Finally an M14 I like....?!

[@tonyp9609]

Nothing against your summary but after qualifying expert with both the M-16 and the M-14 in Basic Training, when I got to Viet Nam, I requested the M-14 and the Supply Sargent gave me a pistol grip stock with a bipod and fold down front grip. I carried that gun for 16 months and never had a problem with it. Very accurate always dependable, unlike the m-16's at the time. Never minded the weight difference. Thank You

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I trained with the M-14 during my 4 years in the Marine Corps...64-68. I loved that rifle I shot hundreds of rounds and never had a malfunction.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Great target rifle on the Marin’s rifle ranges!

[@spartaninvirginia]

If you're being held hostage, blink three times quickly.

[@Meditech509]

That is awesome. lol

[@billmcgirr7138]

Underrated comment.🤣👍🥃

[@wubbalubadubdub714]

🤣🤣🤣

[@martinducre1821]

Covid-19 symptoms

[@Ideo7Z]

S.A. threatened to replace his Glocks with XDs and his LMTs with Saints if he didn't do this video...

[@the8jrfan]

Hell has truly frozen over.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Texas did have that snow storm this year so that must have caused this

[@kenibnanak5554]

LoL, about time. Let's go ice skating with some 1,000 yard shooting.

[@Ironhandjohn]

Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling! Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes, volcanoes... The dead rising from the grave! Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!

[@paulmicelli5819]

Best weapon made. Qualified with M-14 while in Basic Training, Ft. Bragg, NC in 1967.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

I respect your opinion.

[@nickf2170]

I don't understand why so many people on the internet feel they have to hate the M14 and M1A. It is one of the best firearm designs in history, if you don't like it, don't shoot it. It stands on its own merits, and how it was rolled out by the military means absoultely nothing at this point in time. Shooting it full auto?.....just where are you planning to do that? Stop pipe dreaming, and just enjoy owning and shooting a great firearm.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Best?? Compared to what? Its own merits? The gun was a failure in every aspect

[@korbyn49]

I bought a Bula Defense M-14 Paratrooper after your recommendation of Bula. After 100 rounds of target shooting I took it to a rifle class where I shot about 600 rounds for a total of 700 rounds through the rifle. I experienced a lot of malfunctions during the class. After the class I disassembled the rifle and found a broken bolt roller split in half like a twisted oreo. I was disappointed but contacted Bula with photos. The inside of the charging handle also showed some signs of damaged from the rifle cycling with a broken bolt roller. They handled the issue promptly and issued a shipping labeled. I shipped the rifle to them and they had it back to me within 2 weeks. They replaced the bolt roller but did not replace the charging handle even though it appeared damaged to me. It’s possible that in their professional opinion they evaluated it as “normal wear.” Overall I was very impressed with their quality of Customer Service but I am now left uncertain of the overall quality of the rifle. My plan is to put another 1000 rounds through the rifle to see if it will break again or if this was just a fluke of a random bad part as that is completely possible in any manufacturing process. This is the most expensive rifle I have ever purchased and the only rifle I have ever broken a part on so that’s what makes feel a little disappointed about the whole situation.

[@Armored_Muskrat]

I've heard quite a few reports of Bula M14s self-destructing in various ways. I've literally never heard anything similar about the Springfield M1As. The Bula rifles probably look a bit nicer, but there seem to be a LOT of tales of parts breakage, while the Springfields seem to be built like tanks.

[@davidschaadt3460]

Real sorry to hear that ,I have a Rock-Ola M-14f by James River Armory ,with Bula parts and I'm real happy with it.I haven't fired a lot of rounds with it ,I also have a Springfield M1-a which is nice,but I like the Rock-Ola better. And I just noticed it has "Chrome Lined" stamped in the Bula barrel. It' seems nicer than the Springfield but they both shoot nice. Really enjoyed this video.

