Was drafted into the Army in 1964. Was trained on the M14. Have always loved the rifle. Stationed in Virginia for awhile, had to requalify at Quantico Marine Base. Used M14 scored as a Sharpshooter. Also was an armorer at one base. Had to clean M14s in the Company. Used to be able to disassemble and clean almost with eyes shut. Couldn't do that now at 75, lol. Was in 'Nam for awhile, also had M14 there. Awesome weapon. Thanks for your video, always enjoy your presentations.
I joined the Marines in 1964, I was in Viet Nam in 1965 with 1st Bat. 4th Marines D Co. I carried the M 14 for the 5 years I was in the Marines. I qualified with the M 14 on the rifle range at the 200, 300, and 500 yard line as a rifle expert with no scope. I got ahold a BAR Belt that held two M 14 mags in each pouch, and the BAR Belt had 6 pouches, so I carried 12 mags in the belt and one in the rifle. In the Jungle it was a bear to carry as being heavy (10+LBS) and long. It would get caught in the vines as you went threw the jungle. Never ever had a problem with my M 14 the whole 5 years I was in the Marines as far as feeding, having sand in it or mud in it. It is one hell of a rifle, I just wish I could replace the one I carried while I was in.
My grand uncle had his deer slayer Ithaca 37 that great gpa bought him sent from home to replace his m16 that kept jamming. He was VERY accurate with it out shooting clays and hunting too, was kinda eerie seeing his accuracy improve to a combat level when using that Vietnam Ithaca. The way he could reset and rack and slam fire so quickly. He passed and my cousin has it now , it taught me an old fart with a shotgun can be way scarier than a idiot with a glock lol RIP Charles Kelley.
I absolutely love my full auto M1A. People give me hell saying it’s a waste of ammo but when you flip the fun switch you ride the rollercoaster of love.
My father carried the M-14 during his first land-based tour of Vietnam until he was issued the M-16. He repaired and serviced PBR’s out of the wharf at Nha Be. He remembered how heavy that rifle was, but it was a beast he said. The “plastic” M-16 was simply unreal back then though he said it was a nice rifle as well but nothing like todays M4. Even though he had to deal with some tough scenes from boats that returned from terrible firefights, he remembers watching the helos across the river shooting rockets below. Glad he is still around to share those memories.
Cool piece of personal history for me. Both of my grandparents worked at the real Springfield Armory making everything from 1903s to M14s. Decades later I was issued a M14 (of course, heavily modified from the original) that they probably had a hand in building. Great rifles.
My Grandpa trained with a M14 that had no selector switch. He had to take it on a hike and then they had to pitch tents and weren't allowed to build fires, so my Grandpa built a pine needle fire in his M1 Helmet inside the tent, It ended up turning quite a bit of the helmet black. When they turned their helmets back in the ordinance guy asked "What happened to this?" and my Grandpa just said "I don't know" Nothing to do with the M14 but I felt like telling that story anyway.
Still haven't forgiven Secretary of Defense McNamara for closing our national armory system.... yes, it had the problems typical of any bureaucracy, but there was a lot firearms design/manufacturing expertise there that was lost as a result of the closure.
@@GeorgiaBoy1961 --- Yep, and McNamara and his wiz-kids were responsible for the M16 debacle when it was first issued. The M16 was designed for ammunition with IMR powder, and went through trials with that ammunition. At the last minute, McNamara wanted a higher velocity and direct the powder be a double-base ball powder. They issued the rifle with that ammunition without adequately testing the combination. That is the main reason why they had fouling and jamming problems whne first issued in the Viet Nam war.
I loved my USMC M14 in 1967-68 with the selector. It was very reliable in any weather or hole I was living in/rice paddy I was fighting through. It saved my life when needed. Never used my bayonet but one night I did us the rifle for a club and it continued to work. It was a much better and more reliable then the M16.
Other than the M-60 machine gun, the M-14 was my favorite during my 2 1/2 years in Vietnam. I was in gunship helicopters but took my basic training with the M-14. I also won the trophy for the best shot in our brigade (1800 men). Was offered to be on Army Rifle Team but wanted to be where the "action" was! Looking back I should have opted for the rifle team! Love the M-14 and never had a problem with one!
HaHa! We all were young men making bad decisions at that age. In the early 2000's I shot a accurized M-14 with my National Guard rifle competition team. It shot great, but it had a aftermarket stock that was hell on my short frame. I felt like I had been run over by a truck afterwards. Later I shot a GI stocked version and had no issues. Those fat gripped long LOP stocks hated me.
A beloved uncle carried a M14 during his service in Germany. Listening to his stories made a great impression on the small boy that was me. I noe have 2 M1As a standard that has been accurized and a new Scout Squad, which is my favorite of ALL rifles. I also have a beloved FAL BUT I will grab the M1A 10 out of 10 times as I head out the door towards unknown troubles. These pattern rifles are my favorite of all. Thanks for the video
In my state, a bayonet lug is one of those "evil features" you cannot have on a semi-automatic rifle with a detachable magazine. You know, because there are so many bayonet attacks these days...
I've been watchin your videos since Highschool and now I'm a College Graduate. I always watch them when I eat. Keep it up! Greetings from The Philippines! Have a blessed day everyone!
Ironic that this rifle was made less than a mile from where I used to live, the NYC side of Floral Park, and I couldn't own one. I could literally walk from my front door to their factory in less than 15 minutes but because of shitty laws I could not buy one. I am so glad I got out of NYC.
Generally, freedoms are not valued until one is deprived of them . . . then they become THE most precious commodity. We are complacent regarding the preservation of our liberties, because we have had them for so long . . . and for most of us, without any significant sacrifices.
CocoaLopez19 Back in the mid nineties I had them rebarrel an Eagle arms upper with a stainless Douglass barrel for CMP style shooting. Lost the receipt but I think I paid around 300 for total parts and labor. This was when they were in a little office off Jamaica Ave east of the Cross Island Pkwy where the 2 dollar theater was. He'll, it might have been Lou the owner who I spoke to and who did the work.
So true, Roy Kiefer. And (if I can add to your great post)- once we "give up" a freedom, we are not going to get it back. It's kind of a one way street. And thanks to Mr. Hickok; for yet another interesting look, at a fine Rifle.
I love the M14. I went through basic training with one, through rain and mud at Ft. Polk, La, in 1966. Later I became a Drill Sgt at Ft. Bliss, Tx, and watched them drug through the desert sand and mud during training. They NEVER failed to perform, unless there was so much sand/grit/mud in the rifle that the 1st round from the magazine couldn't chamber! BUT, no fear... set the rifle butt on the ground and stomp the bolt back open and try again (!). STUNNING abuse, in basic training cycle after cycle and STILL kept on being used daily.... I developed so MUCH RESPECT for that weapon! I'm SURE one had to have broken down while I was in the Army, but I just never saw it in person... It put a smile on my face to see you 'fix bayonets', as I was the primary bayonet fighting instructor for ~18 months @ C-2-3, Logan Heights at Fort Bliss. I never saw combat with one, but that would have been my pick to trust my life with, if I had the choice.
I was assigned the M14 in the US Army from mid 66 to end of '69. I loved it, I trusted it, it was reliable. Also trained briefly with the AR-15 on the range, but it felt too light, plasticky, and rattled, and didn't always cycle, so that was frustrating. I never saw combat, and I salute those who did.
For 3 1/2 years my main weapon in the Marine Corps was an M-14. I loved it. I was one of the last to be issued the M-16 and was excited to get it mainly for the weight factor. Even though the jamming problems had been solved by the time we got the M-16, it didn’t take long for us to want our M-14s back. It’s still my first love.
