By now it is well known that the U.S. Army established a need to standardize a sniper rifle in 7.62x51mm NATO caliber. This was necessary in order to field one such rifle for precision sniping and to replace the literal myriad of sniper rifles currently in the system. For the record, these sniper rifles include the venerable M14 semi-automatic rifle and the M24 Remington bolt action rifle, the Mk 11 and others, which have been purchased by individual SOCOM units.
In the wake of 9/11 and America’s entry into the Global War On Terrorism (G-WOT), most of the remaining 40,000 M14 rifles in the U.S. military’s inventory (mostly the U.S. Navy) have been taken out of storage in order to be re-built as precision semi-automatic rifles for sniping use. Many of these rifles that weren’t destroyed during the Clinton Era were given to “friendly” countries and there has also begun a move to “buy” some of them back.
The M14’s popularity as a sniper rifle dates back to its development as a National Match competition rifle during the 1960’s, its evolution into the M21 Sniper Rifle used in the Vietnam War, and its evolution into the XM25 Sniper Rifle by the U.S. Army and Navy in the years that followed. Properly fitted, the M14 is capable of extremely good accuracy and is highly reliable, but it has had less than optimum results from being used with a sound suppressor. Still, the M14 has made the transition into a 21st Century Sniper Rifle as the DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) by the United States Marine Corps and its more recent transformation by the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
Being a highly modified Model 700 Remington bolt-action repeating rifle, the M24 is capable of great precision accuracy. However, lessons were relearned in Somalia and in target-rich environments encountered in the G-WOT that a self-loading rifle can be fired in succession 4 to 5 times faster than a bolt action rifle. Thus, the Army was determined to standardize a semi-automatic sniper rifle.
The third rifle mentioned is the Mk 11, a refined version of the SR– 25 (Stoner Rifle-25) rifle, which is made by Knight’s Armament Company, of Titusville, Florida. Like the others, the Mk 11 is chambered for the 7.6x51mm NATO cartridge, but it contains modifications dictated by the U.S. Navy SEALS, which is a member of the SOCOM. However, using the Mk 11 identified issues that the Army found desirable in an AR10-style sniper rifle…
Read the entire article from Soldier of Fortune at Military.com’s Warfighter’s Forum.
It has been a long time since I used the M14, and I fell in love with the rifle. I love the ifle so much that I have been trying to purchase one for my collection. I have tried for the last several years, if one can be purchased please let me know where and how. THANKS
Couldn’t resist a swipe at Clinton
1 — I knew there were a lot of sniper rifle variants since 1917, but 10,000?
2 — I wonder if the Army will inquire of the sniper what he really wants. Or will it be as it was when I was designing weapons for the Army: “Bill, don’t ever talk to the troops. We are the developing agency. They use what we develop.“
3 — All sound suppressors (aka “silencers”) with which I am familiar (since 1944) affect transitional ballistics–and hence accuracy– because they must be located close to the point of bullet emergence. Is there some new way to suppress the shock wave from a supersonic bullet?
1 — Really? 10,000 sniper rifles out there? (Look up myriad!).
2 — Amusing (NOT!) to consider that once upon a time in my checkered career as a weapons designer I was told off by an Army procurement officer at ——– Arsenal after I was caught eating lunch with the members of an artillery battery: “Bill, don’t ever talk to the troops. WE are the developing agency. THEY use what we develop.” The system designed to provide — through the “schools” — field input from a ROC through a MENS to a development was perverted by those in the system who “knew better” what the soldier should want! Is anything changing? No!
3 — I hope that those who sit in comfortable offices and read the NYT and WSJ can, maybe, just maybe, come up with something useful. But, in accord with Santayana, I tend to the belief that their efforts will result yet again in a piece of equipment for everyone that satisfies no one.
Thankfully Bill Clinton didn’t give the M-14s to his gay campaign contributors the way he gave nuclear secrets to his Chinese campaign contributors.
I was not a marksman not even much more than guarding a few fences and have not had the opportunity to fire many rounds from an m-14. I had to carry the m-9, m-60, and the m-16 and the whole time I rather missed hunting with my dads 30–06, 30–30, and 303 British. All 3 were much better at hitting a target spot on and even the 22’s at the scout camp fired with more accuracy than the m-16.
I don’t see any reason for a highly skilled sniper to be forced to carry only a small caliber weapon based off the nasty (AR-15) m-16 rounds. The .223 has a uneven ballistics range to penetration. I also rather disliked that the weapon was prone to having a slight problem with wind having too much effect to the flight path.
Yes a good sniper can make due with any rifle or even a flintlock if he had to… BUT WHY HANDICAP OUR TEAM?
Shoot even bringing back the old 303 would likely give our side an advantage. Creating a new 303 in semi auto wouldn’t be so bad either.
Oops forgot to note it was 2 mags per man in the post immediately below about my M-16 in nam.
Oops forgot to note it was 2 mags per man in the post immediately below about my M-16 in nam.
The priciple problem with the M-16 rifle was the MilSpec rod ammo. The weapon was designed to fire DOW octahedral-flake powder producing the 4400fps velocity. FAM firing had no detrimental affects except on the barrel over extended use. The DoD cheaped out and replaced it with cap and ball ammo, making it the same as the old M-1 carbine ammo. Thusly the the slower burning rod powder failed to accuate the extractor piston cojent to the mechanism. Ater 3 rounds the carbon buildup was so bad the it further degraded the weapons loading and extracting to the point that u had to pry each shell out of the chamber after firing single shot.
The priciple problem with the M-16 rifle was the MilSpec rod ammo. The weapon was designed to fire DOW octahedral-flake powder producing the 4400fps velocity. FAM firing had no detrimental affects except on the barrel over extended use. The DoD cheaped out and replaced it with cap and ball ammo, making it the same as the old M-1 carbine ammo. Thusly the the slower burning rod powder failed to accuate the extractor piston cojent to the mechanism. Ater 3 rounds the carbon buildup was so bad the it further degraded the weapons loading and extracting to the point that u had to pry each shell out of the chamber after firing single shot.
This stock system for the M-14 will solve many problems and move it “Back to the Future”. Semper Fi. Dike http://www.ShortRifles.com
As a Marine Corps, Viet Nam, veteran, I or we, my rifle and I became inseparable, we therefore have a very special bond. As a Marine, you get to know every strength and weakness, with the weapon that save your lfe, and help you save other lives. The reliability on the weapon and theability to maximine the full potential of the M-14, make you a very formable, and lethal combination. The Marine Corps, is the worlds very best in training, for individuals, into becoming experts, in the use of weaponary. I, am as proud as any Marine, that became an expert in the shooting of the very best rifle, ever used, during my tour in the Marine Corps, the M-14. I,ve used the 16, the 15, ak, M-1, by far the M-14, is the most reliable, dependable, and the one that you know can get the job done , whether it is 50 yds, or 1,000 yds. A true sempi fi. Any improvements, that could be made, would make it an even better rifle, a symbol, of freedom, being bought and paid for, the most meaningful way, kill or be killed.
I love how most people site Nam as why they hate or dislike the M-16. Guys the modern version is just as good as a AK-47, even better by the time you add its way more accurate. I think the M-16 has a lot of life left in her, and I hope shes still around for a good many years. Also comparing Nam M-16s to todays M-16s is like comparing Russias AKs to Chinas AKs. They both have the same name but one it a peice of trash, the other is a reliable gun that will last for many many years, in the hands of a profesinal soldier.
Nam was a wake up call, and sadly a bunch of men died. But lets not blame the guns we used, lets put the blame were it belongs, the French who go tus into the whole mess to begin with. A weapon is only as good as its user. A good gun in the hands of a bad user will never be as efective as a bad gun in the hands of a good user.
I don’t know where john holland gets his info,but there is NO known propellant that can get 4400 fps with a 150 grain bullet out of a case the size of a 7.62 NATO, at pressures that the action and brass can handle.2400 fps is far closer to the truth,especially with a 20 inch barrel.A 300 Rem Ultra Mag may push velocities into that zone,but they need 105 to 110 grains of AA 8700,and your barrel life will be about 700 –800 rounds, even with a stainless steel barrel.You will also need a reciever not much smaller than one for a 50 BMG to handle the cartidge.
It was the Cheapo Mr Mac Namarra that queered the M16.…..He and the rest of the politicians that wanted to run the friggin war! Although Slick Willy did his best by destroying Combat Weapons (BTW Just think what the Bitch will do)!
Speaking as a USMC RVN Vet.……M16’s sprayed a lot of rounds out in blind volume of fire and M14s are more useful for aimed precision fire, but can be used in semi or full auto if needed! Shooting like in the sandbox wars I would like to have had the M14 personally.……I carried a 12 ga shotgun in Vietnam, and it wasn’t for bird hunting! The M16 sucked!
…having been a “Dead Head” (Delay and Harassment Trooper), give me the M-21 ANYTIME! Go ahead and talk about “Reaching out and Touching” someone. THAT Sniper System will always be the best (in numbers)!
All rifle just made for shoot, and for the real warrior didn,t depend on what like and dislike the rifle that who their operate, all rifle type should be carry on to combat for proven, but let the facts show on…and sometime a good rifle not in the hands of a good shooter, in other part sometime a good shooter could be maximize a poor rifle…just for survive
Actually the M110 thus far has proved dismal at best.
All three that have been fielded to my sniper teams have failed and gone down. All have to go back to KAC because of these dramatic failures. We had to do a 1 for 1 replacement and lost all of our M24’s which was the saddest day in our teams history. Now we can’t get them back and we have no sniper rifles.