[@Zulutime44]

A new M14 rifle, sans selector switch, was issued to me upon arrival with 2nd BG, 28th Infantry in March 1962. It had a wooden handguard. Our unit was still experimenting with an E2 version and full auto fire from a bipod, trying to duplicate the BAR role, but soon found out the wood handguard would catch on fire from the hot barrel. So within a few months, all our M14 rifles were changed to fiberglass handguards. I liked the wood better. - Z

[@jamesarnett4129]

I carried a M-14 in USMC. Only drawback for me was weight. Now that you can get a all weather light weight stock I would love it even more.

[@toddroussell1970]

Springfield m1a owner for 27 years and never an issue, fyi Springfield are forged parts also.

[@mpwmu9041]

CB's next video, "My deep love affair with the 1911."

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

NEVER

[@tsufordman]

😆

[@johndilday1846]

Lololol.

[@davidschaadt5929]

I have some ww2 and WW1 ,1911's but for self defense I would use a 9mm hi capacity .

[@bubbalong7646]

Yeah. It's reliable and will take the fight out of em wherever you hit em. The 9mm won't.

[@m118lr]

Don’t care what anybody says about “my” M1A...it’s been a FANTASTIC rifle to hunt and target shoot with. Maybe it’s ‘only’ a Springfield Armory ‘Satndard” model but it’s done everything I’ve asked of it and more. An excellent AND accurate rifle “straight out of the box”(once zeroed), in fact I’d debated even putting an optic on it. The last few years I’d decided on ‘cloning’ it as a Vietnam “sniper/DMR”-type rifle, ie Sadlak “Airborne” mount with an older Redfield 3 X 9 scope I’ve had for years. Have taken several deer with it and it’s an easy, consistent 1 MOA rifle. I’ve NEVER considered it a “budget” or low-end purchase and it’s certainly proven itself...no politics here.

[@stevenodell4323]

We would all do well to keep in mind the concepts of good, better, and best, measuring all against what is good enough. As in good enough for what it's for. You can't name a consumer product this doesn't apply to, whether it's cars, cell phones, power tools, refrigerators, ad nausea. I've been around the shooting sports plenty long enough to have had all the conversations I (believe) I need to with M14 "clone" owners to know Springfield Armory has, decades ago, cracked the code on producing cast receivers that are safe, durable, and function as intended, along with complaints about out of the box accuracy across those years. Fulton's products are generally better with respect to higher QA standards, reflected in their price tags, and I've heard no one complain about accuracy with their rifles. Bula and LRB's specimens are rightly regarded go to war quality, the best, probably much more resistant to abuse and extreme conditions. Chris reports 1,400 rounds of various labels but said nothing about accuracy. What's good enough for you?

[@warplanner8852]

It's nice that you've come to terms with your enmity of the M-14. You two deserve to be friends. But seriously, you DO make rational and historically accurate points re the suitability of the M-16 v the M-14 in Vietnam. And who could argue with Lt Gen Moore and others with experience who have commented similarly. That aside, falling upon your videos, I became an immediately subscriber because of the rich historical and factual content and the wonderful display of weapons you avail yourself of for your videos. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to more.

[@Chiller01]

Never thought I’d see an M14 endorsement on this channel. Add this to my wish list.

[@johnneill5960]

My man your knowledge is astounding on the subject. I love listening to you speak about the history of firearms . Ty

[@kenibnanak5554]

Manufacturing cost over runs and problems at Winchester causing slow production with many rejects and an angry Wilbur Mills on the House Ways and Means Committee had way more to do with the replacement of the M14 than did anything happening in Vietnam. For a gun allegedly not wanted by anyone, we durn sure encountered a lot oof them in Haiti.

[@raymondperry52]

Gotta agree with you. The man is a walking encyclopedia of small arms design and development.

[@recondo886]

this video made me console and comfort my Springfield Armory M1A. now I have to consistently reassure it and myself that "this is my rifle, there are many like it but this one is mine" and I love it like no other.

[@recondo886]

and now I have another rifle to save up for...

[@AloneIStand454]

@@recondo886 worth the purchase if you have the dosh. Trust me.

