Springfield Armory M1A Instructions Manual

TO UNLOAD
1. 
Place the gun on safety, point it in a safe direction,
and 
remove the magazine.  Push the magazine release with 
your thumb and rock the magazine down and forward 
[see figure 5].
2.  If the operating rod handle is not already locked back 
and the chamber empty, pull the operating rod handle 
fully to the rear to eject the shell in the chamber. 
WARNING: REMOVING THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT UNLOAD THE RIFLE.  YOU MUST
ALWAYS PULL THE OPERATING ROD HANDLE TO THE REAR AND LOOK INTO THE
CHAMBER TO...

FIRING THE RIFLE
WARNING: BEFORE AIMING AND FIRING YOUR RIFLE BE SURE IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.  KNOW WHERE YOUR 
BULLET WILL BE STOPPED.When the rifle is loaded and you intend to fire, aim at your target, move the safety to the off position and pull the 
trigger.  Expect the gun to fire loudly and recoil.  Do not drop the rifle.  The M1A will automatically chamber a live
round from the magazine after each shot until the magazine is empty.  When through firing put the safety “ON” and
unload the gun.  Always...

GAS SYSTEM
The only normal maintenance procedure requiring any 
disassembly pertains to gas system care [see figure 6].  After
clearing the action, making sure the rifle is unloaded and safe,
remove gas cylinder plug (29) using a Springfield Armory 
combination tool or a socket wrench by turning it counter-
clockwise and withdrawing it from the gas cylinder (23).  Tilting
the rifle muzzle down, remove the gas piston (27), clean with
bore solvent and wipe dry.  Clean the inside of the gas cylinder
and...

CLEANING THE BORE
Boresolvent such as Shooters Choice
®or Hoppe’s Bench Rest
®(not regular) is recommended when cleaning your
M1A bore.  Place rifle with sights down and run wet patch through the bore.  Let soak for 20 to 30 minutes then run
dry patches through bore until patch comes out clean.  Use bronze bore brush sparingly to help loosen particles.
NOTE:Put solvent on brush - not brush in solvent!Clean brush thoroughly afterward with gun scrubber, lighter
fluid, etc.  Good solvent will attack the...

STOCK
Once a year, on oil-finished stocks, a light coat of tung oil or boiled linseed oil applied to the exterior wood surface is 
favorable but not necessary.  After applying, immediately wipe wood dry with paper towel.
STORAGE
Consideration toward safety is paramount in storing your M1A.  The rifle should be unloaded with the safety on.  A very light film of 
high quality oil should coat the bore and all metal surfaces.  Periodic inspection of your M1A should be performed, especially inenvironments...

MUZZLE PROTECTOR
Springfield Armory strongly suggests their muzzle protector, [see figure 8], 
as a useful addition to M1A storage.  NOTE: Not available for muzzle brake
equipped M1A rifles.  This low cost cover not only keeps dirt, moisture and
particulate matter from damaging the rifle bore, but also protects the front
sight, bayonet lug and flash suppressor from “dings” and mild shock.  
A clean, dry area, secure from children’s curiosity, is ideal for safe 
storage of your M1A rifle.  Always use a...

SIGHTS
CAUTION: The sights are not zeroed at the factory.  All sights should be “adjusted and sighted in” immediately in
order to shoot accurately.  A standard sighting in procedure is set forth in the article by Duff and Miller enclosed 
with your rifle.
Note “V” notch at rear edge of hooded aperture.  When notch is turned from the “down” position to the up position,
your zero will move up 1/2 minute.  When the notch is turned to the “down” position, your zero will move down.  
Most shooters sight in...

DISASSEMBLY/ASSEMBLY
The Standard M1A has been designed to be taken apart and put together easily.  No force is needed if it is disassembled
and assembled correctly.  However, the frequency of disassembly and assembly should be kept to a minimum.  Constant
disassembly causes excessive wear of the parts and leads to their early unserviceability and to inaccuracy of the rifle.This is especially true with National Match and Super Match rifles, whose actions are glass bedded to their stocks.
Unnecessary...

DISASSEMBLY
After the rifle is unloaded, remove the magazine and close the bolt prior to
disassembly.  To do this, pull back on the operating rod handle and allow 
the bolt to go forward [see figure 12].
To remove the trigger housing group place the rifle upside down with barrel
pointing away from you.  Grasp the forend 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 is released.  Lift out 
the...

DISASSEMBLY OF BARREL AND RECEIVER GROUP
REMOVING THE OPERATING ROD SPRING AND 
OPERATING ROD SPRING GUIDE
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.  Wear eye protection at all times.
Place the barrel and receiver group on a flat surface, sights down, muzzle to the left.  With your left hand, pull toward the muzzle on
the operating rod spring and spring guide to...