Suppressing the M1A... What am I doing wrong?

[JoeSig]

Hello. Posting here because I need some help suppressing an M1A. Yes, I know Springfield's opinion of suppressing these rifles, but there are plenty of solutions out there. I have the rifle built but the suppressor is not centered with the barrel. See below.

WAY off center. Not safe to shoot, at all.

The barrel is the stock 16" SOCOM with an SEI gas lock adapter (wanted the Fulton Armory adapter, but I cannot find one in stock) and CGS Hyperion suppressor. Shortened gas plug from SEI is installed to clear the suppressor.
Things I have gone through troubleshooting:

• Not the suppressor - it fits perfectly centered on my 300blk and another 308. I wouldn't suspect this can either as there aren't many issues reported online.
• Bore alignment rod is perfect. Rolled it on granite to check and flipped it 180 degrees when installed to see if it aligned in the same spot each time, which it did (notice the small white mark on the bottom left of it in the photo)
• Not the SEI adapter threads as the suppressor spins in the exact same orientation as the above picture when loosened, meaning those threads are true.
• Tried shimming the SEI adapter with varying shims with no effect on alignment.

I do not know how to upload the video, but I believe I have figured it out and want opinions on this. With the suppressor tightened against the SEI adapter, I loosened the gas lock adapter so that the suppressor and adapter spin freely on the Springfield barrel. When I spin it, the gap you see between the rod and front cap follow the rotation, which leads me to suspect that it is either the factory barrel threads, or the SEI gas lock assembly itself.

I have not tried a different adapter since the Fulton Armory one is out of stock.

I am thinking of buying the Hughes Precision Adapter but am worried it isn't long enough to clear my gas plug. Also looking at Criterion and Fulton barrels while I am at it. However before I start throwing parts at this rifle, wanted to see if anyone here has had this issue or can help me troubleshoot further. I believe I narrowed it down to the factory barrel threads or SEI adapter. From what I read, neither Springfield or SEI seem to have stellar feedback in the quality control department.

 

[edwea]

Cut and rethread or get a new barrel.

 

[JoeSig]

Cut and rethread or get a new barrel.

I think I'll have to go the barrel route. These SOCOMs are nice and compact, but the barrel threads only stick out just past the gas assembly so no room to cut. Makes me wish I bought a scout but oh well. Hindsight is 20/20. Im surprised the barrel threads were cut like this on a $2k rifle to begin with

 

[racegunz]

If you sell the barrel let me know, I might be interested

 

[JoeSig]

If you sell the barrel let me know, I might be interested

I will be as I'm only running the rifle suppressed. Im ordering a Criterion barrel tonight when I get home. Love their barrels. Had the pleasure of dealing with them when I worked for Dillon. Classic midwest small business who pour every ounce of energy and passion into what they do.

I wrote your username on a sticky note on my bench for when I do the barrel removal (likely tomorrow) so I will PM you when I have it out for pictures. It's brand new - only rounds through it were Springfield's at their facility. Haven't shot my M1A yet because of the alignment issue LOL

 

[JoeSig]

Update.

It is not the barrel. I loosely installed the shims, front lug, gas lock and the adapter then installed the suppressor to see how the alignment rod looks. The alignment rod sits in the exact same position it does with the stock barrel. I believe it to be the adapter and how it fits against the gas system. Multiple barrels, a can that works on multiple guns and an alignment rod that is verified true. HAS to be the adapter.

What should I do? I am going to return the Criterion barrel. $350 is a lot of something I really don't need. I emailed Smith Enterprises a brief summary of what is going on. We will see what they say...

Is it the face the adapter mates up to that could be out of square?

Need some help here... not sure what else to do. Delta P and Fulton adapters are still out of stock. Anyone else have this issue?

 

[OldFaithful]

Update.

It is not the barrel. I loosely installed the shims, front lug, gas lock and the adapter then installed the suppressor to see how the alignment rod looks. The alignment rod sits in the exact same position it does with the stock barrel. I believe it to be the adapter and how it fits against the gas system. Multiple barrels, a can that works on multiple guns and an alignment rod that is verified true. HAS to be the adapter.

What should I do? I am going to return the Criterion barrel. $350 is a lot of something I really don't need. I emailed Smith Enterprises a brief summary of what is going on. We will see what they say...

Is it the face the adapter mates up to that could be out of square?

Need some help here... not sure what else to do. Delta P and Fulton adapters are still out of stock. Anyone else have this issue?

I would take everything to a machine shop that can work on firearms and ask them to check it out.

 

[JoeSig]

I would take everything to a machine shop that can work on firearms and ask them to check it out.

I found this tonight. I am going to try it this week, then report back with how it went. Background information - this individual was having the same issue as I am.

I'd say the risk in messing up a $70 part is worth gaining the knowledge of how to fix this issue. I think this is the problem. If I cannot figure it out, machine shop it is to square up the adapter. We'll see how it goes, but I think these marks are a hint.