[@SolRayz]

To my understanding Fulton M14's are forged. The following comes from their specifications....Parts: GI & True Mil Spec Throughout, FA Forged Gen II Bolt & Op Rod

[@eosjoe565]

I never understood the bias against the SA M1A. I have one which is bone stock except for the addition of national match sights and it has been absolutely flawless. I've used mine for years in DCM matches. It handles any ammunition, has shot thousands of rounds without a hic-up and if I do my part it will keep all shots in the 10-ring at 100 yards (the longest range I have available).

[@ammarchetta]

Me too. Have one, shoots well. For recreation/hunting/target shooting I don’t think the bullet knows if it is being fired out of a cast receiver. If it is for military purposes and the wear and tear that might happen forging makes sense. I don’t think most of us can afford to wear out an SA cast receiver, let alone a forged receiver.

[@davidschaadt5929]

I have one I bought used ,it had the plastic stock ,which is better ,but I changed it to wood for nostalgic reasons .I've wanted one for years and I love this gun and the Rock-Ola from James River .No regrets!!

[@punkrockloser7]

Foreign made, for a m14 some of us want domestic. Nothing wrong with the sa.

[@rlovell383]

Same. I have 2 Springfields with thousands of rounds through them and never a hiccup.

[@relovat]

As an owner of a bula m14 and an SA M1A, I don't see the differences in quality he speaks of. They are nearly identical except for the bayonet lug on the Bula. My SA is a tiny bit more accurate than my Bula. Both are fantastic, I have way more rounds through my SA just because I had it longer. The trigger on my SA is much better than the Bula. I understand the difference in forged parts vs cast, I just don't see the fit and finish differences he's talking about.

[@oliverallen5324]

A tool for every task. I think it’s good for recreation, hunting, and for militia purposes.

[@alphakilo9066]

LRB Arms also uses forgings for their receiver and actions. They are also reputed to have a copy of the original TDP blueprints. I have never held a Bula, but I have heard from owners that they are beautiful battle rifles.

[@bigblockcaprice152]

LRB makes a magnificent rifle. Never held a Bula, but I can attest LRB is excellent from personal experience.

[@timothyhall861]

I LOVE my Fulton Armory M14 with Match grade Trigger, piston and gas system with Medium weight 1 in 10 twist SS Kreiger Barrell...it is literally a tack driver

[@ryszardkoprowski1414]

What a beautiful rifle it is! Pure classic one. I want it badly.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

*runs outside* nope, no pigs flying

[@tedhodge4830]

I've got a Bula. Haven't taken it to the range yet, but it's absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful barrel, handsomely fitted parts and new walnut stock. I agree with your assessment, and my infatuation with it is that it's old world design with brand new factory parts. I do have to offer a couple of corrections - 1) James River Armory was the distributor with Bula, and they were partnering with Classic Firearms before Bula started fully manufacturing their own rifles. 2) Fulton Armory, based on what I was reading on M14forums, does actually forge components. LRB also uses hammer forged parts and hand fittings with USGI stocks. Fulton makes competition National Match M14s and M1 Garands as well as beautiful TDP AR-15s including A1s and A2s. Fulton is no bull. One other thing, Bula makes two really interesting things - one, they make "left-handed" M14s and receivers with reversed bolt handles. Two, they make National Match M14s with 6.5 Creedmore chamberings, which may be more appealing to people who dislike 7.62 NATO.

[@DRGeralt]

@@Ewetoobizknotseys Found the bitter poor person. lol

[@Venom-rw1xu]

They don’t make 6.5 receivers they use to nice try guy

[@georgewhitworth9742]

@@Venom-rw1xu If you say they used to, and take into account that this comment was made seven months ago, perhaps that would make your "nice try guy" trite irrelevent?

[@Venom-rw1xu]

@@georgewhitworth9742 okay the fuck is your point. Kick rocks

[@phatsmitty]

Fired the M14 in my Navy days. It will always have a place with me, regardless. Chris - thanks for taking the time to explain the history and the weaponry and your perspective.