Sweet!!! Our son, who is an Marine infantry NCO, wishes he could use our Scout Squad M1A instead of his M4. He can REALLY reach out there with those great iron sights!!! Always a great video with a M14 variant. Thanks
Ya... the M4 is really known for “reaching out there”... lol Edwards family... thank you for your service. Nick... thank you for the humour... Bahaha...
Oh man, when I heard you say "Gunny, I hope you're not watching from up there" I was hoping you weren't saying what it sounded like. I didn't know he passed away. I loved that guy :( R.I.P
TheGreatBeard ... I’m sure you’ve probably read by now that Gunny did in fact leave us a few weeks ago. That was indeed a sad day for most of us who enjoyed his work.
Yeah, when I heard hickok say what sounded like Gunny had passed, I paused the video to google it. I live in the middle of a forest without internet so I am out of touch on a lot of events until I come to the city for wi-fi.
I trained with this rifle in Basic, although memory says the M14 I was issued was made by Winchester. I learned to love it. It wasn't until I got to a line unit in 82d Abn that I learned there was a full-auto variant. Never shot one with full-auto. The ones I did use were all sweet shooters. Wish I could afford one now.
First off let me say I'm surprised you didn't demonstrate the bayonet on this video. It was cool that you brought up R. Lee Emery. He was a huge fan of this rifle. I also appreciate the the love that you have for older firearms. It has given me a great appreciation... That I necessarily didn't have when I first started watching your Channel. I think that you are a great and also fun teacher. And even though some may not get your sense of humor or your jokes I find it absolutely hysterical. Have an awesome day.
I'm sure I have told you this story before but just in case I have not. I joined the Indiana National Guard in May of 1966. The unit I joined was a low level artillery unit. Due to the increase in the draft at the time. It looked like we would never be able to go to Basic Training with the Regular Army. So in late May of that year they packed us all up and sent us to Camp Atterbury for two weeks of basic training. At the time Indiana still had the M1 rifle as it infantry weapon. So during the two weeks I qualified on an M1 rifle. In December of that year I was transferred to an SRF unit and sent to basic training in January of 1967. Their I qualified with the M14. Going from the M1 to the M14 was wonderful. The M14 is one of my favorite rifles of all time. When I returned to my unit in June of 67. They had switched from M1 rifles to M16. So I qualified on the M16 soon after my return from basic training. Absolutely loved the M16. Why you may ask. It was light and the combat load was much higher. So in a little over a year I qualified on the M1, the M14 and the M16. So please keep the old guns coming. It brings back to fond memories.
And even though it was substantially replaced in Vietnam it was still the primary rifle issued to forces on the Cold War front lines in Europe for some time.
Jeremy Hamilton and many of the trips weren’t happy with its replacement in Vietnam. I could be wrong but I believe it’s still a go to for the marines as a dmr
I made this mistake. My ex convinced me to sell all of my guns when I was around 25 because we needed rent money. These were the guns my father had given me. That was decades ago and I still get a sinking feeling when I think about it. I made a vow that I would rather starve than ever sell another one again. Selling those guns was one of the most regretful things I've ever done... second to the ex-wife, of course.
Hickok45 and I are close to the same age and I'll pass some words of wisdom to the younger generation that my dad gave to me. Two things to remember, (1)only sell your guns or tools as an extremely last resort, with both you can feed your family. (2) buy the best you can afford and take care of them that way they won't let you down.
Haven't ever sold a gun in 55 years owning them. I've given a few away to younger family members just as my father did for me. I'll pass them all down in due time. Not to my sons as they've gone full anti gun. That's OK, I have a nephew that's going to get the gift of a lifetime when he inherits my collection.
Haven't ever sold a gun in 55 years owning them. I've given a few away to younger family members just as my father did for me. I'll pass them all down in due time. Not to my sons as they've gone full anti gun. That's OK, I have a nephew that's going to get the gift of a lifetime when he inherits my collection.
From a older Marine, the one M14, had in boot camp {Hollywood Marine} was a wood stock. the one I had in Nam. { 2nd recon} was fiberglass stock. It was unstoppable.
I have an M1A Loaded Standard. It has the match grade barrel(not the Krieger, unfortunately), match grade trigger, 3 inch flash hider. It's incredibly accurate with iron sights. I never carried one in the Army. They were around in Iraq. Each Squad would often have a squad designated marksman, that would keep one of these around. Thanks for the Louisville shout-out.
You brought back some memories dear to me hickok... In Marine Corps bootcamp at MCRD San Diego back in the day you got to see a movie before graduation.Unfortunately for us in Plt. 1093 in 1987 it was Full Metal Jacket. We paid for Gunny Hartman when he was killed by a recruit. In sweat, tears, and some blood. No matter what this rifle... Even if it was before my time in the Corps will hold some meaning to me. It means pain... LOL! I still love it though. Nice job guys!
As a U.S. Marine I carried the M-14 Rifle in Viet-Nam in 1965-66....saw what it could do in combat...unlike the M-16 I never saw nor heard of a malfunction with this true battle rifle. I own AR Rifles, however, should the situation arise, my go to weapon is my LRB SA M-14 Rifle...which unlike the Springfield version has a hammer forged receiver.
Loved this video. Trained with an M14 when I joined the Army in 1967. Great rifle that I loved. Had to qualify with an M16 before going to Viet Nam in 1968. I liked it too and had no issues with the M16 but my heart belonged to the M14. The only issue with the M14 was getting cleaning patches stuck in the flash hider when cleaning. The old zippo lighter took care of that. Great video as always.
My tours in country in 67 and again in 68 M14's were about as rare as hens teeth. The Mattie Mattel, single shot, automatic M16 was the army's weapon of choice and the 14 was delegated to REMF (Rear Echelon Mother Forker) perimeter defense along with the M60. The 14 was just too cumbersome and unwieldy to carry in the bush. But given an open plain, it could really reach out and touch ol' Charlie. 300 meters was a pretty common starting point.
LRB is local to me on Long Island. Lou has been doing this for a long time, and is very good at what he does. Great to see Hickok owning and reviewing one. Living in such a restricted state, its nice to see someone getting to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
I carried one in Vietnam, and that was when they were supposed to be turned in and everyone was issued M16's. I convinced my Plt Ldr and Co to let me keep it. I never fired the M16 until I returned to the States. So glad I never gave up the M14. All the BS about being too heavy for jungle use, was horse-shit.
Took basic training with M14 and learned how to use peep sites and fell in love with the accuracy and fast target acquisition of them ,out to 500 meters. Great weapon ! Then issued a M16 in Vietnam as a 11B10 When I made it home , I put peep sites on about all my long guns, even my feather weight slab sided Ithaca , which I got a deer with 2 nd year in Shawnee Nat'l Forrest running, broadsided to me.
I bought a Springfield M1A a little over a year ago. It's a fantastic battle rifle. It's a good match for my Colt 1911 Government. I check with Springfield and they did say these were built to shoot both 7.62x51 and .308. Love your channel. CWO4, USN, Retired, 1973-1995. P.S. I also picked up a PTR-91 which is also a great battle rifle.
LRB Arms receivers, and especially their full-build rifles, are not only works of art but also very accurate. My M25 with a 4-16X NF ATACR consistently prints 0.35" 3-shot groups at 100 yards from a benchrest and rear sandbag firing my handload 175-gr. Sierra Tipped MK over 44.0 gr. Varget and Fed 210 Match primers in new Lapua brass. More than accurate enough!
Just bought my first M1A standard configuration. The most expensive rifle I own, and It shoots amazing. It's been a dream gun ever since I was a youngster. I would say to those of you who are interested in at M1A, you won't regret it if you buy one, and if you have to save up for it than it will be worth it when you finally have one.
