M1A / M14 - Before You Buy
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- čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
- The most controversial rifle ever, the M14.
On the channel's pilot video, we go in depth on the M14 rifle. No bias, no opinions, just facts... mostly.
- timestamps -
00:00 - Intro
00:52 - M14 Description
01:50 - Garand Sights
03:09 - Garand's my Daddy
04:00 - Unique to the M14
04:35 - Modularity
04:52 - Reliability
05:07 - Accuracy & Weight
07:43 - M14 Manufacturers
09:49 - A "Genuine" M14?
11:04 - For the Gun Nerds
12:30 - My Opinion - Zábava
The M14 uses an Aperture Sight, not a Ghost Ring.
We’re getting A LOT of questions asking if (*insert M14 brand here*) is recommended.
For now, this video will have to do.
We’re also getting A LOT of viewers misunderstanding the findings in this video.
Although a competition M14 is shown, the findings represent a stock M14.
In this video, a “stock M14” is a commercially available M14-type rifle with a USGI spec’d receiver, USGI spec’d barrel, Unitized Gas Cylinder, and NM Op Rod Spring Guide. Although the Unitized Gas Cylinder and NM Op Rod Spring Guide were not originally issued en masse, they have become commonplace with many commercially available M14-type rifles.
Don’t overestimate the capability that a competition M14 has over a stock M14…
L
I had difficulty using the aperture sight. I have a hard time making the rear sight a fuzzy circle.
Is the Springfields loaded edition M1A rifle just as bad as the other versions
Congrats on 1k. Long time sub, been a long road here. Keep it up
As reliable as an ak with much better accuracy
I was on active duty with the US Army from 1967 to 1987. My first weapon was the M14. I also had it as my assigned weapon in Vietnam. Outstanding.
Damn smooth shooting rifle.
Gary Owen!!
@@presidenteden6498 I was with the 212th MP Dog Company, 18th MP Bde. I might add that the M14 was too heavy for patrol carry with my dog, (I had a .45 cal pistol and hand grenades), but in general perimeter defense…wow.
@@presidenteden6498 Thank you Sir.
@@24Mossberg I know it’s late as fuck, but welcome home and thank you for your service. Godspeed to you and to the Army. Semper Fi!
I used this rifle as a DM ( designated marksman)in my infantry unit. I was not a sniper but I did hunt snipers and gathered information for my battalion commander. Lots of time on the scope and spotter scope. My M14 was outstanding. It was built just for me. This weapon is a tack driver.
M-118 ammo is the shit!
You’re absolutely wrong Marine…
The “weapon” was all you 🫡
Rah
Outstanding!
sure ya did.
I carried an M14 often during two tours in Iraq one tours as a Scout with 25th ID and one tour as Infantry with 1st ID...you want to know how I got the M14 my CO knew I was from Maine and knew I grew up shooting...so yep when we got in country in 04 I was handed an M14 with an optic. I was also had previous experience in my 1st unit working in a DiRT team (deep recon team of 6 men).
I shot an M14 in Marine boot camp for qualification, We had a week of "snap-in" (dry fire and familiarization) and a week of live fire, with Friday being "Qual Day". On Thursday, my last shot at 500 yards, I noticed something pop out of the receiver. The bolt roller had broken in half! The D.I. sent me to the rifle range armor, a Marine Corporal. He took my rifle apart in the blink of an eye and pressed a new bolt roller onto the bolt. I was concerned about the rifle being taken apart, with the next day being all important "Qual Day", No problem, the rifle was good to go and I shot expert with it! I love the M14!
I also shot expert with the M-14 in basic training at fort lewis in Jan 1969. Am still amazed I could, at 18 years old, knock the farthest away targets down with those aperture sights. Wonderful rifle. Not so my m-16 in vietnam.
Semper Fi
I have a Springfield M1A from 1986 and it’s got at least 12,000 rounds through it. I went through so many cases of 150gr FMJ through that rifle and it’s still going! Synthetic wheel bearing grease has been its best friend to keep her running like a champion. Then in 1992 I bought a second Springfield “National Match” and have put close to 4,000 rounds through her. Both rifles have never skipped a beat. Maybe the newer ones today suck, but my 30+ year old rifles have been indestructible so far. 🤞
My M1a 063999 was born on 6-10_1991. It has all GI parts except the receiver. Has never failed to be an reliable accurate rifle! Would trust my life to this weapon!
@@albertsnow8835 M1a from sn 40,000 to 55,000 are the golden age and most desirable for all millitary parts.My national match was born in 1990 with Winchester bolt trw trigger group etc.Very accurate and a keeper.As you I would too trust my life to it if needed.Recievers were hand fitted and polished personally by Melvin Smith for those serial numbers listed.
Like many things, they don't make 'em like they used to.
SA stopped using GI parts. Yours has them.
