M14 vs. AR-15
- Thread starter Rohann
- Start date
NavyShooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- XMU Local .303
For a new shooter, it's easier to learn to shoot well with an AR platform.
An M-14 is a good shooter, but generally requires more tweaks and work to get running.
The additional recoil (though still mild) of an M-14 plus the non-straight line stock makes it a bit more difficult to manage as compared to the light recoiling AR.
If you're starting out, and want to stick with non-restricted, get an M-14 (clone)
If you have restriced, and want to shoot them, then get an AR.
You won't go wrong with either platform.
NS
An M-14 is a good shooter, but generally requires more tweaks and work to get running.
The additional recoil (though still mild) of an M-14 plus the non-straight line stock makes it a bit more difficult to manage as compared to the light recoiling AR.
If you're starting out, and want to stick with non-restricted, get an M-14 (clone)
If you have restriced, and want to shoot them, then get an AR.
You won't go wrong with either platform.
NS
I'd say the AR; cheaper to shoot so you should end up practicing more, more forgiving for a learner due to less recoil and easier in the rapid fire sections for the same reason. However, there is no reason you couldn't learn to do well with the M14 style and it would be nice in that it is non-restricted and could be used for hunting etc...
Shelldrake
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Right behind you,,
Rohann said:
In the Canadian game,, the AR.
Over the 12 matches,, it isn't even close.
Well,, some make it close, but I have never seen an M14/AR10/M305 come out on top of the Grand Agg.
I think my first service rifle will probably be an M14. I won't be able to get an AR-15 until I turn 18, and I've always liked the M14, thouh I'll probably get an AR down the road. Doesn't the M14's bigger round make it less susceptible to elements? And can't you mod an M14 to make it more accurate than an AR?
-Rohann
-Rohann
Rohann said:
I think the only advantage gained by the heavier .308 bullets would be achieved at the 400 & 500m lines during snaps or deliberates -if you are seeing wind. I think also the perceived gain is negligable to almost non-existant, as the heavier match grade .224 bullets buck the wind very well (and in fact sometimes better than the .308s).
While using an M14 (M305) to get into the game now is admirable, I would sink my money into getting set up to eventually shoot the AR, as opposed to putting money into accurizing an M14. (there is nothing saying you can't piece one together -sans lower receiver of course, and gather brass, bullets, loader, etc before your 18th birthday)
Hmm, that may be a good idea. In terms of cost though, what's the difference? And couldn't you potentially make an M14 more accurate than an AR, seeing as there are more stock options, barrel options, bedding options, floating options, etc.?
-Rohann
-Rohann
Rohann said:
Either system can be made VERY accurate.
The Match M-14 Hungry built me would hold it's own or even better most custom bolt guns.
Accuracy costs money.How accurate do you want to be?????
My AR SPR clone is close to $5000 with optics, and my Custom Sage M14 is between $5000 and $6000 with optics.They are both 0.5 MOA capable or better, and reliable.
What the BIG difference will be is how good a shooter you are, and how much you practice.
SKBY.
realistically I firmly believe an ar15 platform will consistently outshoot an m14.... if each rifle was treated equally and such vis a vis the cleaning and maintenence routine.
an ar15 just stays more accurate throughout its life span then an m14 does..... or maybe I am just imagining it with my limited experience.
come home from the range and the ar requires little maintenence besides a through cleaning.... where the m14 seems to require more.
moot point since I no longer have an m14..... but I do want to get another one soon.
an ar15 just stays more accurate throughout its life span then an m14 does..... or maybe I am just imagining it with my limited experience.
come home from the range and the ar requires little maintenence besides a through cleaning.... where the m14 seems to require more.
moot point since I no longer have an m14..... but I do want to get another one soon.
There is a vast array of bells and whistles with which to adorn and accessorize both AR and M-14 type rifles. Many have nothing to do with enhanced accuracy. If you want information about how to set up an M-14 for accuracy, check the US target shooting websites. All the tricks to get M-14s to shoot competitively are well developed. As are the techniques to maximize AR performance. The AR has just about replaced the M-14 for National Match shooting.
NavyShooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- XMU Local .303
A straight out of the box AR-15 will typically outshoot an out of the box M-14.
The real advantage that an M-14 has over the AR-15 is that it's non-restricted. That means you can use it anywhere it's legal to discharge a firearm, not just at a rifle range.
Back to your original question though, which would come out on top.
I've never seen an M-14 type rifle win a service rifle match when there have been AR type rifles on the line.
That said, I've only seen a few people try to compete wtih M-14's, and those that have are generally quite knowledgeable in their use, and WOULD actually have a good chance of winning, and have placed well with their M-14's.
NS
The real advantage that an M-14 has over the AR-15 is that it's non-restricted. That means you can use it anywhere it's legal to discharge a firearm, not just at a rifle range.
Back to your original question though, which would come out on top.
I've never seen an M-14 type rifle win a service rifle match when there have been AR type rifles on the line.
That said, I've only seen a few people try to compete wtih M-14's, and those that have are generally quite knowledgeable in their use, and WOULD actually have a good chance of winning, and have placed well with their M-14's.
NS
Thanks for all the replies.
I like the AR, but I like the M14 as well. I'm not a fan of the .223 Rem. cartridge, but I'm planning on buying a boltgun in .308 as well, so I'm not sure if it would be worth it to buy an M14 in the same caliber if I'm going to be using it for nearly the same purpose.
To get each rifle shooting just under 1MOA, how large is the cost difference, including initial purposes?
-Rohann
I like the AR, but I like the M14 as well. I'm not a fan of the .223 Rem. cartridge, but I'm planning on buying a boltgun in .308 as well, so I'm not sure if it would be worth it to buy an M14 in the same caliber if I'm going to be using it for nearly the same purpose.
To get each rifle shooting just under 1MOA, how large is the cost difference, including initial purposes?
-Rohann
Rohann said:
How about an AR in 308? With the amount of money I have in my 700, I could have put a large chunk of change towards an AR10T.
You are not going to require a sub-moa gun for service rifle matches. Even if your rifle and ammo is capable of it, it is unlikely you will realize the benefit of it over the course of fire. If it makes you sleep better, have at it, but you would be far better served by sending more service grade ammo down range in a service grade gun. just mho.
If the AR could be used for hinting, it would be no contest, but..... On the range, the trick is to shoot as well as with a properly set up AR. To go out on a limb, it has been suggested that the linear design of the AR makes it inherently more accurate than a more conventional rifle like a M-1,-14, etc. and once properly set up, and AR will stay in tune longer that rifles like the M-1,-14.