As a young teenage USN Gunner's Mate in the 70s I can't count how many M14 rifles I worked on, carried and used. I worked on them in armories in a couple of different states and also aboard ship. I've personally carried one in countries as different and diverse as Spain and Haiti. From Gitmo guard duty to shark watch on the bridge wing during swim call in the Med I placed my complete trust in the M14 in my hands and it never let me down. It was a rifle I could rarely miss with, just so comfortable and natural to shoot that even poor shooters did well with it. Ever since those years, it has been my most loved firearm, one that I always said I wanted to personally own. Now, in my 60s, I'm finally at a point in my life where I'm close to being able to afford one. I have a small inheritance coming from the estate of a distant relative who, of all things, owned a gun shop. I felt it would be fitting then to purchase myself an M14, despite my wife's grousing about how many car payments it will equal. Not an LRB though, those are still out of my budgetary range, no, I'm looking at one from James River Armory, which also uses a forged receiver and surplus G.I. parts. It's about a grand less than the LRB variant but will be as authentic as possible to the weapon that I remember. Of course, affording to feed it might mean another car payment or two taken from the inheritance check, but it's not a rifle that's going to lose value over time. When my time comes and I'm no longer around my wife will be free to either hang onto it or sell it, as she wishes, and get back pretty close to what I'll pay for it, and that's not a bad thing.
I hope you got your M14 rifle. Hey it's just money, you can't take it with you. You came into this world with none, you'll leave it the same. Memories last a lifetime.
@@matthewhartup941 No, never did. The inheritance came in and not a single JRA M14 could be found so I settled for a JRA BM59, which is the Beretta M14 equivalent, with a few improvements. Shoots nice. I put a rail on it and topped it with an ATN 4k Pro and laser rangefinder. At 600 yards I'm getting dinner plate groups, so 2 MOA with Korean surplus M80 ball. In the dark. Sweeeet.
Ask any Marine if he had to go back to Vietnam today, which rifle would he prefer? The M-14 or the M-16? Most would tell you, in no uncertain terms, that they would prefer the M-14! "Mine" was manufactured by H&R and was well used but in very good condition, mechanically. I "humped" it for many a mile and fired hundreds of rounds through it. Utterly reliable, we never fired ours in full auto except during pre deployment training at ITR (Infantry Training Regiment) Camp Pendleton, Ca. Semper Fi, TreeTop
TreeTop1947 True, but remember that one is fond of the things to which one is familiar! Aside from Special Forces and opns personnel, most Service members are only familiar with the firearms and equipment to which they were issued or trained. If you have never fired or was issued an FAL, G3, etc- then you cannot judge the superiority of one given weapon over any other!
You're absolutely right. The M-14 was a superb rifle. It never jammed and the 7.62 mm round would kill a man if he was hit in the upper body. Former Grunt, 0311, 1965-1969.
Great review! The input from soldiers who've carried it is impressive not because they are necessarily "gun" people but because they used the firearm in all sorts of conditions and it worked for them.
@NAMVET6566 my uncle was at one time a shooting instructor in the Marines at Quantico I the 80s and ..won the camp perry shootout a few times using the m14..NM ..and he taught me to shoot when I was a kid in the 80s..man I love my M14/m1a1...used to make me practice squeezing the trigger with a penny laying on the front sight..took awhile but I got it. Thank you for your service devil dog.
I had one in 66Marine Corps...owned two for awhile and just got another one love this Rifle!..l never carried one in Vietnam but sure wish I did get the M16..I fired it full auto in Cuba hard to stay on target but was fun to shoot!
I carried one in the two years I was enlisted in the Marine Corps. Mine had a selector switch. Really nothing more than a roll pin. Very simple. Very accurate. I shot a 236 at PA in '66, making me one of the best shots in my regiment. Could hit a 12" Bullseye at 500 meters, 9 out of ten times with a full metal jacketed, 7.62m in all positions. I loved that rifle. We had to be able to break one down and reassemble in a very short time. Don't remember but in a few minutes. Then do it blind folded. Yes. Blind folded. They are very easy to take apart and reassemble. BTW, we not only used a sling and wrapped it tight, for those who know what Im talking about, it makes a big difference. I used a sling with my Marlin 30-30 lever action, open sighted, hunting rifle when I lived in The Elks of Colorado on Elk and at 200 yds could drop a bull in the standing position. The training with the M-14 by the USMC was the key. I just want to add that, in the automatic selection, we were taught to shoulder sling and reverse our forehand and brace against the rifle on top and press down to prevent fire from climbing, if you know what I mean. BD
This weapon comes from the time men carried them all through basic into battle and their body's strength was stronger for carrying it, ammunition for it, and holding on to while firing it. You were a better soldier as you brought your strength up to use it. The 7.62 x 51 and or .308 cuts through the clutter and takes it to the enemy in hiding. I do not own one, I did however, specifically buy a bolt action .308 that looks very similar as I could afford it. I would choose this over any of the newer calibers, and or weapons every time. This and a 1955 Belair set up well are physical artworks only a few deserve to have. Hickock you are an American badass, I shoot well, you have an incredible shot.
Just before I left California in 94 I picked up a M1A National Match had the Bayonet lug on it. Mine had a problem with it it started to slam fire it would fire 2-3 rounds with single trigger pull. Guy at the range he gave me a number of a guy who used to gunsmith them. He fixed it for me never did that again glad he did later I heard some guy got arrested for a AR-15 doing that.
I have been shooting M14 type rifles since around 1975. Never owned a forged receiver, only cast ones and have gotten tens of thousands of rounds through each one. These rifles are like magic.
I was in Army 10th Mountain division at Fort Drum in the 80's. I served with many Vietnam Vets. Who all swore the M16 cannot ever compare to the reliablity of this beautiful weapon. During my basic training. I can still vividly remember our drill Sergeant making the comment, "there is nothing prettier than the sight of the sun glistening down on his M14 barrel at sunrise". Thanks for sharing, Sir!
My dad qualified expert with the M14 in the Marines and served in Vietnam. He told me the rifle was very accurate and reliable. Now I have a variant and it's the most accurate semiautomatic rifle I own period.
January 1968, Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri and Im in basic training. We marched to the rifle range and began training with the M-14. After shooting a little single shot 22 cal squirrel rifle back home this was another world of shooting. That Army rifle range was a real wake up call for us all. It gave me confidence that I could handle the weapon and do the job that needed to be done. A few months later I was in Viet Nam and was issued an M16. Didnt feel as confident with the M16 but when I was issued an M60 machine gun (I was a helicopter door gunner) I felt much more secure!! Best of times...worst of times.
welcome back sir! im glad that you were able to work out terms with youtube, your video on the taurus judge and the spring field xd were the desideing factors of my purchases. do to your routine and nature of explanation and disassembly. amazing video as always.
I have an M14 and love it. This rifle reminds me a lot of the old FN I carried back in the day. Same gun different look. We trusted it to do the job. This rifle is a part of history that's why I got it. The FN I carried is prohibit for some strange reason no one understands.
LRB receivers are magnificent. I have two rifles built on them and two more receivers yet to build when I have time. I had the pleasure of speaking with Lou, the owner of LRB at SHOT a couple of times, some years back. He is a gentleman and a blessing for the M14 type rifle fans out there. Building your own rifle, or at least having them build one for you, makes it just that much more special than an off-the-shelf piece.
I was trained on one in 66 and then the Army issued the M-16. I never fired one but the M-14 is the love of my life. I'm going to own one to pass down to my sons. BTW, I was on the Army drill team and the weapon is not in balance without the bayonet. Check out the guards at the tomb of the unknown . Without the bayonet, there is no way they would look as snappy.
The M1A-NM is one of my favorite long rifles indeed, a real flat shooter and highly accurate. It is still used today by over-watch snipers. It truly is great to reach out and hit targets at greater distances with iron NM sights. I look forward to mounting a Leupold scope on the rifle to really reach out to that 1000 yard mark. Great intuitive video, thank you...
