Me and my M-14

Submitted by Eric Daniel

Ok, this story takes a while, so bare with me.

I was mobilized for OIF III on Veteran’s Day (go figure), November 11th, 2004.  Two days later I was at Ft. Bliss going through 30 days of accelerated training to prepare me for deployment.  As part of that training program I was issued an M-16A2 from the unit to which I was going to be assigned (which was, at that time, embarking for Kuwait.)  Upon inspection, I determined that the rifle’s front sight post was bent, and that the weapon was deadlined.  I brought this to the attention of the Major distributing the weapons (out of the back of a black Suburban, no less) and asked if I might get a replacement.

“Sorry Sergeant, no can do. All these weapons are getting issued tonight, and there aren’t enough to go around. You’ll just have to make do.”

Fair enough, I said, and moved out smartly.  The next day, out on the zero range, I explained the situation to the range safety who said, “No problem, we can fix that right now” and he whipped out his Gerber-tool and proceeded to straighten the bent post.

Ping -- There went the post, snapped in half.

“Oh well, nothing to be done about it now. You’ll have to get it fixed when you get to your unit in Kuwait."

Thirty days later I was stepping off the bus in Kuwait, armed with an un-zeroed and un-serviceable M-16, trying to find out my unit of assignment.  Eventually I found my First Sergeant, who directed me to the Supply Sergeant, who told me everything had already gone north into Iraq, and I’d have to get the sight fixed there.  In addition, all available ammunition had been issued and I would have to wait till I got to Iraq to draw my basic load.

Five days later I was stepping off a Chinook in the dead of night armed with five duffel bags and an un-zeroed, un-serviceable, and un-loaded M-16.  Three days after that I found myself attached to the ING (Iraqi National Guard) training program.

Here’s where my luck finally took pity on me.  While going through the supply room looking for things to steal for the ING, I saw a number of M-14s piled in a corner collecting dust.  I asked the Supply Sgt. if I could sign one out, since it appeared to me that they weren’t doing much good there on the floor.  He asked me if I’d ever qualified on one before, “oh sure, lots of times” (in a previous life maybe…) and then signed over one rifle, one scope, a scope mount, and one magazine.

“That’s all we have”, he said.  No manuals, no parts, no nothing.  I was going to have to figure everything out on my own.

The first issue was the incompatibility between the scope mount and the rings that came with the scope.  The scope, a Leupold Mk IV 4.5 – 14 M1 LR/T using Leupold’s QRW detachable rings, was not resting properly on the supplied scope mount, a Springfield Armory Gen. III mount.

“It won’t work” was the reply I got via e-mail from Leupold on the subject.  The SA mount is not to MIL-STD-1913 standard, they said.  I needed to either get a standard picatinny mount, or get SA rings. 

I opted to get a new mount.  The mount I chose was the A.R.M.S. #18 M-21/M-14 scope mount.  In addition, I purchased an A.R.M.S. #19 Throw lever QD mount (for the Leupold scope) and an A.R.M.S. #20 for an AN/PVS-4 night sight.

With my rifle-mount-scope issued resolved, my next task was to get ballistic data (dope) on the various bullets at my disposal, namely M80 Ball (146 gr FMJ), M852 (168 gr Match) M118 (173 gr Match) and M118LR (175 gr Match.)  Searching the internet provided me with enough suspect information (what?!? doubt the internet?!? heratical, I know…) that I decided I needed an authoritative source for ballistic data.

Enter the Army’s Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) at Ft. Benning, GA.  I e-mailed them regarding my needs, as well as describing the equipment I was using. Their response was thorough and quick. They not only gave me ballistic tables for all the ammunition I requested, but they broke it down by drop (in inches) and in “clicks”, for both the M1 series of scopes (.25 MOA adjustments) and the M3 scopes (1 MOA adjustments.) Their data was spot on and saved me hours of trial and error effort. I cannot say enough about the support they offered.

To round out my M-14 kit I ordered an additional 5 magazines (USGI original manufacture $30 each, new), an M-14 “dash ten” operators manual as well as the “dash twenty-three” parts manual, cartridge extractor, gas plug wrench, and an M-14 lube kit.