@@blue4629 When did they stop using “G.I. Parts”???
I received my M14 and M14-M in 1961 in Berlin (6th infantry) to replace the M1 Garand and the BAR we were the second outfit to receive them because of the Berlin crisis it was a great weapon compared from that shoulder busting M1 Garand and that heavy BAR. the first ones kept breaking at the small of the stock when we hit the ground, but they took care of that problem. one of our soldiers sold one to the East German communist for $300.00 and I hope he is still in fort Leavenworth. As an old grunt I loved that weapon. Second Battle group 6th infantry Berlin command/ Brigade 1958 1963
THIS IS INCREDIBLE!
You are one of the very first to have received the M14.
Thanks for sharing!
If you don’t mind me asking. Were you still in Germany in October, 1963?
My dad was there in 62 and 63.
@@klpittman1 I was there in 1962 and 1963. But I was a teenager still in high school.
My battle rifle in Nam was an m14 and never failed me. I shot for the USMC rifle team with both M1 and M14.
All three of my uncles were enlisted in the Vietnam era, and one was in Vietnam, and they all liked the m14 more then the m16
@@andysierra6934 My dad was in Vietnam during the transition from the m14 to the m16. He said there were several early design flaws, including the magazine, and they used very dirty gunpowder that also caused the gun to quickly malfunction. He said that gun got a lot of Marines unnecessarily killed.
@hanc37 100% US Army Ordinance's doing. Renee Studler should have been brought up on charges for what he did to the M16's rollout
@andysierra6934 all fact points out that the m16 was better. The m14 had the shortest service life of any rifle.
It’s a good rifle. I shot some original m14’s and they let my FAL see all corners.
Anyone who hates the m14 never carried one for 9 months behind enemy lines up in the mountains of Afghanistan. I loved mine, dusty and dirty it always worked and would hit targets out to 700m. My only complaint is how heavy it was to carry at 7,500 - 9,000 foot elevation. I didn’t have a side arm so I did use mine to clear houses, which I did at the hip with the stock tucked under my arm. My profile picture is me with my rifle in 2010.
Great video!
Also mine was made by Remington, must have been a Vietnam era contract rifle?!
@@Blackpowderdad
The only contractors that made M14 back in the day was Springfield Armory, Harrington & Richardson, Winchester and TRW
So I’m not sure what you had, but it wasn’t a Remington made M14.
I’ve also never heard of a Remington M14 barrel, but who knows?
@@cletustheslackjawedyokel6083 hmmm interesting, maybe it was Winchester?! I remember that it was a normal hunting rifle brand and being surprised that it wasn’t a Springfield. Honestly it was 13 years ago and I blocked out most of my memories from that year.
Do you remember if it was TRW of HRA It looks like it has the Sage Chassie and there was another stock that was high end called JAE that was used by the gubberment. I was in the Coast Guard in 91 and my boot camp rifle was a TRW M14 I have been in love with them every since. I dont know everything about an M14 but I do know that Remington did not make one. There were only 4 M14 rifle makers under government contract, Springfield Armory { not SAI } TRW, HRA, Winchester. There is a web site that you can find, that will list every manufacture of M14/M1A makers and clones and Remington was not one of them. There was a M14/M1 Garand builder that made competition M14 and M1 Garand rifles that made a few "7 or 8" M14's in 300 Winchester Short Mag for a gubberment program. but you wont hear much about that unless your tight in the M14 community. Alot of uneducated and self proclaimed M14 professionals dont know that much about M14's. Smith Enterprise used to have the government contract to supply parts for M14 service rifles but I think Bula has it now. I did know Bula had the contract for 50 CAL BMG. I do know that if BULA has the contract for M14 parts now, the parts has to meet stringent USGI quality control specifications. I know my builder has never had a problem with any receiver that i took him be it LRB, Bula, JRA and all my USGI parts matched and fitted perfectly on either receiver.
Your supposed to clear buildings and houses with hand grenades , 😂 what were you thinking , your supposed to knock on the door to make sure someone’s there, yell”
MOM I’m home!!! Pull the pin, wait for a second then toss it into the room.
I was drafted in 1965 and learned the M14, in basic training. In two weeks of training , I was able to hit man sized targets at 350 meters, almost every time. I got an "Expert" rating, but so did 35 % of my company in Basic. You could take it all apart with No tools...loved it!
I will forever simp for LRB; Literally a mom and pop (actually father and daughter) operation.
Welcom to the club. I've been Siming LRB for decades. Also you can get one with a pic rail mount incorporated.
I’ve had my LRB for at least 15 years. So stupid… I screwed up mounting the scope base and broke the clip guide slot. Sent the barreled action back to LRB, and it took forever because I had to wait for their next machining cycle, but they rewelded and remachined it. For free. They owed me NOTHING.