You need to get a dummy happy switch to fill that gap on the stock. I have one on my Fulton Armory rifle, people's eyes bug out when they see it. Another great video!
My agency obtained several Vietnam era surplus rifles for patrol deputies use. I happened to be issued one and found it to be a superb weapon. Wish I still had it today. They wouldn’t give it to me when I retired.
Yes, pretty ironic. I think how sad it is when I look at the barrel on my old Winchester leverguns. "Made in New Haven, Conn." Yeah, just the state these days where one would go into the firearms manufacturing business.
And we can own it but it's either the flash suppressor pinned and welded and a fixed mag or no muzzle device and a detachable mag. The stock is fixed and there isnt a pistol grip so no worries there
What a great Firearm, The M14 was, I carried one, That was Scoped Mounted Through the middle 60's Years,, While in the Military Never a problem with it, As long as you kept up the cleaning of it Etc.
M-14 is on my bucket list. I carried one in Viet Nam in 67/68 and just loved it . Shooting this rifle is like shooting my colt single action army you just know what you have in your hand is well made and reliable but I live in maryland and cannot own one maybe I will just move.
My Dad had an M14 when he served 64-67. He loved it and always talked about it. I just bought him an M1A. He was so happy when I surprised him with it!😎
Hickok45: Definitely add the dummy select fire to fill the stock void. I added one to my Norinco M14 with an added US GI M14 red walnut stock and looks great. That rubber slip on butte pad looks very tacky. You can get one that screws onto the butte from Springfield. Have fun shooting!
I still remember my M-14 serial number, 47518, from boot camp. The M-14 is one of the finest infantry weapons ever made. When we went to staging battalion on the way to a Vietnam we were given our first M-16. The general opinion was what a piece of junk. Gee, it’s Mattel, it’s swell.
@@JHeck-ik6ys In boot camp we put cotton in out ears. I don't recall during infantry training but we probably used cotton. In Vietnam I was a helicopter gunner wearing a flight helmet that protected my ears. The CH-46 was deafening without ear protection.
Late 1967 and early 1968 at Lackland AFB hearing protection was not allowed. Range officers told us no cigarette butts in the ears. During Security Police School we spent five days at Camp Bullis shooting every small arm in the Air Force inventory and my ears were shot after the first day. @@JHeck-ik6ys
I had been shooting various firearms most of my life when I went into Basic Training but I was surprised when we started shooting the M-14s. With half the company shooting and the other half in the Coach position, I was amazed at the muzzle blast. It actually made my clothing flap. I found being a coach interesting, with the hot brass bouncing off my helmet and going down my field jacket collar, etc. Heck of a weapon.
lol it better then all the generation m16 one reason ! because of the cal, there nothing with the m16 pathform it just using a 22 cal family that was meant for vermin's not people
In the mid 80s the boat I was on carried 3 types of small arms. We had the 1911A1, a 12ga pump, and the SA M14. When I qualified on the M14, I fell in love. Wish I had the $3000 to get one.
Yeah, tell me about it. I was trying to find some news on TV. Nothing but goofy wedding coverage. Sorry, but I just don't get the fascination with the "Royal Family." Somebody must love it; the media knows what people want.
Just a fine example of form, function and history and still a viable choice for a squad dmr to this day. My old man was in early Nam and in 96 he passed and left me an all forged and chrome lined m14 but he was suffering severe dementia and paranoia and buried it somewhere in southern arizona with no map. Breaks my heart to this day. Leave it to John and don't forget the map. haha
shotguns are boom sticks just ask ash from evil dead rifles and pistols are for pew pews and if you ask about shotgun caliber pistols they're pistol boom sticks
Dad carried one in Vietnam...always wanted one that was as authentic as he could get....unfortunately he passed before he found one he truly liked RIP pops
Awesome rifle. Can't exactly say it's "overpriced" due to how expensive it must be to produce, but I can say, for me, it's "priced-out" of anything I'm looking for.
I was in the U.S. Navy in the 70's and we used the original M14 as our standard battle rifle for boarding or repelling the enemy at sea... it was a beautiful rifle a little heavy and kicked like a mule, but when it hit a target it was all over...
Was drafted into the Army in 1964. Was trained on the M14. Have always loved the rifle. Stationed in Virginia for awhile, had to requalify at Quantico Marine Base. Used M14 scored as a Sharpshooter. Also was an armorer at one base. Had to clean M14s in the Company. Used to be able to disassemble and clean almost with eyes shut. Couldn't do that now at 75, lol. Was in 'Nam for awhile, also had M14 there. Awesome weapon. Thanks for your video, always enjoy your presentations.
Lol is to see a 74 year old man saying lol lol
Thank you for your service.
Liar
@@knighthawk3559 sounds 🐠 to me too man.
Thanks for your service Preston.
I joined the Marines in 1964, I was in Viet Nam in 1965 with 1st Bat. 4th Marines D Co. I carried the M 14 for the 5 years I was in the Marines. I qualified with the M 14 on the rifle range at the 200, 300, and 500 yard line as a rifle expert with no scope. I got ahold a BAR Belt that held two M 14 mags in each pouch, and the BAR Belt had 6 pouches, so I carried 12 mags in the belt and one in the rifle. In the Jungle it was a bear to carry as being heavy (10+LBS) and long. It would get caught in the vines as you went threw the jungle. Never ever had a problem with my M 14 the whole 5 years I was in the Marines as far as feeding, having sand in it or mud in it. It is one hell of a rifle, I just wish I could replace the one I carried while I was in.
My dad says the same thing and also wants his old service rifle. He is also a jar head and served 68-72
My grand uncle had his deer slayer Ithaca 37 that great gpa bought him sent from home to replace his m16 that kept jamming. He was VERY accurate with it out shooting clays and hunting too, was kinda eerie seeing his accuracy improve to a combat level when using that Vietnam Ithaca. The way he could reset and rack and slam fire so quickly. He passed and my cousin has it now , it taught me an old fart with a shotgun can be way scarier than a idiot with a glock lol RIP Charles Kelley.
Thank you for your service sir.
I absolutely love my full auto M1A. People give me hell saying it’s a waste of ammo but when you flip the fun switch you ride the rollercoaster of love.
My father carried the M-14 during his first land-based tour of Vietnam until he was issued the M-16. He repaired and serviced PBR’s out of the wharf at Nha Be. He remembered how heavy that rifle was, but it was a beast he said. The “plastic” M-16 was simply unreal back then though he said it was a nice rifle as well but nothing like todays M4. Even though he had to deal with some tough scenes from boats that returned from terrible firefights, he remembers watching the helos across the river shooting rockets below. Glad he is still around to share those memories.
Love the M14/M1A/M21. I am kind of a tradionalist, I know plastic guns may be more durable, more lighter. But wood and steel is pure manly and classy.
Cool piece of personal history for me. Both of my grandparents worked at the real Springfield Armory making everything from 1903s to M14s. Decades later I was issued a M14 (of course, heavily modified from the original) that they probably had a hand in building. Great rifles.
That's some pretty cool history.
My Grandpa trained with a M14 that had no selector switch. He had to take it on a hike and then they had to pitch tents and weren't allowed to build fires, so my Grandpa built a pine needle fire in his M1 Helmet inside the tent, It ended up turning quite a bit of the helmet black. When they turned their helmets back in the ordinance guy asked "What happened to this?" and my Grandpa just said "I don't know" Nothing to do with the M14 but I felt like telling that story anyway.
I don't care if it's outdated. My m1a is my go to. If I can see it, I can hit it.
