I have a new M1A and the bolt binds about halfway to locked position,its very tough to open.and then when released it needs a good push on op rod to close,my other M1A operates freely,is this a safety concern?.at the range its fine,not noticable when firing...i'm thinking of sending it back to SA for repair..any suggestions are appreciated

thanks
Longhunter

Remove the barrel receiver group from the stock and remove the operating rod spring and guide.  Tip the assembly back and forth.  The bolt should open and close by the weight of the oprod.  Clickity click, clickity click.

If this works replace the stock, but not trigger group and repeat.  If it binds here and not before there's something in the stock binding.  (The bolt rides over the hammer, so the trigger group needs to be removed.)

Contact Springfield, it costs about 12 bucks to send the rifle to them.  

-- Chuck

Is the rifle properly greased??? I have seen too many new M1A's, where the newbie owner used oil instead of grease and ran into all sorts of problmes...

yes plenty of grease,thats not the problem,i'll try that suggestion with op rod.thanks