Finally, after a month or so of exchanging e-mails with companies all over the U.S. I had the mounts I needed, the rings I needed, the ballistic data I needed and the bullets I needed.  I was officially in business.

Lessons learned

To get “my” M-14 operational required about $700 on my part and a month of e-mails and internet searches.  Once I started taking the M-14 on missions, I began to make notes on where I could improve my original setup.

Stock: The rifle came with a standard wood stock.  While this was all good and well, it was also bone dry, and in need of touching up.  A search in-country poroduced no linseed oil (you’d be surprised how many folk have no idea what “boiled linseed oil” is) so I had to have my mother send me a quart.  An alternative to wood, though, is getting a synthetic stock.  While there are a number of stock manufacturers out there (I myself purchased an M3A stock from McMillan Brothers ) what you have to be aware of is wether the stock you buy is set up for an M-14 reciever or the Springfield Armory M1A reciever (M-14 recievers have a semi - full auto selector switch which has been deactivated, but still projects from the reciever, whereas the M1A reciever lacks this and mounts flush in the stock.)  Either of the recievers will go into an “M-14” stock, but the M-14 reciever will not go into an M1A stock without carving out a notch for the defunkt selector switch.

Furthermore, stocks come in two basic styles; drop in, and bedded.  Drop in stocks are ready as is. You drop in the reciever and you’re in business.  Bedded stocks require the reciever be “bedded” to the stock, which generally involves a gunsmith drilling mounting holes in the reciever and fitting a pair of mounting pins.  Bedding a rifle stock is most definitely not a do it yourself job.  If you don’t know what your doing you can get yourself killed.  If, however, you have the time, resources, and permission from your food chain to get your M-14 “bedded” it will be the better for it.

Scope mount: As I said, my original mount was the A.R.M.S. #18.  While this mount did what I asked of it, the one issue I did have with it was occasional ejection failures (the spent casing would get hung up in the chamber because of the narrow opening between the chamber and the bottom of the scope mount.)  Looking to correct this issue (jams are a bad thing, after all) I went looking for a different mount.  What I settled on was the Smith Enterprise, Inc. M-14 mount. This mount can trace its liniage back to the original Brookfield Precision Tool mounts manufactured for the M-25 sniper rifle.  Since going to the SEI mount I haven’t experienced a single jam. In addition, I also picked up an extended bolt stop release, which basically makes it easier to manipulate the bolt stop while wearing gloves.

Bullet drop compensators (BDC): While the data provided by the USAMU was spot on, it was still a lot of data to remember, and considering that I carried several types of ammunition on me at any given time, refering to index cards in a firefight wasn’t a viable option.  My solution was to get a retractable ballistics chart (RBC) from Leupold.  The RBC fits on the scope, where it's out of the way, and contains a self retracting tape upon which you can write down ballistic data. When in doubt, I need only pull out the tape and confirm my settings.

Another option recently offered by Leupold, is custom etched bullet drop compensators (BDC.)  The BDC differs from the standard windage knobs in that they are custom built to your rifle and ammunition and are graduated by range.  What this means is that with a BDC you don’t need to count “clicks” when applying windage, you just rotate the BDC windage knob to the appropriate range and you’re set. This is also a lifesaver when it comes to re-setting your scope after making several range adjustments. I haven’t gone this route yet, but if ever I get tapped for deployment again, I will probably have some built (just in case.)

Comments

[Dave]

Great Article! When I was in the Navy the M-14 became a fast favorite of mine as well. I soon plan to buy a M1A real soon. Too bad the federal government wont sell them to the public as they become "obsolete".

[Timothy Jones]

Right on Sergeant when life gives you lemons make lemonade you were given a sour weapon and you improvised and got a not only an M-14 but the best weapon you could bring to field evermade.That rifle got me through Vietnam fighting the V.C you take care of "OLD TRUSTIE" and she take care of you. HOOAH

[Jon Flynn]

That M14 looks familier. I think I have a picture of you carrying on the street in Bayji. Drop me a note when you get a chance.

Sgt Flieyn

[Doug]

Hey Sarge, I bought a brand new Springfield Armory (loaded) M1A. I had (a M14)in the Marines. It's something that will knock 'allah' into the next solar system easy. Reach out and touch one for me! Stay safe.
Doug, Tracy, Ca.

