M1A parts to upgrade????

[k_estela]

I just purchased an older (preban) Springfield Armory M1A and would like to replace, as a preventative measure, as many parts as possible with USGI parts. I plan on eventually sending the rifle out to convert it from standard configuration to National Match. What do you guys recommend I replace?

 

[xsrdx]

Preventive, or accurizing? SA rifles are pretty solid, the gun will probably run just fine the way it is. Replacing parts randomly without cause is seldom a good recipe for reliability.

I'd buy lots of good match ammo, and some basic USGI replacement parts in case of failure - springs, ejector/extractor, firing pin, etc - stuff that might break in the future.

When you're able, send it to a competent 'smith to have it rebarreled and accurized, glass bedded, trigger work, etc, if you so desire.

For example: Accuracy Speaks

"If it isn't broke, don't fix it" is a pretty good rule of thumb, in general - unless and until you have a problem, replacing parts may cause more trouble than it prevents.

Nice gun.

 

[BOILER]

If you rifle is an older pre-ban, it more than likely is all USGI already. Springfield Armory only began using cast parts when GI parts started becoming more scarce. You should check out battlerifles.com. They have a great M14/M1A forum. The folks there should be able to help you determine what parts, if any, you should consider replacing.