Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
M14 (rifle)
| Caliber: | 7.62 mm NATO |
| Firearm action: | Rotating bolt with gas operation |
| Designed by: | Derived from M1 Garand design |
| Barrel Length: | 22 in (559 mm) |
| Overall Length: | 44 in (1118 mm) |
| Magazine type and capacity: | 20 round detachable box magazine |
| Effective Range: | 300 m |
| Maximum Range: | 1000 m |
| Mass: | 4.5 kg |
The M14 is a select-fire battle rifle that fires 7.62x51 mm NATO ammunition.
| Contents |
History
It was derived from the M1 Garand and engineered by John Garand. The rifle was adopted by the U.S. Military in 1957. The M14 was primarily used by US Marines in Vietnam until the M16 replaced it (1967-68). The M14 is still in use in small numbers with Special Forces units, Police sharpshooters, on Navy ships for security purposes, and even in prisons.
The M14 is still used as a sniper rifle and/or a designated marksman rifle in some armies, due to its excellent accuracy. In the US military it was replaced by the M16 assault rifle and by the M21 (a derivative of the M-14) and M24 SWS sniper rifles.
The commercial, semi-automatic only version available to the general public is sold by Springfield Armory and other manufacturers as the M1A, M14S, and other models.
Dates and places of manufacture
Standard service rifles produced 1959-1964.
United States Armory, Springfield, MA, Harrington & Richardson Arms Co., Worcester, MA,Winchester div., Olin Mathieson Chemical Corp., New Haven, CT, Thompson-Ramo-Wooldridge Inc.(TRW), Cleveland, OH.
Purpose-built National Match version produced 1962-63 by Springfield Armory,in 1964 by TRW. For 1965 and 1966 Springfield Armory upgraded a number of service rifles to National Match specifications. Upgrading for 1967 was carried out at U.S. Arsenal, Rock Island, IL.
Types of sights
- Rear peep, front blade, metric
- Rear National Match peep with hood, front National Match blade, metric
Markings
- U.S. Rifle
- 7.62-MM M14
- Springfield Armory (or commercial contractor name)
- serial number
Accessories
- Bayonet,M6 with M8A1 sheath
- Bandolier
- National Match sling
- Combination Tool
- Cleaning equipment
- Winter safety
- Winter trigger
- Magazine filler
- Model 1961 ammunition magazine pocket
- M2 Bipod
See also
External links
- Gov't M-14 Petition (Petition for and demilitarization and sale to civilians of to-be-scraped M-14 rifles; 21000+ signatures)
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