from rec.guns… What spare parts ought the shooter keep on hand for basic operator maintenance of his M14/M1A rifle?
Depends on how much you shoot, and, how long you want to maintain the rifle. With the current import restrictions, you may want to get a deep & thorough spares inventory. The original G.I. stuff is dwindling fast, and lots of rewelded, commercial cast reproductions, Chinese, worn out, etcetera, parts are becoming, sadly, commonplace. Keep in mind that a bad spare part is NO spare part. First line (bare bones minimum): * extractor * extractor spring * ejector & spring * firing pin * hammer * hammer spring housing * hammer & trigger pins * trigger & sear * bolt roller & retainer * front sight screw * flash suppressor nut * flash suppressor set screw * gas piston * spindle valve spring * spindle valve pin * spindle valve * connector lock * connector lock pin * op rod spring Second line (preferred), and to include the items above as well: * bolt complete (headspaced to your rifle) * bolt stop, pin & spring * elevation knob * rear sight cover * windage knob * op rod guide & pin * trigger gu
