This is a discussion on newbie with a FED ORD M14 within the The M14 forums, part of the M14 M1A Forum category; I've been browsing here for awhile and figured I'd introduce myself... or at least start asking a few questions so I can learn more about ...
I've been browsing here for awhile and figured I'd introduce myself... or at least start asking a few questions so I can learn more about my rifle.
I bought a FED Ordnance M14 roughly 6 months ago from a seller at a previous duty station- did a bit of "hasty" research and executed based on what I was able to discover (thank god for iphones).
So now for thoughts: I carried a modified M14 EBR in Iraq during my first rotation in my MRAP. I've got a few ARs as my regular shooters and figured this was a good logical step. I managed to get a 87XX stamed "M14" - I've learned a ton already but I have some questions:
1. The Bolt is marked "TRW" ZB - with some numbers - any way to interpret these?
2. The OP rod is marked HRA - another manufacturer
3. Magically, the barrel is marked Winchester with numbers and AUG 63...
Id like to be able to tell a bit more about the parts, and if possible, try to replace ones and assess their level of wear.
If i were to find a EBR chassis - would this gun be a "drop in" - has anyone done one? Cheap place to buy? thoughts?
lastly...critical points of failure:
my shell casings (ive put a few magazines through) exhibit a mark around the casing when ejected. headspace issue? would someone be able to diagnose from a photo?
heres my experience with the EBR... its not a total drop in. you will see i rolled in footage of myself removing the operating rod guide (which is a booger to get off)
if you can use a dremel though you can cut it off. I pounded mine off over the course of 10 min with a 2lb hammer.
TRW is Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Inc.
HRA is Harrington & Richardson Inc.
I like and use USGI wood stocks so not any help with your
Enhanced Battle Rifle stock..
Welcome to the forum!
You will need to search the different EBR chassis and decide which you like.
As far as you ejected case issue of them being marked or dented, you can post pics of your spent cases. But it's probably a perfectly normal condition. M14s are a bit rough on spent brass.
I have a Fed. Ord. M14A....did you list your rifle in the "Referance" section?
Your bolt, OP rod an barrel are USGI an thats a good thing. I borrowed some gages for my M14 when I got it. It was perfect, I can shoot Milsurp or commercial ammo. Make sure you check an see if you need to shim your gas system....mine was so in need of it that when I got the shim kit it took all the washers. Not sure what your trigger group would be, but you got the important USGI parts. Congrats.
Good find! You got one of the good Feds, if given the opportunity I wouldnt turn one down. M14s and semi automatic rifles in general are rough on brass. The pictures of your spent cases look completely normal.
All,
Below are shots of the (1) shell case with the ridge/line/dent around the neck. thoughts?
(2) trigger pack - none of the usual markings (e.g. TRW, Winchester, etc..) but just some electron penned numbers. china made?
That's an odd ring around your case neck. Usually headspace would cause a shiney ring (where the case was stretching) near the base of the case leading to incipient case head separation. Yours almost looks like there is and imperfection in the barrel chamber area. Dunno. Maybe take a chamber casting using kapoc. Or a trip to the armorer!
i'm not sure im at the "part out" phase. need to find out whats causing the necks of the rounds to get marked up first... and if i did, it would need to be replaced.
If you want too replace the Trigger Group you can, I would at least have one as a spare. Did you give the chamber a good cleanning with a GI ratcheting chamber brush, and what ammo did you use?
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