Convince me that an M14 is what I want

slushee

slushee

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
13   0   0
Location
Ontario
I only ask because I'm not 100% sure what I should get. Ultimatly I want an AR-15 with an aimpoint red dot sight, but due to the price being WAY too high, and it being restricted, I would like to find something else to satisfy me.

I saw this pic, and realized that I could be happy with something other then an AR15 but ultimatly price will probably win out.

them14iwant3.jpg


I will be using this gun at the range as a general plinker, but I also like the idea of being able to take it out hunting (.308 is legal for deer in ONT) if I ever get into that. I have considered three guns so far (m14, mini-14/30, AR180B) , but have been leaning towards the M14.

Lets look at the cost of the M14 from Marstar.

$399 - base gun
$ 75 - Gunsmith inspection to check headspace, bolt fit and other issues.
$ 10 – US GI op rod spring
$ 75 – reindexing barrel [ if required ]
$ 20 - long op rod guide retaining pin [ or modify GI stock for short pin ]
$ 45 - SS one piece round/match op Rod spring guide
$ 50 – trigger job with stock Chinese parts
$ 80 – replacement US GI rear sight, M-14 or M1 Garand

$755 Grand total not including rail or aimpoint sight

When you add in the cost of a Picatinny rail for $200 (http://www.ultimak.com/M8.htm), the price comes to $955.

If I go with the Mini-14/30 for about $850, add in a Picatinny rail for $150 from the same supplier, I end up with about the same price. Obviously for the same price, I would go with the M14, but is it worth my while to go with the AR180B for a purchase price of $1000 from wolverine supplies?

I understand that I could significantly shave off some cost from the m14 by doing some of the work myself. While I am technically inclined, I certainly dont have any of the neccessary tools nor workspace as I live in an apartment.

I appreciate any thoughts!
 
$399 - base gun
yep
$ 75 - Gunsmith inspection to check headspace, bolt fit and other issues.
sure is a good idea not sure if it's worth 75$ though
$ 10 – US GI op rod spring
no need to but if you absolutly need one you can get brownells teflon spring kit for 20$, hammer spring and other usefull stuff
$ 75 – reindexing barrel [ if required ]
Really no need to if you plan on using red dot sight, a scope or gas lock front sight
$ 20 - long op rod guide retaining pin [ or modify GI stock for short pin ]
cheaper to modify USGI stock, but do you decided if you actually want a USGI stock? I personnally don't like them, much prefer the wood version from boyds, cheaper too
$ 45 - SS one piece round/match op Rod spring guide
Smooth the action cycle, I got one too but it's really optionnal
$ 50 – trigger job with stock Chinese parts
I really don't see the usefullness of this, it's been designed this way, better to just pratice the 2 stages with some ammo
$ 80 – replacement US GI rear sight, M-14 or M1 Garand
garand rear sight are available via ebay for 50$ but you really DON'T need it if you plan on using a red dot, or a scope

My best advice would be to just buy one, or two ;). Shoot it like it is, stock, than see what you would like and what do you prefer.
After that if you don't like this platform you can resell it for some profit with all the demands or change whatever you don't like.
 
Last edited:
There is a good chance that you can get what you are looking for on the EE at a cost of less than buying new and paying the gunsmith charges. The M14s is a fun rifle to shoot (and as you said it is not restricted). Here is mine with:
- USGI stock with skullboy paint job
- ARMS mount
- upgraded op rod spring and guide rod (stainless)
- chopped barrel with navy sight and smith flash hider
- garand rear sight

m14_b.jpg
 
Ok, for starters. You might as well though the Mini-14/30 at the deer, you'll have a better chance of hitting it:p

You don't NEED to do at that stuff. If you want to accurize a M14S, SHIM the gas assemably. Get it tight and it will shoot reasonably well for a semi auto. When I got mine, I added a shim kit, a recoil buffer and a Smith scope mount (shim $10, buffer $15 mount $200) and the best mine has shot was 1.5 MOA.

Gunsmithing is not required either. Since you live in Ont., go and attend one of Hungry's clinics and he will show you how to do all that needs to be done and you'll be able to do it for yourself.

The only other upgrade that I think should be done soon after get one of these wonderful rifle's is a new sping and guide rod. There around $50-70 depends on what rod your go with. Marstar has a good one for $40. I got a usgi for $10 off *Bay.

Go and get one, you won't be sorry you did.
 
Slushee, I have a name for you it is HUNGRY, he is a mod here also read the sticky's here. All that stuff you mention you can pretty much do yourself with Hungry's help of course. (hint hint nudge nudge take his course)Of course you could do all that stuff to your rifle but..............your #### may fall off!!

