[MountainRecluse]

:

I'm just messing with my seniors.....

But seriously, I want all these M1A nuts to speak up and tell me why this platform is the ultimate platform. I want to hear about war stories, personal experiences, etc....

I've handled a few M14's in the Corps but was never issued one. I have also fired M1A's after I got out.


...tell me about the kind of abuse you put your rifle through. Maybe even some M14/M1A gun porn if ya feelin the vibe.

Maybe some NAM stories too. I always love talking to Nam vets.

I do recall a History Channel story about snipers in Vietnam and I believe it was an Army sniper who got cut off behind enemy lines and had nothing but an M14 and 20 rounds of x51....

....long story short, 20 rounds, 20 kills, he lived to tell the tale.

Why do YOU think this is the ultimate choice or platform? School me. Don't even think about bringing the FAL into this thread.

SEMPER FI.

 

[fragout]

Well........ I'm not a Vietnam vet, but am currently deployed and my issued rifle is an M14. My go-to rifle of choice also comes in this same flavor. My reasons.

1. I grew up around the Garand as all the men folk in my family were either USMC, or U.S. Army (both Infantry). I think it's safe to say that there is a resemblance here.....(lol)

2. This type of rifle just "feels" right in my paws. This is after alot of hands on/ownership of various other rifles over the years. for us at least.... the M14/M1A is not only a rifleman's rifle, but a true point and shoot design that feels as natural to utilize as it is the breathe. It is a very well balanced rifle for what it was designed to be used for in the first place. ( I might be what folks would consider a "fan"....

3. I prefer how the "controls" are laid out. (Location of the safety, op-rod, etc..... The design lends itself well for shooting with either hand. Southpaws should love um as is, while some right handed folks might like the addition of an SEI extended bolt stop/release.

More to follow......................

11B

 

[rice paddy daddy]

First picture in the opening post, the rifle in the foreground has the selector switch. First thing I noticed. The ones I was issued just had the cover over where the switch would mount.
My Basic Training rifle was the M14, and my Stateside issue rifle was an M14 also (Field Artillery unit). I fired Expert in Basic, and on a re-qual in 1969.
I was issued an M16-A1 for my all expense paid trip to The Land Of Enchantment.
I wished and hoped for many years, and a couple of years ago finally was able to buy a 1994 manufactured Springfield Armory Standard Model that had all USGI parts (except reciever, of course). The only accessories I have added are a Vietnam era web sling, and an issue bayonet. Just like the ones Uncle Sam provided.
When I hold her in my arms, I'm 18 and invinceable once again.

 

[fragout]

4. The M14 is a very reliable rifle from my experiences with them past and present. I've "run um dry" in some dirty environments for extended periods of time.. and without undo issues. A very durable rifle, as well built examples that are properly maintained will be around to pass down to one's next generation.

5. Parts/Mags are on the upswing nowadays, and it is only getting better. LRB Arms, Smith enterprise Inc, and 762MM Firearms to name a few. quality magazines fresh from the factory are and have been produced... (Checkmate Industries.

6. Options are plenty nowadays as well. One example = choices in stocks. Various traditional style stocks to pistol grip types are fairly deep for one to choose from. Another example = optics mounting.
As a final example, there are plenty of options as far as what an end user is looking for as his/her endstate. ( Full blown match rifles, to the shorter bbl versions.

7. 7.62x51mm. Plenty of info regarding this caliber, so all I'll say regarding this is that I prefer this cartridge, and there are plenty of various factory loads for a body to choose from...not to mention re-loading information, equipment, and supplies here.
In relation to the M14/M1A, I have found them to be a very efficient way of launching said cartridge. They are not all that picky when it comes to what is being fed to them either.
I have heard that some folks do not like to shoot alot of 180gr and up through this type of rifle for fears that it could lead to bad juju, such as a bent op-rod. There is also 2 ways around this that might be of interest to my fellow survivalists here. The first is an adjustable gas plug. The second equates to simply closing the spindle valve.... essentially turning it into a "assisted straight pull bolt action rifle. No additional costs involved, easy to do in the field with a dog tag, multitool, penny, etc..., and takes any worries about a bent op-rod out of the picture. (slot screw)

More to follow................

