III. Firearm Information by Type

D. Rifles

2. Models and Manufacturers

b. Self-Loading Rifles

192. Springfield Armory M1-A
6. Field Stripping the M1/M1A/M14
by Robert Gibson (RGIBSON@UA1VM.UA.EDU)

The M1 Garand, USGI M14 and various Chinese clones of the the USGI M14 (PolyTech M-14/S, Norinco M-14/S, etc.) can all be field stripped using the same identical four (4) steps as outlined below.

A. The three main groups are the TRIGGER HOUSING group, the BARREL AND RECEIVER group and the STOCK group.

B. To disassemble the rifle into the three main groups, first insure that the weapon is clear and then allow the bolt to ride forward.

C. Place the rifle butt against the left thigh, sights to the left. With the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, pull downward and outward on the rear of the trigger guard. Swing the trigger guard out as far as it will go and lift out the trigger housing group.

D. To separate the barrel and receiver from the stock lay the weapon on a flat surface with the sights up, muzzle to the left. With the left hand, grasp the rear of the receiver and raise the rifle. With the right hand, give a downward blow, grasping the small of the stock. This will separate the stock group from the barrel and receiver group.

Reassemble in reverse order.

Cleaning the M14 Rifle:

The rifle must be cleaned after it has been fired because firing produces primer fouling, powder ashes, carbon, and metal fouling. The ammunition now manufactured has a noncorrosive primer which makes cleaning easier, but no less important. The primer still leaves a deposit that may collect moisture and promotes rust if it is not removed. Any GI or commercial bore cleaner and general purpose lubricating oil will work. Commercial makes of gun oil and gun grease are all satisfactory substitutes for the GI types.


NOTE: Normal cleaning can be accomplished on an M14 rifle with it broken down only into it's three main groups. A more thorough cleaning requires rifle to be completely disassembled....that procedure is too complicated to be included in this guide. Please reference FM 223-10 (U.S. RIFLE, 7.62-MM, M14)...available from Fulton Armory, among others....call (301) 490-9485 for details.