The M14-Type Rifles: A Shooter's and Collector's Guide, 2nd Edition [Large Print] (Paperback)

~ Joe Poyer (Author) "It was the shortest lived combat rifle in the history of the United States Army..." (more)
Key Phrases: national match sights, match grade rifle, rifle bore cleaner, World War, Springfield National Armory, Marine Corps (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The M14 was the last large caliber rifle adopted by the U.S. military. It was derived from, and replaced the M1 Garand of World War II and Korean War fame. It in turn was replaced by the 5.56 mm M16 in the early stages of the War in Vietnam. Although the M14 lasted less then 10 years as the military service rifle, its effect was overwhelming in civilian and military match target shooting for thirty year, especially at ranges exceeding 600 yards, and in the development of military and paramilitary sniper rifles.

The M14-Type Rifles presents both the military and civilian side of this fine rifle along with a complete run-down on non-military clones of the M1A variety. The M14 was built for the U.S. military at the Springfield National Armory, at Winchester Repeating Firearms, Harrington and Richardson and TRW. Civilian versions have been built by a host of companies including Springfield, Inc., Armscorp and others. Very fine receivers for building do-it-yourself match target rifles have been manufactured by, among others, Entr‚prise Arms, Smith, Armscorp and DPS. Topics covered include a complete examination of parts and means of identification by manufacturer, the development, manufacture and use of the M14, the development of the M21 and M25 sniper rifles and their telescopic sights and mounts which are covered in a separate chapter, and the National Match M14 and M1A target rifles.

The book provides a history of the development of the civilian version of the M14 and the civilian version, the M1A,by its various manufacturers, including those in both Chinas. A chapter is given over to accurizing the M1A rifle for "do-it-yourselfers and for custom rifle smiths and the U.S. Army's National Match Specifications and building techniques are listed. Ammunition selection and preparation for match shooting and shooting techniques and positions are detailed. The book is heavily illustrated with photographs and line drawings. Also included are a list of manufacturers, parts and accessory suppliers and custom rifle smiths capable of building less than 1 minute of angle rifles.

In the preparation of this book, manufacturer's of both of complete M1A rifles and of M1A receivers were reviewed and their products tested. Three M14-type rifles were then built by well- known custom rifle smiths. The complete procedures are laid out along with tips and cautions so that the reader so inclined can build his or her own service or target M14-type rifle for competition or target shooting.

From the Publisher

The M14-Type Rifles: A Shooters and Collector's Guide is a book that will satisfy both shooters and collectors. A complete history of the development of the M14 and its civilian counterparts is given. Also a part-by-part discussion of the M14 rifle complete with codes and markings so that each part can be identified. The various commercial rifles are discussed as are those made in China by Norinco and Polytech. Step-by-step procedures for glass-bedding an M14 stock for increased accuracy is given, plus the proper use of commercial, military and match ammunition. A straight forward account of planning a match rifle with a custom gun smith to reduce costs and increase accuracy is provided.

Product Details

• Paperback: 87 pages
• Publisher: North Cape Publications; 2nd Large Print edition edition (October 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1882391187
• ISBN-13: 978-1882391189
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,618,834 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Buyer Beware, March 3, 2005

By	Greg Lane - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The advertising should be changed for this book. It does give a good history of the rifle but fails to provide "hands-on" do it yourself guides as stated in the synopsis. It doesn't tell/show you how to do your trigger, only states if building a match rifle to have the trigger done..Duh!! I really was expecting more out of this book. At the most, it is a good book for beginners. I'm mad at Amazon for not only advertising this book the way it did, but for also automatically charging 2 day shipping. It didn't give me a choice. I tried to stop the order, but was told it was already too late, but I could return it.