Still somewhat Green but now with carbon smoke in my nose.
I went through the same questions before I purchased my first M1A.
I got to a point where I decided I need to just buy a new rifle and begin the hands on training. Thereby avoiding the pitfalls of the used market, which is sure to cause problems for the inexperienced.
Then, I suggest you take yourself and your new rifle to an Appleseed.
There you will have experienced instructors versed in the main battle rifle you now own. Like me, you'll be taught how to sight it, shoot it, strip it, clean it and lube it.
You'll shoot the AQT, and begin your path to becoming a Rifleman.
You'll be doing the most important thing you can for Liberty. You'll be actively expressing your 2nd Amendment rights with like minded individuals, all preparing to reach Rifleman scores, and intent on passing on the American tradition of marksmanship to family, friends and strangers.
Get Scott Duff's Guide to the M-14, get a Dewey rod and guide and plastilube from Scotts website. This book will direct you, believe me.
Keep it simple, Hoppes 9 powder solvent, patches for 308, some q-tips, brass bore brush, and gas cylinder tools, a nylon bristle toothbrush or something similar and more specific for gun cleaning and a ratcheted chamber brush.
Here is a video I bought that will help too. Glass Bedding M1A/M14 with Art Luppino. Don't let the glass bedding part throw you off, Art goes through cleaning and lubing.
Dry Practice is very important to learn trigger control to not disturb the sight picture.
Just go here (appleseedinfo dot org) and the rest - with diligence and dedication to the present and the future - will fall into place.
Sincerely, in Liberty,
MikeP
PS:
About the video, I'm wrong about what I said there. Art has made several videos. The one I have, which will show you how to clean and lube the rifle assembled is: Center X M1A/M14 Maintenance & Cleaning for Improved Accuracy
It is really geared for newcomers to the M14 style rifle.
The best to you.