Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

The only reason I ask is the topic came up on another forum and it seems like no current military uses them as a main weapon any more.

Given that the M14 (M1A Springfield) predates the AR platform, which is beginning to show it's age too, it's not surprising. Good thing that us civilians still think it's a darn fine weapon to have.

Even with it's more expensive ammunition.

ShortMan wrote:The only reason I ask is the topic came up on another forum and it seems like no current military uses them as a main weapon any more.

For starters, define "main weapon". They are still used by several branches in the U.S. Military, not as a main battle rifle as originally intended, but as a longer range designated marksman rifle. Those rifles are not just rack grade rifles pulled out and a scope slapped on them. they are reworked and rebarreled by some serious craftsmen. The original upgraded M14s were known as M21s and had Redfield built ART I scopes (designed by Leatherwood). Later versions included the M-25 and the Mk-14 (pronounced Mark, because it is a Navy designation). All of the DMR variants wear some sort of scope.

I have such a crush on M14s. They are beautiful like Garands.

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They issue them out as what they call designated marksman rifles, or EBRs I'll post a picture with mine from Iraq 06. Except its been cut down and given a aluminum retractable stock. I forgot the model of scope , I know it was a Leupold, I want to say it was a Mark 4 scope. I used to call it the "Showstopper."

You can see the basic design here,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mk_14_Enha ... ttle_Rifle

The scope on mine was different than the one in the top right.

The Old Guard (Ft. Myer, VA) is issued them and carries them every day.

I've been in love with the old M-14 since I was 14 years old when a family friend let me shoot his, with correct supervision. I finally bought my own M1A last year and it is my favorite rifle to go out and shoot.

Some of the sniper teams run the with as an Enhanced Battle Rifle and they are sometimes issued as a Designated Marksmen rifle. That's all I know of.

We carry them on board, mostly for line throwing. Still my favorite rifle to shoot.

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hell no, it aint been such for over 40 years now, and it's definitely a case of good riddance, too.