Shooters have used variants of the M14 in shooting matches for years. From 1959 to 1970, the United States issued the M14 as its standard-issue rifle until replacing it with the M16. It remains in limited service with all the branches of the military not only in sniper variants, but also as ceremonial rifles. The M14 was the last so-called “battle rifle,” meaning it was a rifle designed for combat, that fired a full-sized rifle round, in this case, the 7.62 x 51 NATO. The rifle was incredibly accurate but some said it was “too good” of a rifle for the average soldier. Studies during WWII showed that most soldiers took shots at enemy targets at very close range; therefore, there was no need for a rifle that would reach out to an effective range of 500 yards. Despite its incredible accuracy, the rifle was almost uncontrollable when fired in fully automatic mode. This led to some M14’s permanently set to semi automatic. During the Vietnam War, the harsh tropical climate caused the wooden stocks on some rifles to swell, decreasing the accuracy and overall performance of the gun. Some soldiers complained that the rifle was too large to wield in dense jungle. Despite these drawbacks, many soldiers favored the M14 over the M16 due to its much more powerful round.
After Vietnam, the weapon has made a name for itself as a modified sniper rifle. Randy Shughart used an M14 to defend the crash site of a Black Hawk helicopter during the highly publicized battle for Mogadishu. Hollywood later immortalized that battle in the motion picture Black Hawk Down. The U.S. Army posthumously awarded Shughart the Congressional Medal of Honor for his efforts in defending the downed chopper that day. Outside of the military, Springfield currently produces the M1A, the civilian variant of the M14, to sell to the general population. These rifles are highly sought after by collectors and sportsmen alike. The .308 ammunition is perfect for hunting game, or hitting targets at great distances. In the shooting sports world, shooters have had great success with the M1A in three-gun matches, as well as having its own event in the Camp Perry National Rifle and Pistol Championships. Despite its short service life, the M1A has proven itself a highly effective weapon both on and off the battlefield.
All due respect to Sgt Schugart, but will we ever get it right on the Medal of Honor ? Maybe it seems like it takes an act of Congress to get that award, but Congress has actually no say in who gets it or not. The recommendation for the award and all the vetting of the circumstances surrounding the servicemember’s actions mentioned as the justification occur completely within the military chain of command. It makes me sick to see how many alleged “military historians” get this wrong and thereby help perpetuate the error. Congress does not deserve credit for doing anything related to the MoA except for the Senate confirming the promotions of the generals and admirals who might have that award paperwork cross their desks for signature.
I bought a Super Match M1A and plan on giving it to my youngest son once he gets out of the Army. I used the M-14 during my career in the Navy and love the weapon. I hope he passes it on to his son one day.
Hello
On 07 Feb. 2015 I bought my 1st. M1A. And I can not wait until the weather breaks so I can Locke and load.
I have an M1A Super Match that is a really great rifle. I love the 7.62×51 round and was issued an M14 in the service. I enjoy my AR15’s, but will always have a soft spot for the full size service caliber that can only be had with my M1A, HK91 and CZ550FS. I’m a sucker for the 7.62×51/.308 Winchester. An accurate hard hitting multipurpose long range round. JMHO
Yes,ditto for me Jason. I was a hunter all my life,never giving a second glance to auto-loading military,or assault type rifles. But after almost 30 years of hunting, I have recent interest in a few such guns, I suppose because of the times we now live in. I really want one of the Mossberg M590-A1 SPX shotguns w/bayonet,and as for a rifle(I have several nice ones,but all hunting bolt guns), I seriously want a Springfield SOCOM. I’ve never owned a .308,but had a friend years ago with a Rem 600 Mohawk in who tauted it as the ideal deer rig. That M1-A sure looks like something I’d appriciate. Maybe some day. .308
I love the M1A! I want one soooooo bad!