quote:

posted December 05, 2018 12:21 PMHide PostGet some damn grease.

Brownells sells the original Lubriplate 130A. That pint will last several lifetimes.

https://www.brownells.com/gun-...ease-prod104311.aspx

Aside from barrel/bolt cleaning/lubricating, the gas cylinder will need occasional cleaning/scraping. Also, make sure the gas plug is tight. They can loosen during firing and your point of impact will suddenly change dramticially.
There's a good debate on storing the rifle with the trigger guard open so the wood doesn't get too compressed after a while loosen up the trigger.

Don't forget it's another eras' battle rifle, and out of the box, is NOT a sub-MOA precision rifle. As long as you have real-world expectations of it's capability, it'll give you big smiles come range-day. But I've seen too many others expect MOA or better groups at extended ranges, spend a lot of time, money and effort to improve the M1A and become frustrated with less than steller results.
Quality (EXPENSIVE) ammo helps greatly.
Here's a little more inspiration for you:
Jon Wolfe/LRB M-14s