While I wait for my M1A to get done at the cerakote guys I’ve been doing some research on whether or not to actually set up my M1A for my suppressor and it’s been pretty inconclusive. It’s a full size, 22 inch bbl. national match version. I can’t seem to get a definitive answer anywhere and all the vids on youtube are of SOCOMs or scout squads. When I was an SDM 9 yrs ago they had just pushed out M14s to us on the line in Afghanistan and I didn’t get a suppressor so thus have no first hand experience. A buddy I was in with recently moved down here and started working with me. He got out after me and said all the DMs now are getting cans so I guess the Army thinks its worth dropping all that scratch on. Anyways what I would like to know from guys who’ve gone this route:
Will it cycle reliably and not beat the crap out of the gun? (I bought a schuster gas plug if I need it)
How is the blowback? I’ve heard its pretty foul. I have a troy battle rail on mine, which seems like it may help with that.
Not expecting a huge reduction in sound signature, just a significant one. (Saker 7.62)
If all these are in the acceptable realm then I’ll go ahead and spend the money and do the work to get it set up. If not I’ll just spend it on loading up some more ammo for it.
I can’t comment on a 22" setup. My now sold setup was a 18.5" LRB Tanker.
I ran the non-adjustable Schuster gas plug, and the Gemtech muzzle adapter to convert the threads to regular 5/8x24 (I had a SEI gas lock front sight GLFS).
What is your front sight situation? (GLFS, or integrated flash hider front sight (original design). Regardless you will need a thread converter as I don’t believe SiCo makes a muzzle device in M1A barrel threads. I believe JP makes a traditional sight setup.
Regarding suppression: it did fine. It’s been awhile, but I believe I was still able to turn off the gas with my setup. Piston systems are generally cleaner for the bore, but will be louder as gas escapes around the piston.
You may also want to try a heavier spring, or even a buffer tech spacer (I wouldn’t recommend them for combat) to help absorb some of the battering of the bolt on the receiver.
As of now its a traditional FH. I was planning on using the gem tech adapter as well with a trifecta brake. Gonna be scoped all the time and it isn’t a work weapon so I’m not worried about having some sort of back up sight system.
Thank you for the input.
I don’t own a suppressed weapon so take this for what it’s worth, almost nothing. But I felt compelled to answer because I did fire a suppressed M1A about 8 or so years ago. A friend brought it to the range and we took turns shooting it. I recall:
it functioned just fine
noise reduction was surprisingly good
When I shot it I noticed no unusual blowback of gasses.
I do not remember what kind of suppressor it was or if there where any other modifications to the gun.
I did some reading/research about this on TOS and silencertalk. A few folks have done it, and the consensus was that the M1A is a lousy platform to suppress. Domestique touched on the attachment situation. The Smith Ent. M14 Adaptor, Castle Nut Type was twice mentioned as being of bad quality/giving baffle strikes. AAC makes a BLACKOUT® 51T Flash Hider in the M1A thread, so you can use the SilencerCo adapter for that.
As for the barrel, it’s long and thin. Adding weight at the end of it will cause POI shift. IIRC, someone mentioned 4 inches. The heavier the can, the bigger the barrel droop. Saker is 20 ounces, plus the flash hider or muzzle brake, plus the Gemtech muzzle adapter, it gets heavy up front. An Omega is 14 ounces…
Some had and recommended the Schuster adjustable gas plug. others said that it was not needed.
Blowback, while subjective, was complained about at least once.
I don’t remember if someone on silencer talk was having problems with something or not. The others run fine.
It can be done, but, is the juice worth the squeeze?