My father, as a US Marine, used one from 1964-1967. I got him his own 12 years ago for Christmas as Springfield Armory M1A designation. Came with an old Army manual. As a Marine, he tossed it aside and said, “the Army would need a manual to wipe their butts” and proceeded to field strip his new rifle from memory 40 years later.
One of my neighbor was with the 3/5 Marines from 66-67.He had to qualify with the M16 when they got them but the next time they went to the bush, he had his M14 in hand.
We could have used a bunch of those “infallible “ marines on lz hardcore just15 miles from lz baldy at da nang in feb 68. If the marines were so fucking good, how did they let a reinforced Nva regiment with anti aircraft guns get that close. It’s ok though, the oldest combat unit in the American military was there to handle it. The cost was high. Our battalion lost 40 Kia and 150 wia in 20 days there. Any non believers should just do a search on 1/14 infantry regiment, “golden dragons” 25th and 4th infantry divisions.
@@Pointman-yf6or you guys are a fucking joke. The army literally did my laundry in iraq and y'all don't even have MOS designated weapons. You're all a bunch of chumps.
Guys, chill please. My first trip to Vietnam I carried the M14E2/M14A2. Loved it. My second trip had the by then "improved" M16. We all had different rules/experiences but we are survivors. Try to respect each other.
I loved that rifle Sir . I was in basic training in 1961 and qualified with the M1 . We were then issued M14's and had to go back to the range to qualify again which we enjoyed .
Took basic with the M-14 in 1964, then became tanker and had a .45 M-1911A1, for few months in 1967 I was with the rifle team at Fort Irwin and I had an M-14 National Match model, that was really sweet.
The .308 is a pretty strong round, and nine pounds isn't that heavy. I have a Norinco semi-auto version of this. Nice gun, although for some reason the stripper clip guide is press fit rather than having a roll pin. Still has the hole for the pin, but no pin.
Amazing rifles, I carried one when I was doing security contracting in Somalia in 2009. People asked if I was a sniper I said no but with that rifle it made me a better shot. It never failed on me. Also carried an old mp-40 as my secondary.
I carried the M14 rifle action in the "upgrade" to M39 DSM role. I liked it. It had a Leupold variable on a stock designed by the Navy. It was a heavy pig to haul around a battle field. However, it was highly effective at distances up to a kilometer if you matched the best rifles with the best marksmen or markswomen. The best marksman I ever worked with was half Navajo and half Mexican and a Guardsman. He hit the mark repeatedly at one kilometre; round after round with the M14 action re-imagined as the M39.
Vickers Tactical : As I Shared With Garand Thumb Regarding The M-14 Service Rifle, I Do Appreciate Your Patience, Courage, Humbleness And Sincerity Regarding The Teaching And Understanding Of Individual And Crew Served Infantry Weapons Systems. Our Uncle Freddie Rodriguez, An Honorably Discharged Regular Component USMC Infantry Rifleman And Reconnaissance Marine Served And Fought In Vietnam And Used The M-14 Service Rifle Which Brought Him 🔙🏠 Alive. Thank You LAV For Your Incredible Military Service To This Great Nation.
I love the m14 its always fascinating to see one fired full auto, sometimes it looks like the operator has no idea what they are doing and it kicks all over the place and other times, like here, the recoil looks like its all on target.
Really cool vid. My father served in Vietnam and liked the M-14 better than the M-16 as he felt the gun was more dependable and fired a round that defeated brush and cover better than the 5.56. He said the soldiers overall liked the M-14. I can say without hesitation that the M-14 has far, far better iron sights and stock trigger than the FAL, not even close. I own an M1A and have shot the DSA FAL clone. The only thing the FAL might have on the M-14 is slightly less felt recoil due to the adjustable gas system. Both are reliable enough.
Like your dad I carried one of those in 1968. Far superior gun for dealing with brush. You can shoot through it and hit your target. With no deflection. And by the way thank your Dad for his service and welcome home.
C. Welch: to you and your family you have my deepest sympathies. He was definitely a brother in arms. From myself and a Grateful Nation to your dad thank you for your service.
@ C. Welch: The sights and trigger on the M14 are indeed superior to those on the FN FAL. It's mysterious to me why the Belgians would go to so much trouble to design such a superb automatic rifle, and then equip it with such mediocre sights and trigger. The M14-pattern rifle gas system was highly-innovative for its time - it was patented in several ways - and is still underappreciated. It utilizes a short-stroke gas piston (tappet) operating system which is self-adjusting, and self-compensating, and to a degree self-cleaning. No external adjustment valve is necessary; the force and rate of the piston's travel is proportional to the amount of gas pressure it sees at the port. The higher the pressure, the faster the exhaust port is uncovered and excess gas is vented to the outside. The system enjoys all of the gas pressure needed to operate reliably, and no more. Unlike the M-1 Garand gas system, which has no adjustment whatsoever, manual or automatic, the M14 system is elegant and simply works. Regarding Vietnam, I was fourteen in 1975, so did not take part, but I know a handful of slightly older men, guys who were either combat infantrymen in the Army or the Marine Corps. At a party maybe 12-15 years ago, I asked them about their weapons - what they carried while in SE Asia and what they thought. Wow, did I get an earful! (Must have been all of that free beer at the BBQ). Long story short, to a man all of them loved the M14, of which they spoke very highly, and all despised the "black rifle," the M16, which they called "that worthless POS," "the poodle shooter," or "the Mattel gun." They loved how rugged and reliable their '14s were, and how the potent 7.62 NATO round put down the enemy for good. "Turned cover into concealment" one guy said. So, a bit later, in comes the son of the one of the Vietnam veterans, an Army 11B grunt just back from Iraq and a combat tour there. We handed him a beer and asked him about his preferences. He said he liked his M16 just fine and that it worked well for him. He hadn't been issued an M14, so couldn't weight in on that. Glad your dad made it home....
