I'm confused

[Rubikahn]

I get all confused over all the different versions of rifles. Is a SA M1A the same basic rifle as an M14? If I have it correct, the M14 was the improved version which replaced the WWII M1 Garand. The M1A is SA's civilian version of the M14.
And what are the differences between an M1 garand and an M14?

Please enlighten me

 

[Stevo]

The major, obvious differences between the Garand and the M14 are:
-modified gas system
-detachable magazine
-7.62 NATO vs. .30-06
-M14 was manufactured with selective fire capability.

M1A's and M305 are essentially M14's without the select fire.

 

[Rubikahn]

The major, obvious differences between the Garand and the M14 are:
-modified gas system
-detachable magazine
-7.62 NATO vs. .30-06
-M14 was manufactured with selective fire capability.

M1A's and M305 are essentially M14's without the select fire.

Aha!!! I'm enlightened!!! I forgot about the selective fire capability!

 

[Stevo]

Always glad to enlighten, young grasshopper.

 

[Rubikahn]

Always glad to enlighten, young grasshopper.

HAHAHA....do I walk across the rice paper now

 

[LeftFootOfDoom]

no, you get to skip the paper and go straight to picking up the flaming pot with your forearms.

 

[Light Infantry]

Not to confuse the issue, but aren't some Chines M305's labelled as M14S? Which of course are different than the USGI M14. I'll have to check mine later.

LI

 

[Rohann]

(Correct me if I'm wrong) Oh and the M14 also has a "bolt hold open" that you actually have to pull back after inserting a new mag; you don't just tap it forward like on the Garand (meaning no Garand thumb!).

-Rohann

 

[sunray]

"...have to pull back..." Yep. Just like any other mag fed semi. Mag in, pull back and release the op handle.
'Garand thumb' is caused by operator failure. Either by loading a clip incorrectly or pushing the follower down without holding the op handle back while the rifle is empty.

 

[Rohann]

Didn't word it well, but that's what I meant. The Garand handle you just slap forward, so it's much easier to get your finger jammed in there.

-Rohann

 

[yohann160]

One question and I think I have the answer. They modified the gas system because on Garands the long operating rod could bend? And they fixed this on the M14 by shortening and doing what to it?