[Doug]

Hey Sarge, I bought a brand new Springfield Armory (loaded) M1A. I had (a M14)in the Marines. It's something that will knock 'allah' into the next solar system easy. Reach out and touch one for me! Stay safe.
Doug, Tracy, Ca.

[Doug]

Hey Sarge, I bought a brand new Springfield Armory (loaded) M1A. I had (a M14)in the Marines. It's something that will knock 'allah' into the next solar system easy. Reach out and touch one for me! Stay safe.
Doug, Tracy, Ca.

[Troy Glover]

I dont care what anybody says about ya Eric Daniel - ADAPT , IMPROVISE , OVERCOME ... your a smart Man . and got yourself into an M-14 ... The 5.56x45 is just a litle light for terrain & conditions Ya All are fighting in right now ! ... FN manufacturing has got that new SCAR weapons system about to head your way ... One in 5.56x45 , the other in 7.62x51 , no more 3 shot burst .. Semi or fullauto ! ... that 7.62 SCAR rifle sure would be nice to sling on with your M-14 .. Until then .. outstanding job . thanks for your service ... Soldier on with that M-14 .

OOHH RAAHH

[Frank Stinton Jr.]

You can't go wrong with an M-14. Sounds like you got it set up right too.
I have 4 of them in different configs of course. National Match, Standard de-milled M-14, SOCOM 16 and a SOCOM II. With what you have the rules have gotten better in your favor. You win They DIE!
Good rules HUH? Thank you for your service you all are my heros. My thoughts and those of my family are with you all.
Gods speed, and come home safely.
Thank you all
Frank Stinton Jr.

[Rodney Caylor]

Are you sure you are not a Marine in Army clothing. The worst thing the Marine Corps did was go to the M16. To me it goes against the Marine policy of aimed fire and making rounds count. The M14 was there when you needed it and it would reach and touch someone.

[Mike Adams]

Ask for a M21 if you can, its a modified M14 which is a modified M1 Garand, my old guard units snipers Alaskan Scouts, lost their M21s and replaced with the M24, a nice weapon if your a normal sniper such as police, but not very good if your an old style sniper/hunter of men. It just does not last, and not good for field craft. But heh, we are talking people who shoot polar bears for survival, and moose or rabbits on the fly.

Mike Adams
Alaska

[Bill]

Enter the Army’s Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) at Ft. Benning, GA. .... " I cannot say enough about the support they offered."

That's great. At least someone could get you a working-weapon and the specs, even IF they are nowhere NEAR the battle zone.

I hope you never have any problems with Dinner.

God Bless.

[Rick Donaldson]

Wow... broken sights, no one can help you, you're out of luck. Man, you made your luck :)

I think they ought to let you keep that weapon. I used to shoot one back in the 1970s in JROTC in High School back in Michigan. I love my AR-15 that I own now, and the two weapons I "owned" in the Air Force over the years were awesome weapons, but nothing kicks like a Fourteen! :)

[Barry Messer]

Great story! I'm glad the M14 worked for you. I was issued one in 1965 in basic and had nothing but trouble with it.
Sarge you are one great soldier!!!!

[Larry]

Hey Marine,
Awesome job you did in getting what you needed. Also, you did get the best field weapon a Marine can have. I know, I was trained on both M-14 and M-16. The M-14 is superior, by far. The 14 is real work horse, but the 16 will break down if ya sneeze. Ooo Raa.

[Ed Aucoin]

We used the M14 in Basic Training at Ft Ord 1965. They told us the rifle could be made full auto with a selector switch handle that fits on the shaft you see. They did not issue the handle to us, but told us the Quartermaster had them and we'd get one if it became necessary. Never saw one.

[Jon]

Had an M14 as the Crypto room security weapon in Korea, 1972; it's full automatic selector switch was still operable -- got the chance to range fire it on full auto - great weapon but it would take two men to hold it down when in full auto mode! - after the first two rounds there is no accuracy!

[Steve lwis]

That is the very reason tat M16A1 have a 3 shot birst. It to will clime, and you waist ammo. But if you compair the knock down power the M14 is by far the better rifle. Be proud son, that you have one. Also make sure you have a great knife. VietNam combat Vet.