Thank you for this review Sir. My all time favorite embattled rifle . I first fired an M1 at 14 years old and liked that one too . In basic training we qualified with M1's and a short time later received the M14's and had to go back to the range . Later in Southeast Asia I definitely realized just how good the M14 was . I think that AR's were a very poor replacement. I do own a couple of AR's but favor the one in .308 . Thank you for your programs .
I cut into a quarter of m 14 to heat me, this wood heats well, when you wear the m14 it is not cold it is so heavy, for the rest it's compared to FN Fal and Ak47
Fucking awesome Larry!!! I've always loved the M14 my dad was issued one in his 1st NAM tour and spoke very highly of it and would often remark ''why don't you just get an M14'' after I would show him my new rifle purchases
I carried an M14 during security alerts in my destroyer in the 80s. High power full metal jacket ammunition in a ricochet prone environment. What could POSSIBLY go wrong with that idea?
No dumber than having a sailor standing security watch with a .45 and letting the slide go forward and chambering a round. Not realizing it was charged, he dropped it trying to get it out of his holster with the expected result. A .45 will bounce around quite a bit before it stops.
@@jayfelsberg1931 An Ensign checking out the small arms locker,taking out a .45,inserting a magazine before racking the slide & pulling the trigger. The Chief Gunner's Mate hurled him bodily off the ship while the butter bar said that the pistol wasn't supposed to be loaded.
@@doughesson You have a clear and accurate view of the possible scenarios. Interestingly, we had a similar situation the the USS Long Beach when we enjoyed yard avails in Bremertion in the 1970s. The Marine Detachment was off playing Marine so the crew provided trhe watch. The situation you describe is exactly what happened to a not well qualified watch stander, but there was no GMC on hand before the weapon went off. sending 230 grains of jacketed lead bouncing about the compartment. The screaming afterward was just awful.
Thank you for posting this. My favorite weapon the Army handed me in late 1961. So easy to handle. Very accurate. I watched civilian instructors demonstrate this weapon out on the firing range. Unbelievable. The only problem many of us had was when we placed it on full auto that firing more than three round bursts the extractor would be ejected. We spent time crawling around looking for it. This problem didn't happen often. 1963 it was replaced with the M16. The M16 always felt like a toy gun but did well. Later in life, I purchased a new AR15
I was 11-Bravo in 1970 still issued a M-14, carried one for two years, they’re still in service, someone needs to do more research, saying they were removed from service in 1964. The M-14 is in my opinion the best infantry service rifle ever made, especially for conventional warfare. Cool video
Wow someone didn't watch the video? He clearly said in the video that it was removed from service as the primary rifle in 1964, but is still issued to this day in some numbers.
I was issued this rifle in the USMC boot camp in 1972 and shot 200 standing, 300 sitting, and 500 yards prone. I shot expert with this rifle and later ( in Boot Camp ) it was replaced with the M16 , I shot expert with it also. This rifle, in my opinion is a great rifle and it brings back a lot of memories . It never failed to hit the bullseye and I wish I had one now .
I went through boot camp in 1972 (San Diego, Platoon 3080) and qualified at Edson Range in July. Loved shooting it, qualified sharpshooter. And today a friend is taking me to a local range to shoot his personal rifle. I'm a little excited about it, hope I don't embarrass myself, lol.
@@davebusby5904 ...Semper Fi brother ! I can tell you that after years go by your eyes and nevers are not the same. Your eyes can't see as well and you may be a little more shaky. These two things will keep you out of the bulls eye most of the time.
@@goodboyringo9716 Had a great time shooting a great rifle. You are correct about the eyes and nerves. 50 years takes its toll. But pumpkins at 100 yards in the offhand position...9/12., lol.
Boy that brought back memories! After shooting the 14 and when we got to Vietnam they gave us Mattel 16. I will take the 14 any day over the 16/15/M4 !
Terry, My dad says the same thing. After basic training with the M-14 and sent to Vietnam in 1967, he was issued a M-16 and the thing jammed during a fire fight. Luckily, he got it operating again. He said he would take the M-14 any day over the M-16 .
@@fredallen7493 The M21 and the designated marksmen version are two entirely different creatures. The M21's were National Match competition rifles that had Leatherwood ART1 and later ART2 scopes installed on them, designated marksmen rifles were surplus service grade M14's that were taken out of storage and upgraded some but were not National Match grade rifles to start with nor did they have the superior ART scopes, those had been removed from service by then and already surplused out.
After completing sniper school in the 1970s, I was issued a M21 with Leatherwood ART II scope, loved that setup! When not utilized as a sniper I carried an M14 with fiberglass stock. In addition to my loaded mags, I would get a box of M60 linked ammo as well! Yea it was heavier than an M16A1/A2, but had a bigger punch! - RLTW, 2/75
When I joined the Marines in 1968. We trained in boot camp with the M14 both in semi and full auto. I loved the weapon and preferred it in my service in Vietnam. Then came the Matell toy rifle the M16. I liked it because I could carry more ammo.
Excellent quality, production, short, to the point, beautiful photography, amazing quality; thank you very much for a job well done! The script even included heavy political decisions for the selection of this rifle. In a time in which we don't have much time, brief and to-the-point. I just love the quality of the work; thank you so much!
My Dad tells me that as late as 1965 when he went through boot camp at Paris Island, he trained with the M1 Garand and only was issued a M14 later. He recalls the abrupt switch to the M16 along with the teething problems that are well documented.
I carried on of these beasts while on watch on US Navy ships. 8-12 hours of carrying it and you never want to pick it up again! But, one of the most accurate rifles ever! HooYah!!
Randy Shughart's preferred weapon, if the histories are right. Medal of Honor, Battle of Mogadishu 1993. RIP. Did you know him Larry? I gather he was in Panama with you.
Ohh i know them both :) they tried to rescued the wounded crew of the blackhawk. ( super 64 i think ) then Randy used an m14 while Gordon used a Car 15 :)
My preferred weapon. I found a preban M1a with GI parts. I had to search high and low for a split rail Arms #18, but I found one. It rocks an aimpoint and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. No Target is safe, paper or otherwise.
They laughed at Randy for carrying such a heavy, old rifle. When they saw how hard it put the bad guys down and well it kept them down, they stopped laughing.
@@txgunguy2766 The ammunition for the M16s & M4s the Rangers were using was designed to go through body armor, which the Somalis weren't wearing. The bullets went through them like icepicks with little energy transferred. Then Sgt Shugart & his M14 arrived.
IN 68 most Army basic training companies were issued the M-14. At that time there were not enough M-16s to issue for basic. AIT used the 16. At 20 years old I never noticed the weight of the 14 but in reality, it was a pig! I liked the rifle and for long-range shooting it was fantastic.
I find myself loving the M14 pattern rifle more than the AR-15 despite the AR having even cheaper ammo cost (though not much cheaper). I might even shoot the AR more because of the cost savings. Yes I know the AR can get better accuracy if used properly, the M14 is still no slouch in accuracy and has so much more energy that it is not even close. I just get sick sometimes of going to the rifle range and EVERYONE you see has an AR. Don't get me wrong I really really like an AR. I absolutely LOVE an M14. Not everyone has an M14 pattern rifle so when you take it out you really get attention. You have it in a nice original GI Walnut stock and the older vets always come gathering around to watch you (nice GI walnut is getting next to impossible to find since a lot of them were replaced with birch or fiberglass in the mid to late 60s). I think the only gun that gets more attention at the range is the M1 Garand.
Best ever Slow mo ever. I thought most of that barrel flex was from the op rod banging into the gas cylinder. Now I see its pure bullet with a slight bounce after the bolt closes. I also see why my 18" scout is so accurate without that long, thin bouncy barrel at the end. M1A: More than the sum of its parts.Easy to hit with and what it hits stays hit. A true expression of American spirit and mindset. A fine weapon of iron and wood. An icon.
Beautiful piece of American hardware right there my teacher carried one when he was in vietnam he said the m14 would punch thru the jungle right to target
+Cheeki Breeki , Man if this M14 will hit you once, i swear you will not stand up anymore. M14 is powerful rifle and powerful impact as well. the entry wound of the bullet of M14 is looks like a marble, but the exit wound is like a baseball ball!
youngestson65 unless yer in Vietnam, I honestly don’t know why they serviced that gun during the war, oh those hundreds of farmers that surround you in the fucking jungle, here have a bulky heavy semi auto rifle.
Chopper Legend Well obviously if you are trained with the m14 you will be used to it, the us army knew that the m14 was inadequate for Vietnam, they did not service the better European rifles because it would make them look week, of course losing Vietnam did make them look weak anyways.
@Chopper Legend as an infantryman in today's Army I'd take my M4A1 over an M14 more often then not in the missions we do today id rather have the M4A1 because it's just a more flexible weapons system then the M14
It reminds me to the italian BM59 F.A.L. I used in the italian army, together with my Garand, Springfield Armoury Beretta modified. Both 7,62, I loved that ping!
keenan walker that's why Tom Cruise firing it at full auto at the VC in Born on the Fourth of July is so ridiculous. He's emptying a magazine, making noise and likely hitting squat.
Dan Conti I'm sorry man maybe I'm reading what u rote wrong , or maybe I'm just dumb ,but I didn't really get it, so it doesn't matter is what your saying ?
*Riflemens Creed* This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will… My rifle and I know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit… My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will… Before God, I swear this creed. My rifle and I are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life. So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy, but peace!
My father, as a US Marine, used one from 1964-1967.
I got him his own 12 years ago for Christmas as Springfield Armory M1A designation. Came with an old Army manual. As a Marine, he tossed it aside and said, “the Army would need a manual to wipe their butts” and proceeded to field strip his new rifle from memory 40 years later.
One of my neighbor was with the 3/5 Marines from 66-67.He had to qualify with the M16 when they got them but the next time they went to the bush, he had his M14 in hand.
