{ "apiVersion": 1, "kind": "work-order", "purpose": "Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification.", "firearm": { "slug": "m14-m1a", "name": "M14 / Springfield M1A", "manufacturer": { "id": "springfield-armory", "name": "Springfield Armory, Inc." }, "category": "rifle", "action": "gas-operated-short-stroke", "calibers": [ "7.62x51mm NATO", ".308 Winchester" ], "alsoKnownAs": [ "M14", "M1A", "M14 rifle, 7.62mm" ], "coversAlso": [ "Springfield Armory M1A in all configurations", "M14 and M14-pattern rifles" ], "page": "firearms/m14-m1a.html", "bundle": "api/v1/firearms/m14-m1a.json", "lastUpdated": "2026-10-29" }, "notices": [ "Springfield Armory, Inc. limits owner disassembly: Field strip: trigger housing group, stock, operating rod spring and guide, operating rod and bolt removed (bolt not disassembled); gas cylinder plug and piston out for gas-system cleaning.", "This work order is written for the M14 / Springfield M1A. It is reported to cover Springfield Armory M1A in all configurations; M14 and M14-pattern rifles — if the firearm on the bench is one of those, check the torque notes: values do not always carry over.", "No torque values are recorded for this firearm. Get them from the manufacturer or a gunsmith; do not estimate." ], "disclaimer": { "headline": "Read this before you use anything here.", "points": [ "This is a guide, not an authority. Entries are compiled from manufacturer manuals, technical manuals, published references, and community knowledge. Some of it comes from sources that are not authoritative, and some of it may simply be wrong.", "Always consult the manufacturer's manual for your specific firearm and serial-number range. Manufacturers change designs mid-production without renaming the model. The manual that shipped with your firearm outranks anything on this site.", "Consult a licensed gunsmith for anything beyond routine field stripping and cleaning, for any firearm you are unsure about, and for any procedure marked as gunsmith-recommended here.", "Treat every firearm as loaded. Verify it is unloaded, with the magazine removed and the chamber physically and visually checked, before any procedure in this database. Point it in a safe direction the entire time.", "Disassembly can damage a firearm or injure you. Springs are under tension, parts can launch, and reassembling a firearm incorrectly can make it unsafe to fire in a way that is not obvious from the outside. If a reassembled firearm does not pass a function check, stop and see a gunsmith.", "Torque values are shown in two groups. Values from the manufacturer or the issuing military are shown as such, with the document they came from. Values reported by anyone else — parts makers, gunsmithing publishers, articles, forums — are shown separately with who said them, how reliable that source is, and their exact words. Those are not specifications. Confirm any torque value with the manufacturer or a licensed gunsmith before relying on it.", "Nothing here is legal advice. Firearms law varies by country, state, and city, and some modifications or configurations are regulated or prohibited. You are responsible for knowing and following the law where you are.", "No warranty of any kind. Contributors and maintainers accept no liability for damage, injury, or loss arising from use of this material." ], "page": "disclaimer.html", "legal": { "summary": "Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.", "page": "legal.html", "notice": "https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown/blob/main/LEGAL.md" } }, "sourcing": { "confidence": "high", "verification": "manufacturer-manual-verified" }, "manufacturerDisassembly": { "status": "limited", "limit": "Field strip: trigger housing group, stock, operating rod spring and guide, operating rod and bolt removed (bolt not disassembled); gas cylinder plug and piston out for gas-system cleaning.", "statement": "Springfield says the bolt should not be disassembled and any bolt problems should go to a Springfield technician; it also asks owners to keep disassembly to a minimum.", "source": { "title": "M1A Operation & Safety Manual", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/M1A-Manual.pdf", "page": "30", "pdfPage": 31, "pageUrl": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/M1A-Manual.pdf#page=31", "quote": "The bolt should NOT be disassembled. It does NOT require internal cleaning. To disassemble the bolt requires a special re-assembly tool. Any problems with the bolt should be dealt with directly by a professional Springfield technician." } }, "recalls": [], "shopTier": { "tier": 3, "group": "rifle", "rating": "Pew-Takedown editorial rating (1 easy – 3 hardest), not the manufacturer's", "reason": "There are 62 key numbers, and the trigger housing works the same way as the Garand's, with the hammer spring held compressed. The op rod spring is under heavy load and Springfield calls removing it dangerous. The bolt needs a special tool, and the gas cylinder, front sight and flash suppressor all come off with set screws and a castle nut that has to be re-timed.", "confidence": "high", "partCount": { "value": 62, "kind": "line-items", "covers": "Springfield M1A Standard, complete rifle with stock; trigger & sear as an assembly; bolt broken down", "basis": "manufacturer-parts-list", "source": { "title": "M1A Operation & Safety Manual", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/M1A-Manual.pdf", "page": "33", "pdfPage": 34, "pageUrl": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/M1A-Manual.pdf#page=34", "quote": "62 Handguard Clip" } }, "painPoints": [ { "issue": "The op rod spring and guide come out under heavy compression once the connector lock is slid over, and can launch the guide.