Just shot it on the 4th with my dad and another friend who have both never shot one, and it was still flawless, and they loved it.
LRB is great but out of the price range of a working man.
@@oldrabidus2230 yeah it took me a year or two with an envelope in my top drawer marked “M14.”
@@oldrabidus2230 I won’t disagree that their finished rifles are expensive, however they will gladly build you a rifle using your parts.
It is soooo good to see a young man so knowledgeable about weapons that can be used to defend us older folks. Keep up the good work.
us in the younger generation are very enthusiastic about firearms
I used the M-21 in sniper school and sniper competitions in the mid to late 80’s while at Ft. Campbell, KY. The weapon did require careful maintenance from the armorer and on Ft. Campbell, that was Mr. White who was also the lead instructor at the sniper school. I used the original ART scope which never let me down. The ART II scope was constantly losing its zero and the base main spring would often break which would deadline the scope. We used 173 gr. OTHP rounds and shot up to 1,000 yards but it was still accurate a little past that.
We always stored our rifle pointing downwards in the arms room and we zeroed the rifle in the morning and after 1300 during matches.
If you come across one of the first Chinese Polytech imports that has a “heel stamp” and a low serial number (300 and below), grab it. You can often find these pretty cheap and the forged receivers are high quality and made to USGI specs. They’re great to use in building an accurized M1A, install a GI bolt and a new barrel of your preference and you’re off to a good start on having a fine rifle that you can modify and tune to your tastes. Yes, avoid the Springfield Armory version, especially from the 90’s production runs. The M-14 was designed around the marksmanship doctrine of Known Distance shooting which is what modern match target shooting is. As mentioned, it doesn’t do well in tight buildings, it was designed for longer range engagements on a wide open battlefield like Western Europe so it has its strengths and weaknesses and it doesn’t like to be forced into a close quarter weapon.
I'm glad to see a youtuber finally call out the massive QC problems of Springfield m1a's. All of them made post 2008 have been pretty much garbage. I have one that's fantastic, but it's a 1982 surplus parts build from when Sringfield used to use GI parts. From what I've heard, the best three are Fulton Armory, Auto ordinance, and LRB nowadays.
Gotta give the credit. There is a heap of accurate infor on this rifle, that is delivered really well, with quick edits and cuts. The vid stayed interesting throughout.
I carried one during three combat tours in the 60's . When I came back stateside l was selected for an Army rifle team . I always enjoyed shooting that rifle . These days l have an AR .308 . I respect that caliber .
.308 turns cover into concealment
@@ronv6637 You could always hide behind a tree ... wait, I shot M80 ball and M118 through trees 12 or more inches in diameter. Better find something thicker!
This is an outstanding video and honestly more enjoyable than many of the more popular guntuber channels. Keep it up!
Only two videos? I’m going to need to see more because this is amazing!
FEW PEOPLE REALIZE THAT M1A IS A PROPRIETARY NAME FROM ONE MANUFACTURER, IS NOT A UNIVERSAL NAME FOR ALL SEMI-AUTO M14, NOR ARE ALL M14 A MACHINE GUN. THE SAD PART IS THAT THE MORE LIMITED THEIR KNOWLEDGE IS, THE MORE VOCAL AND OPINIONATED THEY ARE...
As is "AR-15", the Registered Trademark (®) of the Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company Incorporated ... nka the Colt CZ Group. Using "AR-15" and applying it to non-Colt rifles is a violation of the United States Patent and Trademark Law.
I was issued an M-14 in bootcamp, USMC, 1969. I qualified expert with it and again, in 1970 at Camp Lejune. As a Marine I felt that it was an excellent weapon, for combat. Sturdy, dependable and extremely accurate!
For a younger shooter you have given this "Old War Horse" a very fair evaluation on a older weapon. Point of interest. M1A variants still in use in special applications in Afghanistan and Iraq just to mention a few. A weapon capable of engaging targets a 1,000yards all day long. And a damn sight more dependable than any other 308 in harsh conditions. Thanks much. Great video.
And engage enemy hiding behind various structures .
"More dependable than any other 308 in harsh conditions"
Are you sure about that?
I think he is and so am I. You got a contender then say it. @@recklesssquirel5962
With the quality of this video I expected this to be a much bigger channel. You did a great job with the script and editing its clear and concise and right to the point.
Solid video. Yes, best iron sights ever made. Amazing that the M14 has a self regulating gas piston system compared to other platforms that need manual adjustment. Once you get behind a M14, it's not so intimidating. Learn to handle one and a "puny" 5.56 platform is a breeze! Valid points, completely agree. Yes, adding a light, laser and etc. is a challenge. For the "operator" kicking down doors in Fallujah, yes definitely important considerations. For all us posers, save your money and buy more rounds to practice marksmanship. Pricey rifles aren't the real cost issue, it's the cost of a high round count to be proficient. When the meth zombies living in tents come out for your soda cans and go on the attack in your neighborhood go get your M14!
