M14 / M21 DMR
Summary
| Country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Sniper rifle |
| Manufacturer | Springfield |
Technical specifications
| M14 / M21 DMR | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 30 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | .308 Winchester |
| Magazine | 10 rounds |
| Length | 1118 mm (44.0 in) |
| Weight | 5.27 kg (11.6 lb) |
| Range | 600 m (1969 ft) |
Description
The M14 rifle, officially designated the United States Rifle, Caliber 7.62 mm, M14, was adopted as the standard-issue rifle for the U.S. military in 1957, replacing the M1 Garand. Development of the M14 originated from experimental designs based on the M1 Garand, starting in the late 1930s. Modifications considered during WWII included the addition of fully automatic fire and a detachable 20-round box magazine. Early prototypes like the T20 and T25, designed for the new T65 cartridge (which evolved into the 7.62×51mm NATO), competed against variants of the FN FAL (T48). Trials conducted in the 1950s, including cold-weather testing, led to the T44 prototype being selected. The T44 was formally adopted as the M14 in 1957, with production starting in 1959. Initial contracts were awarded to Springfield Armory, Winchester, and Harrington & Richardson, later joined by Thompson-Ramo-Wooldridge Inc. A total of 1,376,031 M14 service rifles were produced between 1959 and 1964. Production of the M14 was officially discontinued in the late 1960s, though it remained in limited service after being replaced as the standard infantry rifle by the M16.
The M14 is chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. Standard receiver heel markings include "U.S. Rifle," "7.62-MM M14," the manufacturer name, and the serial number. Rifles were initially furnished with walnut stocks, transitioning to birch and later synthetic fiberglass due to environmental issues in humid climates. Stocks for military service were fitted with a hinged shoulder rest and bore Department of Defense acceptance and proof stamps. Early production featured walnut handguards, which were superseded by more durable solid synthetic handguards. Standard rifling features a right-hand 1:12-inch twist with 4 grooves. Various accessories were produced, including the M6 bayonet, M2 bandoleer for carrying ammunition, cotton or nylon slings for service rifles, and leather slings for competition variants. A cleaning kit was stored in the stock's butt-trap, containing a combination tool, brushes, cleaning rods, and lubricant. Other accessories included winter trigger and safety mechanisms, blank firing attachments, cartridge charger clips, magazine fillers, M1956/M1961 ammunition pouches, the M2 bipod, and grenade launching equipment like the M76 launcher and M15 sight.
Multiple variants and related designs of the M14 exist. Military developments included the M15 Squad Automatic Weapon with a heavy barrel and bipod, though testing showed a modified M14 performed comparably, leading to its cancellation. The M14E1 featured various experimental folding stocks. The M14E2, later redesignated M14A1, was a selective-fire squad automatic weapon variant with features like a pistol-gripped stock, muzzle compensator, bipod, and folding foregrip. Semi-automatic only versions for civilian marksmanship include the M14M and M14NM (National Match). The M14 SMUD is a National Match variant used by EOD personnel. More modern military variants include the Mk 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle with a shorter barrel and tactical stock, the M14 Tactical used by the US Coast Guard, and the M14 Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR), later replaced by the M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle. Accurized sniper models derived from the M14 are the M21 and M25 Sniper Weapon Systems. Commercial manufacturers have also produced M14 variants, such as the M14S/M305 by Norinco, M14/S by Poly Technologies, and the M1A series by Springfield Armory, Inc., including shorter-barreled SOCOM models. Smith Enterprise Inc. has also manufactured M14 receivers and built/modified rifles for military use, contributing to the Mk 14 EBR. The M89SR Model 89 Sniper Rifle is an M14 in bullpup configuration used by the Israel Defense Forces.
The M14 served as the standard U.S. infantry rifle from the late 1950s until its replacement by the M16 in 1967, though it saw continued use in basic training and specific units. Intended to replace multiple earlier weapons, it proved less effective than anticipated in some roles and environments like the dense jungles of Vietnam. Post-replacement, the M14 continued limited service in various U.S. military branches, primarily in accurized roles as sniper and designated marksman rifles, ceremonial duties, and competition use. The U.S. Army converted M14s into M21 sniper rifles, which were later replaced by the M24. Variants like the Mk 14 EBR and M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle have seen service in recent conflicts such as in Afghanistan and Iraq. The rifle is still used ceremonially by units like the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment and service academies. Internationally, the M14 and its licensed variant, the Type 57, have been used by Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Greece, Haiti, Indonesia, Israel, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Morocco, Niger, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela. Some non-state actors have also utilized the M14.