[@ralphgreenjr.2466]

Fort Campbell, Kentucky 1969, I was introduced to the M-14. It was love at first sight. I qualified expert and shot high for the student battalion. I went to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and was introduced to the M-16! I was not impressed. I again qualified expert, but I did not like the weapon and the 5.56 cartridge. It had issues in Vietnam, I kept my religiously clean and had no issues.

[@skookapalooza2016]

JRA M-14: A perfect example of getting what you pay for. Having owned two SA M-1A rifles and now having a ban era FAL, I can say that if I could only own one rifle it would be a JRA M-14. Great review as always.

[@AloneIStand454]

I don’t think JRA partners with Bula anymore to make these rifles. Glad I got mine when I did cause I like the James river armory roll mark and just the overall look of it.

[@davidschaadt3460]

I have a Rock-ola from James River and anM1-a from Springfield and I like them both ,but the Rock-ola better .Have to have the bayonets lug .G I parts went right on the Springfield (it didn't have one from new .)

[@ryanwierzbicki7248]

Great video. Lot's of information. Had never heard of Bula before, but interested in getting one myself now.

[@snunez1911]

I was on the fence on ordering one of these rifles. You pushed me and I bought one

[@kirkfreeman6913]

"A talent for following the ways of yesterday is not sufficient to improve the world of today." Wu-Ling, Kingdom of Zhao, Warring States Period, (Reigned Zhao from 325BC-299BC)

[@paddymcgill3974]

"Following fads instead of proven reliability ia dumb"- Abraham Lincoln

[@jessb91106]

Reminds me of the 6.8 and the concept of the NGSW.

[@marcogram1216]

Yeah. Those genius emperors would literally destroy all of the innovations and records of the previous regime.

[@LuvBorderCollies]

AKA Years of tradition unhampered by progress.

[@TRIIGGAVELLI]

Funny how the owner of Armalite is an M14 fanboy lol.

[@Chris09978]

That’s very ironic and pretty funny

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Let’s not get carried away people!

[@rickhunter6513]

@@SmallArmsSolutions 😂

[@nlwilliamsj]

Forged receivers are definitely the strongest but I've had the same Springfield Armory M1A for 17 years and have fired several thousand rounds through it with no issues.... Hopefully I didn't just jinx it.

[@Venom-rw1xu]

Have you fired it in these last 6months 😂

[@leftistsarenotpeople]

@@Venom-rw1xu Have you stopped being an ASSHOLE the last 4 months? FFS why do people like you even exist?

[@freddyw4555]

Good one. I like the Springfield Scout with the 18” barrel. I took off the muzzle break which looked cool but was loud for a standard flash hider. Perfect reliability

[@magoid]

To give you a better idea on how archaic the M14 was, it was introduced to the troops ~15 years after the US forces made contact with the StG-44 Sturmgewehr.

[@travistucker1033]

The U.S. government had the TDP for the Stg45(m) and ignored it.

[@NickNnox]

Anyone thinking about acquiring an M14 needs to watch this video.

[@ronaldtoney8976]

TOO LATE FOR ME.. I'M HOPING FOR INTERCHANGABLE PARTS FOR A MORE SOLID BUILD..

[@Ideo7Z]

Nah, waiting for the CZ Bren to become available.

[@MrSmith-zy2bp]

That MSRP price is very good compared to a forged LRB M14.

[@bigblockcaprice152]

It is, Bula is killing it in the high end M14 game. Love my LRB, but I’d buy a Bula in a heartbeat.

[@Venom-rw1xu]

Bula is forged as well. Much better MSRP indeed I’m buying a bula and sticking it in a safe chassis can’t wait!

[@majorlee76251]

Never thought I would ever see this.

[@hytekrednekbama4400]

I am glad they sent you a good one to review. Bula has lots of potential I think, but they have had some serious Q/A problems lately. I hope they correct the issues, but until then, I will suggest Fulton or LRB.

[@OrangeAmped]

"I would go to war with it" and "I would have fun with it" are two very different questions! No shame in having fun with a rifle you wouldn't go to war with.

[@mtm7014]

Happy 4th Chris & Heather! Thx for this video. It does a great job of explaining the failed logic of military leaders at the time. As you said, a nice updated Garand, for non-combat use.

