from rec.guns... What spare parts ought the shooter keep on hand for basic operator maintenance of his M14/M1A rifle?
Depends on how much you shoot, and, how long you want to maintain the rifle. With the current import restrictions, you may want to get a deep & thorough spares inventory. The original G.I. stuff is dwindling fast, and lots of rewelded, commercial cast reproductions, Chinese, worn out, etcetera, parts are becoming, sadly, commonplace.
Keep in mind that a bad spare part is NO spare part.
First line (bare bones minimum):
Second line (preferred), and to include the items above as well:
Third line (deep support for the future), and this includes the 1st & 2nd lines above:
Hope this helps!
Thanks again for the kind interest!
--Clint McKee