[Robert Weeks, SSG Ret]

When all else fails compromise and make the best out of what you've got.

Sarge, You do us all proud.

God Bless and hurry home safely.

[Paul Kinney]

Sarge,
You have done it all, improvised, adapted, overcome!
What a disgrace you had to pay for it!!! The US government should hang it's head in shame, you should be getting equipment that is standard issue. Who ever is getting the big kick back on tthe M-16 still being purchased should be found and gotten rid of. A grunt needs a real rifle, not some piece of plastic that may be good for shooting rabbits, if you can get it to work. I used a 7.62 SLR based on the Belgian FN, it was a standard issue rifle in the Australian Army in Viet Nam, you guessed it, a real rifle.
Sarge, good luck, may your God keep you in the palm of his hand, and keep you safe!
Paul Kinney
Aussie Rifleman

[m00]

So, can you fire your m14 off full auto with minimized recoil?
Have you tried?

[P.K. Petersson AT1 USNR]

Great Job! Used the M14 for everything from ground defense team, Shipboard MAA and burial details. Always reliable! Never let me down. Stay safe and God Bless!

[JC Karrantza]

When I was deployed for OIF II to East Baghdad, I was issued a Winchester M14 in addition to my M4. I switched out often using the M4 mostly for hard entries and for my gunner to use in the hatch. Despite taking a lot of guff for it, I found I preferred the 14 for dismounted patrols in the city. Often our terrain range in the concrete canyons would be somthing like thrity meters to the left and right and 500m+ to the front and back. I spent a lot of time on rooftops like the Sheraton Hotel so would turn the gas switch off (changing from semi to bolt action) for the added shot stability.
I was issued a springfield GEN III mount like you but I never had any jam problems with it. In fact mine never jammed once the whole year. just luck I guess. Along with a Leupold Vari-X 3.5-10 power mil dot. zeroed to 400m I could hold over from 50 to 800m inside the reticle. I did have to get some help from friends at home for a new spring and op rod which had been drilled by someone for hot loads which caused cycling problems. and of course the round extractor and wrench. In all I probably had to spend about $350.
I normally carried eight mags(five of which I had to buy myself)of m118LR and a magazine of tracer to mark targets with at distance. (a tip I got from Gunny Hathcock's SOP). I had wood stock but it was varnished and never swelled on me. Althogh I did want a McMillan stock for the pistol grip and bipod mounting point.
In all My M14, #10119184 ("Lily") never gave me single problem after the spring/rod replacements. I adored that weapon and would go back with her in a heartbeat. To be frank, I would go anywhere in the world with a 14.

[Mark]

I carried that rifle, both the standard and later the sniper version, for several years. If you need ANYTHING let me know. If I don't have it or the answer I am sure I can get it.
Mark
FLPD1310@Bellsouth.Net
Oh - good job identifying a problem and solution

[John Scanlan]

Brings tears of amnesia to my dim eyes...the year was, well, Project Mercury was in it's infancy (recall the excellent movie The Right Stuff). This 18 year old fire eater, and his M-14, were tighter'n ticks on a dawg. Fast-forward a coupla lifetimes; the once-18 year old is in a barber shop in sunny Kuwait, which, it seems, is roughly a few thousand clicks from the sun. In walks a member of the current crop of 18 year olds, totin' a familiar-lookin piece of gear...the ole Mama-14! That 18 year-old fire eater, allowing this relic to hold the ole piece, was, perhaps, the best gift I could have received during that tour...next to boarding that freedom bird. Thanks, Soldier!

SSG John Scanlan
USA (Ret)

[Big Jim]

The M-14 is far better then the M-16. If you could take two troopers and have them stand side by side the one with the M-14 would hit the furest target .Now in combat ,you want to keep the enemy as far away from you as possible and still be able to kill them. that's what the M-14 is for plus look at the knock down power of that weapon.

[Rod T]

Sounds like a case of good initiative but bad judgment. I commend your efforts to turn a sh!t sandwich into a gourmet feast but sounds like time could have been better spent seeking out the replacement front sight post.
You could have purchased one on the net and had it shipped from the states in a matter of days. Far less time than the month it took to get all the other garb. Lot of work for a novelty weapon.

Semper Fi Mac.

