Help identify this object.

[vtech26]

Received this as part of an estate sale. I am thinking it is a firearm part but no idea what firearm. Currency for size comparison.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200516/762d29c1f527494795cc61216c285812.jpg

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[Parson]

Come on guys, that’s one of the easiest in a long time, several of you have one

[Winger Ed.]

Its a National Match guide for the operating rod spring on a M1A or M-14.

The rack grade GI one doesn't have the 4 long holes.

Its odd to just have one of those, and not a bunch of other M1A parts close by.

[vtech26]

Its a National Match guide for the operating rod spring on a M1A or M-14.

The rack grade GI one doesn't have the 4 long holes.

Its odd to just have one of those, and not a bunch of other M1A parts close by.Thanks Winger Ed. I have an M1A but havent taken it apart yet. If I had O would have been able to identify that part ...I had no idea what it was for.

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[Winger Ed.]

If one fell into my lap like that, I'd go ahead and put it in.

They're kind of pricey to just go out and buy one.

[M-Tecs]

It's a standard operating rod spring on a M1A or M-14.

The National Match are solid and round.

"M14 NM Operating Rod Spring Guide – The standard USGI operating rod spring guide performs its function of guiding the operating rod spring but not without noticeable binding and twisting due to its thin cross-section (see Miscellaneous Notes on USGI Parts). This is acceptable for a rack grade M14 rifle. However, the U. S. Army MTU realized the operating rod spring guide could be improved upon as an aid to M14 NM accuracy. By no later than mid-1967, the AMTU had created the National Match operating rod spring guide. It was made of two pieces, a section of un-heat treated drill rod welded to a cutoff magazine catch portion of a USGI operating rod spring guide. The drill rod section was tapered at the forward end like the issue operating rod spring guide. The benefits were a straight operating rod spring and smoother operation of the gas system. "

some pics of a NM

https://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/na0317

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/930950

The Sadlak has 4 flats on the round body

https://www.fulton-armory.com/oprodspringguidenmsadlakindustries.aspx

https://www.mountsplus.com/sadlak-spring-guide.html


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfL79VtnXDU

[Winger Ed.]

It's a standard operating rod spring on a M1A or M-14.
The National Match are solid and round. ]

Yep.
I've spent some quality time with the M-14 and my old rack grade M1A, but haven't delved into the NM variety.

Years ago, a buddy brought home a gently used NM M1A, and asked me to show him how to take it apart & clean it.
It was the first time I'd seen a slotted guide, and figured it was part of the NM upgrade.

Evidently, it was a after market one, that had been swapped out with the real one by the previous owner.

[M-Tecs]

The slotted guides can be USGI. I believe seen both in the Federal supply system. Most common in the late 80's early 90's were the slotted type.