Ok, this story takes a while, so stick with me.
I was mobilized for OIF III on Veterans 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 rifles 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 arent enough to go around. Youll 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. Youll 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 Id 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.
Heres 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 werent doing much good there on the floor. He asked me if Id 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.
Thats 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 Leupolds QRW detachable rings, was not resting properly on the supplied scope mount, a Springfield Armory Gen. III mount.
It wont 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 Armys 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 (youd 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 youre 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 dont 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 havent 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 wasnt 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 dont need to count clicks when applying windage, you just rotate the BDC windage knob to the appropriate range and youre set. This is also a lifesaver when it comes to re-setting your scope after making several range adjustments. I havent gone this route yet, but if ever I get tapped for deployment again, I will probably have some built (just in case.)
just a note from this Nam era Marine: great story, sad doings, typical (Army?), but, after all that.……now you have a WEAPON. the M16 is a toy.
If given the choice, use the 175gr load. It is the same as civilian match produced by Black Hills. In bolties it is sub moa out to 1000 yards.
I suppose there is a logic to this, but I can’t find it. Sgt. Daniel went to all this trouble and personal expense to trick out an M14, but couldn’t mail order a new front sight post for his M4? I can’t buy that. IMHO, this is a neat customization article that belongs in a gun magazine.
FWIW, DPMS offers an entire catalog page of 16 different front sight posts. They cost $7.50
Look here: http://www.dpmsinc.com/support/catalog/DPMSCatalog_RTL07_4.pdf
Doesn’t surprise me then again if I had been sent to Afghanistan I always said I would acquire an SVD with 20 round magazines as 5.56 x 45mm just doesn’t cut the mustard on the two way rifle range.
Eric, that “defunct” selector switch cover. It is held in place by a split-pin.
Just about every soldier that came out of Viet Nam had a selector switch in his duffle.
If you get yourself a selector switch, replace the cap with it, and try it out, you’ll find you can burn up more ammo than you ever dreamed of in full automatic.
(Just have the good sense not to burn up the weapon.)
Eric, that “defunct” selector switch cover. It is held in place by a split-pin.
Just about every soldier that came out of Viet Nam had a selector switch in his duffle.
If you get yourself a selector switch, replace the cap with it, and try it out, you’ll find you can burn up more ammo than you ever dreamed of in full automatic.
(Just have the good sense not to burn up the weapon.)
I agree that this article sounds like a bunch of B.S. that belongs in a gun rag. A front sight post would be EASY to find here, or in Iraq. What exactly is your specialty? Mail Clerk?
Referencing the above comments:
gyrfalcon, I’m in Afghanistan now in a detachment with no organic support. Just for fun I went to try and find a front sight post. Since yesterday I have had no luck. I did find one armorer and he told me he would replace it for me if I could bring him the part. Since I was not part of his unit he wouldn’t give me the part.
Dave, He had an M16A2 not an M4.
HoaxMeister & All others,
If he had wanted a mickey mouse piece of crap weapon I’m sure he could have gotten another M16. But who really wants that piece of crap. That being said, if he wants to spend $700 on getting a better weapon that he is authorized to carry (US Gov property versus personal property) that is on him.
Don’t be a hater.
Referencing the above comments:
gyrfalcon, I’m in Afghanistan now in a detachment with no organic support. Just for fun I went to try and find a front sight post. Since yesterday I have had no luck. I did find one armorer and he told me he would replace it for me if I could bring him the part. Since I was not part of his unit he wouldn’t give me the part.
Dave, He had an M16A2 not an M4.
HoaxMeister & All others,
If he had wanted a mickey mouse piece of crap weapon I’m sure he could have gotten another M16. But who really wants that piece of crap? That being said, if he wants to spend $700 on getting a better weapon that he is authorized to carry (US Gov property versus personal property) that is on him.
Don’t be a hater.
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
Good Morning Folks,
I see it’s still going to war on the cheap. The M-14’s in Government storage are 50 years old, many saw a tour or two in Vietnam, all are worn out. There is a cost effective solution to this porblem, buy new Springfield M-1A1’s.
Two factors are involved here first of all the “new” M-1A1 is in fact a new rifle from flash suppressor to the butt stock, may faults of the orgional issue M-14 have been addressed. These improvements include but not all inclusive of: a heavier barrel made of new, harder steel and is chrome lined, new bolt and firing pin assembly that includes a firing pin that doesn’t want to break and sealed roller bearing at the point where the bolt and operating rod connect, a new reciever and synthetic stock to name a few of the changes.
Now for the deal maker at retail the basic M-14A1 is in the $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 price range, considering a retail mark up of 40% the per unit cost of $600.00 to $800.00 per rifle to the military SHOULD be under an grand a unit. This price is WAY, WAY below the cost per unit in a recent Army contract to Colt for M-4A1’s.
Each Soldier/Marine issued an M-1A1 would in a sense be saving the Government money. Where’s the down side here?
