M1A (1992) barrel markings

[onado2000]

I have a question about the bbl markings on older M1As. I recently aquired a used M1A (basic model w/black synthetic stock) serial # 71,040'ish' range, green & white box, made in 1992 . The bbl is marked "308", there is an engraved star, and there are 3 or 4letters; a "R" followed by what looks like a "T" then an "E" or "LF". Please can anyone provide some insight ? I cant post pics yet, but will try later. Thanks for any info. I tried to look this up but no luck. Thanks. Dan

[Cobra66]

Odd, all the standard M1As I have seen from that date have GI barrels. Could it have been re-barreled?

[ap1220]

Try to PM Different, he is an M14/M1A guru. Also check out www.m14tfl.com/ for all sorts of M14/M1A goodness.

You can also call or email SA customer service and if they would know if it's the original barrell or not.

[onado2000]

This information is here for anyone else wanting to know what the markings are on the M1A rifle. I received the answer from Lee (aka. Different) and he is the M1A guru. Lee is a good guy, he answered my questions and helped me out alot with this, I cant say thanks enough (Thank you Lee). Here is a copy of the email reply he sent me.


"Dan,

Okay, that helps a lot. The barrel is a USGI Harrington & Richardson Arms chromium plated M14 barrel manufactured in October 1962. The stamping "R T E" was used by the U. S. Marine Corps Rifle Shooting Team. "R T E" means Rifle Team Equipment. So, this barrel was likely on a M14 rifle in the inventory of the U. S. Marine Corps at some point between 1962 and 1996. The bolt is USGI TRW.

Lee"