It also served as a platform to build M21 Sniper rifles. M14 was replaced as a first line weapon in the late 1960s, but is still used in small numbers by US Navy. As soon as those deficiencies of the M14 became obvious for US Army Command, they started the search for lighter rifle, and finally settled on the Colt/Armalite AR-15 5.56mm assault rifle, adopting it as the M16A1. The squad automatic version, known as M14E2, also was not too successful in its intended role. In fact, most of the M14s were issued to troops with fire selectors locked to semi-automatic mode, to avoid useless waste of ammunition in automatic fire. The selective fire capability was mostly useless, since the M14 was way too light for powerful cartridge it fired, and climbed excessively when fired in bursts. The 7.62mm NATO ammunition was too heavy, limiting the amount of ammunition carried by soldiers on patrols. The M14 was too long and too heavy to be carried all day long in hot and wet climate. The termination of the production was the result of combat experience in the SE Asia, particularly in Vietnam. Production was ceased by US Government in 1964, with some 1 380 000 weapons made.
The contracts to produce M1 rifles were issued to some US companies, such as Thompson-Ramo-Wooldridge (TRW Inc), Harrington and Richardson Arms Co (H&R), Winchester-Western Arms Division of Olin Mathieson (Winchester) and Springfield Armory Inc (Springfield). Both rifles passed the trials with equally high results, but US finally settled on the T44 because it was slightly lighter, similar to M1 Garand in manufacturing and operation, and, above all, a "Native American" design.
Fed ord m14 license#
It must be noted that T44E4 was extensively tested against the only other entree in the US trials, the T48 rifle (Belgian FN FAL rifle made under license in USA by H&R Inc.). The M15, a heavy barreled weapon, however, was never brought into production. Further development and tests lead to the slightly modified T44E4 and T44E5 (heavy barreled squad automatic weapon) prototypes, which were finally adopted by US Army as M14 and M15 rifles in the 1957. In the early 1950s T37 evolved into the T44 experimental rifle, which featured redesigned, self-regulated gas system with short stroke gas piston. The idea of truly intermediate round was not acceptable to the US Military at that period. 30-06, and has long effective range and good potential for accuracy, both desired by US Army. It was slightly lighter and cheaper to made than. 30-06 case, shortened by 1/2 inch (12 mm), but retaining the original ballistic properties due to modern propellants used. This prototype latter evolved into the T37 rifle, which had gas cylinder moved back a little and was chambered for newest American prototype cartridge – T65. T20 was basically the M1 Garand rifle fitted with 20 rounds BAR magazine and with selective fire capability. One of such prototypes was the T20 ("T" means "test") of 1944. 30-06 were built, mostly using the 20-rounds detachable magazines from Browning BAR M1918 automatic rifle. First attempts to improve M1 were made during the war, and numerous experimental modifications in. 30-06 (7.62圆3mm) was too long and too heavy, effectively limiting the load of ammunition carried by each soldier. The cartridge used in M1 Garand and known as. Others were excessive length and weight of the rifle.
Fed ord m14 full#
The first was the feeding system with 8-rounds en-bloc clips that does not allowed the refilling of the partially full magazine. The experience gained by US troops during the Second World war showed that the M1 Garand rifle has a lot of things to be improved. Springfield M1A semi-automatic rifle with polymer stock and 10-rounds magazine.Ĭaliber: 7.62×51 mm NATO (.308 Winchester)
M14S semi-automatic rifle, as made in China by Poly Technologies.
This particular rifle is fitted with quick-detachable sound moderator (silencer). M14 Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR), as issued by US Marine corps. US Navy's Mk.14 Mod.0 Enchanced Battle rifle, a heavily modified M14 automatic rifle. Note the different stock with folding forward grip and detachable bipod. M14 rifle, military issue version with fire mode selector switch installed.Ĭlose-up view on the controls of the military M14 rifle, including fire mode selector switch (on receiver above the trigger).