ALLONS,
Byron Skinner
We are journalists from public broadcasting and a major US daily newspaper, trying to find out if our soldiers and marines in Iraq have the best possible equipment to protect them and do their job. We’re looking into complaints about the M-16 and M-4, Interceptor body armor, the “up-armored” Humvee, the laser device that distracts oncoming vehicles, the lack of an anti-RPG device like the Trophy and numerous smaller items like the Camelback. Could those serving please post reactions and specifics, pro or con.
Thank you,
supportourtroops
IMHO there is no comparison between the Mattel M-16 and the M-14. 5.56 verses 7.62 Nato. .223 verses .30 especially at range in excess of 100 Meters. If you tag anything or one anywhere close to center mass they arn’t getting back up. It is a good thing the Bad guys aren’t very good shots and that the AK47 or Ak74 is so loose it won’t jam and therefore is less accurate. Remember they can use your ammo, but you cant use theirs dur the differanceaces in head space. Loved the M-14, hated the M-16 for the above reasons.
Congrats on being able to persuade a armorer to let you check out your weapon. I was never able to get anyone in the supply chain issue me anything that wasn’t strictly on my list of authorized equipment.
The first part of this story sounds sadly familiar. I was lucky enough to con an M4 out of my supply Sgt only to find out that it was broken in oh so many ways however unlike the soldier writing this article I was able to repair mine and qual with it. This story is on the money with the way the army is handling this war and the training and equipment provided to the Soldiers and Marines.
God bless folks like Sgt. Daniel. I admire their initiative, tenacity, and foresight to outfit themselves with professional tools to do a professional job. The system should be better, but it isn’t. Sgt. Daniel demonstrated the highest of ideals in adapting to overcome. I hope the RIP (retired in place) procurement generals read how much more effort and personal financial sacrifice that they’re making good troops go through, just to do the job correctly. I’m going to make sure that my representative and senators read this, too. I also echo Gorny’s opening line. It is beyond reckoning how much we depend on the few taking that extra step to get it done. Mind-boggling.
Take care, Sgt. Daniel-Thank you for your exemplary service.
Paul
Why on earth would anyone necessarily believe that the so called “journalists” inquiring info. on weapons/equipment (or lack thereof for soliders and marines) are actually journalists?
Obviously there aren’t any posts that have responded yet which comforts me to a degree.
How do we know it’s not terrorists trying to get info.? Not that there aren’t other avenues of obtaining info., but this is one quick and easy (and anonymous) way to solicit intel!
Interchangeble ammo? Stuff of VN folklore. I’d like to see you get a 7.62x51mm into a 7.62x39mm without using a hammer!
Why on earth would anyone necessarily believe that the so called “journalists” inquiring info. on weapons/equipment (or lack thereof for soliders and marines) are actually journalists?
Obviously there aren’t any posts that have responded yet which comforts me to a degree.
How do we know it’s not terrorists trying to get info.? Not that there aren’t other avenues of obtaining info., but this is one quick and easy (and anonymous) way to solicit intel!
Exactly my thoughts; you would have to be overly naive to think these guys are legit.
3 things:
1) Sgt. Daniel; thanks for the information. For those who question the need for the article, info. is ammo [tks. for the extra mag. bro]. 2) Anyone who’s been FORCED to count on a M16/M4 knows its a P.O.S. [Piece Of Sh#*]! 3) For those [gyrfalcon, Dave] who question your position on the wall or why you wouldn’t buy a cheap part for a cheap P.O.S., well it’s easier to be a video game warrior then A REAL ONE!
Tks again Sgt. Daniel!!
I had the 14 after going through bootcamp with the M-1 and the rifle I had got me through to the end. It was an H&R that shot good enough to get me a sharpshooter first and an expert second time around. I liked the rifle, especially at the longer ranges. At 500 it was like swatting flies. Sweet operation (unless the gas plug was loose) and easy to take down. I don’t know why the Marines went to the 16 except on orders. My .22 LR has more knockdown and almost as much range.
This article is a wakeup call for the entire military supply system.
If you are a Sniper or Designated Marksman and your having problems with M-14’s contact http://www.americansnipers.org
Don
Can someone help me please. I am proud new owner of an M1A and I was wondering what the proper way is to sight the iron sights in. Any help would be greatly needed. If there is any diagrams or place to see the proper way to do it would be nice. I have gotten all the manuals needed for parts and operations. Thank you again. Sincerely, Sgt. Stockinger, J
I think the 5.56 M16 can be a very efficient rifle under certain conditions like say an urban environment. But if your doing shooting at 800+ yards you’d want something with a little better long range precision like say a 7.62 M14.
I think to have effective combat forces we need a blend of both worlds; give soldiers a choice between the M16/M14 or regulate distribution depending on the origin of combat they are entering.
Here is a intresting link http://www.tsroadmap.net on Full Auto Conversions and SILENCERS.
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MachineGunKelly
All of the talk about the M-14, where the hell can I buy the M-14,