[@kenibnanak5554]

Being of the age, I have known many Vietnam vets. Every single one of them I knew who had been there early enough to have an M14 told me he loved it and deeply regreted being forced to swap it for the plastic gun made by Mattel toys. Many of them had fairly negative memories of their time with the M16 and today I can't even get some of them to at least try an M4. Sad the army allowed the wrong powder and was hyping the gun did not need cleaning and there was no M16 cleaning rod anyway in the early days.

[@H83r4Life]

Picked one of these up about a week ago partially based on this review. Took it out to my grandfather's today to do some more shooting with it. He qualified and served with M14s in the late 60's and early 70's, and that was the most fun I've had shooting in a very long time.

[@billosby9997]

Very interesting. I don't think I've ever seen the M1 and M14 field stripped and compared like this.

[@neiljasonvillanueva1864]

I think Korean war influenced the army on m14.where chinese swarm attack on ridges and downhill without trees and soldiers picking them up from 300meters up to a kilometer.

[@thystaff742]

The Korean war was the first time American troops went up against the AK-47. That's what drove the military to adopt a rifle with a 20 round mag.

[@neiljasonvillanueva1864]

@@thystaff742 Are you serious?

[@dorianleclair7390]

I liked the addition of the steel targets.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

So do we. A lot more fun than punching paper, thanks to Challenge Targets

[@1945tigers]

Love my 1st generation m1a national match with Trw parts.

[@mattberry4457]

years ago i found a very early fed ord m14 with all gi parts. i got it cheap with the intent to put a good receiver on it. it just happened to shoot really well so i just left it alone.

[@joshshepherd5660]

I will say...I put a lot of time and effort into mine but with that time into research/smithing, range time/reloading, a few parts including a steel a.r.m.s mount and a luepold 4-12x, a silencerco asr muzzle break, trigger shoe, vltor stock (just the stock not the rest of the shit that you can also add to it), and a schuster adjustable gas plug....I LOVE shooting my battle rifle. Go celebrate America's birthday the right way and get yourself an M14!

[@westleywest4852]

M 14 best rifle ever made ! The m16 jamed after the extractor failed. To remove the Cartage from the barrel . Causing the marines a untold amount of casualties

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Totally disagree on the M14. Those failures were pre 1967/68 before congress got involved with the army sabotaging the AR15. The malfunctions were over a 3 year period. The AR15 was put into service without development. M14 is the shortest service of any US small arm only 6 years! We could not even give them away to our allies. The US ended up destroying over 50% of the M14 rifles they bought. Best rifle, I think not. Not by a long shot.

[@davitdavid7165]

Wanted to replace the rifle, the smg and lmg with one gun Did not adopt an actual ar. I love the military!

[@christianharris7351]

LRB M-14s are forged as well.

[@bigblockcaprice152]

Yes, and of excellent quality as well.

[@christianharris7351]

@@shermansales9345 LRB is far superior to Bula, absolutely. Granted, they don't make production guns, they take on custom projects

[@jackusmc2542]

I remember seeing some of the Philippine Military using these back in the 70's. You can still see some of their units using them as a DMR. They preferred the M-16.

[@LuvBorderCollies]

One of my buds did two tours in VN with the Marines. He's told me several times he feels the M16 was superior to the M14 in VN. M14 was heavy, and long making it a PITA to move through jungle/brush. The biggest problem with the M14 was it would rust fast and badly. It had to be cleaned twice a day to keep the rust from making it inoperable. Plus the .30 cal cartridge had zero benefit for jungle fighting, in a rifle anyway.

[@mafbloggerdanny]

I want one. Always wanted an M14 but I don't like Springfield Armory. Bula looks like it's much better quality for just a tiny bit more.

[@roccilamantia1344]

What a great looking blaster! Been wanting an m14 for a while…..and od green stuff….weird

[@timewave02012]

I'm warming up to the M14. Getting a USGI 1911 from the CMP might have started me down the Fudd path.

[@davidschaadt3460]

No turning back !

