M1A/M14 mags
I just bought a Springfield Armory M1A Scout rifle and would like to get some extra mags for it. I found one company who sells mags that they list as "M14 mags". Will M14 mags work in an M1A? Is there a difference between M14's and M1A's, or are they just two different names for the same gun?
"Gun control is not about guns; it's about control." "If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson."
"Gun control is not about guns; it's about control." "If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson."
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OK, first let's clarify terminology. There is only one "Rifle, US, cal .30 M14"; all other similar rifles are "M14 clones". Springfield Inc. has a copyright on the name of their clone, which is "M1A". All other makers of clones use varying names to identify their rifles.
You should also be aware that the only parts & receiver made to USGI Milspec are those made for the US Govt; NONE of the clones, including the Springfield Inc, is made to USGI Milspec. Therefore, parts not made to that standard may or may not fit & function in an M14 or any clone.
Now, for mags. The only mags that you can be SURE will work in an M1A are "USGI" mags. In fact, the only mags sold by Springfield Inc are USGI mags, and they buy theirs from the same contractors that made them for the US military. All USGI mags are stamped with the manufacturers code on the spine; that code is sometimes not readable on refinished USGI mags. I have had problems with many different kinds of mags, so be sure that you buy only those that are advertised as "USGI". The only good mags other than USGI that I have used are the silver-gray unmarked Chicom mags.
The best place to buy new or slightly used ones is Cole Distributing; they have the lowest price & I have heard only compliments about their service.
Neal0 -
Before you buy check www.coledistributing.com. They had the best price around when I bought my mags last year. 0 -
Cole Distributing does have some good prices, but unfortunately I live in California and they won't ship mags to California.
"Gun control is not about guns; it's about control." "If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson."0 -
I'll also climb on the Cole bandwagon and suggest them as a source for your badly need magazines. I ordered a few using my California dealers hi-cap magazine permit and was very pleased. I've also ordered from SARCO in New Jersey and found their M14 magazines excellent as well- although shipping takes forever from those folks. Let me stress what Neal told you about using GI magazines and add that I have NEVER come across a "gun show" special M14 magazine that will fit or fuction correctly. These are made of cheap steel, have plastic followers, and cost in the $15 neighborhood for the 20 or 30 round magazines. The 30 rouders are even less reliable than the 20's. These magazines are simlpy a waste of money and will leave you very disappointed.
Mark T. Christian0 -
You can identify the good ones easily. Look for the latching arrangement on the spine of the mag. The GOOD ones have a CUT in them that firmly holds the latch. The junkers have a dimple and no cut.
Have fun, be careful!!
Morty0 -
My friend has had good luck surprisingly with the 20rd orlite plastic mags. He did have to trim the mag a little at the part that locks into magwell.
Regards,
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Wild Bill, that's because your idiot government made 20 round mags and most of the rifle illegal. I've never been able to figure out how having a bayonet lug makes a firearm evil. Says a guy living in Canada where a firearm just has to be black or not a No. 4 Lee-Enfield to be considered evil. But we can have a bayonet lug on a rifle if we want to. 0 -
Well that bayonet lug serves a purpose in Canada, if something malfunctions with your rifle you can always stick it/em with your bayonet. Here in the states we would just draw our pistols. [8]
Regards,
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You know believe it or not, but I have been lucky and ran across a USGI M14 magazine in a GI Surplus shop in a junk bin. They didn't even know what it went to. Got it for $5. No kidding. It looked like crap, finish is worn, but it functions like a wet dream come true. 0 -
LBM you lucky S[:D]B! I never find deals that good!! 0
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