I polished that surface and put a dab of grease on it. More research, and talking to good M14 gunsmiths found that that connection from action to stock ferrule is critical. I left it off to eliminate any possible variable. When I put the action back in the stock, I did not put the hand guard back on.

I hogged out the stock around the gas system so there was adequate room such that nothing was touching. I flipped the nut around and found it stopped right to 5 o clock, and tightened perfectly. I found I had a ton of play behind the gas block. I took the scope and scope mount off the barrel. I replaced the flash hider with a sight base. At this point I started to do serious research into the problem. I then put an M14 birch wood stock on it, and kept the scope, still no change.

I then mounted a pistol scope onto the scout scope rail that it already had on it. I shot it as it came, in its plastic stock with peep sights. Everything I've tried has all been 4' to 6' at 100 yards I've tried a Saeco 315 clone, Lee 170gr, and 175gr HP from GT bullets. I'll start with the loads I've shot in it. I've been shooting my Springfield M1A scout squad, and I have to say I have not been happy with the accuracy.

M1a socom accuracy test