[Alan]

I'm sure glad you're on our side! It's guys like you with initiative and perseverance that make us the best military force in the world. Thank you for your service.

[Steve]

I'm pretty glad that there are so many M-14 lovers out there because I'll be getting the M-21 (Synthetic stock,otherwise the same as an M-14) in addition to my M-4 soon, and it's good to know it's one of those weapons that you can count on. I'm far too young to remember the 14 but I have seen it on tv. It'll be great to have a reliable accurate weapon for my DM responsibilites

[SGT. Richard C]

The M-14 celebrates it's 50th anniversary this year 2007 in anministering Justice. See the SRSS-14 @ www.ShortRifles.com

[Matt]

Hey...how about some "in the field" reading on how it ended up working out for you vs. shooting that coiled up spring loaded M16

[SFC Hillis]

Get to drop any fuckers?

[FMFDoc]

My one question is....WHY? M16 front site posts are a dime a dozen in theatre, any armorer could have hooked up a resourceful Sergeant. It sounds like you had a lot of time on your hands, especially if it took you 30+ days to get that relic operational. I'm sure your fireteam loved that. I applaud your efforts and your service, but I feel your time could have been better spent.

[Eric Daniel]

A little clarity here. Once I arrived in Iraq (I got to my unit that is) and things settled down, I was able to get a front sight post easily enough (there were boxes of them in supply) and repair the M-16 I was issued. However, by that time I had already initiated my M-14 crusade. Having used the M16A2 in Desert Storm, I was less than impressed with it’s durability, reliability and lethality and saw the M14 as an upgrade in all areas, so having acquired the weapon, I was less than enthusiastic about giving it up (to this day I’d rather carry the M-14 over any member of the M-16/M-4 family.) The reality is, once I had my M-16 repaired I patrolled with it until I got the M-14 operational, whereupon I parked the M-16 next to my cot.

I wrote this piece not so much as to highlight the difficulty in getting my assigned weapon repaired (more than anything else I was a victim of bad luck) but rather in the hope that should someone else find themselves in a similar situation, they would know where to turn to for the resources needed to put the weapon into service.

Finally, yes, $700 seems like a lot of money to spend out of pocket to place a government issued weapon into service, and yes, everything I purchased was available through the Army’s supply system, however I did not have the time to waste waiting for the system to figure out how to order the parts. Having ordered the parts however, they’re mine now, and if ever the Army issues me another M-14 it won’t take me a month to get that thing up to speed.

[T.E.Chester]

Years ago I worked as an "Agressor" after AIT. I used an M-14. Loved it. Had no problems with it. Used the blanks from an M-60 for ammo. Only problem I EVER had was when I tried a "combat" load with an extra round and the spent casing didn't eject. That was very quickly fixed.
The stock was made out of plastic it wasn't wood. It did have the butt plate that did swing out. I tried using it but found I didn't need to.
Yes the weapon was heavy, but it was very very reliable. You could get it dirty and it would still work. I loved it.
There was a follow up on the M-14 which was the M-14A-2. If you ever see a picture of it you'll see how they made an excellent weapon even better.

[Victoria]

You know...there should be a way you could at least deduct the cost of upgrading your M14 from your taxes. Good job on making something from nothing in the situation that you had. My goodness - do I need to start a letter campaign to make sure you guys get your equipment when you need it? It just makes me shake my head.

[tom baxter]

sarge, sounds like youve got the resorces to do what needs to be done. thats great.when i got tired of lugging my m79 in nam i traded with a guy going in for his m14.not like i could go test fire it in the sticks without wigging guys out so first time to have to use it it jammed up on single shots and had to use my fingers and p38 on each round. i still have nightmares about that.still wonder how long the guy that had it knew about the problem and if he did why not let me know.was stuck with it for 2 weeks in the sticks untill we went back to resuply.single shot rifle sucks when you need firepower.never did find that guy.but all during my training and qualifying i used an m14.best all around rifle out there.like a chevy 327. ha.it was easy to adjust and took a lot of puishment and dust and mud but kept on fireing just like the old 45.the m16 couldnt take as much punishment or it would jam up.you worked your butt off trying to keep them clean and oiled but between the choppers and the rain and mud it boiled down to the rifle.keep your butt down and know we are thinking about you. come home safe. tom baxter

