To cut, or not to cut, that is the question.

FraserJ20

FraserJ20

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So, I picked up a new M 305 and fiberglass stock recently. I Initially thought I was going to chop it to 18.75 and at a vortex to "modernize" it a little and make it a little more east to handle (I have had an M 305 in the past). Now that I have my Fiberglass stock all fixed up, I am not so sure I want to cut the rifle as the fiberglass makes a huge difference in feel (lighter, tighter, better handling, etc.)

So I figured I would draw on the collective experience of this board before I go any further.

I am planning on hunting and target shooting/ plinking with this rifle.

The rifle has the barrel indexed properly, op rod guide is tight and straight, gas system is tight (no shimming required), rear sight had positive adjustments for both windage and elevation. I haven't checked headspace but shoots one hole at 25m. This is pretty much a perfect example of an M 305.....

Pro's of cutting.
-lighter
-shorter (easier to handle)
-potential for better accuracy (short barrel, less whip idea)
-looks

Con's
-Worse ballistics (slightly?)
-potential for worse accuracy (chrome barrel, smith screws up and chips it)
-Reduced reliability (not sure about this one)


what is your guys experience/ opinion (getting another one is not an option for me either)
 
Chop it.:)

IMG_1730Medium.jpg
 
Are there any issues with cycling if the barrel is cut too close to the gas port?
I'm keeping my first M14 original, but I'm thinking I might trick out my second one.
 
I've had mine cut back. No issues with reliability. As in weight, you will notice very little as its only ounces that are taken away. For accuracy, mine seems to group better than it was as original but I also had my gas system unitized so I dont know if that made the difference. Handling is better as there is less forward weight. Overall, its more of the LCF than anything else. Mine is to be used primarily for road hunting(200 yrds and under) so range wont be an issue.
 
IMHO - chop it.

Mind you, I have three - one is regular length (scoped with a mildot 10x40 for long range shooting), the other is reg length with a muzzle brake.

Since the photo below, my shortie has been outfitted with a Scout scope mounted over the barrel. I will be using it for deer next season. :D

Norcs_Nov28_06.jpg


Also, I plan on cutting the barrel on #3. The shorter barrel makes the rifle much handier feeling. Your mileage may vary.
 
RTFM .... the folding stock FAQ discusses chopping the barrel as well.

If I make it to the next [Feb 09 ] Wet Coast M-14 support group sesion, I'll bring a chopped shorty with me so you can see what one feels like.
IMHO,
an M-14 and achop saw are like yin and yang ... If you have one, you need the other
[;{)
LAZ 1
 
FraserJ20 said:
I am planning on hunting and target shooting/ plinking with this rifle.
Click to expand...

If you're just on the range, shooting from a bench or from the off-hand, or are out in the bush, is that 2 or 3 inches off the barrel REALLY going to make a difference for the money invested?

A DIY folding stock would accomplish all that and more, IMO, and would cost much less if you used your Norinco wood for the project.

I wanted to chop mine originally, but it's a range queen. The $150 or so dollars spent on the chop-job and the new flash hider and sight are much better spent on ammo... or a Remington 597 in my case.

But if you have money to burn and you like the 'LCF', or you compete in 3-gun matches... then sure, chop the barrel.

Just one man's opinion.
 
I saw a picture of a nice rifle where the guy chopped the barrel and shortened the butt end of the stock as well. Made if considerably more compact. He was using a long eye relief scope mounted forward, "Scout" style.
 
"...shoot the "navy"..." The what? The current USN issue M14 is a stock riflewith a 22" barrel. There is no 'navy' M14. Any shortened M305 is a copy of the SA Inc. marketing thing.
 
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