Still haven't forgiven Secretary of Defense McNamara for closing our national armory system.... yes, it had the problems typical of any bureaucracy, but there was a lot firearms design/manufacturing expertise there that was lost as a result of the closure.
@@GeorgiaBoy1961 --- Yep, and McNamara and his wiz-kids were responsible for the M16 debacle when it was first issued. The M16 was designed for ammunition with IMR powder, and went through trials with that ammunition. At the last minute, McNamara wanted a higher velocity and direct the powder be a double-base ball powder. They issued the rifle with that ammunition without adequately testing the combination. That is the main reason why they had fouling and jamming problems whne first issued in the Viet Nam war.
I loved my USMC M14 in 1967-68 with the selector. It was very reliable in any weather or hole I was living in/rice paddy I was fighting through. It saved my life when needed. Never used my bayonet but one night I did us the rifle for a club and it continued to work. It was a much better and more reliable then the M16.
I liked this much better than the M-16 ,because of its effective range.
Other than the M-60 machine gun, the M-14 was my favorite during my 2 1/2 years in Vietnam. I was in gunship helicopters but took my basic training with the M-14. I also won the trophy for the best shot in our brigade (1800 men). Was offered to be on Army Rifle Team but wanted to be where the "action" was! Looking back I should have opted for the rifle team! Love the M-14 and never had a problem with one!
HaHa! We all were young men making bad decisions at that age. In the early 2000's I shot a accurized M-14 with my National Guard rifle competition team. It shot great, but it had a aftermarket stock that was hell on my short frame. I felt like I had been run over by a truck afterwards. Later I shot a GI stocked version and had no issues. Those fat gripped long LOP stocks hated me.
A beloved uncle carried a M14 during his service in Germany. Listening to his stories made a great impression on the small boy that was me. I noe have 2 M1As a standard that has been accurized and a new Scout Squad, which is my favorite of ALL rifles. I also have a beloved FAL BUT I will grab the M1A 10 out of 10 times as I head out the door towards unknown troubles. These pattern rifles are my favorite of all. Thanks for the video
In my state, a bayonet lug is one of those "evil features" you cannot have on a semi-automatic rifle with a detachable magazine. You know, because there are so many bayonet attacks these days...
Those dastardly gangsters, with the bayonet charging all willy nilly and whatnot!
@@Redbatcave i'm guessing they must be descendants of some WW2 Japanese army veterans
@@Redbatcave i'm guessing they must be descendants of some WW2 Japanese army veterans
That sucks man....move!
Makes complete sense, there are so many bayonet attacks on the news these days.
I've been watchin your videos since Highschool and now I'm a College Graduate.
I always watch them when I eat.
Keep it up!
Greetings from The Philippines!
Have a blessed day everyone!
Ironic that this rifle was made less than a mile from where I used to live, the NYC side of Floral Park, and I couldn't own one. I could literally walk from my front door to their factory in less than 15 minutes but because of shitty laws I could not buy one. I am so glad I got out of NYC.
Freedom is secretly crying while reading that story.
Generally, freedoms are not valued until one is deprived of them . . . then they become THE most precious commodity. We are complacent regarding the preservation of our liberties, because we have had them for so long . . . and for most of us, without any significant sacrifices.
Bought my first AR lower from them. They make some nice M14’s but we can’t own this one on LI.
CocoaLopez19 Back in the mid nineties I had them rebarrel an Eagle arms upper with a stainless Douglass barrel for CMP style shooting. Lost the receipt but I think I paid around 300 for total parts and labor. This was when they were in a little office off Jamaica Ave east of the Cross Island Pkwy where the 2 dollar theater was. He'll, it might have been Lou the owner who I spoke to and who did the work.
So true, Roy Kiefer. And (if I can add to your great post)- once we "give up" a freedom, we are not going to get it back. It's kind of a one way street.
And thanks to Mr. Hickok; for yet another interesting look, at a fine Rifle.
I love the M14. I went through basic training with one, through rain and mud at Ft. Polk, La, in 1966. Later I became a Drill Sgt at Ft. Bliss, Tx, and watched them drug through the desert sand and mud during training. They NEVER failed to perform, unless there was so much sand/grit/mud in the rifle that the 1st round from the magazine couldn't chamber! BUT, no fear... set the rifle butt on the ground and stomp the bolt back open and try again (!). STUNNING abuse, in basic training cycle after cycle and STILL kept on being used daily.... I developed so MUCH RESPECT for that weapon! I'm SURE one had to have broken down while I was in the Army, but I just never saw it in person...
It put a smile on my face to see you 'fix bayonets', as I was the primary bayonet fighting instructor for ~18 months @ C-2-3, Logan Heights at Fort Bliss. I never saw combat with one, but that would have been my pick to trust my life with, if I had the choice.
I was assigned the M14 in the US Army from mid 66 to end of '69. I loved it, I trusted it, it was reliable. Also trained briefly with the AR-15 on the range, but it felt too light, plasticky, and rattled, and didn't always cycle, so that was frustrating. I never saw combat, and I salute those who did.
For 3 1/2 years my main weapon in the Marine Corps was an M-14. I loved it. I was one of the last to be issued the M-16 and was excited to get it mainly for the weight factor. Even though the jamming problems had been solved by the time we got the M-16, it didn’t take long for us to want our M-14s back. It’s still my first love.
Sweet!!! Our son, who is an Marine infantry NCO, wishes he could use our Scout Squad M1A instead of his M4. He can REALLY reach out there with those great iron sights!!! Always a great video with a M14 variant. Thanks
Ya... the M4 is really known for “reaching out there”... lol
Edwards family... thank you for your service.
Nick... thank you for the humour... Bahaha...
Oh man, when I heard you say "Gunny, I hope you're not watching from up there" I was hoping you weren't saying what it sounded like. I didn't know he passed away. I loved that guy :( R.I.P
TheGreatBeard ... I’m sure you’ve probably read by now that Gunny did in fact leave us a few weeks ago. That was indeed a sad day for most of us who enjoyed his work.
Yeah, when I heard hickok say what sounded like Gunny had passed, I paused the video to google it. I live in the middle of a forest without internet so I am out of touch on a lot of events until I come to the city for wi-fi.
Yep, he's smiling down on us.
I trained with this rifle in Basic, although memory says the M14 I was issued was made by Winchester. I learned to love it. It wasn't until I got to a line unit in 82d Abn that I learned there was a full-auto variant. Never shot one with full-auto. The ones I did use were all sweet shooters. Wish I could afford one now.
First off let me say I'm surprised you didn't demonstrate the bayonet on this video. It was cool that you brought up R. Lee Emery. He was a huge fan of this rifle.
I also appreciate the the love that you have for older firearms. It has given me a great appreciation... That I necessarily didn't have when I first started watching your Channel.
I think that you are a great and also fun teacher. And even though some may not get your sense of humor or your jokes I find it absolutely hysterical. Have an awesome day.
I'm sure I have told you this story before but just in case I have not.
I joined the Indiana National Guard in May of 1966. The unit I joined was a low level artillery unit. Due to the increase in the draft at the time. It looked like we would never be able to go to Basic Training with the Regular Army. So in late May of that year they packed us all up and sent us to Camp Atterbury for two weeks of basic training. At the time Indiana still had the M1 rifle as it infantry weapon. So during the two weeks I qualified on an M1 rifle.
In December of that year I was transferred to an SRF unit and sent to basic training in January of 1967. Their I qualified with the M14. Going from the M1 to the M14 was wonderful. The M14 is one of my favorite rifles of all time.
When I returned to my unit in June of 67. They had switched from M1 rifles to M16. So I qualified on the M16 soon after my return from basic training. Absolutely loved the M16. Why you may ask. It was light and the combat load was much higher.
So in a little over a year I qualified on the M1, the M14 and the M16.