[@jamessenos1396]

👏 Bravo Chris for speaking the TRUTH and explaining the facts by always using data to substantiate the key points, differences, and performance ADVANTAGES of Bula being the ONLY manufacturer of forged M14 -style rifle production made vs casting made gun parts! 😊👍🏻

[@markwhite6782]

Had to laugh the other night listening to Chris and his wife. Chris can take any machine gun or semiauto rifle apart in no time but he struggles with bolt actions. Never thought I'd hear anyone say that.

[@johndilday1846]

Watching this, I have to ask: Where is our Chris, and what have you done with him?

[@robbabcock_]

Awesome! I really like the history lessons of the designs of the past and the reasons behind them.

[@Tallus_ap_Mordren]

Very cool! I have two LRB M14s, one 16” and one 24”. Both are great, but my favorite is still my Springfield M1A Scout. The Scout was the first rifle I bought with my own money, back in 2000 ( F-k the CA AW Ban). The 18” barrel balances perfectly, and is waaay easier to manage in tight spaces. It also takes all standard M14 parts, as opposed to the 16” shorties. Sadly, circumstances still keep me in CA, so I have to keep the muzzle brake instead of a flash hider. The brake is great for me, but it’s a bit obnoxious for people who set up next to me at the range. Still not as bad as a SOCOM 16 in that regard.

[@tomsmestead9384]

Own the same rifle. Prefer it to either the standard, or the SOCOM. Used an original M-14 during Vietnam, so this shorter version was a no-brainer.

[@Tallus_ap_Mordren]

@@tomsmestead9384 cool! Professional question: in Vietnam, did you typically patrol with a parade sling, or a loose sling?

[@44hawk28]

Except for the fact that the AR-10 in all of its earliest iterations, was not ever known to be particularly reliable. But that might just be because a lot of work effort had not got into that rifle, to develop it. I do agree with you that the M14 is a battle rifle. It has always been a battle rifle. The only thing that makes the 308 or 762 X51 an abbreviated cartridge is just a technical aspect of its description. If somebody'd come up with the 6.5 Grendel, at that time, it would have been a wonderful wonderful assault rifle cartridge. But an assault rifle is not the end-all-be-all either. You still have to have a battle rifle. We learned that in Afghanistan and Iraq. When the Marine started carrying in four teams that had never been issued, and they turned out being superior to the M 16 and its variants in every possible way. I owned a British pattern FN in 7.62 X51 when I was on the list to go to Iraq in 2008, it is the softest shooting 308 I have ever fired. Yeah because it was specifically designed for using it the desert, I would carry that before I would carry an M16 of anybody's in the sand. And I do know people who can shoot that gun in full auto and control it. But it is not many and it is few and far between. At least learn to lock back the bolt the proper way you're supposed to slide it back with the knife-edge of your right in and lock it back with the thumb of your right hand. What they actually did was they took the M1 Garand and they put the magazine on it like the grand was originally designed to have and the Army didn't want it because they thought the men would waste ammo. And they did a couple of tweaks to the gas system. It was a wonderfully reliable and accurate rifle. I got another thing you could do with that rifle, because I know of this test having been done with it, is a soldier would walk into a building walk from one apartment into the next apartment into the next apartment into the next apartment go through five Apartments and then walk out the door of the last apartment as a couple of officers would walk down the hallway, and you cannot go through a wall with an M16. But an M14 will bust through a wall in a heartbeat. World War II you had guys's light is 135 and 145 pounds, carrying a bar all day in combat. And yet you're complaining that this gun was just too heavy??? Please stop whining. Give technical reasons why the 280 cartridge was better. And yes it was for many engagements. But the battle rifle concept which the FN FAL actually was also, this gun meets that superbly. Modern castings are almost as strong as forging in the linear axis of the grain of the metal, and are still stronger in the latitudinal aspect of the grain of the metal. Ruger has proven that for several decades now. I am a right-handed shooter, I am not left eye dominant. I would love to have a left-handed M14 because I wouldn't have to move my firing in to operate the Op Rod. And then you talk about the weight of the M14 at 8.4 lb, surprisingly on M16 A2 weighs almost exactly the same. The only thing that's lighter on the M16 is the ammo. The problem is is with the 55 grain ammo that produces really good wounds on the enemy, also doesn't shoot through anyting period and the ammo that goes through things, won't produce a decent enough wound to stop the person. Another major flaw with the M16 platform. At least with the ammo that chosen for it. However with a little bit larger but, you can do a lot more things you can get a bullet that'll actually do more than one thing at a time.

