M1A Bolt??/

[brokenscout]

I looked at Fulton,there actually having a %10 off and free shipping. Are there any other places to get them.Also should I get the whole bolt ass. or just replace the bolt and use what I have?Thank you

[BPTactical]

I would try to get a complete USGI bolt assembly. Some of the Chinese parts were reverse engineered and of questionable dimensions.

I would be willing to bet that if you are purchasing the bolt from Fulton they would fit it to your rifle at minimal cost.

[brokenscout]

Thanks again

[Troublco]

Yeah, you definately want to make sure it's headspaced correctly to your rifle.

[bryjcom]

I would try to get a complete USGI bolt assembly. Some of the Chinese parts were reverse engineered and of questionable dimensions.

I would be willing to bet that if you are purchasing the bolt from Fulton they would fit it to your rifle at minimal cost.

Nothing at Fulton's is "minimal cost" when they gunsmith for you. They have some good deals on their receivers but thats about it.

Fitting a bolt to a chinese rifle is actually very easy unless you want a chrome lined barrel. Then you have some complicated machining to do.

[BPTactical]

Nothing at Fulton's is "minimal cost" when they gunsmith for you. They have some good deals on their receivers but thats about it.

Fitting a bolt to a chinese rifle is actually very easy unless you want a chrome lined barrel. Then you have some complicated machining to do.

Norinco/Poly rifles are chrome bores from the git go. Not sure about Fultons costs,never had them do anything but I do know that it is top notch work.

[bryjcom]

Norinco/Poly rifles are chrome bores from the git go. Not sure about Fultons costs,never had them do anything but I do know that it is top notch work.

Yes the poly barrels are chrome lined and very accurate but when you fit a USGI bolt the headspace comes up short. Even if you change out to a GI chrome lined its way short. I talked to Ron Smith over at SEI and he said he can headspace chrome lined barrels to poly receivers but he wouldn't tell me how.....[Bang]

The only ways to do that is to remachine the reciever bolt recess lugs, get a custom made chromed barrel specifically for the reciever, or get a un threaded chromed barrel and thread it to time and headspace perfectly on the reciever. Not easy work by any means.

I have heard reports of some of the side stamped polys able to accept GI bolts with out modification and headspace OK also. Most will have to be modified though.

As far as Fulton rifles go they are kinda a laughing stock at match shoots from what I have heard. It usually means the person just has a lot of money to blow. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't mind building one up on a fulton reciever but they tend to pat them selves on the back a little to much for basically screwing a pipe into a fitting. After the receiver/barrel/bolt install its basically a very easy job to build one of these.

Compare "Fultons" barrels to "LRB" barrels and you will see about a $50 price difference minimum for the SAME BARREL. I was able to buy THEIR book cheaper on Gunbroker because Fulton wanted to charge and insane amount of shipping for a book. I have never really like Fulton's buisness practices and only buy from them if I absolutley have to..

[BPTactical]

The only ways to do that is to remachine the reciever bolt recess lugs, get a custom made chromed barrel specifically for the reciever, or get a un threaded chromed barrel and thread it to time and headspace perfectly on the reciever. Not easy work by any means

Carbide Reamer.
Lapping for the lugs.

[jmg8550]

But doesn't that kinda defeat the purpose of a chrome lined barrel? If it were me, I would just get a short chambered barrel and headspace that way. Far easier. But I would also spring for as many USGI parts as I could after getting the barrel. Far better quality. Yeah chinese recievers are forged but tend to be on the soft side of hardness. I have no problems with cast recievers. My supermatch shoots extremely well (sub MOA). But you also need to make sure your bolt lug contact is correct. That is where lapping comes in. If you are gonna build an M1A/M14, build it right. In the end it will be well worth it and trouble free.

[bryjcom]

Carbide Reamer.
Lapping for the lugs.


You can only lap so much otherwise you will remove the case hardening. When I mean short headspace I mean over .010" which is a lot.

You could ream with a carbide reamer but I wouldn't want anyone doing that to my chromed barrel I just spent $230 on.....

[roberth]

There are a few things you can do.

1. Contact Claude at RA Parts for a USGI bolt.
2. Get on M14 Firing Line forum, there are quite a few people selling USGI parts and you'll find a TON of information.
3. Contact Bill Ricca
4. Contact LRB - they are going to be offering NEW production made to USGI spec.

Make sure you get it headspaced correctly.

You have quite a few options for people who will help you take care of your rifle. You can send it to Fulton or Smith Enterprise, Dave Sullivan in Erie can do it, there are armorers on M14FL that will do it.

[bw88350]

Little late for a reply, but I got both. I purchased a USGI bolt from RA, and a Fulton bolt. They are both much better quality than the Chincom bolts. My advise, LRB, FULTON, OR USGI would be acceptable. Also, as others said, get as many USGI parts as you can. The only chinese parts I have left are the barrels and a wood stock (for now). Mine are both FED ORD with american made receivers. 1 of them is almost a perfect shoother, the other is definately gtg for what it is. Either way, find a good smith. I had Parker Arms do mine, and the cost was very reasonable, and they know how to work on M1A'S.