No, the Army wipes it's ass with Marines, tell that to your big mouthed dad.
We could have used a bunch of those “infallible “ marines on lz hardcore just15 miles from lz baldy at da nang in feb 68. If the marines were so fucking good, how did they let a reinforced Nva regiment with anti aircraft guns get that close. It’s ok though, the oldest combat unit in the American military was there to handle it. The cost was high. Our battalion lost 40 Kia and 150 wia in 20 days there. Any non believers should just do a search on 1/14 infantry regiment, “golden dragons” 25th and 4th infantry divisions.
@@Pointman-yf6or you guys are a fucking joke. The army literally did my laundry in iraq and y'all don't even have MOS designated weapons. You're all a bunch of chumps.
Guys, chill please. My first trip to Vietnam I carried the M14E2/M14A2. Loved it. My second trip had the by then "improved" M16. We all had different rules/experiences but we are survivors. Try to respect each other.
Had basic training with my M 14 at Fort Knox, KY June- August, 1969. Qualified as sharpshooter. Serial number 1168628. Best battle rifle ever..
👌👌👌
I loved that rifle Sir . I was in basic training in 1961 and qualified with the M1 . We were then issued M14's and had to go back to the range to qualify again which we enjoyed .
Took basic with the M-14 in 1964, then became tanker and had a .45 M-1911A1, for few months in 1967 I was with the rifle team at Fort Irwin and I had an M-14 National Match model, that was really sweet.
My dad was in Chu Lai 67'-69' (USMC) and never gave up his M14. Semper Fi!
My brother was there 68-69, Army Engineer. He trained with the M-14, but when he went to AIT they gave him the M-16, he knew then he was bound for Nam
Yeah, right.
My next door neighbor, a Vietnam vet, trained with this weapon. He loved it.
It is amazing to see that in slow motion that barrel wiggled like a wet noodle.
The .308 is a pretty strong round, and nine pounds isn't that heavy.
I have a Norinco semi-auto version of this. Nice gun, although for some reason the stripper clip guide is press fit rather than having a roll pin. Still has the hole for the pin, but no pin.
gabe wright you are not cooking your noodles right
Kingwiththeax just like any 7.62 in general but the scar h i have hear is very controllable
I think thats an optical illusion due to the position that each frame captures the barrel.
And the gas shooting through the port at the bottom of the rifle! I have one and embarrassed to admit I never knew that!
Amazing rifles, I carried one when I was doing security contracting in Somalia in 2009. People asked if I was a sniper I said no but with that rifle it made me a better shot. It never failed on me. Also carried an old mp-40 as my secondary.
That's quite the combo. How did the MP40 shoot?
They are old and outdated by modern standards, but the MP 40 is supposed to be a reliable easy shooting gun.
My two favourite weapons lol lucky bast.... D ,
That’s a solid Loadout. You’re Living my dream in real life!
I would use an MP-40 if I found one, it's good they're made in 9mm so it's very easy to get ammo
I carried the M14 rifle action in the "upgrade" to M39 DSM role. I liked it. It had a Leupold variable on a stock designed by the Navy. It was a heavy pig to haul around a battle field. However, it was highly effective at distances up to a kilometer if you matched the best rifles with the best marksmen or markswomen.
The best marksman I ever worked with was half Navajo and half Mexican and a Guardsman. He hit the mark repeatedly at one kilometre; round after round with the M14 action re-imagined as the M39.
I LOVE THE KNOCKOUT PUNCH OF THAT 7.62 x 51 ROUND OF THE BEAST M14
Im amazed at how well he controlled that thing in full auto lol
@72'4x41988 yes
Their actually not that bad to shoot, fairly light recoil
March 14…. 1966. Ft. Polk Louisiana. My first introduction to this great rifle.
There simply aren't enough videos of full-auto rifles from that era and World War 2. It's great to see them in action.
Probably because the big rounds used back then put so much stress on the guns hard to find them in working order anymore
@@jeremymendoza1465Jack of all trades but not really. Tharsnhow I describe these battle rifles. AVT-40 is cool too
Vickers Tactical : As I Shared With Garand Thumb Regarding The M-14 Service Rifle, I Do Appreciate Your Patience, Courage, Humbleness And Sincerity Regarding The Teaching And Understanding Of Individual And Crew Served Infantry Weapons Systems. Our Uncle Freddie Rodriguez, An Honorably Discharged Regular Component USMC Infantry Rifleman And Reconnaissance Marine Served And Fought In Vietnam And Used The M-14 Service Rifle Which Brought Him 🔙🏠 Alive. Thank You LAV For Your Incredible Military Service To This Great Nation.
I don't want no teenage queen.
I just want my M14!
Descendents
This is my rifle! There are many of this kind but this one is mine!
I don't know but I've been told.
Eskimo pussy is mighty cold
This is not your daddy’s shotgun! cowboy!
This is my rifle this is my gun.
This is for fighting this is for fun!
in the Philippines few of that legendary M14 still kickin in a combat till now😁😁😁
Not just a few sir, but quite a number of them are still used here in both government and rebel hands
@@milagrosoallanlamban7856 Rebel?
@@brrrrrtenjoyer Yes. There several groups of rebels here. We got commies rebels, Abu Sayyaf, BIFF etc.
@@SharpF617 Oh ok.