[@robertbates6057]

Yep! 6.5 Grendel, slightly longer barrel would work for both. It'll never happen because of the same political relationships. It'll be Daniel's 6.8.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@Alcochaser]

The rifle itself isn’t bad. I mean it’s not a jamming rattletrap. It’s a good semi auto rifle without the inane full auto mode. It wasn’t the general issue rifle we needed in the 1960s though. That was the AR-10

[@K9Intl]

Converted to an M21 or in my day the rifle was an xm21 standing for experimental rifle....topped with a 3x9 cam adjustable weaver scope we could reach out to 1000 yards and farther if the sniper was on the ball and good conditions...the rifle when used as a sniper rifle or a long-range target rifle you do not use a full magazine...up close targets NP...but longer range the rounds heat up in the magazine causing a shift in impact...at 900 or 1000 yards can cause a shot center mass to completely miss a 30-inch steel target...we loaded one round at a time since the rifle locked back on each shot with an empty mag in it...the rounds on a fully loaded mag once heated up could go any direction...now if you're in a pinch and need that loaded mag and if you understand what your rifle does in this situation can be overcome by knowing which way to hold heavy once the trajectory shifts do to heating of the mag and rounds...

[@stevecochran2677]

I love it !! I don't have one , maybe that why I love them so much. I finally got a m1 a couple years ago and now all I'm missing is a m14. I love my m1 garand so I know I'm gonna love the m14 when I finally get one. I will probably get a match barrel on mine when I finally get one and finish my collection. Thanks for this video.

[@davidschaadt3460]

You won't be disappointed ,I don't get one until I was retired . Beautiful gun.

[@marzcapone9939]

Who are you, and what have you done with Chris? I'm glad you're looking at the M-14 in a different way. I understand your earlier perspective, but as a civilian we can enjoy one as a range toy. It's a wood and steel military battle rifle. I've had my LRB M25 since 2013. Even with a heavy Krieger barrel, and a heavy McMillan stock, when hot it drifts left. I like the rifle, don't shoot it very often. It's awesome, machining is fantastic, it's very accurate, completely reliable. If I had to pick one, the LMT MWS is the best firearm I own.

[@davidhayes7596]

Thank you Sir. God bless all of you Veterans that served. Thank you and be blessed in Jesus Name.

[@ghost2690]

Chris saying he likes this m14 is like the twilight zone!

[@joshevans5768]

Omg! An M14 that he actually likes!? I had to stop what I was doing and watch this! Lol

[@williamwhite7703]

As a Marine in Vietnam we carried M14”s ,didn’t know any Marines that complained about it in fact we loved it, heavy weight and all. The round was great for shooting through heavy jungle and could ruin the front of bunkers. Was issued M16’ s on April 1st 1967 we thought they were great for the amount of ammo we could carry but that was the only advantage. They had forked flash suppressors which were the exact size for most of the vines in Vietnam which caught in it, some you could push through and break but most you had to backup and get it out. To me it seems the location of the battle determines best rifle for situation not one is better than the other. I also have a Match grade James River Bula rifle, love it, best civilian M14 made! Have had a Springfield Armory since they first came out, with Douglas barrel all GI parts, but there is no comparison , ‘

[@melissalydon3681]

I qualified with the m14 and carried it for a while in NAM and didn't have problem,Later they gave me a m16 and it made me nervous but it worked too.

[@daleboe8912]

In the army I had that and a 1911 and liked them both. Pick it up out of the mud shake it off and lock and load.

[@davidv.3135]

Glad you found one you like!

