The M14-Type Rifles, A Shooter's and Collector's Guide, 3rd Edition
The M14-Type Rifle, 3rd edition, revised and expanded, by Joe Poyer . The M14 rifle was the last semiautomatic battle rifle adopted by the U.S. military. It lasted less than ten years before being replaced by the M16. But in that short time, it developed fierce adherents and became one of the finest match rifles in the world. During the war in Iraq, the M14, as well as its sniper variations, the M21 and M25, have made an astonishing comeback. This new, revised and expanded 3rd edition describes the use of the M14 rifle and its sniper variations today by all four branches of the U.S. military, plus the U.S. Coast Guard.
The M14-Type Rifle provides a detailed history of the rifle's development and use, particularly today in Iraq and Afghanistan where the high-powered 7.62 x 51 NATO (.308) cartridge is ideal for long range sniping and for penetrating body armor and light vehicles. The M14 rifle and its two sniper variations, the M21 and M25, are described on a part-by-part basis. A survey of all current civilian semiautomatic M14-type rifles and components available today is also included as a separate chapter and brought up to date. Included also are the Chinese variations of the M14. The history of the development and use of the M14 in Vietnam is discussed showing how it led to the development of the sniper variations.
The book also serves as a guide for shooters who want to restore an M14 to original condition or build a superb match rifle from the civilian versions. Various receivers and parts kits are discussed. Separate chapters show how to turn a commercial M14-type rifle such as the M1A, into a superb match rifle by choosing the right barrel, glass-bedding the stock, and unitizing the gas cylinder. Also discussed are National Match rifles with specifications, ammunition to be used for the best accuracy, targeting and shooting the M14-type rifle and trouble shooting and maintenance. Finally, all G.I. issue accessories are described. The book is fully illustrated with photos and drawings that clarify the text. Appendices provide up-to-date information on parts and supplies and gun smithing services. Finally, the current legal ramifications of owning a semi-automatic rifle is explained.