Yeah and you will.kick it again once the Chinese starts to infiltrate your country
In the Philippines we still use this I tell you my Friend it is still very Useful.
With Some one who is Competent IE Practices your dry practices
I love the m14 its always fascinating to see one fired full auto, sometimes it looks like the operator has no idea what they are doing and it kicks all over the place and other times, like here, the recoil looks like its all on target.
Qualified USMC bootcamp 1969 with M14, Was my issued weapon until I rotated overseas 1970 where I was issued the M16. Great weapon...😎
Boot camp 68 great rifle became an M60 gunner in Nam though accuracy by volume 1/9 Marines in the A Shau valley PH 69
Really cool vid. My father served in Vietnam and liked the M-14 better than the M-16 as he felt the gun was more dependable and fired a round that defeated brush and cover better than the 5.56. He said the soldiers overall liked the M-14.
I can say without hesitation that the M-14 has far, far better iron sights and stock trigger than the FAL, not even close. I own an M1A and have shot the DSA FAL clone. The only thing the FAL might have on the M-14 is slightly less felt recoil due to the adjustable gas system. Both are reliable enough.
Like your dad I carried one of those in 1968. Far superior gun for dealing with brush. You can shoot through it and hit your target. With no deflection. And by the way thank your Dad for his service and welcome home.
Crashoverride Likewise, back at you. Cancer got him a few years ago. Hopefully you’re not sick like he was in his later years.
C. Welch: to you and your family you have my deepest sympathies. He was definitely a brother in arms. From myself and a Grateful Nation to your dad thank you for your service.
I would’ve had an M16A1 over the M14 in that time period when the M16’s problems were fixed, any day.
@ C. Welch: The sights and trigger on the M14 are indeed superior to those on the FN FAL. It's mysterious to me why the Belgians would go to so much trouble to design such a superb automatic rifle, and then equip it with such mediocre sights and trigger. The M14-pattern rifle gas system was highly-innovative for its time - it was patented in several ways - and is still underappreciated. It utilizes a short-stroke gas piston (tappet) operating system which is self-adjusting, and self-compensating, and to a degree self-cleaning. No external adjustment valve is necessary; the force and rate of the piston's travel is proportional to the amount of gas pressure it sees at the port. The higher the pressure, the faster the exhaust port is uncovered and excess gas is vented to the outside. The system enjoys all of the gas pressure needed to operate reliably, and no more. Unlike the M-1 Garand gas system, which has no adjustment whatsoever, manual or automatic, the M14 system is elegant and simply works. Regarding Vietnam, I was fourteen in 1975, so did not take part, but I know a handful of slightly older men, guys who were either combat infantrymen in the Army or the Marine Corps. At a party maybe 12-15 years ago, I asked them about their weapons - what they carried while in SE Asia and what they thought. Wow, did I get an earful! (Must have been all of that free beer at the BBQ). Long story short, to a man all of them loved the M14, of which they spoke very highly, and all despised the "black rifle," the M16, which they called "that worthless POS," "the poodle shooter," or "the Mattel gun." They loved how rugged and reliable their '14s were, and how the potent 7.62 NATO round put down the enemy for good. "Turned cover into concealment" one guy said. So, a bit later, in comes the son of the one of the Vietnam veterans, an Army 11B grunt just back from Iraq and a combat tour there. We handed him a beer and asked him about his preferences. He said he liked his M16 just fine and that it worked well for him. He hadn't been issued an M14, so couldn't weight in on that. Glad your dad made it home....
Thank you for this review Sir. My all time favorite embattled rifle . I first fired an M1 at 14 years old and liked that one too . In basic training we qualified with M1's and a short time later received the M14's and had to go back to the range . Later in Southeast Asia I definitely realized just how good the M14 was . I think that AR's were a very poor replacement. I do own a couple of AR's but favor the one in .308 . Thank you for your programs .
I carried an M14 in Iraq on my third deployment. I loved it!!
Id be curious if you own an M1A now?
Thank you for your service.
I cut into a quarter of m 14 to heat me, this wood heats well, when you wear the m14 it is not cold it is so heavy, for the rest it's compared to FN Fal and Ak47
What kind of stopping power did that round have? Was it adequate?
@@jefferythornton9850 if 7.62x51 isn’t enough “stopping power” from a patrol carried rifle, you may need to be in a vehicle and not on foot.
@@jefferythornton9850 .308
This was the rifle I used as a Marine my first tour in Nam in 1966. We were issued M16’s my second tour.
I bought one back in 1971 in saigon. Carried it every where I went. Very accurate good inpact.
Fucking awesome Larry!!! I've always loved the M14 my dad was issued one in his 1st NAM tour and spoke very highly of it and would often remark ''why don't you just get an M14'' after I would show him my new rifle purchases
This rifle brings out the beauty when its fired.
This is probably one of the coolest videos I've ever seen. Damn I love my M1A.
Had to qualify on the M14 while working on a Military Sealift Command contract ship. Fun gun to shoot!
Your Videos Are Never Long Enough Larry 😐 It was So Awesome I Watched it 3 Times in a Row 😀😊🇺🇸
Love the m14 our ship's armory still issued them along with the m16.
