I hate to burst the AR-10 bubble but...

[shotgunjoel]

Ok. why isn't the mini-14 the american standard military issue rifle then?

Um, the M16 was accepted in '63, the Mini wasn't produced for another 10 years.

 

[Remo223]

yeah, and it's also not as good. Hence my comment.

 

[zfk55]

100 yards, 8 rounds 175gr SMKs.

 

[longshot7.62x51]

Thats why i bought an HK 91

 

[NAVY SEABEE 303]

I don't have either (yet) but will eventually have both, I think they are great platforms in their own right.

 

[Slamfire]

You know I looked at the published weights of the M14, 8.2 pounds unloaded, and that is not that much different from a M16A2 at 7.8 pounds.

The weight of a 308 version can be more or less than a M14, depending on how much metal the designer puts on the thing.

I have extensive experience with the AR15 platform and the M1a. I have shot a couple of Ar10's, was very surprised by the relatively low level of recoil.

I am of the opinion that if your one and only criteria is accuracy, the AR style of mechanism is going to be more accurate. The bolt lugs evenly distribute the load. The M14 lugs are asymetric and the loading is asymetric.

But accuracy is not the whole thing.

Clearing a jam in a M14 is easy. Though I can't think of every having a jam in a M14/M1a. I remember once kicking the operation rod open for a newbie. His load was way too hot.

Clearing a jam in an AR is more difficult. I love the open top design of the M14, just look down and see what is going on. Any issues with stacking, jamming, you just reach in with your fingers and clear it. Most AR service rifle highpower shooters carry a multitool. Something with needle nosed pliers to reach in that ejection port and pull out a case.

Just this weekend I separated the halves of an AR, because it is easier that way to clear the upper, and rammed a cleaning rod down the barrel to clear a cartridge. I could not grasp the rim with enough force, with my Leatherman, to get the thing out. It was too deep in there to use the screwdriver blade.

I find clearing blown primers a lot easier in the M1a. Just pull the trigger group and the primer falls out. Separate the halves of a AR, fish around with your multitool, beat lower against ground hoping that will knock it loose, maybe the primer will come out. For deep cleaning you have to push the pins out and remove the trigger parts.

Cleaning the locking lug recesses in an AR weapon requires about 15 Q-Tips. Much easier on the M1a.

I think the M14 was a better design. Even if the weights are equal.

 

[Remo223]

bah!

AR is better.

 

[isc]

I kinda wish that the .308 AR had a chrome lined barrel. I know it would open groups by as much as a half MOA, but I made sure all my 5.56 ARs have chrome bores and I do have some corrosive .308 in my ammo stash.

 

[Robert]

I want an OBR.

I do have some corrosive .308 in my ammo stash.

Then shoot it. A little hot water or Windex will solve the corrosive issue, then clean litle normal.

 

[winchester '97]

The M14/Garand action is 75 years old now, and it shows with regards to interchangeability of calibers and ergonomics of the rifles, The AR is just a more modern platform. The SCAR-H in its many variations seems to make more sense than either action though. Also the mini 14 probably would not have been accepted being less inherently accurate than the AR, and being backwards in styling what with other countries adopting the FAL and AK respectively. Basically if you were going to adopt a totally new infantry rifle a re-chambered and downsized version of your old rifle isn't that attractive.

 

[zstephens13]

My bubble is doing just fine...

 

[shotgunjoel]

zfk55, that's cool an all, but your POI is off a little

 

[zfk55]

No, that's where the fly was sitting.

 

[NG VI]

being backwards in styling what with other countries adopting the FAL and AK respectively.

More importantly it didn't post up any advantages in ergonomics and control layout like the AR platform did, had no modularity bonus, and still had the same old stock system as all the older rifles.

 

[InkEd]

I will take the M-14 over an AR-10 any day of the week. I just can't warm up to any of the AR rifles. I have tried and tried bit just don't care for them.

 

[Red Devil]

I saw a post yesterday indicating that no one knew where the saying of "it's swell, it's made by Mattel" came from in reference to the M-16. I was assigned to one of the test groups that tested various weapons systems prior to the decision of awarding the military's new combat rifle to Mattel . . . ah er Colt. We tested the weapons in the jungles of Panama (1965). The referernce to Mattel came about due to the plastic looking design of the weapon and the fact that many broke during parachute jumps. 3rd Bn Abn, 508th Infantry

 

[Red Devil]

I believe that the M-16 was not officially accepted until after tests conducted in 1965.

 

[bbuddtec]

I would have any and all... brother can you spare a dime?

 

[Casefull]

I hate to burst the AR-10 bubble but...

...but you obviously do not know what you are talking about. It is 20% heavier and not nearly as accurate...especially out of the box.

 

[Art Eatman]

Enough...