So please keep the old guns coming. It brings back to fond memories.
In 1966 the Marine Corps was carrying the M-14, and still were in 1967 when I departed the Battalion.
James Dingley m14 still used by the military today
And even though it was substantially replaced in Vietnam it was still the primary rifle issued to forces on the Cold War front lines in Europe for some time.
Jeremy Hamilton and many of the trips weren’t happy with its replacement in Vietnam. I could be wrong but I believe it’s still a go to for the marines as a dmr
Ehrman Traut - and aboard every navy ship
Delta Co, 1st. Blt. 3rd. Mar. 1966-67 !
Give it to John!
Never sell, never trade. Only collect!
Of course, I'm a known hoarder so there's that
I made this mistake. My ex convinced me to sell all of my guns when I was around 25 because we needed rent money. These were the guns my father had given me. That was decades ago and I still get a sinking feeling when I think about it. I made a vow that I would rather starve than ever sell another one again. Selling those guns was one of the most regretful things I've ever done... second to the ex-wife, of course.
Hickok45 and I are close to the same age and I'll pass some words of wisdom to the younger generation that my dad gave to me.
Two things to remember,
(1)only sell your guns or tools as an extremely last resort, with both you can feed your family.
(2) buy the best you can afford and take care of them that way they won't let you down.
Haven't ever sold a gun in 55 years owning them. I've given a few away to younger family members just as my father did for me. I'll pass them all down in due time. Not to my sons as they've gone full anti gun. That's OK, I have a nephew that's going to get the gift of a lifetime when he inherits my collection.
Haven't ever sold a gun in 55 years owning them. I've given a few away to younger family members just as my father did for me. I'll pass them all down in due time. Not to my sons as they've gone full anti gun. That's OK, I have a nephew that's going to get the gift of a lifetime when he inherits my collection.
I'm sure John will get them all in the end.
From a older Marine, the one M14, had in boot camp {Hollywood Marine} was a wood stock. the one I had in Nam. { 2nd recon} was fiberglass stock. It was unstoppable.
I have an M1A Loaded Standard. It has the match grade barrel(not the Krieger, unfortunately), match grade trigger, 3 inch flash hider. It's incredibly accurate with iron sights. I never carried one in the Army. They were around in Iraq. Each Squad would often have a squad designated marksman, that would keep one of these around. Thanks for the Louisville shout-out.
You brought back some memories dear to me hickok... In Marine Corps bootcamp at MCRD San Diego back in the day you got to see a movie before graduation.Unfortunately for us in Plt. 1093 in 1987 it was Full Metal Jacket. We paid for Gunny Hartman when he was killed by a recruit. In sweat, tears, and some blood. No matter what this rifle... Even if it was before my time in the Corps will hold some meaning to me. It means pain... LOL! I still love it though. Nice job guys!
Devildog Reminds me of being next door with the Navy in 1989, drilling with our Garands.
thanks for serving....
My Dream rifle since I was a boy!
"You're married to this piece! This weapon of iron and wood. And you will be faithful!"
As a U.S. Marine I carried the M-14 Rifle in Viet-Nam in 1965-66....saw what it could do in combat...unlike the M-16 I never saw nor heard of a malfunction with this true battle rifle. I own AR Rifles, however, should the situation arise, my go to weapon is my LRB SA M-14 Rifle...which unlike the Springfield version has a hammer forged receiver.
Loved this video. Trained with an M14 when I joined the Army in 1967. Great rifle that I loved. Had to qualify with an M16 before going to Viet Nam in 1968. I liked it too and had no issues with the M16 but my heart belonged to the M14. The only issue with the M14 was getting cleaning patches stuck in the flash hider when cleaning. The old zippo lighter took care of that. Great video as always.
That old assault weapons ban cracks me up. I'd love to see statistics on the number of armed robberies committed with a bayonet! 😂
Anthony Caruso I am going to give it a try, wish me luck
My tours in country in 67 and again in 68 M14's were about as rare as hens teeth. The Mattie Mattel, single shot, automatic M16 was the army's weapon of choice and the 14 was delegated to REMF (Rear Echelon Mother Forker) perimeter defense along with the M60. The 14 was just too cumbersome and unwieldy to carry in the bush. But given an open plain, it could really reach out and touch ol' Charlie. 300 meters was a pretty common starting point.
LRB is local to me on Long Island. Lou has been doing this for a long time, and is very good at what he does. Great to see Hickok owning and reviewing one. Living in such a restricted state, its nice to see someone getting to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
I guess he was the fellow I spoke with at SHOT Show. I'll have to dig through my business cards. I'm sure I came home with one of their cards.
I carried one in Vietnam, and that was when they were supposed to be turned in and everyone was issued M16's. I convinced my Plt Ldr and Co to let me keep it. I never fired the M16 until I returned to the States. So glad I never gave up the M14. All the BS about being too heavy for jungle use, was horse-shit.
When the lead starts flyin' you don't even think about the weight. Thanks for your service!
Took basic training with M14 and learned how to use peep sites and fell in love with the accuracy and fast target acquisition of them ,out to 500 meters. Great weapon !
Then issued a M16 in Vietnam as a 11B10
When I made it home , I put peep sites on about all my long guns, even my feather weight slab sided Ithaca , which I got a deer with 2 nd year in Shawnee Nat'l Forrest running, broadsided to me.
LRB rocks! I 'll never sell mine! Excellent video as always! Thanks!
I bought a Springfield M1A a little over a year ago. It's a fantastic battle rifle. It's a good match for my Colt 1911 Government. I check with Springfield and they did say these were built to shoot both 7.62x51 and .308. Love your channel. CWO4, USN, Retired, 1973-1995. P.S. I also picked up a PTR-91 which is also a great battle rifle.
"This is my rifle, this is my gun. This is for fighting, this is for fun"
I can't say enough good things about LRB. Diana, Lou, and Shawn are top notch.
Second that emotion!
That's a beautiful rifle.
It’s what we had, trained with, marched with, exercised with and loved in Boot Camp in 1968.
Still did in '72. MCRD San Diego.
LRB Arms receivers, and especially their full-build rifles, are not only works of art but also very accurate. My M25 with a 4-16X NF ATACR consistently prints 0.35" 3-shot groups at 100 yards from a benchrest and rear sandbag firing my handload 175-gr. Sierra Tipped MK over 44.0 gr. Varget and Fed 210 Match primers in new Lapua brass. More than accurate enough!
Just bought my first M1A standard configuration. The most expensive rifle I own, and It shoots amazing. It's been a dream gun ever since I was a youngster. I would say to those of you who are interested in at M1A, you won't regret it if you buy one, and if you have to save up for it than it will be worth it when you finally have one.
As a young teenage USN Gunner's Mate in the 70s I can't count how many M14 rifles I worked on, carried and used. I worked on them in armories in a couple of different states and also aboard ship. I've personally carried one in countries as different and diverse as Spain and Haiti. From Gitmo guard duty to shark watch on the bridge wing during swim call in the Med I placed my complete trust in the M14 in my hands and it never let me down. It was a rifle I could rarely miss with, just so comfortable and natural to shoot that even poor shooters did well with it. Ever since those years, it has been my most loved firearm, one that I always said I wanted to personally own. Now, in my 60s, I'm finally at a point in my life where I'm close to being able to afford one. I have a small inheritance coming from the estate of a distant relative who, of all things, owned a gun shop. I felt it would be fitting then to purchase myself an M14, despite my wife's grousing about how many car payments it will equal. Not an LRB though, those are still out of my budgetary range, no, I'm looking at one from James River Armory, which also uses a forged receiver and surplus G.I. parts. It's about a grand less than the LRB variant but will be as authentic as possible to the weapon that I remember.
