HKDS, if you are used to lightweight rifles like ARs an M14 Variant is going to seem long, cumbersome and heavy.
That is because they are long, cumbersome and heavy. <chuckle> Sorry!
...
but ... like the M1 they are
wonderful rifles and great fun at the range. And carrying them on walkabouts builds muscle.
I think that the Springfield Armory M1A is probably the best choice for almost all of the folks that are drawn to them.
If you have never worked with one, try to find one you that you can check out. Failing that, an M1 ("Garand") would be a good substitute.
If you are already familiar with the heavier, old-style, wood&steel, full-power-cartridge, battle rifles then you already understand. A lot of the folks I virtually encounter these days are only acclimated to the newer lightweight rifles, so ...
====
I have M1s that I enjoy
very much and felt the pull of the M14 Variants.
Rather than buy an "M1A", I decided to assemble one (yeah, I'm one of those guys
) and started with an
Armscorp receiver that I acquired 15 years ago. Prior to that I had started a hunt for USGI M14 components, mostly on Gunbroker, but I did find a fellow with a parts-stash over near Rt1 that let me pick thru his warehouse. I came away with a few gas cylinder assys and several other items at excellent prices. Also, I think that it was in '05 that DSA started selling off its stash of NIW USGI M14 mags ... so I got a supply of those.
O'course, that was at the end of the time when one could find (if one was patient and
looked) VG-condition USGI M14 components at decent prices. <sigh>
Since I had many spare components (and a nice barrel), ten years ago I purchased another receiver (from
Fulton Armory this time) and, eventually, built my 2nd/Last M14 Variant. This one I also setup with a quick-detach low-profile scope mount.
For me, both rifles are a delight to shoot, very accurate and, when I carry one on a walk around the farm I get a really good workout.
Have a good time finding & acquiring the right-fit rifle for you,
HKDS. Enjoy!