The M110 is nice in theory but makes no sense when put into operation. The only nice part about it is that you get a suppressor to come with it.
It’s requires a high level of maintenance, encourages snipers to take multiple shots, jams after twenty rounds with the suppressor and is super expensive to fix.
Because of her waste, her money have been became the Archlord cheap.
As your apprentice, I always waste your cheap Habbo Coins. But I really not to think that you left so suddenly, then am duty-bound not to turn back!
Finally, I gained have sufficed the LOTRO Gold, had the family. We were in together finally.
Now, you have Hellgate London Palladium and you might buy tens of billions experience values.
If we do not have the good fortune this life, we will see with each other and that time I will buy last chaos gold enough for you in next life.
I was excited, originally it was such simple, and it also needs a little cheap mabinogi.
Do you know that I am so heart-struck? But I still will buy imvu credits for your equipment.
Now I have more Sword of the New World Vis in this game. Of course the Sword of the New World Gold is gained by I upgrade and kill the monsters. If you kill a big monsters you can get more Sword of the New World money.
The Stock Mini-14 200–500 effect range as tested 750 rds a minute
1–1.5moa or better
DMR effect range 600yds .35-.45 SubMOA average.4
EMR effect range 1100yds .25-.35 Submoa average .3
unlike the M-16 Jams alot which is designed to wound and 2 enemy carry out targets the
M-14 KILLS put bluntly.
I own a Ruger All Weather –M-14 for leisure use until I can obtain a EMR from Quantico eventually
which are for military modified by military personnel –Ideal for Mtn or Desert terrain !!!
an outfitted stock / DMR or EMR will kill what ever you shoot at properly trained –shoot it like plinking targets –So easy a 1st time beginner can shoot you dead –my 10yr old nephew
could hit a 3″ target at 200yds first time out –a real no brainer and NO Failures ever –not one jam as of yet –Kill Capability –Example deer at 250 yds –stockish M-14 standard copper/brass
both lungs and heart no exit wound –dead standing –27 kills straight –record 7 at one time –don’t run if none fall !!! I have use a springfield –not bad at all
I’ve used an M-16 –disgusted 1991 –Jammer still
M-60 lots of fun
I will never part with my mini-14 and I plan to
purshase an EMR or maybe by then an improved yet EMR Mini-14 –note there is a twin drum feed available for the Mini 14 and the newer yet mini30 which I’ve yet to try –Why? I love my mini 14 –Hate chasing game –hell I started spooking my targets at 200yds just to shoot em running –very very easy with the Mini-14
note: Gulf War “Warlords” as if that matters –If I were back in service I’d insist on the EMR Mini
anytime!!! Try one you’ll see –if one doesn’t see you first –ps 30 out of 30 all head shots is easy –Note for a bolt action a modified 338 lapau magnum isn’t that bad as a Mid range
1,500-2000yd rifle futher out keep the 50 range!
Additional note the trajectory on a mini is relatively flat so uphill/downhill or level is really no problem –run with a 1:7–1:8 twist accurized and suppressed –SWWWEEEETTTT Magic
Libertarian/Peoples Militia
note I really don’t believe in taking human life –pressed I’ll use the Mini –Point hopefully overstated –try watching History of the Rifle on the History Channel — with Gunny
Additional mini-14 commentary:
Ok you have a stock all weather stainless mini-14 or standard staocker —to further enhance accuracy WITHOUT a Target Barrel you may go to
har-bar.com and check out their stabilizing method very inexpensively $159 first fix then turn around and add a Springfield armory or such muzzle break and you have greatly increased your accuracy –say 1’groups without any other mods for about $225 and will embarrass the AR-15 matcher’s at the range or –go shoot some gophers !
Again these mods are recommended to/for responsible target-hunters being primarily of the Pascifist line of thought — BTW the 55gr winchester supremes black oxide coated grey ballistic tip varmint rounds –do very well on deer –1″ hole through and through –as tested so far –very accurate indeed –FAVORITE new
over the counter round for the 223—also will add barrel life and the nickle plated brass loads and ejects magnicifantly as well!!!
HAWK
I have a Springfield Armory 4-14x56 midot Government Model scope mounted on my Rem. 300 WM with a jewel and a HS Percision police tatical stock. Does anybody have anything good about this scope/rifle marriage?
I have a Springfield Armory 4-14x56 midot Government Model scope mounted on my Rem. 300 WM with a jewel and a HS Percision police tatical stock. Does anybody have anything good about this scope/rifle marriage?
I haven’t put this scope to the test and was wondering if anyone has had experiance with the
Springfield as it is impressive to me coming out of the box. I am looking to do extensive DOPE on the combination and hoping that the scope is everything that is looks.