2:51 I love how even when Larry, who's had a lot of weapons training, is handling the M14 on full auto it's still all over the place
chikitabowow it is a 308 after all
@@surfingtothestars The M14 was chambered in 7.62 NATO, the Garand on the other hand was chambered in .308
chikitabowow the Garand is chambered in 30-06. The 308 is the same as 7.62x51 NATO
@@surfingtothestars You are absolutely right, i had a massive brainfart there for a second
There arent too many mg's that are controllable off the shoulder
I carried an M14 during security alerts in my destroyer in the 80s.
High power full metal jacket ammunition in a ricochet prone environment.
What could POSSIBLY go wrong with that idea?
I was Army and don't know much about ships, however my guess would be that it would turn it into a submarine
No dumber than having a sailor standing security watch with a .45 and letting the slide go forward and chambering a round. Not realizing it was charged, he dropped it trying to get it out of his holster with the expected result. A .45 will bounce around quite a bit before it stops.
@@jayfelsberg1931 An Ensign checking out the small arms locker,taking out a .45,inserting a magazine before racking the slide & pulling the trigger.
The Chief Gunner's Mate hurled him bodily off the ship while the butter bar said that the pistol wasn't supposed to be loaded.
@@doughesson You have a clear and accurate view of the possible scenarios. Interestingly, we had a similar situation the the USS Long Beach when we enjoyed yard avails in Bremertion in the 1970s. The Marine Detachment was off playing Marine so the crew provided trhe watch. The situation you describe is exactly what happened to a not well qualified watch stander, but there was no GMC on hand before the weapon went off. sending 230 grains of jacketed lead bouncing about the compartment. The screaming afterward was just awful.
@@jayfelsberg1931 ty for service
Wow I love it m14, I always carrying m14 every time I went to market when I was 10yrsold, greetings from: Mindanao,
Thank you for posting this. My favorite weapon the Army handed me in late 1961. So easy to handle. Very accurate. I watched civilian instructors demonstrate this weapon out on the firing range. Unbelievable. The only problem many of us had was when we placed it on full auto that firing more than three round bursts the extractor would be ejected. We spent time crawling around looking for it. This problem didn't happen often. 1963 it was replaced with the M16. The M16 always felt like a toy gun but did well. Later in life, I purchased a new AR15
I was 11-Bravo in 1970 still issued a M-14, carried one for two years, they’re still in service, someone needs to do more research, saying they were removed from service in 1964. The M-14 is in my opinion the best infantry service rifle ever made, especially for conventional warfare. Cool video
Wow someone didn't watch the video? He clearly said in the video that it was removed from service as the primary rifle in 1964, but is still issued to this day in some numbers.
My favorite rifles of all time. I always knew where every round was hitting with this rifle.
I found it a very accurate weapon once your battle sight zero was achieved. Loved that weapon!
just my opinion, but the M-14 is the coolest service rifle ever made. i have a very close emotional bond with mine.
no its the garand
Sure is beautiful
I Love Both the M14 and the M1 Garand Both are amazing service rifles in their own unique way!!
Trained with it in boot camp (Paris Island) Sharp Shooter, next 3 yrs Expert. Loved that rifle in Vietnam!!
Beautiful weapon!
I was issued this rifle in the USMC boot camp in 1972 and shot 200 standing, 300 sitting, and 500 yards prone.
I shot expert with this rifle and later ( in Boot Camp ) it was replaced with the M16 , I shot expert with it also.
This rifle, in my opinion is a great rifle and it brings back a lot of memories .
It never failed to hit the bullseye and I wish I had one now .
I went through boot camp in 1972 (San Diego, Platoon 3080) and qualified at Edson Range in July. Loved shooting it, qualified sharpshooter. And today a friend is taking me to a local range to shoot his personal rifle. I'm a little excited about it, hope I don't embarrass myself, lol.
@@davebusby5904 ...Semper Fi brother !
I can tell you that after years go by your eyes and nevers are not the same. Your eyes can't see as well and you may be a little more shaky. These two things
will keep you out of the bulls eye most of the time.
@@goodboyringo9716 Had a great time shooting a great rifle. You are correct about the eyes and nerves. 50 years takes its toll. But pumpkins at 100 yards in the offhand position...9/12., lol.
Awesome Rifle M14... I Love original M14
Boy that brought back memories! After shooting the 14 and when we got to Vietnam they gave us Mattel 16.
I will take the 14 any day over the 16/15/M4 !
I liked the M21 version! Designated marksman version.
Terry,
My dad says the same thing. After basic training with the M-14 and sent to Vietnam in 1967, he was issued a M-16 and the thing jammed during a fire fight. Luckily, he got it operating again. He said he would take the M-14 any day over the M-16 .
Thank you for your service sir!
@@fredallen7493
The M21 and the designated marksmen version are two entirely different creatures.
The M21's were National Match competition rifles that had Leatherwood ART1 and later ART2 scopes installed on them, designated marksmen rifles were surplus service grade M14's that were taken out of storage and upgraded some but were not National Match grade rifles to start with nor did they have the superior ART scopes, those had been removed from service by then and already surplused out.
Hahha thats exactly what my vietnam vet neighbor calls it! A mattel toy!
After completing sniper school in the 1970s, I was issued a M21 with Leatherwood ART II scope, loved that setup!
When not utilized as a sniper I carried an M14 with fiberglass stock.
In addition to my loaded mags, I would get a box of M60 linked ammo as well!
Yea it was heavier than an M16A1/A2, but had a bigger punch!