😂 I lost it at “soda cans”
Good pointS, yeah, I have some of them puny little 556. Hey Shooters they’re OK good shotgun don’t have a M 14 yet several guns bolt guns in 308, I even have a FRANK in AR 10,.308, it shoots with my built bolt guns. I’m saving my pennies for a M14.
I got news for you buddy.. its not gonna be methheads.. its gonna be teens in hoodies..
Excellent up to date video on the often misunderstood and maligned M14 ... Bravo ParaBella!
Excellent work! I have to admit, I did not expect the quality of this video to be so good. You did excellent research. I totally agree, LRB is top notch. You have have a new subscriber.
The iron sight shooting, the good audio, the memes...he's got it. Subbed
Agreed,Subbed as well.
LRB, definitely--accept no substitutes. I had a basic LRB "GI" M14 years ago, at the time only paid around 22-2300ish for it from LRB (prices have obviously gone up). Fantastic rifle, basically had to let the thing go kicking and screaming in order to pay some bills. Hopefully the person I sold it to still has the rifle and is still enjoying it.
How does LRB compare with Fulton?
I've had 3 M1A rifles: 2 from Springfield and 1 Norinco and they all were superb. I will always have one on hand
YES Sir 💯😁
Well done. In 1968 I scored Expert on my M-14, within the top 5 Recruits (aka maggots) in my U.S. Army BCT Company. In those days we zeroed to 100 yards & adjusted only our sight pictures out to 600 yards. I sorely missed it in Vietnam!
Definitely loved watching this video, you killed it, man. You earned yourself a new subscriber, nice to see someone who really knows their shit on M14s. Hope you come out with more content m14 or otherwise! Good luck brother!
Great vid, VERY informative.
would love to see you do one about the M14s competitors like the galil, fn fal, g3/ptr91, AR-10.
Keep up the great work. Wanna see the channel grow.
This video was pretty amazing; I really look forward to seeing more reviews like this in the future man 🤟
Impressive. Most impressive. I literally agree with everything you said in this video. LRB ROCKS!
Hey thanks for all the help you give with your videos too.
@@suchopsmimic399 My pleasure!
Sub 1k subs? Wth no way you nailed this review. Great job with editing, range footage had great lighting and good audio. Review was fast paced and engaging.
Good shit man you'll blow up someday
During the Persian Gulf War we still use the M14 in the Navy and I loved it!
Fulton Armory also makes M14s. I have never shot one, but their customer service was second to none when I needed it for something else. A friend recently had FA rebuild a CMP Springfield 1903 and it turned out beautiful.
That said I have a Springfield Armory M1A Scout that runs like a top… after a ton of tweaking, replacing key components, etc. Oh and an LRB M14. ^^^ what he said.
Norinco also makes a forged M14 yes China has skin in game too
i have fulton unit. tack driver.
While a competitive shooter in the TXARNG, I shot HighPower with an issue NM M14 and Combat Focused with an issue XM21 and later an M24. My initial sniper training was with the M1D. That was also my issue SWS in an NG infantry BN. I later used my take-home M24 to attend a police sniper school. As a SWAT sniper I used everything from the SR21 and Steyr SSG to the PSG1 (what a pig!) but the M24 was my go-to.
ParaBella has made here an excellent overall assessment of the M14 platform, and I hope you continue with superlative content like this. It's very rewarding to me to see a younger fellow being active in HighPower and in using the M14 platform despite the proliferation of ARs in that sport. There is, after all, a reason the 14 dominated that discipline for so long. When I was shooting it, HighPower (and NRA Bullseye) were the main discipline the Guard involved itself in, and if you were able to upgrade armament past your issue Krieger-barreled NM M14, it was probably going to be a Springfield M1A.
Side note, my SHTF rifles are a modernized M1, an M5 build based on a DPMS Oracle, and two modernized M1 Carbines. I'd be glad to describe the modernizations mentioned if you'd like to either reply or DM me.
There are several gun-tubers whose sites I haunt, but the only ones I subscribe to are Paul Harrell and, now, yours.
That’s high praise… 👍🏻
You won’t regret your sub, because we’re just getting started!
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊3😊
My wife bought me an M1A back in the late 90's. It was built back when Springfield Armory still had some of the surplus government chrome lined barrels. It was a shooter. I agree that LBR and maybe Fulton Armory or James River Armory are better choices these days. I don't understand why Springfield Armory doesn't at least nitride the non-stainless barrels. Some form of improved corrosion resistance would be nice. It's supposed to be a battle rifle after all.
