What's your experience with the M-14

[Gene L]

What we were told (I think) that a tool to convert the M 14 was supposed to be carried by the squad leader who could then designate an "automatic rifleman" as needed. I don't know if this is true or just a rumor. I've never seen this for myself.

 

[hoosierone]

Fall 1960, Leonard Wood. Trained on the M-1. First time I ever fired a rifle.
They showed us a huge model of the M-14, explained its functions, and said we would eventually be issued one. Never happened. Had a BAR for a short time on Okinawa. Never got to shoot it. Later got a Carbine. For annual qualifying they let us use M-1s. Managed to shoot expert with it.

On Okinawa my unit supported Hawk missiles for the 30thArty Bde. So we did very little serious "soldiering".

 

[PALADIN85020]

My first experience with the M14 (not "M-14") was in 1963, when I was an Army lieutenant. Although the 101st Airborne Division was the first to get them, replacing their M1s fully in late 1961, my unit, charged with atomic weapons training and security, was not issued them until a couple of years later. My initial impression was that it was pretty much an upgraded M1, and I was glad that most of my training with the M1 could also be applied to the M14 - same bolt, trigger housing group, etc. If you could field strip an M1, the M14 procedure was quite familiar.

In 1969, I purchased one of the first semiauto M14 clones, put together by AR Sales as the Mark IV in 1969. Other than the receiver, all the other parts were G.I. There was a delay in getting mine, and when I got after them about it, they gifted my particular rifle with a national match barrel. A friend came into a batch of G.I. fiberglass stocks, and I obtained one to replace the birch stock that was originally on it - less apt to warp.

I found the rifle comfortable to fire, and quite similar to the M1 as far as operation was concerned. It's a very serviceable, reliable and accurate battle rifle, with greater reach than the M16/M4 carbine series. I devoted a chapter of my book 101 Classic Firearms to it. This picture of my rifle was used in the book.

All in all, my impression of the M14 has been quite favorable.

John

(click for larger picture)

 

[pantannojack]

Match Winner

Back in 2002 My M1A and I, "without my rifle I am useless- without me my rifle is useless" , shot top score at the Ben Aver range leg match. The MCB Camp Pendleton team was there with their M14's nearly everyone else fired girls guns. One of the highly respected nationally famous shooters and I fired the same numerical score; But I had one more "X". I had challenged a ten scored in the pits and on second look by the pit commander it was recorded X. Back then it would cost a 1 dollar fee if your challenge was rejected. Not to worry, that gun will still hold X ring at 600 yds. When your on, your on. Shoot what you like; Not what some others think looks cool.

 

[Rosco Shooter]

I completed a M-14 familiarization course at Fort Riley Kansas in July of 1965 after qualifying with the M-1 during ROTC Summer Camp. I could not believe how much less the recoil of the M-14 was in comparison to the M-1. I also had the experience of having the M-14's muzzle point near vertically after firing four rounds on full auto. That was the only time I fired an M-14 as I was issued a M-16 in Viet Nam.

 

[Kurusu]

I have a M1-A and used it in the last match I fired was in 1991 at FT Richardson Alaska. I came in 3rd Place overall. It was amazing how it all came back, my shooting partner gave me enough ammo to finish the course because I ran out.

Afterwards, someone asked about the premium ammo I was using to get such a great score, I replied "Portuguese surplus".
Now days they have the giant matches but none of the feeder matches that takes a soldier who shoots his rifle twice a year to the expert level of shooter.

Our defense industries ammunition was excellent. Both in 7,62x51 and 9mm Para. Saddly they closed it down.

 

[Wyo]

I was never in the military so never had occasion to use one there. However, I used and still use the M1A quite often, starting with NRA Service Rifle competition back in the mid-80's and a fair amount of hunting with it. The pic shows me with an antelope I took with one more years ago than I care to think about:

I also had occasion to use and work on a number of true M14's that were owned by the local Sheriff's Office including a couple with full auto capability. Those rifles had to be tested extensively, hence I've done a fair amount of shooting with full auto rifles. I have to say, they were great fun and certainly laid out some impressive firepower, but I never did learn to control one much beyond keeping it from climbing to a straight up position! All in all, the M14/M1A is one of my all time favorites - accurate, powerful, reliable and surprisingly versatile.

 

[Denver Dick]

My brother enlisted in the Army in 1966 and use the M-14 during Basic Training at Ft. Ord, California. I followed him into the Army in 1969. I, too, used the M-14 during my Basic Training at Ft. Ord. Though I moved on to an M-16 in Vietnam (1970), my brother continued to use the M-14 in Korea ('66-'67). We both still have a fondness for the weapon. I had wanted an M1A for quite a while when I finally purchased one new in 2000. I love it.

Here are a few memories from Basic Training that led to our fondness for the M-14. A couple of the photos (with captions) were prepared for my wife's niece when she was a teenager and had become interested in my military service.

Fort Ord, CA in the Summer of '69 (Me)

Fort Ord in the Spring of '66 (My Brother)

 

[elm_creek_smith]

We got 3 M21 sniper rifles in Germany while I was a CSC XO in an armor battalion in 1982/3 for our Scout Platoon. Only 2 of the squads had anyone qualify with one, but I did. I carried it with my M1911A1 on alerts, field exercises, gunneries, and on deployment with a MTT to someplace we never went. Let's just say I didn't feel as vulnerable riding around in a M151A2 with just a .45 and a mechanic/driver with an M16A1.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

 

[THEmodelof1989]

Old thread, but I figured I'll comment because I'm the self proclaimed youngest member of the forum, and I also fought in Afghanistan as a member of THE GREATEST ALL VOLUNTEER ARMY OF ALL TIME. It was quite a thing to serve and fight with men that volunteered to serve and fight.

Basic training meant nothing, as in hindsight it was not a long enough time to train us for everything. For example, they tell you in basic training to expect to have children used against you, but that in NO WAY prepares you to have a child combatant in your sight picture.

We used the m14 to great effect as the enemy prefered to engage us from a distance with remote bombs, RPGs, sniper and machine gun fire. In fear of our armor, sometimes we would be engaged from outside of 300 yards... this is where the squad designated marksman and his m14 would earn their paycheck.

Anyway, I noticed most of the people commenting on here fought in the wars of yesteryear, or at least served during those times. I figure some may appreciate a fresh take on m14 usage in modern warfare.

"Climb to glory".

 

[BigBill]

My m14s norinco is good to go but I want a tiger striped stock for it next. It’s gonna cost more than the m14 did.

I been shopping for a wood stock to replace the black plastic stock on my norinco. I ordered one stock from Fred’s in “like new” condition, it’s nice ready to assemble but I’m looking again. I found a new stock unfinished bare wood. We will see when it gets here. Having a extra stock I need another m14?

The m14 is making a comeback in the sandbox in different configurations. She’s getting a workout and her just do finally recognition she deserves.