M14 Forum

Zombie66 · October 22nd, 2012, 07:02 PM

Does anyone know how to find out if a rifle was upgraded my Mr.Nelson?

The reason for my question is I picked up a M1A that left SA in October of 1981 as a standard model and it was later upgraded to a NM so I thought I would start with Mr.Nelson.

Thank you

hammonje · October 22nd, 2012, 07:21 PM

Call and ask SAI. They would send down standards to Glenn Nelson in Columbus, GA and he would send them back as NM and SM models. I have one of both. SAI customer service will have these records and can tell you. If it was sold as a standard by SAI and later upgraded I don't think there is much hope in finding out who did the work.

Zombie66 · October 22nd, 2012, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammonje

Call and ask SAI. They would send down standards to Glenn Nelson in Columbus, GA and he would send them back as NM and SM models. I have one of both. SAI customer service will have these records and can tell you. If it was sold as a standard by SAI and later upgraded I don't think there is much hope in finding out who did the work.

Ten-4 I have spoke to SAI CS and it was sold as a standard model so I was just hoping to kinda track down who upgraded it and yes I know it was a long shot but I thought I would try LOL.

The other reason I was trying to track down the smith is I have never seen a brazed op rod guide, also being a newb to the M14/M1A platform have never seen this either and my local smith (In which Im totally convinced doesnt know jack shit about M1As) thinks its some ghetto basement job.

Im trying to learn

hammonje · October 22nd, 2012, 08:48 PM

I doubt someone is NM accurizing M14s along with employing brazing techniques in the ghetto. I agree your smith doesn't know squat. Probably just trying to figure out a way to make some money on fixing a phantom problem.

Details as such can help track this down as that is not common as I have seen and can't see why it wouldn't work well for securing the ORG.

levisdad · October 22nd, 2012, 08:57 PM

Op Rod guide welded to barrel?

Zombie66 · October 22nd, 2012, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammonje

I doubt someone is NM accurizing M14s along with employing brazing techniques in the ghetto. I agree your smith doesn't know squat. Probably just trying to figure out a way to make some money on fixing a phantom problem.

Details as such can help track this down as that is not common as I have seen and can't see why it wouldn't work well for securing the ORG.

O you have no clue what my smith thinks he knows it utterly depressing hence why I came here to get some real answers to my sometimes dumb questions.

Thank you very much I really do appreciate it.

Zombie66 · October 22nd, 2012, 09:08 PM

Here is what Im speaking of-

vanagonjon · October 23rd, 2012, 04:29 AM

yup, that's how they did it back then, dovetailed and brazed op rod guide. My Glenn Nelson era supermatch is built just like that. It sure worked.

John

bd111 · October 23rd, 2012, 07:13 AM

Glenn Nelson died in 2005. If you have a receiver serial # you can call SAI and get a history up to the time the factory shipped it. If it went out as a SM built in Glenn Nelson's shop in Georgia the SAI record will so reflect.

Zombie66 · October 23rd, 2012, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bd111

Glenn Nelson died in 2005. If you have a receiver serial # you can call SAI and get a history up to the time the factory shipped it. If it went out as a SM built in Glenn Nelson's shop in Georgia the SAI record will so reflect.

All I got from SAI is that it left as a Standard model in October of 1981 and thats where my trail went cold I was just asking about Mr.Nelson due to the fact that SAI sent the rifles to him to be upgraded.I was really hoping that thier was a database of some kind that had serial numbers of rifles he did to referance mine...........................Long shot I know but it was worth a try.

bd111 · October 23rd, 2012, 07:14 PM

Mr. Nelson would have had to hold a FFL 01 with Gunsmithing in it or even a 04 Manufacturing. His bound record books would have gone to BATFE archives after his business ended. You can check the BATFE regulations for whether a former licensee's records are open to FOIA request, but somehow I don't think so. Good luck.

BDH · October 23rd, 2012, 07:30 PM

I seem to remember that his records did not survive his passing. His records were a discussion point here several years ago. Whether it was the family or sold with inventory I don't remember. He worked over one of mine as well and it was a wonderful performer. SAI can probably tell that they sent it but will not know what he did.

Bruce

Stephenr1128 · January 11th, 2013, 03:20 PM

yes I can help you find that information. I work with his son and he has his fathers books that tell every one he made. all you need is the serial number and I will get it to him and should be able to tell you if he made that one. email me at sre8211@aol.com.