M14 for hunting moose/barrel length question

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ProudPhoenician

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OK, so I'm considering reapplying for my RPAL soon and I am thinking about the number 1 rifle I want to want to own.

So my heart is really set on owning a Norinco M14 rifle, and I also have my heart set on going moose hunting at least once. Now I know that the 7.62x51mm/.308 caliber is good enough for moose, but what about the rifle itself? How suitable would it for hunting moose and similar game?

Also, since I've seen shorter barrel versions, and I have asked a gun store owner about the difference it makes on accuracy/muzzle velocity, he said that it didn't affect either that much. Again, just how much of a difference are we talking about here? Since the M14 is likely going to be the only centerfire rifle I will own, I want to be able to get the most out of it.

Thanks.
 
I've heard a few times velocity drops only 25-50fps per inch of barrel loss. In this case the moose won't know any different. Shorter barrel does give you a shorter sight radius which can effect accuracy, not mechanically less actuate just shooter error. The shorter barrel norincoseem to have a few more gremlins from what I gather.
 
Attempting to break this down...

The Norinco M305? M14 clones aren't restricted, last I checked. You don't need an RPAL. (Though he may have just been mentioning it?)

As for the rifle itself as far as a moose gun, it should be alright. Provided you use the right ammunition, and spend time at the range making sure you're all zero'd in on the sights and/or scope. A 308 caliber will drop a moose with the right shot placement. On that note you should familiarize yourself with where you should be putting that bullet. It should also do you well for deer, and other animals that size.

As far as accuracy, how far are you shooting? Most hunts in moose territory are in bush (at least where I hunt), where you likely won't see more than 50-100 meters anyway. Within that range a shorter barrel won't have much departmental effect on accuracy.

Finally the last bit. If you are buying a restricted length M14 (norinco or otherwise) you will not be able to hunt with it. You cannot hunt with restricted rifles (or handguns). If you want to buy one for hunting make sure it's non restricted.

Personally I'd prefer my bolt action Ruger Gunsite Scout, but everyone has their likes and dislikes.

Yeah, you can use a M14 to go moose hunting. Why not?

EDIT: While I was writing this several people posted in the interem. Please excuse me reposting anything already said.
 
It will probably do you fine but there is a lot lighter guns available believe me I would definitely not want to carry mine around!
 
It's a heavy rifle to be carting around for hunting, but can you do it? Of course. I would like to see pics when you have. I would test your rifle with your intended ammo and see what grouping you get.
 
Okay. Just needed to clarify. Kind of confusing when you say you're applying for a restricted pal to get a non restricted rifle. Yea if you want it to be a part time moose rifle have at her. I know people who use it for that kind of application. Its not the most comfortable rifle to carry but it can be done. The parkerized finish is not good at preventing rust though so keep it oiled.
 
Hopefully no one minds me speaking up on this thread that I accidentaly stumbled on while expecting to go into the Red Rifle section!

I really like the M14-M305 and want to get one someday also. From what I have read in other threads that are similar to this one, this
rifle will do a fine job of harvesting moose, but keep the range short - less than 300meters -because of the limitations of the rifle's accuracy.

I understand that this rifle can be finicky and needs a lot of fine tuning and range practice to get reliability out of it. Sounds like fun!
 
The M305 is a 2-3 moa rifle, unless you are very lucky and/or spend a bunch of money to make it more accurate. So at 300 your group....from a bench could be as much as 9"...in reality since the 308 is marginal that far, and benches are heavy, so realistically your groups would be twice that.>>>>>>Do you have the discipline to pass shots that are further than say 200 yards??

If you are, and you want to pack a 9+lb bare rifle....go for it.
 
Frost Cracked said:
Attempting to break this down...

The Norinco M305? M14 clones aren't restricted, last I checked. You don't need an RPAL. (Though he may have just been mentioning it?)

As for the rifle itself as far as a moose gun, it should be alright. Provided you use the right ammunition, and spend time at the range making sure you're all zero'd in on the sights and/or scope. A 308 caliber will drop a moose with the right shot placement. On that note you should familiarize yourself with where you should be putting that bullet. It should also do you well for deer, and other animals that size.

