Rifle Guys - M1A question

[BrokenolMarine]

I just acquired a firearm that has been on my bucket list for a good while, but I was waiting for a good rifle at a good price. A friend knew my list and is liquidating his collection. I got this unfired M1A at a decent price, fair to both of us. I shot the M14s in the Corps in the National Match courses, so am familiar with them, but none of the rifles had this device under the flash suppressor. Ours had bayonet lugs here.

I watched several videos to refamiliarize myself with the disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly, and the quirks. None of the rifles in any of those videos had the device on them and NONE of the rifles on the SA website had it. Any idea?

The device appears to be hinged, and has a spring inside. Love to know what it's called and what it's for. I have NO problem admitting I don't know something...

what is it.jpg

[Hatchdog]

Your flash suppressor appears to be from a Scout Squad not the Standard Rifle. This doesn’t explain the part under the barrel but maybe is a start for you. No longer have mine but it was probably the most favorite rifle I’ve ever had. Used to get admiring looks at the range. Enjoy!

[Sir Henry]

The part under it holds a grenade launcher.

[BrokenolMarine]

The part under it holds a grenade launcher.

Sweet, can I borrow yours?

[Sir Henry]

The part under it holds a grenade launcher.

Sweet, can I borrow yours?

I had one for a No. 1 Enfield. There is also a muzzle brake attachment for it. I had a PVS2 night vision scope for an M1A I had. It was configured like an M14 complete with a non-functional full auto switch. It also had the original vented fiberglass heat shield.

[Hatchdog]

Your flash suppressor appears to be from a Scout Squad not the Standard Rifle. This doesn’t explain the part under the barrel but maybe is a start for you. No longer have mine but it was probably the most favorite rifle I’ve ever had. Used to get admiring looks at the range. Enjoy!

Looking a little further it looks like the Loaded Rifle has that style of break. That would be one fine rifle.

[daytime dave]

One of those rifles is on my short list also.
Congratulations to you marine.