[playertwo]

having hunted a lot up in Michigan for white tails a lot before I went down to Benning I feel in with the eskimos for the ANG and hit 38-40 my first qual for my camo cover. remember all that stuff? boy that was '82..
what all that hunting taught me was that it does really all depend and that for most bolos an M16 is that better bet because an idiot can fire it and lay down a base of fire for boundin etc.
but once you go actually walking for miles through the woods for a deer tenderloin, theres no better feeling than laying in a long shot that wasnt expected.
just as I would want someone with a 203 in my team I sure as hell would want an M14 around to do big damage long distance. It pains me that the article started with a pile of m14's. what is that?!!
and when did the Army get so damned mickey mouse and not have everyone trick out their weapons for the best accuracy?
I wouldve had a towel with rubber bands on that thing to make a monte carlo.
Good luck bro and dont get stuck in any doorways with that pipe.

[Neal Stapel]

Let me know if you need ammo for your m-14. List the type and an amount. It will be provided to you at no charge. I can be reached via myspacehttp:

www.myspace.com/nealsparchment

[JamesA]

My congrats to a superior member of "our sisters in green"! I was first issued a 14 in USMC boot camp (1970). Did all my quals with one for the first year I was in. Was issued a 16 in Nam, it jammed the first time I needed it... Couldn't get a 14, picked up an AK-47 which served me well the rest of my time in the jungle. The only drawback was, it tended to draw a lot of 'friendly fire', mostly from Army types...

[Jim Tate]

I used a M14 in Nam as a Marine
and also fired the M1 in Boot Camp, But I tell you for accuracy no weapon can beat the M14,you can lay back at 3-400 yards and your enemy hasn't got a prayer.
It was McNamara (Sec. Defense)
Johnson's adminstration that shoved the M16 down the throats of the fighting man, Even the Army protested to no avail. McNamara was a Ford Motor co. paper pusher. he was the idiot that caused us to loose the Vietnam War.
Johnson stayed drunk during the war and McNamara run the war. He didn't want to make the Chinese or Russians mad at us.I know because I was there in Washington guarding Pres. Johnson in 64.

[Eric]

The original intent of the M16 series was to provide a lighter rifle that was more controlable in full-auto fire, and one which would allow the soldier to carry more ammuition for the same weight in the "basic load" (I don't know for certain, but how many guys carry a "basic load" for combat? I doubt many, you carry as much damn ammo as you may need, and then add 100 rounds.) That is all well and good until you realize that you must expend three times the ammunition to ensure a stop. Also, now with the A2 series, and all the optics and accesories that are being attached to the M4s (making them look like the rifle version of a Swiss Army knife), the savings in weapon weight is gone. So where, pray tell, is the economy of this weapon? (Probably in the kick-backs and post-retirement jobs to Pentagon brass.)
The M-14 and the T-48 FAL should be brought into service to replace this mouse-gun we've been issuing for 40 years. The 16 series has outlived its utility, and has proven, time and time again, that it is NOT up to the task it was assigned.
The Dept of Army and Corps of Naval Infantry are issuing dedicated marksmans rifles now (heavy barreled flat-top M16s with NO sights, just optics). Why do this when they could pull out and dust off some of the several hundred thousand M14s and kit them up like the Sarge did? I know that some units have done so, most notably 2ID, (HOOAH!) But the brass seem to want to stick with the lame duck they have been pushing into the hands of the troops for years.
They could also do the same with the T48 FALs sitting around gathering dust at Quantico. Both such rifles could easily be outfitted with optics, IN ADDITION TO the excellent iron sights on the rifles. They would also extend the reach of the designated marksmen. These guys are supposed to be able to reliably hit a target out to 600m with a -16.
Yes it is possible, but does it actually DO anything? I'd rather have the ability to reliably engage a target out to 800+m with a 7.62x51 and KNOW that the target will not be getting back up.
Lets put the 5.56 back where it belongs....out in the prairie dog towns, it works well on those little insurgents!

[stuart teater]

There is no substitute for the man-stopping power of he M14...a favorite weapon of many marines I know, who served in vietnam.