Love this review and the recommendations for reputable brands
I shot the M1A/M14 in Competition for a lot of years. The rifle I shot was a NM version. I attended classes on how to build NM rifles and what was needed to make these rifles shoot from 200 yds. to 600 yds. We would build these rifles to shoot the 168 HPBT Match Sierra Bullet, 41.5 grs. of 4895. I can remember cleaning the 600 yard target on days with very little wind but on windy days you had to learn to read wind to keep the round in the center or at best a 10 ring hold. I now shoot the AR in competition. I still have a few M1A's in my collection and will always have a place in my collection. Semper Fi
Nice video, man! Solid first vid for the channel. I'm excited for your future content!
Ok, now I want an M14. Excellent video. Keep ‘em comin!
More to come!
Get one!
Excellent! Been shooting M14 pattern rifles since the 1980's. Older SAI are good. I have a match-build rifle done on Bula receiver done by a AMU armorer with USGI parts and an old SAI in a Sage chassis.. Both will hold under 1 MOA with a scope. Thanks again
Fantastic review of the M14 pattern and LRB! I’ve had a SA SOCOM II, SOCOM 16, and National Match rifles as well as two LRB’s...An M14SA and my current M25 with Ted Brown assembly ARMY AMU screw and glue gas cylinder, McMillian adjustable stock etc. and your observations are right on.
great video brotha looking to get a m14 this video was very informative, lookin forward to future videos!
I paid 1500 quid for a Polytech M14/M1A when I got home from Iraq. I didn't know it was basically a Norinco. It still shot damn good though. Damn fine rifle and shot smooth as hell! I hope to get a good one some day.
Glad you finally made this video. Saw your short a while back and was like “where’s the full video!?!”
Anyway. Love my M14 for everything it is and isn’t. It’s NOT for the faint of heart and those used to the AR. For enthusiasts only. It’s my SHTF go to rifle.
Clean set up and good review. Earned my sub in the spot
Dang, just bought a Springfield M1A last week - wish I would have seen this vid first. Gonna have to take a close look at the quality control points when it shows up.
Honestly just bought it so I wouldn’t have to plink with the M1 Garand I just bought with all matching parts, I love that action and platform so I hope the M1A holds up. Great vid, subbed
Im actually upset that I found this banger of a video, and then I go to your channel and see that it’s your only one. Keep up the good work can’t wait to see what comes up next.
Well you won’t have to wait long 😉
Great shooting! I also think that you lucked out with your particular rifle where it complements your skills. Many other people including myself suffer to accurize the beast, to make it shoot close to what other semi-autos do out of the box (arsenal)
Nice video BD. Enjoy the humorous spots too. Your marksmanship is really showing!
M14 was the first firearm I ever used at age 14. I have an older Springfield with some upgraded parts and pistol grip telestock. I like my AR's, but the M14 is the most fun and satisfying to shoot.
Actually did turn me around on the platform. Wasn't aware LRB Arms existed, or that there was even a build discrepancy between Springfield M1A and actual spec stuff. Just saw the shortcomings there and attributed it to M14s at large.
Still not gonna drop $3k on it though lol.
Great video of an awesome rifle! I have a Fulton Armory FA M-14 that is built to USGI specs; love it! Thanks for your content!
Well done!! I appreciated your honesty and enthusiasm and I agree with your assessment!
A lot of squads in the 10th Mtn Div had one guy with an M-14 with a scope in Afghanistan in 2003/04 when I was there. Probably a good reason, I'd say. Excellent review. No way I can afford a $5,000 rifle, but good/interesting information all the same.
I have an earlier Springfield with almost 10k rounds through it. It has a factory forged bolt and has never missed a beat. Just put a Basset Machine scope mount on it. Awesome set up. My Bula is super tight and will need many rounds to break in. Had a disappointing time at the range with it last week. Unitizing the gas system is one of the best things you can do to improve accuracy. Did both rifles. Not too expensive to do. Great video and shooting Sir!
Most of the outfits that accurize M14's are getting away from unitizing the gas system with the front band, they're using the shims instead, it works just as well and eliminates the issues involved with the different ways of unitizing including the possibility of ruining a perfectly good gas cylinder, and the best thing is anyone can do it, it's simple and you only need to buy a shim kit and don't have to send anything out.
Great review! I'm also gratified to see a young, knowledgeable Guntuber--I wish you great success!
Rack, issue M14s were considered 3-4 MOA rifles; they were intended for Pvt Snuffy to maintain and shoot, and did great work in Vietnam.
Lastly, what are your thoughts on Fulton Armory rifles? I've heard lots of good things about them.
I have a Springfield Armory M1A Loaded, and I absolutely love it. However, you are correct about the quality control issues. The trigger group on mine needed to be (carefully) hammered out of the rifle in order to fully field strip it, but I have the advantage of living only a few hours from Springfield Armory headquarters. Thanks to their lifetime warranty, I was able to drive my rifle out to their facility, one of their techs decided to replace the whole trigger group, and now the rifle behaves like it should when it comes to field stripping. Your LRB rifle is gorgeous, but far and away outside my price range for the time being.
