M1A vented gas plug
Hello to all , have not heard of this before , what is it , and what good will it do for an M1A , vented gas plug with a 1/64 hole in it , and why is it DCM approved...........Thanks.........."C"[?]
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I haven't yet heard of a vented gas plug yet, something new to me. I'm really interested where you heard that or who makes them. The only thing I can figure is that it will allow extra pressure relief for target loads with heavier bullets. Thats a downfall with the self regulating gas system is that when you start wanting to get into longer range competition that 600yds and need heavier bullets, you start breaking stuff cause there's not enough pressure venting. Cause those 168's just don't quite cut it at 800. Thats why I like the FAL over the M1A (I own one of each).
An alternative however is that bullet technology has advanced quite a bit. I've been messing with the idea of using Hornady 175gr A-Max bullets using the same load data as the US Military 178gr match load made for the M1A. I haven't got to try it past 100yds yet though. Also looking into moly-coating. Some of my buds keep telling me that I'm trying to re-invent the wheel, and just to stick with the tried and prooven 168gr load, but with advances in the last few years, I think its time to try it again.0 -
Armorers, both military and civilian, have been experimenting with drilling pressure relief holes in M14 gas cylinder plugs for many years. The basic theory is that the slight reduction in pressure would reduce the pressure in the gas cylinder, slowing the piston, and causing it to use less force on the operating rod. The M14 was designed to operate under adverse field conditions and there is plenty of reserve power built into its gas system to over come all sorts of possible problems with ammunition and fouling which would never be encountered out on the target range.
The reduced force of the operating rod is supposed to make the action operate smoother, increase the accuracy of the rifle, and lengthen the life of the operating rod. Some rifles will respond well to this modification, some show no gains at all, and others just flat out don't like it and will simply quit working until they get there stock plug screwed back in. My own national match M1A does not have a modified gas plug and I have never bothered with trying one as I think there is not enough to gain with the experiment, even if it is successful. Of course I am not a high master looking for a slight edge over my competitors and these guys will try nearly anything to pick up one extra point in a match.
Lee Blackman is correct that the other use for such a bleed off hole is to vent excess gas when you are shooting reloaded cartridges with very slow burning powders and/or shooting cartridges with heavier than standard bullets. The extended high pressure curve on either type can add extra stress to the rifles action and is not healthy for it over a long period of time, although few people shoot an M1A enough for the rifle to develope any real problems from either these factors. In the long run your rifle may gain a few benefits but the actual size of the hole needed to be drilled in the gas plug can only be determined by trial and error. By the way Lee, I remember when you bought your M1A last fall and you sure have learned a lot about the rifles functioning in a very short time. There are guys who've been shooting for years who would not have known what you did- nice work!
Mark T. Christian0 -
Thank You for the INFO , have a M1A scout on the way , and was informed by a few of the "should know guys" that this will allow the action to work smoother and less ware&tear on the op rod , was told it was needed even more so on the Scout type rifles , why ? or it this just backyard gunsmiths talking ? thanks again for the help and info....USMC 54. 0 -
wouldn't mess with origional plug stand to cause short cycle and failure to feed problems. the only expermention I'd do with one would be if I was trying to get 190's to reach to 1000 yds. they are hard on the action. 0 -
Thanks Mark, you wouldn't believe the opportunities in this area. Professionals and trainers in all fields always seem to make their way thru here, and when they do, I always try to sit in. I really don't know that much at all, and the more I learn the more I realize I don't know, so I keep trying to learn more.
I really love my M1A. Actually, I'd like to get another, but I want to have one built by Fulton Armory on a Entreprise Double lugged reciever. But only after I pay off my Jeep.0
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