Springfield Armory Op Rod Problem

[Rodan]

I just bought a new Springfield M1a Standard and fired 120 rounds through it. During cleaning I saw gall marks on the op rod where it slides in the receiver. I looked closer and saw a pit where they weld the op rod together . I shined a light inside to look and saw the light ( see attached photo) shining through the metal. I hope I can get a replacement for this. I don't want to send in the whole rifle. Will they swap for a good part ? I am getting a forged 1 piece op rod from 762mmFirearms (a local company to me) so I can go to the range tomorrow. I will keep the (hopefully ) new cast op rod as a spare. 29133 Brownells ad and 762mmfirearms ad are almost the same for this part. 3 hours later ...... I picked up my 762mmfirearms op rod and the fit and finish were excellent. It went right on my Springfield M1a and cycles by hand nicely. I will post a range report later today.

[Rodan]

Well I went to the range with my M1a and a new 762mmfirearms extractor and Op Rod. The Op Rod worked perfectly, the extractor not at all. The extractor failed to extract a single round. Close inspection showed the lip that grabs the rim wasn't machined all the way across. It will go back for replacement or refund . I will post my experience with 762mmfirearms customer service.

[Rodan]

Well I called Springfield Armory today and they want the whole rifle. They won't let me send just the op rod back. They said they want everything to be perfect. When I asked why wasn't it perfect when sold new she said" we're only human". I said everything else was fine and I didn't want to risk another "human error" on their part so let me send just the op rod back. They then told me the op rod had to be fitted to the rifle. I already bought a forged op rod and it slipped right on and worked perfect. They said whole rifle only. They will pay shipping . I don't want to send the whole rifle . I guess they save the warranty money on this one as I am not sending them the rifle .

[omerta123]

I'm a loyal S.A. customer, and my .02 is send them the rifle. They will go through it and if anything is even a fraction out of spec they will replace it all. I had a friend that had a FTE problem with his loaded he sent it in and his gun shot about 10x better when he got it back. Remember when they get it, its the custom shop boys working on it not some random monkey. Trust me, just send it in, you'll be glad you did.

[G]

I agree especially if they want to pay shipping. I think SA customer service is very good. And you never know you just might get it back with USGI op rod.

[Rodan]

I really couldn't see why SA wouldn't just look at the Op Rod and give me another. They are too inflexible. I sold the M1a will look at other M14 Clones.

[omerta123]

Well, problem solved i guess :rolleyes:

[Rodan]

Deal on M1a fell through. So I got it back. Op rod from 762mmfirearms worked perfect again. The second extractor from 762mmfirearms did not work . It extracted 1st round and then did not work again. I will ask for the $25 back and buy a Usgi or PB extractor online. Got a few battle packs of 93 DAG ammo. Opened 1 pack and found minimal corrosion on 19 rounds that was cosmetic only. 1 round had heavy corrosion on the bullet. I cleaned it off in 1 minute and was good to go. Shot 60 of them today all fired nicely. Grouped 2 inches off sand bag 50 yards.