Of course, affording to feed it might mean another car payment or two taken from the inheritance check, but it's not a rifle that's going to lose value over time. When my time comes and I'm no longer around my wife will be free to either hang onto it or sell it, as she wishes, and get back pretty close to what I'll pay for it, and that's not a bad thing.
I hope you got your M14 rifle. Hey it's just money, you can't take it with you. You came into this world with none, you'll leave it the same. Memories last a lifetime.
@@matthewhartup941 No, never did. The inheritance came in and not a single JRA M14 could be found so I settled for a JRA BM59, which is the Beretta M14 equivalent, with a few improvements. Shoots nice. I put a rail on it and topped it with an ATN 4k Pro and laser rangefinder. At 600 yards I'm getting dinner plate groups, so 2 MOA with Korean surplus M80 ball. In the dark.
Sweeeet.
Ask any Marine if he had to go back to Vietnam today, which rifle would he prefer? The M-14 or the M-16? Most would tell you, in no uncertain terms, that they would prefer the M-14! "Mine" was manufactured by H&R and was well used but in very good condition, mechanically. I "humped" it for many a mile and fired hundreds of rounds through it. Utterly reliable, we never fired ours in full auto except during pre deployment training at ITR (Infantry Training Regiment) Camp Pendleton, Ca. Semper Fi, TreeTop
TreeTop1947
True, but remember that one is fond of the things to which one is familiar! Aside from Special Forces and opns personnel, most Service members are only familiar with the firearms and equipment to which they were issued or trained. If you have never fired or was issued an FAL, G3, etc- then you cannot judge the superiority of one given weapon over any other!
@@edmundcharles5278 he just did M14 over M16 now quiet down
TreeTop1947 crooks making money
You're absolutely right. The M-14 was a superb rifle. It never jammed and the 7.62 mm round would kill a man if he was hit in the upper body. Former Grunt, 0311, 1965-1969.
Very true.
Great review! The input from soldiers who've carried it is impressive not because they are necessarily "gun" people but because they used the firearm in all sorts of conditions and it worked for them.
"I DON'T WANT NO TEENAGE QUEEN!
I JUST WANT MY M-14!"
@NAMVET6566 my uncle was at one time a shooting instructor in the Marines at Quantico I the 80s and ..won the camp perry shootout a few times using the m14..NM ..and he taught me to shoot when I was a kid in the 80s..man I love my M14/m1a1...used to make me practice squeezing the trigger with a penny laying on the front sight..took awhile but I got it. Thank you for your service devil dog.
I'm the 101th Like. Is that a Sign?
@NAMVET6566 72 yrs. old.. 1968 Hill #54 / EXP. Loved mine never a problem, clean it !
ME TO
Damn straight.
Thank you Hickok, been waiting for your take on my rifle!
The enthusiasm in your voice is noticeable, ha! Enjoyed this!
I had one in 66Marine Corps...owned two for awhile and just got another one love this Rifle!..l never carried one in Vietnam but sure wish I did get the M16..I fired it full auto in Cuba hard to stay on target but was fun to shoot!
I carried one in the two years I was enlisted in the Marine Corps. Mine had a selector switch. Really nothing more than a roll pin. Very simple. Very accurate. I shot a 236 at PA in '66, making me one of the best shots in my regiment. Could hit a 12" Bullseye at 500 meters, 9 out of ten times with a full metal jacketed, 7.62m in all positions. I loved that rifle. We had to be able to break one down and reassemble in a very short time. Don't remember but in a few minutes. Then do it blind folded. Yes. Blind folded. They are very easy to take apart and reassemble.
BTW, we not only used a sling and wrapped it tight, for those who know what Im talking about, it makes a big difference. I used a sling with my Marlin 30-30 lever action, open sighted, hunting rifle when I lived in The Elks of Colorado on Elk and at 200 yds could drop a bull in the standing position. The training with the M-14 by the USMC was the key.
I just want to add that, in the automatic selection, we were taught to shoulder sling and reverse our forehand and brace against the rifle on top and press down to prevent fire from climbing, if you know what I mean. BD
This weapon comes from the time men carried them all through basic into battle and their body's strength was stronger for carrying it, ammunition for it, and holding on to while firing it. You were a better soldier as you brought your strength up to use it.
The 7.62 x 51 and or .308 cuts through the clutter and takes it to the enemy in hiding.
I do not own one, I did however, specifically buy a bolt action .308 that looks very similar as I could afford it.
I would choose this over any of the newer calibers, and or weapons every time.
This and a 1955 Belair set up well are physical artworks only a few deserve to have.
Hickock you are an American badass, I shoot well, you have an incredible shot.
Just before I left California in 94 I picked up a M1A National Match had the Bayonet lug on it. Mine had a problem with it it started to slam fire it would fire 2-3 rounds with single trigger pull. Guy at the range he gave me a number of a guy who used to gunsmith them. He fixed it for me never did that again glad he did later I heard some guy got arrested for a AR-15 doing that.
Oh the M14.. that’s gotta be my favorite vintage rifle
As you say, "it just works." It's a classic that happens to be very collectable, and happens to be my personal favorite.
FWIW, all of the authentic M-14 we were issued on both of my ships were made by Winchester.
I loved those guns.
I have been shooting M14 type rifles since around 1975. Never owned a forged receiver, only cast ones and have gotten tens of thousands of rounds through each one. These rifles are like magic.
I was in the U.S. Army (Regular Army) and had an M-14 but it was replaced with an M-16A-1 before I ever got to shoot the M-14.
I was in Army 10th Mountain division at Fort Drum in the 80's. I served with many Vietnam Vets. Who all swore the M16 cannot ever compare to the reliablity of this beautiful weapon. During my basic training. I can still vividly remember our drill Sergeant making the comment, "there is nothing prettier than the sight of the sun glistening down on his M14 barrel at sunrise". Thanks for sharing, Sir!
I have always wanted one of those rifles.I just wish that i had the money right now, i would buy one in a heartbeat. Another awesome review Hickok45.
save your money....worth every penny !!
Thanks for the advice bro.
My dad qualified expert with the M14 in the Marines and served in Vietnam. He told me the rifle was very accurate and reliable. Now I have a variant and it's the most accurate semiautomatic rifle I own period.
I loved the M14 in basic training and AIT back in 1969. very accurate even for me.
January 1968, Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri and Im in basic training. We marched to the rifle range and began training with the M-14. After shooting a little single shot 22 cal squirrel rifle back home this was another world of shooting. That Army rifle range was a real wake up call for us all. It gave me confidence that I could handle the weapon and do the job that needed to be done. A few months later I was in Viet Nam and was issued an M16. Didnt feel as confident with the M16 but when I was issued an M60 machine gun (I was a helicopter door gunner) I felt much more secure!! Best of times...worst of times.
Welcome home
Would love to have one ... so many cool guns ... so little paycheck ....
John Silvey I know man, it’s a struggle not being able to buy all these nice guns that you want
try gun ban laws
That’s my problem too
No money also. Fortunately I live in a state that at the moment is still free.
welcome back sir! im glad that you were able to work out terms with youtube, your video on the taurus judge and the spring field xd were the desideing factors of my purchases. do to your routine and nature of explanation and disassembly. amazing video as always.
Thanks. I don't know if we've worked anything out or not, but we're still on air at this point. :-)
I have an M14 and love it. This rifle reminds me a lot of the old FN I carried back in the day. Same gun different look. We trusted it to do the job. This rifle is a part of history that's why I got it. The FN I carried is prohibit for some strange reason no one understands.
LRB receivers are magnificent. I have two rifles built on them and two more receivers yet to build when I have time. I had the pleasure of speaking with Lou, the owner of LRB at SHOT a couple of times, some years back. He is a gentleman and a blessing for the M14 type rifle fans out there. Building your own rifle, or at least having them build one for you, makes it just that much more special than an off-the-shelf piece.
