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.