11B

 

[Herd Sniper]

Get a look at the photo attached to my profile name. That rifle leaning on my right shoulder is an XM-21 sniper rifle. I used it time and again over in Nam to drop bad guys and one very tasty hog. I was there for 19 months and was a sniper the last 7 months over in Nam. The farthest shot I made on a bad guy was 750 meters and the closest was about 100 meters. We used to say in the 173D Airborne that for each bad guy you shot with an M-16 it took a magazine of those puny 5.56 ammo. For each bad guy you shot with the 7.62 caliber rifles it took one round - IF YOU DID YOUR JOB RIGHT. To qualify to be a sniper I had to make a number of shots on a steel silhouette target 900 meters out and you weren't allowed to miss many targets at all. That 7.62 National Match round works great and it has the legs to go the distance!! That's one reason I would never hesitate to carry an M-1A, M-14 or M-21 rifle. They work.

 

[rice paddy daddy]

I've got one box of National Match rounds set aside for a "special occasion".
Right now I've just got a few hundred rounds of South African on hand for general purpose.
Has anyone had any experience with the German surplus? Any good?

 

[Cannon Fodder]

I've got one box of National Match rounds set aside for a "special occasion".
Right now I've just got a few hundred rounds of South African on hand for general purpose.
Has anyone had any experience with the German surplus? Any good?

Not to derail the thread, but I have had excellent luck with the German surplus. Are you talking about the stuff with the green around the primer and the "Nickel" looking bullet? I go out of my way to find it at gun shows, it shoots just as well as the South African stuff(that's saying a lot IMHO) and it looks so good! I'm a sucker for ammo that's been finished well, bright, shiny cases and whatnot.


Thanks for your service, and I'm glad you were able to use your M14 as intended, with good effect, for the good of my generation, and my children. I mean that.

 

[fragout]

Pics.

Note: I only post pics of firearms that I own. Uncle Sam owns my issued rifle. I only..... "have it on loan"...so to speak.:

This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

She was built by LRB Arms using their M14SA hammer forged receiver, Criterion (Kreiger) 18.5in chrome lined std contour bbl, NIW/like new USGI parts, and SEI Vortex direct connect flash hider/ gas lock (DT-18) front sight. (Stock = GI synthetic..... Note the gaping hole in the stock just below the op-rod dismount slot. This is where the selector lever switch or "plug" would be located on an M14 service rifle. Mine is a semiautomatic only receiver, so I have no need for this "hole" to be there. Easy fix however.....

This rifle is currently untested as of yet. I wont be able to personally "take her out on a date" until I re-deploy. ( My wife refers to them as my "girlfreinds"....lol)

Specs:

OAL = 39.5in

Weight as pictured = 8.5 to 9 lbs. (I haven't put her on my scale yet. The possible deviation regarding weight is due to the variances between USGI synthetic stocks from what I have gathered over the years.)

Iron sights = Std GI rear sight aperture, and front sight post = 0.062 (NM)

Sight radius = 21.50 in

Note: To give all an idea, a std length 22in bbl/castle nut flash hider/front sight assembly sight radius (Ie... M1A std/loaded,etc..) = 26.75in.
An 18in bbl with castle nut/flash hider/front sight assembly (Ie.... M1A Scout/Bush = 22.75in.

More to follow........

11B

 

[fragout]

Note: I can provide more details upon request, regarding how they are built, and why I chose them this way if anyone is interested.

M1A-A1 bush rifle and M14S Tanker. Both are my "older girlfreinds", and I've been dating them for quite awhile now.:

They are along similar lines as the LRB M14 mentioned above. ( I'm a rule of 3's kinda dude)

Do I think that this is the perfect rifle for me? YES
This is the type of rifle that I train with, hunt with, and fight with. I know them inside and out, am consistently researching into, and learning more about.
Note: I keep a very detailed shooters log on each, and will fabricate one up for the LRB upon returning home.

Do I think that everyone should sell what they have now, run out, and buy an M1A/M14S and make it into "the one"?
I dont have a clue, and could not say one way or the other, but I would say that it is well worth consideration to folks out looking currently.

Now for the cons, and what I did to negate them.....