- RLTW, 2/75
"I don't want no teenage queen! I just want my M14!!"
One of my favorite firearms on one of my favorite channels.
I was issued one at Marine Barracks in 1975, so they were around as a issued weapons system way past the mid 60's.
I still love the M14/M21, and if I had to go to war in any but cqb conditions, I'd still choose it over anything else.
Larry handled that full auto like a boss!!!
Old but gold
When I joined the Marines in 1968. We trained in boot camp with the M14 both in semi and full auto. I loved the weapon and preferred it in my service in Vietnam. Then came the Matell toy rifle the M16. I liked it because I could carry more ammo.
I've read somewhere that firing the M14 in full auto is an act of faith
Betonspike yup. That .308 is no joke in full auto.
it's obvious LAV had a hard time to keep on target in fun mode, compare that with the rhodesian FAL video, it's impressive
It is I have a ebr and my buddy has a sear it's nuts
Betonspike. I own an M1A Loaded and I want to shoot a full auto M14 at least one time in my life lol.
No, but its more dangerous to stray birds than what you intended to hit.
Thank you Larry Vickers for what you’ve done for this country as well as for what you’ve done for the firearms community.
Thanks
Excellent quality, production, short, to the point, beautiful photography, amazing quality; thank you very much for a job well done! The script even included heavy political decisions for the selection of this rifle. In a time in which we don't have much time, brief and to-the-point. I just love the quality of the work; thank you so much!
Thanks!
My Dad tells me that as late as 1965 when he went through boot camp at Paris Island, he trained with the M1 Garand and only was issued a M14 later. He recalls the abrupt switch to the M16 along with the teething problems that are well documented.
Anyone else noticed Larry lost quite a bit of weight?! 😮
I was thinking the same thing.
Really noticeable in this video. Maybe he'll do a video on "why I'm skinnier" to follow up his "why I'm fat" video. :-)
truckcop1 hope so
He's looking great!
Larry’s a lean, mean, fightin’ machine!
Miss the M14 I used during Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Hood, Texas in 1966.
I love my M1A. I need that CQB stock now. Yes it’s on sale at Promag now.
Thanks Mr. Vickers i loved when you went to full auto. That was so cool to see the M14 in slow motion.
I carried on of these beasts while on watch on US Navy ships. 8-12 hours of carrying it and you never want to pick it up again!
But, one of the most accurate rifles ever! HooYah!!
Me too from 81-85! Loved it.
I joined the Marines April Fools Day 1968. We slept with that rifle the first night. I love the M-14. I wish I could go thru all that training again.
Me. US Army 1964 and I too would very much enjoy that training once again...if it was not the death of me. :)
My grandpa used one of these in Vietnam.
my god, I like many other channel like garand thumbs, demolition ranch, kentuky ballistic and the cool hickock 45. But u man, u r the best
Dad had his M14 until July of 67. He lost a lot of friends when they got their 16s. I own 2 M1As. Love them
Had it for basic training summer of 65, Ft. Dix NJ. Great rifle
TRW made some of the best spacecraft ever devised. I imagine an M14 by them is worth a pretty penny
I trained with one USMC 68-71 and enjoyed using it for annual qualification after my time in Vietnam. It's an excellent military rifle.
May 1968 US Army Infantry issued us M14's. But we were in Europe, not Vietnam.
I was born in Feb of 68...much respect Eddie, God bless you and thanks for your service.
🇺🇲👍
Love the recoil on those and the slide. Actually feel the action of it.
I carried one like that in Iraq before we switched to the EBR chassis.
One of the best firearms TH-cam channels. Straight and to the point with great quality and information. You sir have yourself a new subscriber
Randy Shughart's preferred weapon, if the histories are right. Medal of Honor, Battle of Mogadishu 1993. RIP. Did you know him Larry? I gather he was in Panama with you.
Yes I knew Randy and Gordy; I didn’t know them well however
Ohh i know them both :) they tried to rescued the wounded crew of the blackhawk. ( super 64 i think ) then Randy used an m14 while Gordon used a Car 15 :)
My preferred weapon. I found a preban M1a with GI parts. I had to search high and low for a split rail Arms #18, but I found one. It rocks an aimpoint and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. No Target is safe, paper or otherwise.
They laughed at Randy for carrying such a heavy, old rifle. When they saw how hard it put the bad guys down and well it kept them down, they stopped laughing.
@@txgunguy2766 The ammunition for the M16s & M4s the Rangers were using was designed to go through body armor, which the Somalis weren't wearing.
The bullets went through them like icepicks with little energy transferred.
Then Sgt Shugart & his M14 arrived.
IN 68 most Army basic training companies were issued the M-14. At that time there were not enough M-16s to issue for basic. AIT used the 16. At 20 years old I never noticed the weight of the 14 but in reality, it was a pig! I liked the rifle and for long-range shooting it was fantastic.
The M14 can fire up to 20 rounds of freedom. classic
I love this channel. No politics and other b.s. from a true patriot and warrior elite. Thanks LAV!
I find myself loving the M14 pattern rifle more than the AR-15 despite the AR having even cheaper ammo cost (though not much cheaper). I might even shoot the AR more because of the cost savings. Yes I know the AR can get better accuracy if used properly, the M14 is still no slouch in accuracy and has so much more energy that it is not even close.
