M-14 in Afghanistan
- Thread starter homer76
- Start date
So you had trouble with your AR platform in the desert? Really...
Hey, the only reason I never had any problems with my C8 was because I kept it religiously clean and out of the elements as much as I could.
A daily blow-out and dust-off were needed to make sure that the damned thing would cycle properly.
But then again, I'd rather look paranoid about weapons maintenance than find that the piece of kit I need to save my life right then and there won't work...
- Location
- Vancouver Island BC
Gahh... I drag an M14 with scope through the bush every year for hunting season and I only carry 15 rounds in my pockets, and I think that's a royal PITA! I can't imagine what a hassle it'd be to carry a fully kitted out M14 with all the bells and whistles, plus extra ammo around in an arid mountain setting. Honestly, I think I'd rather have my 20" AR15 any day. It's way lighter, you can carry more ammo, less hassle, more ergonomic, equally lethal with a the full length barrel... hands down AR.
- Location
- Vancouver Island BC
Exactly,just remember how Teddy got his ass kicked on san Juan Hill.........
its was right on the MIll channel, the M14 the comeback kid. the american 1000 dollar answer to the million dollar question. the M14 is back on active duty. they needed more knock down power then the .223 will ever have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ8pKd2Hn28&feature=PlayList&p=6126D220BAA491AC&playnext=1&index=24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ8pKd2Hn28&feature=PlayList&p=6126D220BAA491AC&playnext=1&index=24
Lets not turn this into an AR15 vs M14 commentary nor a 223 vs 308.
The M14 is merely another tool in the toolbox for the US troops and Marines. There are other tools, including machine guns. It is the package not the single platform. The M14 is not a replacement for the AR15 series. They are doing just fine and the people who have taken the C7/C8 into harms way will confirm they are doing the business. Don't take the internet chat or gun mags as an indication as to what is needed overseas...
Cheers
Jeff
The M14 is merely another tool in the toolbox for the US troops and Marines. There are other tools, including machine guns. It is the package not the single platform. The M14 is not a replacement for the AR15 series. They are doing just fine and the people who have taken the C7/C8 into harms way will confirm they are doing the business. Don't take the internet chat or gun mags as an indication as to what is needed overseas...
Cheers
Jeff
i remember when we traded the m16/ar 15 for the m14- the WISE unit commanders still kept 2 m14s back per 10-12 man unit- a real GOOD IDEA in light of what happened to the
m16 in the field- the navy didn't turn theirs in until much later, and still hasn't in some cases- and in the states, all the m14s that were on loan to law enforcement and civilain marksman programs had to be turned into army depots for re-assignment- some of these are of the NATIONAL MATCH variety- these are then reworked up to modern standards
m16 in the field- the navy didn't turn theirs in until much later, and still hasn't in some cases- and in the states, all the m14s that were on loan to law enforcement and civilain marksman programs had to be turned into army depots for re-assignment- some of these are of the NATIONAL MATCH variety- these are then reworked up to modern standards
The M16 of the 60s is the not the C7/C8 of today. Night fighting, and CQB is the harsh reality of todays professional soldier in combat. A number of Canadian AARs noted that engagement ranges were very close or greater than 300m. Targets were fast moving, snap shots. Having the right balance is what is important. Our units are conducting operations with AR10 equiped snipers who provide precision engagement which is important given the potential for collateral damage. It is all about balance...
- Location
- Vancouver Island BC
The M-14 is a better tool, always has been.
Try clearing a room with an M14....add an PEQ2/PAC 4 and try humping it. It is the right tool for specific applications however it is not a replacement for the AR series. I have to disagree with your generalization....
agreed- it's is far better employed at long ranges against designated small targets- as far as clearing rooms goes- either something along the lines of an tavor, or what we used to call the bushmaster arm pistol , or an smg of some sort, or( and this was the preferred method at the time) just have arty shell it until it was no longer a problem
You can clear a room with a bazooka too.Doesn't mean it's easy OR a good idea.
H20,
I respect you for your knowledge of M14s and your enthusiasm for the rifle...however, I can speak from experience and training....there is a huge difference. A platoon is equiped with a variety of weapon systems including Machine Guns. In real fights....machine guns do the killing when it comes to small arms. Now in the types of operations we are currently engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan....it is significantly more challenging, and requires the right balance. As I have said in posts before....there is no universal rifle. Until we see a leap in technology in small arms, the M4/C8/C7/M16 is here to stay. It is doing the job and doing it well...
Problem is why have the expense of replacing the M4/C8 with another system until we see an improvement in weapon and ballistic technology to make the investment worthwhile. There are a number of items that need much more urgent attention than this. Plus, as the analogy goes....it ain't broke so why fix it?
Also, you can't just lob arty rounds about....the enemy likes to use women and children as shields. We have to use the right tool hence why we often have to clear all the rooms in an area rather than just leveling the place....hard to be the good guys sometime.