A mini 14 is great if you are Mr. T and this is the Ateam were no one or nothing gets hit with a bullet. M 14 is the way to go!!
 
If you really want an AR, you're probably better off saving up for one. If your budget only allows for one rifle, you need to examine your uses closely.

If the rifle will be exclusively for range use, wait for the AR.

If you intend to hunt with it or use it off range, obviously the M305 is the choice .

I've got both and honestly, they're like comparing apples and oranges. For range play and "tactical" style shooting, the AR is way ahead, IMO. It's got much better ergonomics and tons of parts and accessories are available. The M305 is a lot of fun too, AND you can shoot it anywhere.

If I could only keep one of my 14.5" AR or my shorty M305, I'd keep the M305.
 
I agree with GODGAB, you probably don't need to do a bunch of mods. Mine is shooting 2" five shot groups at 100m bone stock with surplus DA ammo. My barrel is over indexed a bit as evidenced by the front sight being at the right side of the sight base, my gas block is loose, the gas cyl lock nut is loose. So what? It shoots.

Another rifle you could consider is the CZ 858.
 
Do not forget to factor the cost of ammo into the equation, the price difference between cases of .223/5.56 vs .308/7.62NATO vs 7.62x39 will quickly outpace the difference in upfront firearm cost!
 
The AR is a great rifle, but our idiotic gun laws have reduced it to a "range only" toy with no practical purpose. As you talked about possibly hunting big game with it, or using it off range, then the M14 is the only way to go. Your listed options are nice, but by no means necessary, and by no means need to be done by a gunsmith. Still, even if you did it completely your way, you'd have a great all around rifle that you can pretty much do anything you want with. Go for the M14.
 
Don't buy one, buy TWO for the prices you suggested.

Many of those expenditures are not necessary. Hey, maybe someone at some gun show told you that you must have ALL those tweaks done otherwise yer #### would fall off, Maybe ?? :rolleyes:
 
i don't know where the other post i just did went- anyway, in alberta, your 223 isn't big enough for big game like deer, regs say 24 cal or better- and your 223 is a MINIMAL deer cartridge, using 70 grain or better bullets- and a 1/9 or better twist- your 7.62 /308 STARTS at typically 150 and has been ideal deer medicine for years- it's apples and oranges
 
Thanks all .. i really did need the nudge ...

I do know that .223 isn't a deer killer .. I wouldn't ever use it as such .. but I also said I would never get a handgun and I just picked up my first 9mm in Dec. sooooo ...

And its my #### were talking about here ... I HAD to be sure!!!!!!!! :p
 
now start building up your upper body so you don't find the thing HEAVY- it's a BATTLE rifle, and not some kids toy
 
If you need to be convinced to buy one, you probably don't want one!
M-14's are one of the finest battle rifles ever made, that is why they are being brough back into U.S. Service and purchased back from contries that the Clinton admisistration sold them to, for use in the desert. They have the punch and the accuracy to do the job. Our Chinese brothers do a fine job with the exception of the overly gererous headspace I have seen on most of the Chinese rifles I have worked on. They are a steal at the price you can get them for.

Scott
 
wonder if that means i'll see a couple of marines from the embassy at my door asking for my safe queens?- i'd much rather turn them back than send them to the smelter
 
Last edited:
m39a2 said:
If you need to be convinced to buy one, you probably don't want one!
Click to expand...

well to be honest, I started out liking the AR, but more and more I find myself thinking about the M14. My main concern was buying a rifle that needed a tonne of work done to it before I can shoot it, but from the comments here, a quick trip to the smith to make sure the headspace is okay (or just get off my lazy !@# and get the hungry dvd to do it myself) and it should be a very nice rifle that I can slowly improve over time.

Coincedentally, I was at Target Sports Center on Dec 18th to pick up my new 9mm, and I picked up and held the M14 he had there (I think a norc), it felt very comfortable, but not as heavy as I thought it would be from the comments on here. I guess we'll see if I change my mind after lugging it through the bush for a few hours though eh? :cool:
 
Just get one and then if you don't like it keep it and get an AR or visa versa....you can't have too many guns now can you?
 
The funnest part about a Norc M14 is that after every little tweak you give it take it to the range and see the improvement in groups. Remember, Hungry welfare fix it and astonish your buddies that have springfields. I have $35 into mine so far and soon one beer(weld job). I can consistantly shoot 1 inch groups at 100yards. not everytime but for the most part.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom