The M-14 was one of the shortest lived official military rifles in US inventory. It was designed as an improvement for the M-1 Garand, and though its action was very similar, it utilized a magazine feed to replace the clip-fed Garand. It also changed the caliber to 7.62 X 51, instead of .30-06 and had a selector for full-auto fire.
This ability to fire full auto was a feeble attempt to turn it into an assault rifle. It was quickly found that the average trooper was unable to control the rifle in full auto mode. A change to a smaller cartridge, the 5.56, changed everything very soon.
But the M-14 has seen a renewed life in the sandbox. The need for a Designated Marksman Weapon, capable of long-range accuracy and power, breathed new life into this old weapon system. It has, once again, become a familiar piece of battlefield equipment.
I have a civilian copy of this weapon, a Springfield M1A.
It is a fine piece of equipment.
Mine has the original wood stock.
It also has a National Match barrel, as seen by this barrel stamping.
... and a National Match trigger.
It was made for competition and has the finest trigger I've ever seen on a military rifle.
The rifle also has an excellent flash suppressor and a true competition front sight.
Along with the excellent rear sights, a well-trained marksman can easily dial in his "come-ups" and put rounds on target very quickly.
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The most common magazine holds 20 rounds of 7.62 X 51 ammunition and can be reloaded while in the rifle with stripper clips, if desired.
Many feel that the 7.62 X 51 round is a more authoritative round at long ranges, compared to the 5.56 NATO.
These rifles are very accurate and just seem to fall into place when put to the shoulder.
A very natural pointing rifle.
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The left hand can be used on the forestock, or, in a competition, used to support the rifle on the bottom of the magazine.
When properly utilized, a rifle strap, or sling, can be a great aid to accurate firing.
Here I am using a strap from the sitting position.
When you get all strapped in and settled down, you just feel "locked" into firing position.
Here's a group fired from 50 yards with Australian military ball ammo.
Handloads can improve those groups.
Recoil is not too bad with this heavy rifle and follow-up shots are easy.
Here's Tman running the rifle.
Conclusion:
This is a true battle rifle and a fine piece of equipment. If you haven't shot one, don't miss a chance to give one a try. You will fall in love with it.
This ability to fire full auto was a feeble attempt to turn it into an assault rifle. It was quickly found that the average trooper was unable to control the rifle in full auto mode. A change to a smaller cartridge, the 5.56, changed everything very soon.
But the M-14 has seen a renewed life in the sandbox. The need for a Designated Marksman Weapon, capable of long-range accuracy and power, breathed new life into this old weapon system. It has, once again, become a familiar piece of battlefield equipment.
I have a civilian copy of this weapon, a Springfield M1A.
It is a fine piece of equipment.
Mine has the original wood stock.
It also has a National Match barrel, as seen by this barrel stamping.
... and a National Match trigger.
It was made for competition and has the finest trigger I've ever seen on a military rifle.
The rifle also has an excellent flash suppressor and a true competition front sight.
Along with the excellent rear sights, a well-trained marksman can easily dial in his "come-ups" and put rounds on target very quickly.
The most common magazine holds 20 rounds of 7.62 X 51 ammunition and can be reloaded while in the rifle with stripper clips, if desired.
Many feel that the 7.62 X 51 round is a more authoritative round at long ranges, compared to the 5.56 NATO.
These rifles are very accurate and just seem to fall into place when put to the shoulder.
A very natural pointing rifle.
The left hand can be used on the forestock, or, in a competition, used to support the rifle on the bottom of the magazine.
When properly utilized, a rifle strap, or sling, can be a great aid to accurate firing.
Here I am using a strap from the sitting position.
When you get all strapped in and settled down, you just feel "locked" into firing position.
Here's a group fired from 50 yards with Australian military ball ammo.
Handloads can improve those groups.
Recoil is not too bad with this heavy rifle and follow-up shots are easy.
Here's Tman running the rifle.
Conclusion:
This is a true battle rifle and a fine piece of equipment. If you haven't shot one, don't miss a chance to give one a try. You will fall in love with it.
