for all the gritty little details on how to clean and care for your new rifle.

one tip i can give you is that you will want to use a one piece cleaning rod and a muzzle guard (correct name?) when cleaning to protect the muzzle and barrel.

good luck with the new rifle, post pics when it arrives.

dcobra823 · February 15th, 2012, 02:50 PM

At first you'll need a bore snake and some solvent. Then after around 400 rounds or so maybe a set of gas disassembly tools and gas piston/cylinder cleaning tools. Buy some all purpose wheel Bering grease and a thin stiff bristle paint brush. Take a 7.62 round cut it down to grease the bolt roller.

Learn man learn!!!

Shoot that sucker & enjoy it!!

Omegareaper · February 15th, 2012, 02:55 PM

In the day and age of money making, SA is a front runner. However, they will give you a discount order form when you receive your rifle, combo tool, cleaning rods, bi-pods, t-shirts, etc... Its good for 90 days after your purchase date.
Nice purchase, enjoy.

Stg1944 · February 15th, 2012, 03:44 PM

I'm sure you are aware, but if not, that NM comes bedded.

jbrooks · February 15th, 2012, 03:45 PM

You really wouldn't want the USGI issue segmented cleaning rod anyway. :)

JWB

1saltygrunt · February 15th, 2012, 04:02 PM

I had a military segmented cleaning rod w/combo tool left over from my stint with Uncle Sam, but gave it to one of my sons. Don't know if I want it or can get it back anyway. I have several one piece cleaning rode that I use on my shotguns & bolt action rifles. I also have an Otis cleaning kit so I can clean from either breach or muzzle wigth a protector. Will more tghan likely use the Otis system and eliminate any possible damage to my muzzle crown. Also will not tear down unless absolutely necessary to keep the bedding solid & tight.
I am sure I have all necessary tools etc. to clean & maintain my new baby but it just GRIPES ME that while I put uot that kind of money I have to supply my oun cleaning kit!!
Although I know the National Match rifle is well worth what I paid for it, must be a grumpy old man??!!

sjstill · February 15th, 2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pine snake

i don't know but i haven't heard of any company giving away too many freebies even with expensive rifles. maybe ask the ffl when you pick it up if he/she will throw in something?

Not picking on you, but I work at a gunshop. Folks are always asking us to throw something in. We pay for everything we sell, ammo, holsters, cleaning kits, etc. Yeah, there's markup, but we still pay for everything that comes into the shop. I'll knock 10% off items bought with a gun, but that's about it.

If you want your local mom & pop gunshop to stay in business, don't go in asking for freebies....

bd111 · February 15th, 2012, 05:28 PM

SAI used to include a M14 combination tool, oiler, and cleaning kit in the buttstock of new M1A's. But that was a long time ago.

1saltygrunt · February 15th, 2012, 05:34 PM

sjstill,
Sorry if I hit a nerve. I am a retired Director of Sales and know well that the first rule of business is "MAKE MONEY".
I would never take the opportunity to make a profit away from any business, especially in this down economy.
I was refering to "Springfield Armory" not supplying a combo tool & cleaning rod with their rifles, especially there higher end models.
Sorry again,
Lew

sjstill · February 15th, 2012, 06:46 PM

Lew,

No nerve hit sir! I need to work on my reading skills a bit more :-)

steve

Powerkicker · February 16th, 2012, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pine snake

i don't know but i haven't heard of any company giving away too many freebies even with expensive rifles.

Colt threw in two mags,a cleaning kit and sling with my m4.

SmokyBaer · February 16th, 2012, 04:45 PM

In my experience, throw-ins typically ain't top of the line and most often end up on the shelf instead of my range bag. $30 for a bore snake, solvent and gun grease will more than satisfy the light maintenance between carbon clean-ups. Besides, i did get a Springfield cleaning kit and you should not be concerned. The plastic box is cool and the grease holder but that's about it.

For what it's worth, Pine Snake said it best, in my opinion...

Quote:

Originally Posted by pine snake

...what will save you a lot of time and money is search this forum for all the gritty little details on how to clean and care for your new rifle.

m14nm · February 16th, 2012, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1saltygrunt

I don't want to sound cheap, but don't you feel that a cleaning kit would be a nice addition for the manufacturer to ship with their $2000 rifle???

Mine came with a hard case. Came in handy when I sent it back to get the broken op rod replaced.