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "M1A Operation & Safety Manual", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/M1A-Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Warning: Removing the operating rod spring is a dangerous procedure. If not properly held, the spring will eject the operating spring guide and could injure you or a bystander." } }, { "issue": "Springfield says the bolt is not to be stripped without a special reassembly tool (the roller, firing pin, extractor and ejector come out of it).", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "M1A Operation & Safety Manual", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/M1A-Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "To disassemble the bolt requires a special re-assembly tool." } }, { "issue": "The gas piston must sit below the cylinder threads before the plug goes in, and the piston is run dry. A misassembled gas system short-strokes or binds.", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "M1A Operation & Safety Manual", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/M1A-Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Make sure the piston is completely below the threads in the gas cylinder before replacing plug." } }, { "issue": "Glass-bedded (NM/Super Match) actions must be knocked out of the stock and lose bedding fit every time they come apart.", "during": "disassembly", "source": { "title": "M1A Operation & Safety Manual", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/M1A-Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Unnecessary removal promotes wear, sloppy fit, inaccuracy and defeats the purpose of the bedding." } } ], "minutes": { "strip": 60, "rebuild": 90, "basis": "estimated", "note": "Estimate: field strip plus trigger housing, bolt (with tool), op rod/spring/guide, connector lock, bolt stop, gas cylinder/piston/plug/lock, flash suppressor and front sight, rear sight, stock hardware. Rebuild longer for the trigger housing springs, the gas system, the flash suppressor alignment and the function check.", "source": null }, "stripScope": [ { "assembly": "Trigger housing group", "removes": [ "trigger & sear assembly", "trigger pin", "hammer", "hammer pin", "hammer spring, plunger and housing", "safety and safety spring", "magazine catch, spring and pin", "trigger guard" ], "tools": [ "drift punch" ] }, { "assembly": "Barreled receiver", "removes": [ "op rod spring and guide", "connector lock and pin", "operating rod", "bolt (roller, firing pin, extractor, spring, plunger, ejector, spring)", "bolt stop, pin and spring", "clip guide and pin", "op rod guide and pin", "gas cylinder plug, piston, cylinder lock, gas cylinder, spindle valve, pin and spring", "flash suppressor, castle nut and set screw", "front sight and set screw", "rear sight (knobs, aperture, cover, base)" ], "tools": [ "M1A/M14 bolt tool", "gas cylinder plug wrench", "castle nut wrench" ] }, { "assembly": "Stock group", "removes": [ "butt plate assembly and screws", "rear swivel", "stock liner screw", "front ferrule and swivel", "handguard and clip" ] } ], "hardware": { "pins": 10, "springs": 9, "detents": 2, "basis": "counted from the manufacturer's parts list (one per key number unless a quantity is given)" }, "specialTools": [ { "tool": "M14/M1A bolt disassembly tool", "usedFor": "Firing pin and extractor removal and reassembly" }, { "tool": "Gas cylinder plug wrench / combination tool", "usedFor": "Gas cylinder plug" }, { "tool": "Castle nut / flash suppressor wrench", "usedFor": "Removing the flash suppressor and front sight" }, { "tool": "Drift punches incl. 3/32\" and 5/64\" pin punches", "usedFor": "Clip guide, bolt stop, connector lock, op rod guide and spindle valve pins" } ], "fitOnRebuild": [ { "check": "Flash suppressor/front sight alignment", "why": "The suppressor is clamped by the castle nut and set screw and must be re-aligned to the bore line and front sight; the rifle needs a re-zero", "source": null }, { "check": "Gas piston and plug", "why": "Piston below the threads, plug torqued, run dry", "source": { "title": "M1A Operation & Safety Manual", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/M1A-Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Make sure the piston is completely below the threads in the gas cylinder before replacing plug." } }, { "check": "Bedding/stock fit on match rifles", "why": "Bedding fit is lost by repeated disassembly", "source": { "title": "M1A Operation & Safety Manual", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/M1A-Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Unnecessary removal promotes wear, sloppy fit, inaccuracy and defeats the purpose of the bedding." } }, { "check": "Trigger function", "why": "Hammer must not follow; safety must block", "source": null } ], "assessed": "2026-10-29" }, "videos": [ { "title": "Springfield Armory® Workbench: M1A", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na2JhYq1wdM", "platform": "youtube", "embedUrl": null, "shows": [ "cleaning", "maintenance" ], "appliesTo": "Springfield Armory M1A (civilian M14-pattern