As far as accuracy, how far are you shooting? Most hunts in moose territory are in bush (at least where I hunt), where you likely won't see more than 50-100 meters anyway. Within that range a shorter barrel won't have much departmental effect on accuracy.

Finally the last bit. If you are buying a restricted length M14 (norinco or otherwise) you will not be able to hunt with it. You cannot hunt with restricted rifles (or handguns). If you want to buy one for hunting make sure it's non restricted.

Personally I'd prefer my bolt action Ruger Gunsite Scout, but everyone has their likes and dislikes.

Yeah, you can use a M14 to go moose hunting. Why not?

EDIT: While I was writing this several people posted in the interem. Please excuse me reposting anything already said.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the info.

The reason why I'm applying for an RPAL is also because I want to buy handguns in addition to non-restricted stuff. The guns I have my eyes on are the Remington 870, PPS-50 .22, Browning Hi-Power, and a Norinco Type 54 or Zastava M57 (I'm undecided which at this point).
 
Hopefully no one minds me speaking up on this thread that I accidentaly stumbled on while expecting to go into the Red Rifle section!

I really like the M14-M305 and want to get one someday also. From what I have read in other threads that are similar to this one, this
rifle will do a fine job of harvesting moose, but keep the range short - less than 300meters -because of the limitations of the rifle's accuracy.

I understand that this rifle can be finicky and needs a lot of fine tuning and range practice to get reliability out of it. Sounds like fun!
Click to expand...

The M305 is a 2-3 moa rifle, unless you are very lucky and/or spend a bunch of money to make it more accurate. So at 300 your group....from a bench could be as much as 9"...in reality since the 308 is marginal that far, and benches are heavy, so realistically your groups would be twice that.>>>>>>Do you have the discipline to pass shots that are further than say 200 yards??

If you are, and you want to pack a 9+lb bare rifle....go for it.
Click to expand...

I'm well aware that the Norinco M14 is a bit of a fixer-upper, but like I said, I'm not planning on buying more than one centerfire rifle. Besides, working and investing in that one gun does sound interesting.
 
I am currently deployed on HMCS Fredericton in the Med and I too am planing on trying my M305 out for hunting. Plus putting some of my hard earned tour pay into modding it. Rail, Scope, Op Rod Spring Guide ect
 
If you plan to put on an optic then its going to be very heavy. Mine with the scope mount, scope and bipod is now at 13.4lbs empty. If you dont mind the weight I dont see how it could be a bad choice.
 
I'm a big Norc fanboy but I hunt with a win94. I do take my m305 out if I'm just sitting in the stand all day and have a rail to shoot off but if I'm putting on miles then nothing beats the nice light carbine. I can carry my 3030 in my hands all day. The M305 is tooheavyfor that and gets slung which costs me the quick shoulder. That costs game.
Guns are tools. You don't use a hammer for every job. My advice is to give up on this "one centrefire" stance. The M305 has limitations, mainly weight and accuracy which has been stated already. Ignore them and you could miss bagging your moose.
 
I have hunted with a 305 plenty and it works well enough. Weight affects accuracy when you need to pop off a quick shot so it may rely on its semi auto capabilities. When you are trying to be sneaky, the bolt slamming home to chamber your round does not help. And if you think you will walk around with a round in the chamber and a the chinese saftey on you are asking for trouble. I usually leave the 305 at home now and hunt with a crumby old sported .303.
 
Took my M305 hunting last season and I took the optics/rail off and bought a new hunting rifle right after.

Heavy and noisy plus it rained and it was a pain to dry/clean rust spots after all.

Still fun to shoot but definatly not hunting with it anymore.
 
I used to hunt with my Ljumgman AG42B, I would not think twice about taking the M305 hunting. It may be different out west where you are climbing mountains, but where I go hunting not that big a deal
 
I have 1 M-305 that I use from time to time in heavy brush hunting scenarios....

It is a cut down 18.5", with a custom gas plug that has a .040" in the end so I can use heavier projectiles with-out beating up the rifle..... With the USGI Fiberglass stockist weighs in just under 8lbs, which is not all too much when bush walking. I also made a custom flush mag (it only hold 4 rnds) and due to the length of the mag I load from stripper clips.

An iron sighted m-14 is really only reliable on game IMHO out to 200y when shooting off hand.

Cheers!
 
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