1. Costs involved are substantial in comparison. I decided to achieve employment, as a remedy.

2. Weight of ammunition in comparison. My fix was to grow stronger.

3. They are addictive. So far I haven't found a cure.

11B

 

[hardcore]

a non combat vet here..my issue was the m16a1 and then later m-16a2. this is my m1a with some factory mags.

 

[fragout]

a non combat vet here..my issue was the m16a1 and then later m-16a2. this is my m1a with some factory mags.

Nice rifle brother.

What type of mount is that if you dont mind me asking?

(Cant quite make it out from the pic)

11B

 

[hardcore]

thx ... the rifle was a gift from a old friend, he had only issued me 1 mag with it, untill i bit^hed enough, then he gave me about 25 of them.
the mount is a S.A. ART IV with a redfield 4x12 scope w/range finder. the scope is tired, i would like to up grade it.

i am saving my "fun" monies to scope out a m1 or replace this redfield. its one or the other, kinda cant decide.

 

[Nomad1]

In 1968 received my first M14. It became a part of my life.....
As for the action Grand did it right the first time WW2 gave the proof and Korea as well
as to its strengths......The US government still has the M14 in service and found out
that the 7.63X51 is still a goood way to go.......
We can say that this is better than that.......the fal, ak, 91 and so on.....
What works is what you know to you can depend on to keep you and buddy alive....
The M-14 has done that for me and thousands of others.......
Disagree as you wish, argue until red in the face.......Countless lives will fight for
your freedom to do so with a M-14........

 

[DaveinCT]

Non combat Vet here as well but I do love the M14/M1A's. I own a SOCOM16 and a Standard M1A in a Cammo stock, both shoot great and are very reliable.

Some nice sticks above!!!

 

[MountainRecluse]

Non combat Vet here as well but I do love the M14/M1A's. I own a SOCOM16 and a Standard M1A in a Cammo stock, both shoot great and are very reliable.

Some nice sticks above!!!

I'm telling you, that camo stock makes me want to get one right now.....

....and I DO need a deer rifle......

 

[0002S]

I consider my M1A one of my go to rifles. I agree with Cannon Foder on the German Surplus. Great design and round. Not much else can be said.

I recently took a Vietnam Vet (my Uncle) out to the range and let him shoot the M1A. If was his first time to shoot one since he turned his issues M14 in, in 1968. It was a pleasure to watch him go over the weapon, start to shoot and then dial it in for 400 yd shots. It was as if 44 years had never passed. It brought a smile to his face and he said it brought back memories he hadn't thought about in years. He told stories, both funny and tragic, as we smoked cigars at the end of the day.

 

[jungatheart]

I was in the Army 67-70 but never went to war with the M-14. Shot the crap out of one in basic though and it's still my all time favorite weapon. If I could see it, I could hit it and I'm sure it was the weapon that got me qualified as expert.

 

[fragout]

I consider my M1A one of my go to rifles. I agree with Cannon Foder on the German Surplus. Great design and round. Not much else can be said.

I recently took a Vietnam Vet (my Uncle) out to the range and let him shoot the M1A. If was his first time to shoot one since he turned his issues M14 in, in 1968. It was a pleasure to watch him go over the weapon, start to shoot and then dial it in for 400 yd shots. It was as if 44 years had never passed. It brought a smile to his face and he said it brought back memories he hadn't thought about in years. He told stories, both funny and tragic, as we smoked cigars at the end of the day.

Nice looking wood handguard. My wife has her M1A1 set up the same way. All wood and steel.
I use synthetic gi stocks for the most part with mine.

11B

 

[Wapitichaser]

I have a couple M14s built from the CMP kits on 7.62mm Firearms recievers. They are pretty good rifles now that Ive corrected the issues caused by aftermarket extractors that they used building them. Im a pretty big fan of M1 Garands, so the M14 was a natural choice for me when i decided that optics and a current military chambering might come in handy. I have used the M16A2, M4, M249, M240H and M9. Carried a M4 in Iraq and cant say I was entirely happy about it other than it being light. The M14 is a riflemans rifle!

 

[matty86suk]

Slap a RDS on her and she really becomes versitile...i have used the m1a/m14 with big scopes, small scopes, irons....but like this setup the most....