rifle); not the military M14", "published": "2021-01-05", "note": null, "channel": { "id": "UChv70SaOzaV1e66Plytl50g", "name": "SPRINGFIELD ARMORY", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@SpringfieldArmoryInc", "owner": "Springfield Armory, Inc. (manufacturer)" }, "accessed": "2026-10-15" } ], "configurations": [], "tools": [ { "name": "Combination tool or a screwdriver", "required": false, "usedFor": "Gas cylinder lock and castle nut work, which is beyond a field strip." } ], "phases": [ { "id": "clear", "title": "Clear and make safe", "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Press the magazine release and rock the magazine forward and out.", "partsFreed": [ "Magazine" ] }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Pull the operating rod handle fully to the rear and lock the bolt open with the bolt lock." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Inspect the chamber and magazine well with a light and physically confirm the chamber is empty." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Push the safety — the tab at the front of the trigger guard — rearward into the trigger guard, and remove all ammunition from the work area." } ], "videos": [] }, { "id": "disassemble", "title": "Disassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "field-strip", "title": "Field Strip", "level": "field-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure. Put the safety on and remove the magazine before you begin." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Close the bolt: pull back on the operating rod handle and let the bolt run forward." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Place the rifle upside down with the barrel pointing away from you. Grasp the fore-end with your left hand, grasp the rear of the trigger guard with the thumb and forefinger of your right hand, and pull upward and outward until the mechanism releases. Lift out the trigger housing group.", "partsFreed": [ "Trigger housing group" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "To separate the barrelled receiver from the stock, lay the rifle on a flat surface with the sights down and the muzzle to the left. Grip the top of the fore-end grip with your left hand, grasp the rear sight and receiver with your right, and pull down.", "tip": "On a standard rifle the stock separates easily. On a match rifle, or a stubborn one, raise the buttstock and strike down firmly against a hard surface on the stock's cheek surface while pulling the receiver down.", "partsFreed": [ "Stock group" ] }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Place the barrel and receiver group on a flat surface, sights down, muzzle to the left. With your left hand pull the operating rod spring and spring guide toward the muzzle to relieve pressure on the connector lock, and with your right forefinger slide the connector lock toward the operating rod handle side of the rifle.", "warning": "This is the dangerous step. If the spring is not properly held it will eject the spring guide hard enough to injure you or a bystander. Wear eye protection." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Let the operating rod spring expand slowly, then disconnect and remove the spring and spring guide and separate the two parts.", "partsFreed": [ "Operating rod spring", "Operating rod spring guide" ] }, { "n": 7, "instruction": "Turn the group so the sights are up and the muzzle points away from you. Pull the operating rod handle back until the guide lug on its inside surface aligns with the disassembly notch on the right side of the receiver. Rotate the operating rod upward and outward, then pull it to the rear to disengage it from the operating rod guide.", "partsFreed": [ "Operating rod" ] }, { "n": 8, "instruction": "Grasp the bolt by its roller and, while sliding it forward, lift it upward and outward to the right front with a slight counter-clockwise rotating motion.", "partsFreed": [ "Bolt" ] } ] }, { "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "title": "Disassemble the firing mechanism", "level": "detail-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Remove the trigger pin.", "partsFreed": [ "Trigger pin" ] }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Remove the trigger and sear assembly, hammer spring housing, hammer spring and hammer spring plunger.", "partsFreed": [ "Trigger and sear assembly", "Hammer spring housing", "Hammer spring", "Hammer spring plunger" ] }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Remove the hammer pin.", "partsFreed": [ "Hammer pin" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Remove the hammer.", "partsFreed": [ "Hammer" ] }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Remove the safety.", "partsFreed": [ "Safety" ] }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Remove the trigger guard and safety spring.", "partsFreed": [ "Trigger guard", "Safety spring" ] } ] }, { "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "title": "Disassemble the bolt", "level": "detail-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Remove the cartridge extractor from the bolt with the combination tool.", "partsFreed": [ "Extractor" ] }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Remove the extractor spring and plunger, the ejector and the firing pin from the bolt.", "partsFreed": [ "Extractor spring and plunger", "Ejector", "Firing pin" ] } ] }, { "procedure": "rear-sight-disassembly", "title": "Disassemble the rear sight", "level": "detail-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Run the aperture all the way down and record the reading for use when assembling." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Loosen the windage knob retaining nut." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Remove the windage knob and pinion assembly.", "partsFreed": [ "Windage knob", "Pinion assembly" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Push upward on the aperture to release the cover, and remove the rear sight components." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Separate the sight aperture, rear sight base and rear sight cover.", "partsFreed": [ "Sight aperture", "Rear sight base", "Rear sight cover" ] } ] }, { "procedure": "gas-system-handguard-disassembly", "title": "Disassemble the gas system and remove the handguard", "level": "detail-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Loosen and remove the gas cylinder plug with the wrench of the combination tool.", "warning": "TM 9-1005-223-20 fig. 3-11 cautions: when loosening or tightening the gas cylinder plug, do not hold the rifle with a hand on the hand guards.", "partsFreed": [ "Gas cylinder plug" ] }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Tilt the muzzle down and remove the gas piston from the gas cylinder.", "partsFreed": [ "Gas piston" ] }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Unscrew the gas cylinder lock." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Slide the lock and cylinder forward so that the gas port is exposed." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Slip the front band forward toward the front sight." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Push the handguard toward the front sight and lift it from the barrel.", "partsFreed": [ "Handguard" ] } ] }, { "procedure": "magazine-disassembly", "title": "Disassemble the magazine", "level": "detail-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Use a pointed object to raise the rear of the magazine base until the indentation on the base is clear of the magazine." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Grasp the magazine with either hand, with one finger of that hand covering the base.", "warning": "The spring is under tension; keep a finger over the base." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Remove the base.", "partsFreed": [ "Magazine base" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Guide the spring out one coil at a time to clear the retaining lips of the magazine." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Remove the magazine spring and follower and separate them.", "partsFreed": [ "Magazine spring", "Magazine follower" ] } ] } ] }, { "id": "refinish", "title": "Refinish", "components": [ { "name": "Trigger housing group", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 3 }, { "name": "Stock group", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 4 }, { "name": "Operating rod spring", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 6 }, { "name": "Operating rod spring guide", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 6 }, { "name": "Operating rod", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 7 }, { "name": "Bolt", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 8 }, { "name": "Trigger pin", "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 1 }, { "name": "Trigger and sear assembly", "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 2 }, { "name": "Hammer spring housing", "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 2 }, { "name": "Hammer spring", "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 2 }, { "name": "Hammer spring plunger", "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 2 }, { "name": "Hammer pin", "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 3 }, { "name": "Hammer", "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 4 }, { "name": "Safety", "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 5 }, { "name": "Trigger guard", "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 6 }, { "name": "Safety spring", "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 6 }, { "name": "Extractor", "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 1 }, { "name": "Extractor spring and plunger", "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 2 }, { "name": "Ejector", "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 2 }, { "name": "Firing pin", "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 2 }, { "name": "Windage knob", "procedure": "rear-sight-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 3 }, { "name": "Pinion assembly", "procedure": "rear-sight-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 3 }, { "name": "Sight aperture", "procedure": "rear-sight-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 5 }, { "name": "Rear sight base", "procedure": "rear-sight-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 5 }, { "name": "Rear sight cover", "procedure": "rear-sight-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 5 }, { "name": "Gas cylinder plug", "procedure": "gas-system-handguard-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 1 }, { "name": "Gas piston", "procedure": "gas-system-handguard-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 2 }, { "name": "Handguard", "procedure": "gas-system-handguard-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 6 }, { "name": "Magazine base", "procedure": "magazine-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 3 }, { "name": "Magazine spring", "procedure": "magazine-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 5 }, { "name": "Magazine follower", "procedure": "magazine-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 5 } ], "manufacturerPartsList": { "parts": 62, "scope": "'M1A Standard Model Exploded View' parts list (keys 1-62 with Springfield part numbers). The manual has only this one list; no variant lists omitted. Covers the Springfield M1A Standard, not a military M14." }, "partsDiagrams": [], "materials": [ { "component": "Barrel", "material": "Carbon Steel", "finish": null, "appliesTo": "M1A Standard Issue .308, Walnut, MA9102", "note": null, "source": { "title": "M1A™ Standard Issue .308 Rifle - MA9102 - Springfield Armory (Specs)", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/m1a-series-rifles/m1a-standard-issue-rifles/m1a-standard-issue-308-rifle/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Barrel … 22\" 6-Groove Carbon Steel, 1:11" } }, { "component": "Stock", "material": "Walnut", "finish": null, "appliesTo": "M1A Standard Issue .308, Walnut, MA9102", "note": null, "source": { "title": "M1A™ Standard Issue .308 Rifle - MA9102 - Springfield Armory (Specs)", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/m1a-series-rifles/m1a-standard-issue-rifles/m1a-standard-issue-308-rifle/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Stock … Walnut" } } ], "note": "The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks \"factory fit\" should not be swapped or reworked." }, { "id": "reassemble", "title": "Reassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "magazine-disassembly", "title": "Disassemble the magazine", "configuration": false, "steps": null, "instruction": "Reverse the steps of \"Disassemble the magazine\"." }, { "procedure": "gas-system-handguard-disassembly", "title": "Disassemble the gas system and remove the handguard", "configuration": false, "steps": null, "instruction": "Reverse the steps of \"Disassemble the gas system and remove the handguard\"." }, { "procedure": "rear-sight-disassembly", "title": "Disassemble the rear sight", "configuration": false, "steps": null, "instruction": "Reverse the steps of \"Disassemble the rear sight\"." }, { "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "title": "Disassemble the bolt", "configuration": false, "steps": null, "instruction": "Reverse the steps of \"Disassemble the bolt\"." }, { "procedure": "firing-mechanism-disassembly", "title": "Disassemble the firing mechanism", "configuration": false, "steps": null, "instruction": "Reverse the steps of \"Disassemble the firing mechanism\"." }, { "procedure": "firing-mechanism-reassembly", "title": "Reassemble the firing mechanism", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Install the trigger guard and safety spring, inserting the safety spring at a 90-degree angle and then rotating it down." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Check that the safety spring sits in the position shown in figure 3-8 after installation." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Install the safety." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Install the hammer and install the hammer pin with the tapered portion of the pin entering from the bottom of the housing." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Install the trigger and sear assembly, hammer spring housing, hammer spring and hammer spring plunger." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Install the trigger pin." } ], "instruction": null }, { "procedure": "bolt-reassembly", "title": "Reassemble the bolt", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Install the firing pin, ejector, and extractor spring and plunger in the bolt." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Place the extractor in position and align the flat recess in the face of the combination tool with the end of the ejector." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Press in on the ejector and at the same time push down on the extractor, securing all parts within the bolt." } ], "instruction": null }, { "procedure": "rear-sight-reassembly", "title": "Reassemble the rear sight", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Assemble the sight aperture, rear sight base and rear sight cover." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Install the rear sight components on the receiver." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Push downward on the base to secure the cover, then snap the front." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Install the windage knob and pinion assembly.", "tip": "Use the elevation reading recorded at disassembly." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Tighten the windage knob retaining nut." } ], "instruction": null }, { "procedure": "gas-system-handguard-reassembly", "title": "Install the handguard and reassemble the gas system", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Place the rifle on a flat surface, sights up and muzzle to the right." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Engage the ends of the band on the handguard with the front (muzzle) end of the slots on the rear of the barrel and slide the handguard rearward.", "warning": "Do not snap or force the handguard into its installed position." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Replace the front band." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Slide the gas cylinder rearward through the front band." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Tighten the gas cylinder lock by hand to its fully assembled position, then back it off until the loop is aligned with the gas cylinder." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Replace the gas piston with the flat part toward the barrel and the open end toward the muzzle.", "warning": "TM 9-1005-223-20 fig. 3-11: make certain the gas cylinder, piston and plug are thoroughly dried before installing the piston.", "tip": "When properly seated the piston protrudes one and one-half inches below the gas cylinder." }, { "n": 7, "instruction": "Replace the gas cylinder plug and tighten it securely with the wrench of the combination tool." } ], "instruction": null }, { "procedure": "magazine-reassembly", "title": "Reassemble the magazine", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Reposition the spring inside the follower with the rectangular-shaped end of the spring against the rear of the follower." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Replace the follower and spring inside the magazine and fully seat the follower." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Replace the magazine base." } ], "instruction": null }, { "procedure": "reassembly", "title": "Reassembly", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Place the barrel and receiver group sights up, muzzle away from you. Hold the bolt by the roller and locking lug and set the rear of the bolt on the bridge of the receiver with the firing pin tang pointing down, turn it slightly counter-clockwise until the tang clears the bridge, guide the left locking lug into its groove, lower the right locking lug onto its bearing surface, and slide the bolt halfway to the rear." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Engage the operating rod's guide lug at the dismount notch, rotate it into its track, and slide it forward so it engages the bolt roller and the gas piston." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Insert the operating rod spring and guide into the operating rod, compress them, and engage the connector lock.", "warning": "Control the spring throughout." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Set the barreled action into the stock, seated fully forward and square." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Set the trigger group into the stock and receiver, then swing the trigger guard closed and latch it fully.", "warning": "If the trigger guard will not close with hand pressure, the trigger group is not seated. Do not force it — you will crack the stock." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Cycle the action several times and perform the function check." } ], "instruction": null } ] }, { "id": "torque", "title": "Torque", "coverage": "none-recorded", "manufacturer": [], "reported": [], "notes": "The manufacturer's documents give no torque value. They say: \"Inspect flash suppressor for looseness. Tighten flash suppressor nut using flash suppressor pliers.\" (TM 9-1005-223-20, Organizational Maintenance Manual, Rifles, 7.62-MM, M14 and M14A1, and Bipod, Rifle, M2 (19 May 1967), archive.org item TM9-1005-223-20, PDF p. 35 (inspection, near Figure 3-13, p. 3-20))" }, { "id": "function-check", "title": "Function check", "checks": [ "Verify the rifle is unloaded with no magazine inserted before each step.", "Cycle the operating rod and confirm the bolt locks and unlocks smoothly and returns to battery.", "With the hammer cocked, engage the safety and press the trigger. The hammer must not fall.", "Disengage the safety and press the trigger. The hammer should fall.", "Hold the trigger back, cycle the action, and release slowly to feel the disconnector reset, then press again.", "Confirm the bolt lock holds the bolt to the rear.", "Confirm the magazine rocks in and locks positively, and the trigger guard is fully latched." ], "videos": [] } ], "troubleshooting": [], "sources": [ { "n": 1, "id": "m14-m1a-manual", "title": "M1A Operation & Safety Manual", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/M1A-Manual.pdf", "accessed": "2026-09-14" }, { "n": 2, "id": "headquarters-department-of-the-army-f06577", "title": "TM 9-1005-223-20, Organizational Maintenance Manual, Rifles, 7.62-MM, M14 and M14A1, and Bipod, Rifle, M2 (19 May 1967), archive.org item TM9-1005-223-20", "publisher": "Headquarters, Department of the Army", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://archive.org/download/TM9-1005-223-20/TM9-1005-223-20.pdf", "accessed": "2026-09-27" }, { "n": 3, "id": "springfield-armory-specs-0b93e2", "title": "M1A™ Standard Issue .308 Rifle - MA9102 - Springfield Armory (Specs)", "publisher": "Springfield Armory, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.springfield-armory.com/m1a-series-rifles/m1a-standard-issue-rifles/m1a-standard-issue-308-rifle/", "accessed": "2026-10-03" }, { "n": 4, "id": "fm-23-8", "title": "FM 23-8 U.S. Rifle 7.62MM, M14 and M14E2", "publisher": "Headquarters, Department of the Army", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://archive.org/download/FM23-81968/FM23-81968.pdf", "accessed": "2026-10-03" } ] }