Well this video immediately got my sub. Hope You make more gun content! We can always use more of us out there.
I have a Bula Defense M14 with Smith Enterprise full gas system, SEI scope mount with a Vortex Razor HD2 1-6, and Sadlak NM guide rod. Just ordered the McMillan M3A Desert camo stock from LRB. Also my favorite rifle to use in COD Warzone Plunder mode lol.
Before May 2020 in Canada, you could buy an older used Norinco M305 (Chinese Forged receiver) for approx $600 and a genuine IDF used NM parts kit with a Saco-Lovell barrel for approx $1250. For about $2000 total (gauges and barrel vise), you'd get an almost legitimate NM rifle.
Great video. You're gonna get big quick! Subbed!
This video was excellent. Got some GunThots mixed with GarandThumb vibes. You sir have earned yourself a subscriber.
Garand Thumb isn't a very good source for information, I've caught him being wrong about so many things in his videos I actually blocked his channel, especially the title of his channel, anyone who touts themselves as an authority on M1's that claims the M1 thumb phenomenon came from loading one has no clue what they're talking about, M1 thumb happened when a nervous recruit would fumble the Inspection Arms drill, not from loading one, it's impossible to get it loading one and anyone who thinks the military would have accepted a rifle that was capable of slamming the bolt on your thumb while loading one in the heat of battle needs to have their head examined.
Learn the procedure for the Inspection Arms drill with an M1 and attempt doing it while remembering that it was to be done "eyes front" (you're not allowed to look down at what you're doing) and you'll have no doubt in your mind where M1 thumb came from, especially if you get a case of it.
No politics, no bullshit, just straight facts sprinkled with memes. Subscribed!
Finally. Someone who ACTUALLY shoots High Power service rifle matches puts out a video. Way to cut through a lot of the presumptions out there and explain why the m14 is truly legit/Randy Shugart worthy🇺🇸🦅
But it's not. The only way you can make the rifle somewhat competent is to spend close to $4,000 on it.
Very well thought out and presented video
Thanks
I’m a High Master Long Range Competitor and used to shoot a match conditioned M14 in Service Rifle Division of NRA Long Range Competition. I do not recall ever shooting in the half minute arena at 100 yards with that rifle. Thus, I now shoot a match conditioned AR-15A4 in competitions because with it I can shoot in the half minute arena at 100 yards. That performance translates to about 2MOA at 1000 yards since it is very difficult to observe 1-3 mph wind changes which will displace bullet over an MOA. At any rate, in my experience, a match conditioned M14 styled rifle, shooting M118LR or 175 grain FGMM, can get about 3/4 MOA at 100 yards and at 1000 yards it’s a toss up between it and a match conditioned AR shooting 80 grain Berger’s. Both rifles take an MOA wind constant of about 10 at 1000 yards. Lots of fun, either rifle.
Ive gotten half inch at 100 yards with mine
@@Jeffersonian1975that’s outstanding. It says you know how to shoot, have great ammunition, and a rifle that’s been unitized nicely. My M14 was match conditioned by the USAMU, a rifle on lone from the CMP to the Kentucky State Rifle Team. 3/4 minute 10 round groupings was all I could get out of it. That was shooting M118LR. A little less accuracy from M118NM, SB, and M852.
Fantastic summary, you got yourself a subscriber.
I'm an old millennial, I bought my first center fire rifle at the tail end of the "assault" weapon ban decade using leftover student loan money (very responsible 😂). I really wanted a semi auto .308, and the options at that time were very limited. After much research and deliberation I ended up with a brand new national match Springfield armory M1a. Not sure if they were just better quality in that time period or if I just got lucky but I've had zero issues with mine with several thousand rounds through it over the intervening years. With the exception of a stuck case it has ran flawlessly with all manner of ammunition. Even shot thru an entire case of cheap Russian steel case years back without cleaning just to see what would happen. It ran like a clock.
The two stage national match trigger is fantastic, and with a sadlak steel mount my fixed power prism scope has been rock solid for over a decade.
The rifle really touched Nirvana when placed in a black feather aluminum chassis along with an oversized bolt stop and magazine release. Relatively light and minimalist, the black feather locks down the receiver as well if not better than the old fiberglass bedding in the walnut stock it came in and is much tougher.
I'm not the best shot but I can get 2-3 MOA with old imported surplus ammo and consistently get around 1.5 with match ammo. Yes I have shot a .5 MOA 3-shot group (which isn't really a group if you ask me) before but unlike most internet snipers I acknowledge that was not the norm and I do not label the rifle nor myself a .5 MOA shooter.
