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Federal Ordnance M-1 Tanker

15K views 24 replies 9 participants last post by  imbobert2 
#1 ·
I have searched the forum for information on M-1 Tanker's made by Federal Ordnance, and haven't found anything. Thinking of purchacing one. Good or bad can anyone tell me what they know about the tankers made by federal ordnance?
 
#2 ·
Yes, Sir - I have one that I got from my Dad. Having heard much about the possibilities of getting a lemon, I was hesitant when he offerred to sell it to me, even though it was for what he paid for it new ($350).

I took it to Bruce Dow at Dow Arms Room north of Dade City on US 301 to have it checked out. You can drive about 45 min. to 1 hour west of Orlando on SR 50, turn south on US 301 before you get to I-75, and go south about 5 miles or so. Their phone number is 352.567.9800.

Bruce verified that mine was not a cut-and-reweld receiver, and that I had a good barrel and not a 2-groove '03 Springfield barrel that had been sleeved on. BTW - this is a common, and easily checked issue with Fed. Ord. "Tankers", depending on whether they had any decent barrels available the year it was made. If it has a 2-groove barrel, shy away from it unless it is the deal of the year. You can have it re-barrelled for under $300, I would think. Ask Warbird.

Other problems I found that have been fixed - worn lug on the bullet guide causing premature ejection - Bruce diagnosed that and fixed it in about 15 minutes. Also, the gas cylinder is nearing maximum ID, so I had an over-sized piston button installed. Now that those things are fixed, it's a sweet shooting rifle. I did add the Smith Ent. brake to tame the recoil, and a Schuster's adjustable gas nut to tweak the group size.

If you can, take it over to Bruce Dow and let him look at it. He'll tell you right off if it is junk or a good shooter. Njoy!

flcracker
 
#12 ·
When I pulled the trigger on the 23rd round, the bolt shot through the rear of the reciever, and the rear of the receiver broke off and hit my thumb. Something hit my forehead, and the broken piece of the receiver ended up downrange.

I was using 7.62 military ball ammo marked MF 83 F4. It came with the tanker.

I have to add, that the gun shop I bought it from is going to repair/replace/exchange it or refund my money.

They are currently looking for a MILLED receiver. The Federal Ordnance receiver on my tanker appears to be cast.

Will post pics this afternoon if I can figure out how.
 
#13 ·
If this is the ammo

I was using 7.62 military ball ammo marked MF 83 F4. It came with the tanker.
that fit this gun, then it wasn't the same model as mine. My Federal Ordnance "Tanker" is in .30-06 and has a USGI Springfield Armory forged receiver.

I didn't know that Federal Ordnance also made 7.62 M1 conversions. I guess their commercial cast receivers are one of the main things to watch out for.

Maybe you could get your money back, buy a USGI stripped receiver from CMP, and have Warbird build you one. You would end up with a really sweet rifle. That's a good gun shop you have there to stand by their sale, by the way.

Good luck - and I'm glad you weren't injured. I won't ask about your shorts.

flcracker
 
#18 ·
imbobert2 - I should have worded my comment as a question.

Was your receiver a Federal Ordnance commercial receiver or a USGI M1 receiver?

One answer will make me worry much more about my rifle than the other answer will.

Thanks.

flcracker
 
#19 ·
Except for a little disbelief and hurt pride I'm fine. Thanks everyone for your concern. And thanks for the info warbird, I'll let the dealer know about the CMP Receivers. I'd like a USGI receiver much better than the alternatives.

I'll post here as things develop.

flcracker - It was a Federal Ordnance commercial receiver. Cast not forged. You can't tell from the picture, but it was cast not USGI. I hope that eases your mind. With that USGI receiver I wouldn't think you have anything to worry about.
 
#20 ·
From the looks of the photo and the marks on the bolt it seems that the top of the bolt was contacting the inside of the receiver heel on recoil. Possibly the firing pin also. This would indicate improper machining inside the receiver heel since there obviously wasn't clearance for the bolt to travel fully without hitting the heel. This situation would eventually cause this type failure regardless of whether it was a cast receiver or a machined one.

But then again, Fed Ord wasn't well known for high calibre quality control anyway.
 
#23 ·
I had that exact thing happen to me in Feb 2002. I fired a few rounds from a Fed Ord "tanker" and then the bolt broke the back of the reciever off, the chunk slammed into the orbit of my right eye like a jackhammer, broke my glasses and left me with blood all over my face. I wondered if I had an eye in there for a while. A couple weeks later I coiuld barely tell anything happened, the small cut healed quick. We both got pretty lucky, I think
 
#24 ·
I agree we are both pretty lucky. I believe after that chunk hit my thumb, it hit my forehead... (something did) that's the only way I can explain how the chunk off the rear of the receiver ended up down range.

I'm glad you're okay.

Think I'm gonna ask warbird to take a look at my tanker. My dealer seems to be unable to find a receiver?
 
#25 ·
Warbird - This is how things worked out. Was going to ask you to take a look at my tanker, but my dealer says he can't repair it. will replace it with new SA M1. Made me a deal I couldn't refuse. Really great guy.

Maybe sometime in the future there will be a "warbird" Tanker in my future. I've seen your work and love it.

Thanks to all for your replies.
 
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