How to Remove the Barrel of a M1A

The U.S. military M14, manufactured in the 1950s and 1960s, was a 7.62 mm rifle with selective-fire capability for semi-automatic or fully automatic action. Beginning in the 1970s, Springfield Armory produced a commercial clone of the M14 for the civilian market. This semi-automatic variant bears the proprietary designation M1A. Like the M14, the M1A has a gas-operated, rotating-bolt action and feeds rounds from a detachable box magazine with capacities of 5, 10 or 20 rounds. Available barrel lengths are 16 inches and 22 inches. Springfield's recommended barrel removal procedure requires field stripping the M1A into its three major constituent groups, followed by disassembly of the barrel/receiver group.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the rifle is unloaded and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

    • 2

      Remove the magazine. Pull back on the operating handle and allow the bolt to slide forward into the closed position.

    • 3

      Turn the rifle over and hold it down with one hand. Grasp the rear of the trigger guard with the other hand and pull up and out on the trigger guard to release the trigger guard latching mechanism. Lift the trigger housing group out of the receiver.

    • 4

      Lay the rifle with the sights down and the muzzle to your left. Grab the forend grip with your left hand and pull up while pulling down on the receiver assembly with your right hand. Separate the barrel/receiver group from the stock.

    • 5

      Lay the barrel/receiver group with the sights down and the muzzle to your left.

    • 6

      Pull the muzzle on the operating rod and operating rod spring guide back with your left hand and hold in place to relieve spring pressure on the connector lock.

    • 7

      Slide the connector lock toward the operating rod side of the rifle.

    • 8

      Allow the operating rod spring to expand slowly. Remove the operating rod spring and operating rod spring guide, and separate the parts.

    • 9

      Turn the barrel/receiver group over with the sights up.

    • 10

      Pull the operating rod handle back until the guide lug on the handle aligns with the disassembly notch on the receiver. Rotate the operating handle upward while pulling it outward to remove it from its track. Pull the operating rod to the rear to disengage it from the operating rod guide and separate it from the receiver.

    • 11

      Slide the bolt forward while lifting it upward and outward. Rotate the bolt in a counterclockwise direction and separate it from the receiver.