Topic: M14-M1A adjustable gas system

[2big2fail]

    Has anyone tried the Schuster adjustable gas system for the M1A/M14 rifle?  I've read alot about it in reviews, and couldn't find anything negative.  I handload all the ammo I shoot and have different pressures depending on the use I'm trying for ie: match, target, varmit, and everything from 147 grn bullets to the 185's.  This causes the chamber pressure to vary between 47,000 and 60,000 psi. 
     I've heard there are no worries as far as wether or not the rifle can handle it, but the variation on the bolt and op rod is a different story.  With this adjustable gas system, a set screw can be adjusted to bleed off higher pressures and smooth out the cycling action and reduce wear on the rifles components.  I have installed this system on a SOCOM 16, but haven't had it out to the range yet.
All thingds considered, I can only assume this adaptation will work well.  Can anyone elaborate on what I might want to consider before field testing?  Thanks. 

[Steve N]

I've never heard of it so I'm no help. I have used it on a FAL and found it to be a device to obviate some cleaning issues. The 14's action is one of the fastest made and I'm not so sure that CUP has a lot to do with that. (Watch the guys who know jump on me for that one  ). What has a lot to do with it is the amount of carbon build up in the gas system.

Not having ever thought of it I don't know squat but it's an interesting thesis. I'd be interested in what your field trial with the SOCOM shows.

[Nomad]

 You may want to check the M-14 forum. There is a great deal of information there on the
M-14 and the M1A....

[2big2fail]

    OK.....so....... the Schuster gas regulating attatchment is a two thumbs up!  This tapered set-screw gas tube upgrade makes the adjustment of the cycling speed and impact on the op rod/bolt fully controlable.  I got the gun cycling as smooth as butter, no matter what ammo it's firing.  7.62 nato, handloaded mil brass, 147's, 165's, match, and a variety of game loads all eject  smoothly with reduced noise and "clanking" as notorious with the M14's/M1A's. 
     I don't know if all M1A's are just built super heavy duty to accomodate any variety of ammo and last forever (which is why they handle kinda like a F350), but after smoothing the action down, there is still plenty of punch to complete the entire cycle.  And, half the burdon has bee lifted off the op rod and bolt.  That's how it feels to me, and I've put my fair share through these rifles.
     I'd recommend this system to anyone with a M14, M1A.

[Steve N]

First off - the M1A/M14 is simply an M1 Garand with a magazine for all practical purposes. And yeah they were built stout so that no matter how much mud, grit, dirt, or other impediments to the rifle cycling it still will do so no matter the ammo or the conditions. Having humped one through Vietnam I've seen how few times it failed to cycle in really bad weather and conditions.

So this gas adjustment screw sounds like the answer to a rough/hard action. In my opinion, is this would increase brass life way beyond the 4 times I trust it currently.

So how does the vent actually work? I see that the adjustment screw goes in and out but where does the excess gas vent from on the unit? Out the bottom of the plug through a small hole? Would you have a good clear picture of the hole available? If so send it to me at Marine_E4 at safelink.net -

Kewl beans - -

[2big2fail]

First off - the M1A/M14 is simply an M1 Garand with a magazine for all practical purposes.

First off, thank you for your service. The gas is vented right out the end. Regulated by a tapered threadding which the set screw will move in and out in 1/4 turn increments. with every turn, it will open or close the port ever so slightly giving the operator control of exactly how much gas to relieve, fully closed(as if nothing has changed with the gun) or full open, (no cycling will occur at all) Then once the desired pressure release is found, a cinch crew is inserted to lock the setting.
     NOTE: there are no worries of the screw loosening or falling out, even without the cinch screw, the turns require a good amount of force to rotate. You can feel the 1/4 turn increments because it feels like turning a cam, or pulling slowly on the starter rope of a lawnmower - easy-firm-easy-firm as it rotates. If that makes any sense.

[birddog1989]

Sounds pretty sweet.  I always thought those were just for "Match" setups.  Keep us posted on how it holds up over the long haul.

[Steve N]

I have seen the FAL type and it is just a big nut that slowly opens a vent hole on the gas system. After looking at the unit you're using I was thinking that one could achieve the same results with a 1/8 or 3/16 hole drilled into the bottom of the gas plug for a vent and then screwing a fine thread set screw into an orifice (drilled/threaded) from the outer end of the plug. And by how much the 1/8 3/16 hole was exposed one could change the vent pressure - - That would be something that could be done with a hand drill -

I know I'm a cheapo - 

That gas plug is something we always had to watch for carbon fouling. If it started filling up with carbon then the darn thing would really start slamming the bolt back. Every cleaning meant taking a drill bit, or similar tool, and ensuring it was clean. The vent system you are talking about would reduce this problem by allowing it to exit the weapon before being recycled through the operating system -

[2big2fail]

I have seen the FAL type and it is just a big nut that slowly opens a vent hole on the gas system

Well, I suppose that Would and could work.  Personally I don't know if i would alter my gun that way, but in a pinch?  The tapping you mention is slightly different than the design of this plug though. It's not only tapped, but the threads are surrounded by a fluted channel that actually allows the gas to escape, not directly past the threads themselves.  You'll see it soon I imagine.  I'll talk to Jeff and see if I could bring it down to the store for a while as a display.  Maybe he would even put a few on order for sale.  They are only around $50.

[2big2fail]

Here are the pics[attachment=1]

[2big2fail]

Pic #2[attachment=1]

[2big2fail]

#3[attachment=1]

[Joey]

Nice Pic's, Thanks 2big2fail
I love those little SOCOM 16's