I just get sick sometimes of going to the rifle range and EVERYONE you see has an AR. Don't get me wrong I really really like an AR. I absolutely LOVE an M14. Not everyone has an M14 pattern rifle so when you take it out you really get attention.
You have it in a nice original GI Walnut stock and the older vets always come gathering around to watch you (nice GI walnut is getting next to impossible to find since a lot of them were replaced with birch or fiberglass in the mid to late 60s).
I think the only gun that gets more attention at the range is the M1 Garand.
Never such a thing as too much vickers tactical. Gets me pumped every time.
La Infantería de marina de La Armada República de Colombia ARC, los tenía gran clásico de EEUU.
Best ever Slow mo ever. I thought most of that barrel flex was from the op rod banging into the gas cylinder. Now I see its pure bullet with a slight bounce after the bolt closes. I also see why my 18" scout is so accurate without that long, thin bouncy barrel at the end. M1A: More than the sum of its parts.Easy to hit with and what it hits stays hit. A true expression of American spirit and mindset. A fine weapon of iron and wood. An icon.
You make firing a full auto m14 looks so easy.
With the lone exception of the Springfield M1903, the M14 rifle is
the longest serving rifle used by units of U.S. Armed forces.
M14 is the greatest rifle of all time.
Beautiful piece of American hardware right there my teacher carried one when he was in vietnam he said the m14 would punch thru the jungle right to target
LIKE FROM BRAZIL💀🔥
This weapon has an insane kick. To fire like you did and control it as such was impressive.
I have the scout model... Recoil really isn't an issue....
@@LostMyMojo100 ah
Don't EVER call it a 'gun', it's a rifle! If you ever dropped your M14 when a drill instructor was around you were in some serious shit!!!
The queen of battle m-14. Only had 2 in my 45 men paltoon the rest was issued the Matel M16. 10th armored calvery B co. pleiku.
Excellent rifle.
+Cheeki Breeki , Man if this M14 will hit you once, i swear you will not stand up anymore. M14 is powerful rifle and powerful impact as well. the entry wound of the bullet of M14 is looks like a marble, but the exit wound is like a baseball ball!
youngestson65 unless yer in Vietnam, I honestly don’t know why they serviced that gun during the war, oh those hundreds of farmers that surround you in the fucking jungle, here have a bulky heavy semi auto rifle.
Chopper Legend Well obviously if you are trained with the m14 you will be used to it, the us army knew that the m14 was inadequate for Vietnam, they did not service the better European rifles because it would make them look week, of course losing Vietnam did make them look weak anyways.
@Chopper Legend as an infantryman in today's Army I'd take my M4A1 over an M14 more often then not in the missions we do today id rather have the M4A1 because it's just a more flexible weapons system then the M14
@@808INFantry11X also if i ever wanted to pick a suitable battle rifle, i'd pick the FAL or the SCAR-H
It reminds me to the italian BM59 F.A.L. I used in the italian army, together with my Garand, Springfield Armoury Beretta modified.
Both 7,62, I loved that ping!
Lol I see now why the full auto on that was later realized to not be a good idea. Even with Larry behind the gun it climbs like a bitch.
keenan walker that's why Tom Cruise firing it at full auto at the VC in Born on the Fourth of July is so ridiculous. He's emptying a magazine, making noise and likely hitting squat.
marksandsparks1 lol agreed
Shows you what a badass Larry IS! That’s the straightest I’ve ever seen anyone keep it on full auto.
Isaiah Marquez agreed bro
im guessing the gas tube venting out the bottom doesnt help much either
3:07 I got startled by that noise at the end lol. I had my headphones on and thought a mortar shell was gonna land on my house! 🤣
Vietnam: servicemen in general preferred the M14 or the M16?
zachariaszut the M16 when they fixed many of the early issues it had. The m14 just became cumbersome for long patrols that they infantry were on.
80811B yeah but doesn't the m14 cut through the jungle brush better ?
dwd ded 7.62 to 5.56 doesn’t matter if you can’t really make out an opponent and they have 30 rounds of 7.62 with fully automatic fire to shoot back.
Dan Conti I'm sorry man maybe I'm reading what u rote wrong , or maybe I'm just dumb ,but I didn't really get it, so it doesn't matter is what your saying ?
Thanks everyone for the replies.
Carried one in RVN in 69-70. Heavy, long, but dead nuts reliable. Made a shot at approximately 650 meters with iron sights, surprisingly.
Is this what happens when a BAR and an M1 make a baby?
Yes.
Own one it is and always will be one of my favorite rifles , of course like you stated we did not have one when we served . Thanks
Had the pleasure of carrying one in Afghanistan in 2004
thomas krystofiak I carried a Winchester M14 in Iraq 2004. I loved it.
Daniel Frakes, Win for the M-14
Nec Aspera Terrant!
thomas krystofiak you were a wolfhound? I was a gimlet. 1/21 Inf
Daniel Frakes sure was. A CO 2-27
Me too in 2013
its amazing to see the flexing of the barrel
*Riflemens Creed*
This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.
Without me, my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will…
My rifle and I know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit…
My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will…
Before God, I swear this creed. My rifle and I are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life.
So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy, but peace!
I'm so obsessed with this rifle since codm. it's my personal favorite and it's a hit and kill at one shot. 😍😍😍