Can you get more modern, more modular, lighter weight weapons that can consistently perform better and at a cheaper price? Yes. Can you get all of that plus with more ruggedness and reliability? That is less clear. Over the years I've accumulated many of these more modern rifles in fact, but for whatever reason my far and away favorite is my M1a.
Does the M-14 suck? Absolutely not although the build quality is certainly much more variable and inconsistent than other designs and I'm sure there are some lemons out there. But every time I hear an internet commando trash an M-14 I immediately have my doubts that they have ever even held one let alone actually shot one and assume they are just regurgitating what they read on a forum or heard in a CZcams video.
Your videos are absolutely incredible. Battle rifle gang rise up.
All calibers matter
Thanks for finally showing up we’ve been waiting for awhile lol Great video.
I carried an M14 often during 2 tours in Iraq...found it extremely accurate and reliable. It also packed way more of a punch than my M4
Bought a M1a1 years ago, the best 900.oo dollars I ever spent, It is from Springfield Armour, only reason I bought it was it was the grand child of the 14 I had in the Marine Corp, and I loved the M 14
I have 3 M1As. The standard military length model, the shorter Scout Squad model, and the shortest SOCOM 16 model. I love all 3 of them. 👍👍👍
I was a missile tech in the Navy in the '70's. When I got to my first submarine and they saw I qualified "expert" with the 1911, they issued me an M14 as well. Absolutely loved that gun. Recently purchased the Springfield ... yes, I know you didn't like it as well, but I could afford that one. Still love it. Thanks for giving the M14 some love (so to speak) - I'm subscribed.
This video was great! I hope your channel grows incredibly... until then, new subscriber here.
Bucket list weapon for me was picking up an M14 or an M1A. At the time and what I could afford I went with the SA M1A standard. I fell victim to their qc issues brand new out of the box. Didn’t even get a full mag through the weapon with constant failure to extract and failure to feed issues. The bore was not polished and the op rod was basically shit along with the bolt. I called SA up and sent my rifle back with basically a whole new rifle sent to me in return. Since then, my “new” M1A has been flawless and runs great. It’s a smooth tack driving rifle.
Best video I’ve seen on the M14/M1A in along time🤙🏻😂
Stay tuned for more firearms content 😏
Great video idk why you don’t have more subscribers brother keep it up !
Great video and shooting hope you continue uploading videos
I carried an m14 in Iraq.
It had been arsenal rebuilt at Anniston in 1985 and packaged in plastic with one magazine, and a black nylon sling.
I was issued it because my squad leader had seen my M1 Garand and thought it was the same thing.
It's not, he was just an idiot.
The really sucky bit, was there was no warning. I didn't have a chance to get any range time, nor did any of us have a TM with the rifles. No support gear, no extra magazines, nothing.
The first couple of missions I was on with that rifle, I had the one magazine, and a couple of gp pouches with 10 five round clips of WRA 68 M80 ball. I used a couple of pieces of 550 cord to make a 'jungle' sling for it, but moving into and out of trucks with that rifle was a solid pita.
After we got there, I hit up the internet cafe and started emailing all my friends at home, to see if anyone had, or could find me M1a or M14 mags, TMs, cleaning tools, anything. I ruled out the SAGE stock, since we weren't getting them out of our supply NCO, and contacted Vltor about their M14 stock. ITAR entered the chat and Vltor said they were sorry, but they could not send that to an APO. Which also meant that I wasn't going to ask anyone I knew to commit a felony.
I used some vegetable oil I got from the chow hall to keep the wood stock from drying out, and found a partial can of molybdenum grease to keep it running smooth.
Eventually the arms room NCO managed to get a crate of new Airtronics and Checkmate mags. They worked, no complaints.
This was about 90 days after a bunch of friends from home had hooked up me with a dozen 20 round M14 mags, a half dozen combo tools, and a pair of TMs. Between the one mag for each, and the dozen, we had 4 mags per rifle, which worked out great.
Never got optics, never got any training on them. Don't even know what happened to them. We signed them over to the unit that replaced us, and I made sure to pay it forward with the tools, mags, and TMs.
At about the half way point of our year, I got an M4, so I got to carry around a pair of rifles and my M9 everywhere I went. Yeehaw.
I still preferred the M4 since my initial training rifle was an M16a1.
Did I mention they capped the giggle switch? So we didn't even get to really have fun.
Nice video, thanks for sharing!
Stripper clips… in Iraq. That’s hardcore.
Interesting story. About the M16A2 "fun switch". If you had the knowledge of how it worked, you could easily remove a few parts to make it a true "fun switch".
Even in Vietnam a lot of them had the selector switch disabled.
I own three.....Springfield Armory SOCOM 16, Scout Squad and two National Match rifles.... they work!!!!!
Own several, was issued in the early 1970s via the national guard before going over to the 16. Solid, dependable, accurate and manageable. Will never give it up even though I like all kinds.
