Comments on: New Lease on Life for the Beloved M-14

By: WEPTime

WEPTime — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:31:24 +0000

Both 5.56 and 7.62 are vital and employed together in a correct weapons mix are very effective (Yes, even the 20, 25, 30 MM Ect have their place) Considering the logistics and capability, availity, and all the other “ilities”, the M-14 is fulfilling a valuable modern-day combat role. It meets an obivious need, adds balance and effectiveness to to a combat unit. The Teams recognized this many years ago, other SF’s followed suit and it is eventually becomming SOP for many others. (SNAFU’s not withstanding) As far as a newer weapons (replacements) are concerned, there are many studies, prototypes, field trials and perhaps actual combat trials for several calibers/mechanisms. Procurement will still depend upon the balance between guns and butter versus need.

By: A. Physicist

A. Physicist — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:32:27 +0000

@"Beliver" (sic): The plural of 'anecdote' is not 'data'. Sure, 7.62 is a better round once it leaves the barrel. But 20mm is better still, so why not use it? There are always going to be trade-offs in these acquisitions, and it's just unfortunate that Afghanistan presents ranges and elevations which exceed some of the limits of the M4. It's not clear that there's a better 'overall' platform, though.

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:22:46 +0000

The new life for the M-14 is very redeeming. In 1965 (44 years ago) when I was in the U.S. Army (West Germany) our unite did the boots on the ground evaluation of the M-14, M-16 and Stoner rifles for USAEUR. The results were a toss-up. All were very good on the firing ranges out to 400 meters, if you were good with the M-14 you were good with the M-16 and Stoner and vise-versa. Some liked the light weight M-16 and it

By: Luke the Intrepid

Luke the Intrepid — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:52:22 +0000

I think it’s high time we got serious about man portable firepower. None of this sissy 5.56 this and 6.8 that. Tactical battlefield thermonukes are where the future is at. That’ll put some daylight into the enemies calculatin.

By: gunjunkie

gunjunkie — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:43:06 +0000

The EBR is an amazing rifle. When I fired it (about two mags) I was surprised at the low recoil. It did feel a little heavy towards the muzzle but that’s because of the collapsing stock and the rail system in the front-middle. It did keep on target better than I thought I could in the dark. just luv the 7.62. the guy who owned it sold his custommized m-14 to get it.
overall sweet weapon, maybe a little heavier, but hey, you can’t have 5lbs and serious firepower. if the bigger rd keeps haiji from getting off a few rounds of the same size better than the puny 5.56 its worth it.

By: chehene

chehene — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:29:35 +0000

I qualified with the M14…I wish I still had it…

By: fmJK-47

fmJK-47 — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 01:17:24 +0000

The M14 is a proven combat effective weapon-system. Its a good mediator rifle from a lighter assault rifle in 5.56x45mm NATO and a heavier precision rifle like the M40 or the M21. With semi auto capability and the pistol grip stock it produces good, accurate, medium range fire power. Soldiers will feel more confident with the stopping power of the 7.62x51mm NATO round

By: anon

anon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:14:45 +0000

I’ve never seen active service, but had reserves training. I’ve fired M16A2, Steyr AUG & FN FAL.
The change in ballistics power between the 5.56 and the 7.62 is phenominal.
I’ve seen a range line up of newbies consistantly (as in 8–9 out of ten targets down) hit mansize targets at 600 metres on a mechanised range with iron sights.
And given the terminal ballistics of the 7.62 round, and it’s ability to defeat light cover,I have no doubt that even with limited optical improvements, the M14’s will greatly increase a fireteams tactical options and lethality.

By: Vitor

Vitor — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:33:38 +0000

DI is also a 1940 tech (or older), silly ;)
http://world.guns.ru/rifle/rfl17-e.htm

By: Emastro

Emastro — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:28:05 +0000

How many M-14’s are left? Weren’t a bunch of them destroyed back in the Clinton Admin?