Lightweight M14 or M1a

[artherd]

Since I already have pre-bans for the M14, I might as well use them. (in CA we can never get more.)

I like the M1a, but it's about 2-3lbs overweight for me.

Is there any way I can get the weight down on this weapon to 6-7lbs?



(while keeping it CA legal, this means no pistol grips of thumbhole stocks

 

[Fatelvis]

Artherd, I dont think you can get the M1A down to that weight. Id like to put mine on a diet, too, but I think due to its robust construction, and gas system parts 8-9 pounds is as light as it gets. Good shootin`!

 

[blfuller]

There was a M14 that the Springfield Armory put on a diet experimentally. They turned down the barrel a little more, got rid of the bayonet lug, changed the stripper clip guide to aluminum and removed the ears off the rear sight base. They did a few other things that I cant recall but essentially it was never issued. I'll post later what they brought the weight down to.

 

[geekWithA.45]

I don't have exact figures on hand, but the m1a is about 3/4 of a pound heavier than an equivalent FAL.

People always complain how heavy they are, but it's not like they're 5 pounds heavier than a near equivalent.


I don't really think you'd want to cut them down to AR-15 weights, you'd loose too much robustness.

Its a weighty rifle for a weighty purpose.

 

[Frohickey]

Couldn't you go to the gym more often?

 

[artherd]

I'm a big sissy boy (and the PRK won't let me have an AR-15 either...)

I like my 7lb Remington 7400, with a scope, it's about as heavy as I'd want, and plenty rugged. Not as accurate as I'd like, and big mags don't work well however.

How many of you can seriously accurately shoot your M1a off-hand for extended ammounts of time? Actually manuver with it?

My goal is a scoped weapon, possibly with a backup CQB site, with full mag and bipod, to come in around 9-10lbs. Oh, and it has to shoot 1.5MOA. Any more than that, and I've got a 14lb (scoped) Armalite AR-30 that's great, but a bear to carry and manuver.

 

[blfuller]

The T44E6 lightweight rifle was brought down to 7.4 lbs as opposed to 8.4lbs for the T44E4 (M14). The reduction in weight of the rifle was accompanied by a loss of accuracy, velocity, function and endurance performance; an increase in flash and recoil; and a lower cook-off point for full auto fire.

The receiver on the T44E6 was lighter and didn't have any provision for a scope mount.