Great presentation! Look forward to more content.
I own a select fire Springfield Armory M1A. It is an Elmer Balance. Converted by Fleming. Out of all the top 3 battle rifles (G3/FAL/M14), the G3/FAL probably have it owned. However, out of those top 3 and had to pick a battle rifle and get in the shit, I would pick my M-14. Their is just something so special about that gun you can’t put a finger on it. It’s just a proven winner. I love it. One of my favorite Title II machine guns.
🏆🪖🏆
A proven winner of what?
One of the features I like is the safety doubling as a... Padlock hasp! Same as with its pappy.
so right!
That was extremely informative, thank you.
Great vid man👍🏻regardless of its letdowns I still love all m14 variants, just a beautiful and nice feeling weapon for me. Definitely worth subbing to this guy🤘🏼
My Bula did have to take a trip back to the manufacturer but I am very happy with it
I mean youre looking at 3100+ price tag for an LRB minimum. And compared to other modern 308’s, its not even a competition. I get you like this thing but its not in the same league of rifle in the modern era, and it was wholly outclassed by the G3 (and maybe the FAL) of ITS era.
If I got a Cold War battle rifle it would be a G3
Depends on the application.
Neither G3 nor FAL are as accurate.
if you worked at my local gun shop i'd be broke
A couple month ago, I purchased a Springfield M1A Standard Walnut. Pretty much immediately upgraded most of the internals. M1 Garand Trigger components, M1 Garand rear sight, USGI firing pin, USGI extractor with LRB detent, LRB ejector, Sadlak NM op rod guide, LRB gas cylinder Unitized to a USGI barrel band, USGI gas plug, LRB NM flash suppressor, and finally a Turner NM sling. With the factory NON bedded walnut stock, using Saltech Swiss M80, I get 2 MOA, and the brass stacks in a nice little pile at 3 o'clock. Total cost including rifle, tools, and parts is roughly $2500, more if you include cost of magazines.
That sounds about right 🤙🏻
Thanks, love the content. I plan on replacing the barrel to a 22 in Criterion, a forged LRB M25 receiver, and LRB bolt. I definitely agree with you on Springfield, simply subpar compared to the USGI, and LRB. Rilfe is fine in the meantime though.
Great presentation young man! M-14 type rifles are good to go!
This is like asking if the mauser sucks in 1976
What a great video! good luck with the channel!
This is a really solid presentation. Great job.
Thanks so much . I've never heard of LRB before this video. That's what has turned me off to M14s for years. Horror stories from people buying Fultons, Springfields, and Bulas. At least someone can get it right, the only downside is the cost. Looks like it is going to be a while before I can save up enough money to get one.
Bulas are good, they're actually the only company that makes M14 parts that the government will buy because they all meet the original specs, forged, spec out etc etc.
They also make the forging blanks for a bunch of the companies that offer forged receiver's these days, now if some company takes their blank and screws up the machine work that's on them, they make them for James River and several others and I think LRB might actually be one of them.
The first problem with the civilian M14's was always the quality of the machine work of the civilian receiver's, they were hit and miss from everyone, no one had consistent quality, either the castings weren't properly heat treated leading to soft metal and problems with things like the sight elevation knob not having crisp clicks because the star shaped machine work on the receiver's would wear down or the machine work wasn't dimensionally within specs, or worse both, but all the early one's from those manufacturer's at least were full of surplus GI parts, when they started running out of them and started using Chinese parts is when they really turned into junk.
Curiously though the Chinese M14's had receiver's that were excellent, their hardness was actually harder than GI receiver's that'd been tested and their dimensional accuracy was good, back in those days the thing to do was get a Chinese M14 on the cheap and use it's receiver for a build using either a DCM de-milled parts kit or the parts from a civilian M14 that was full of GI parts.
However the past 15 years or so since forged civilian receiver's have come into play especially with Bula providing all the parts that are forged and up to spec especially the op rods that previously were usually cast when the GI one's dried up it's been a game changer, everyone who's tried it had initial teething problems with some companies like 7.62mm Firearms not surviving their early set backs but the one's that did are pretty much producing civilian M14's that meet all the GI specs, which is a feat in itself, despite all the nonsense myths that get thrown around about the M14's and the military adopting it it's biggest downfall was really it's expensive of manufacturing, it was the kind of weapon that only a government could pay to have produced properly back in those days.
@@dukecraig2402 I haven't heard good things about Bula rifles. A lot of people including the guy in this video report various QC issues. It seems to be an issue with their complete rifles, I've heard of people having good luck building M-14s with Bula parts. Once Bula fixes their QC issues than that would be a great option, (maybe they already have).
Damn, this guy shooting 450m with no scope like no sweat at all.
What a great an in depth discussion about one of my favorite rifles ever made.
Good stuff. Well researched and tested.