[John Murphy]

I believe this is negative propaganda re: OIF role.
Reading between the lines, you can see a picture of desperation and fear offered as the American Soldier's companion when being sent into combat.
In essence, this would suggest "Get your own personal weapon when sent to war since the United States government doesn't have any concern for you when it sends you into harms way.
Do you know the logistics involved in redesigning, acquiring vendors, and getting possession of all the items this alleged Soldier needed to rebuild an M-14 in the field; in order to survive in Iraq?
As far as all the rangefinder gadgets, BDC, Mildot tables, Test data for at least four "Target" bullets, (which is what he's describing), on the individual weapon, do you know what that involves?
Especially for predetermined ballistic tables for a myriad of target grade ammunition? Remember, this data, although in general close, must be validated by test firing the weapon at those ranges. I know what this involves, I do it!
If he is in a combat zone, on a mission, I guarantee you he has NO time to play at this.

There is one other very significant point that makes me think this story is all bunk. In compliance with the Geneva Convention rules, individual weapons carried by ALL American troops are allowed to fire only full metal jacket ball ammunition. That law has NOT been waived. No target or hunting style bullets allowed, period!

In addition, his descriptions of Leupolds tactical scopes, M 1 - M 3 adjustments are wrong!!!
If he was in a LRRP / Sniper unit, the proper armament would be issued.

The magazines used in the M-14 have always been dicey.

The scope mounts, since the weapon is designed to be carried in combat and used in Military competition with IRON SIGHTS only, precludes any quick and easy scope mounting options. The biggest inhibitor is the mount invite jamming on extraction.

Andrew, this is a good lesson. The author plays on your emotional support of our fighting men.

He castigates the logistical supply system for our troops; and he does it very effectively. You are about the tenth person to tell me this sad story.
The internet is a great source of information; it's up to you to VET everything you see.

[c. h. mccarroll]

the m14 was (and is) the best rifle that was ever made and used. I never even saw the m16 while I was vietnam (THANK GOD!!) it's always been said that the army got all the new stuff and the marine corps got what was left over. this was a case where it couldn't have worked out better! SEMPER FI!

[Gene Hutchins]

I was in the "old army" (1967 to 1971), and had an M-14 for most of time. I didnot
get the M-16 till late 1970 in Viet Nam. The M-14 is the best of the two without hesitation or qualification.

You have the best weapon.

[Reuben Bautista]

I was issued the m14 in basic. I could never get it to jam. In Vietnam I was issued an m16. The very first one. It was a of crap. Many of our soldiers died as the result of it. I later heard that it came with something called a bolt assist. Hell knows what that is? I bought an m14a1 in I984 and I am very happy to own it. I came out on the history channel. The Tail of gun has me cleaning my m16ar2/15?? It showed that there were indeed problems with the m16. To bad it took so long and so many lives. I loved your story and I also had problems with the scope mounts.
Reuben Bautista "sgt.bautista@sbcglobal.net

[Bob Will]

I go back even further. I was originally issued and qualified expert on an M-1. It is a bit hefty but utterly reliable and accuracy to 600m. (I have two of them in my collection and they still shoor great.)

Later I was issued an M-14. It is really an M-1 with an M-1 carbine gas system and introduced the notoriously unreliable magazine caused, no doubt, by being furnished by the lowest bidder. While full auto was a fantasy of some general, it was totally uncontrollable in full auto.

Of all the production battle rifles available today, you have the best.

Thanks for serving and keeping us old timers informed!

[Anon]

Reuben,
You "Came out" on the history channel? I don't know if that is an appropriate post here. But thanks for sharing!

Great write up on the M14. I've worked with both systems (M14 - M16/4) and agree that you can't beat the reach and stopping power of the 7.62x51.

Good luck, and remember not to draw fire, because it annoys the ones around you. Cheers!

[Mike E.]

It's embarassing for the US that you should have to drop into a combat zone without ammo. I would've sent you some or donate to a cause to do this if I knew.

Did your M14 see any action?

[cuocco]

RA 67-70
Qualified Expert with M-14 and m-16.
M-14 by far, best rifle ever.
M-16, my first impression was it was made by Mattel!.
Piece of junk. Sure , you can carry more bang for the buck with the m-16 and I'll take less ammo with sure fire stopping power.