The Gunny's favorite rifle.
I can hear him bark anytime the m14 shoots.
@@lucaslaino7292 met him once at a gun shop..meet and greet..got him to sign the stock to my M14/M1a1..it never leaves the safe .lol
@@travisdozier1357 That's badass. Take great care of that beast.
EVERY Marines favorite rifle...
as usul, a fantastic shoulder fired, partially hand-held, long barreled, bullet launching device...outstanding!! carry on!!
I was trained on one in 66 and then the Army issued the M-16. I never fired one but the M-14 is the love of my life. I'm going to own one to pass down to my sons. BTW, I was on the Army drill team and the weapon is not in balance without the bayonet. Check out the guards at the tomb of the unknown . Without the bayonet, there is no way they would look as snappy.
This is my only battle rifle. I am 75 years old and still fire it. I love M14 videos. Shoot on!
Give it to John. He deserves it, he does a good job on the videos.
The M1A-NM is one of my favorite long rifles indeed, a real flat shooter and highly accurate. It is still used today by over-watch snipers. It truly is great to reach out and hit targets at greater distances with iron NM sights. I look forward to mounting a Leupold scope on the rifle to really reach out to that 1000 yard mark. Great intuitive video, thank you...
You need to get a dummy happy switch to fill that gap on the stock. I have one on my Fulton Armory rifle, people's eyes bug out when they see it. Another great video!
Actually, I ordered one last night from Fulton Armory.
the sad part is that we cant put the real happy switch on it. cause you know the peasants can't be trusted with such things.
My agency obtained several Vietnam era surplus rifles for patrol deputies use. I happened to be issued one and found it to be a superb weapon. Wish I still had it today. They wouldn’t give it to me when I retired.
Checkmate Mags and The LRB M14 are both made on Long Island!!! We may live behind enemy lines, but we do make some damn fine firearms and accessories!
Yes, pretty ironic. I think how sad it is when I look at the barrel on my old Winchester leverguns. "Made in New Haven, Conn." Yeah, just the state these days where one would go into the firearms manufacturing business.
And we can own it but it's either the flash suppressor pinned and welded and a fixed mag or no muzzle device and a detachable mag. The stock is fixed and there isnt a pistol grip so no worries there
Pretty wicked drink too
What a great Firearm, The M14 was, I carried one, That was Scoped Mounted Through the middle 60's Years,, While in the Military Never a problem with it, As long as you kept up the cleaning of it Etc.
M-14 is on my bucket list. I carried one in Viet Nam in 67/68 and just loved it . Shooting this rifle is like shooting my colt single action army you just know what you have in your hand is well made and reliable but I live in maryland and cannot own one maybe I will just move.
My dad really loved this rifle in 65-66, talks about it all the time!
Three mos. into my tour in Viet Nam My M14 was taken away and replaced with a plastic toy gun. The M16. All of us thought we were robbed by the Army.
It was called The Mattel Toy.
The best looking rifle..the stock, muzzle break, receiver, mag. sights etc, it's classic !
"is that you john wayne is it me ?" ^^
My Dad had an M14 when he served 64-67. He loved it and always talked about it. I just bought him an M1A. He was so happy when I surprised him with it!😎
Cool!
Wood & Steel. Love it!
Hickok45: Definitely add the dummy select fire to fill the stock void. I added one to my Norinco M14 with an added US GI M14 red walnut stock and looks great. That rubber slip on butte pad looks very tacky. You can get one that screws onto the butte from Springfield. Have fun shooting!
I still remember my M-14 serial number, 47518, from boot camp. The M-14 is one of the finest infantry weapons ever made. When we went to staging battalion on the way to a Vietnam we were given our first M-16. The general opinion was what a piece of junk. Gee, it’s Mattel, it’s swell.
Just wondering, did y’all use any kind of hearing protection during training or in the war?
@@JHeck-ik6ys In boot camp we put cotton in out ears. I don't recall during infantry training but we probably used cotton. In Vietnam I was a helicopter gunner wearing a flight helmet that protected my ears. The CH-46 was deafening without ear protection.
Cotton major hearing loss! 1964 PARRIS ISLAND
Late 1967 and early 1968 at Lackland AFB hearing protection was not allowed. Range officers told us no cigarette butts in the ears. During Security Police School we spent five days at Camp Bullis shooting every small arm in the Air Force inventory and my ears were shot after the first day. @@JHeck-ik6ys
I had been shooting various firearms most of my life when I went into Basic Training but I was surprised when we started shooting the M-14s. With half the company shooting and the other half in the Coach position, I was amazed at the muzzle blast. It actually made my clothing flap. I found being a coach interesting, with the hot brass bouncing off my helmet and going down my field jacket collar, etc. Heck of a weapon.
Good Lord that is a gorgeous weapon, I'd sale my wife for that rifle. Great video Hickok45
Gary Allen Whats she look like?
Can I sell my own and we buy Barrett together?
I've got one ready for you..NM loaded mod..send me pics of your wife..then we can make a trade..lol.
Vince Chongy she have a boat too?
I loved mine in Nam and now I have M1A feels the same. Same sweet shot
My Dad was trained on a M14. His opinion was it was better that the 1st Generation M16.
lol it better then all the generation m16 one reason ! because of the cal, there nothing with the m16 pathform it just using a 22 cal family that was meant for vermin's not people
junito1957 the very first m16 was garbage because they switched the powder. After that was fixed it was much more reliable
February '69 in basic with M 14. Rarely missed. Then switched to first generation m 16 and its accuracy was horrible.
My uncle was in Da Nang and said the exact same thing he loves the M 14 I have an M1 A it is a great rifle
In the mid 80s the boat I was on carried 3 types of small arms. We had the 1911A1, a 12ga pump, and the SA M14. When I qualified on the M14, I fell in love. Wish I had the $3000 to get one.
Much better tan the royal wedding
Mr. Blutarsky brilliant 😆
A lot more and with intelligent comments.
Mr. Blutarsky I'll prefer watching about the Lee Enfield rifle than that wedding...
Yeah, tell me about it. I was trying to find some news on TV. Nothing but goofy wedding coverage. Sorry, but I just don't get the fascination with the "Royal Family." Somebody must love it; the media knows what people want.
hickok45 They even had a live coverage of the wedding over here. Not much local evening news...
Just a fine example of form, function and history and still a viable choice for a squad dmr to this day. My old man was in early Nam and in 96 he passed and left me an all forged and chrome lined m14 but he was suffering severe dementia and paranoia and buried it somewhere in southern arizona with no map. Breaks my heart to this day. Leave it to John and don't forget the map. haha
It’s the longest “in service” military rifle ever
Ive never seen Hicock so excited about a gun!!!!! Good for you,enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!!!
In 66-67 I was a 'Unit Armorer' and was charged with maintaining 107 M-14's. I still prefer it to the AR-15 (M-16). Yes, it is heavy.
I carried one for 3 1/2 years. No problems whatsoever! Loved it!
Love that boom stick!
shotguns are boom sticks just ask ash from evil dead rifles and pistols are for pew pews and if you ask about shotgun caliber pistols they're pistol boom sticks
is he a veteran?
who me no im not
Dad carried one in Vietnam...always wanted one that was as authentic as he could get....unfortunately he passed before he found one he truly liked RIP pops
Awesome rifle. Can't exactly say it's "overpriced" due to how expensive it must be to produce, but I can say, for me, it's "priced-out" of anything I'm looking for.
I was in the U.S. Navy in the 70's and we used the original M14 as our standard battle rifle for boarding or repelling the enemy at sea... it was a beautiful rifle a little heavy and kicked like a mule, but when it hit a target it was all over...
Hello from south korea!