[@murilorosso8645]

THIS IS A MY RIFLE. FANTÁSTICO.

[@Soravia]

with True Velocity ammo for 6.8mm, you can shoot the Army's next gen bullet with M1, M14, M110 by just a barrel swap!!! Weapon weight is no longer issue since ammo weight is cut by 30% due to polymer case with metal base that works better than brass case.

[@MozzarellaMan87]

Awesome Firearm, But I would suggest buying from Bula directly. They are friendly, helpful, and will work with you to get one of their firearms to the state of NJ. Which restricts m14s (by name only) but allows M21s, M25s, T44s and M1As... Atlantic Firearms in Maryland is the only big dealer for Bula, they are rude and unwilling to make a sale. They missed out on 2 separate rifle sales. Also Bula gives a military discount for Active Duty Military, when bought directly.

[@bubbalong7646]

I was in the Marine Corps 1966-72, Vietnam 16 months 68-69. The Marine Corps did not want to adopt the M16 and were the last to do so in late 67 and early 68. I fired expert twice with the M14 and did not see or handle an M16 until staging at Camp Pendleton in Feb 1968. We were not impressed and thought "man, we in trouble now!". The two main problems (although there were several): no range, no punching power. But it's lighter and you carry more ammo. A Gunnery Sergeant told us "if light weight and more ammo are your criteria, let's go with .22 long rifle! And it is not good to have everybody on full auto, spraying and praying!". In my opinion he was right. The M14 is robust; the M16 is not. I owned an M16 for a number of years and had a lot of fun with it. It's now transferred to a relative. I just didn't like to rely on on it in combat. Finally, just looking at an M16 you wanna laugh: too many afterthought add-ons from the bolt assist to the dust cover. And that shiny plastic stock! That is just my humble opinion as a guy who had to trust his life to a weapon in dirt, sand, dust, water, mud, terrific heat and humidity. But whatever government contracted weapon you prefer and rely on, good luck to you! Nothing ain't perfect, not even old Marines! Oh yeah! Let me add that the 20 round M16 magazines we were issued had weak springs and were prone to jamming if you loaded more than 16 rounds. Semper Fi all the way!

[@ChucksSEADnDEAD]

I'm sorry but he wasn't right. 5.56 meets many design goals that .22LR does not. Nor is 5.56 a spray and pray caliber. Of all the valid criticisms that can be hurled at 5.56, it seems nobody is actually able to contextualize them and thus the critics seem to speak from ignorance. While Gunny rants about the "no range and no punching power" the Russians saw that they'd be at a disadvantage with a heavy caliber and switched to 5.45.

[@mistermusik]

Excellent presentation. But at what point do you really notice the difference between forged and cast parts? Is accuracy affected? I would think that has to do with the barrel. Or would failure occur sooner if somehow you made the gun fully automatic, according the original specs, and shot that continuously?

[@kennardjohnson7875]

I have 2 unfired new in the box springfield arms, does not look any different from that. But after reading some comments I would not own a bula, and I really don't think much about springfield. If you are going to spend this kind of money FN is the smart buy,if only FN would start making the FAL again that would be number 1 battle rifle to buy.

[@ultrablue2]

Man, do you feel that? It’s really cold in here, frigid. I think he’ll just froze over…

[@topturretgunner]

1 year later. Chris Bartocci. Since I now understand the difference of concept between a full fledged battle rifle and an assault rifle I can accept what you surmise regarding the M-14. Yes it was obsolete when it was forced upon the US military and as you've explained there was a lot of finagling going on getting it into service. That said however it has an appeal for me much the same as the 1911 45ACP. That must be the traditionalist that lives in the heart of this old baby boomer/Vietnam era vet. I've owned an early preban M1A as well as a few AR-15's. If I'm gonna tote a weapon, ammunition load out and field gear??? Please sir. I'll take that M-16 or how about that handy M-4? you can hang on to that M-14 sir. Thank you. Now a to that beautiful piece of craftsmanship that you've just shared with us. Congratulations on that fine battle rifle. That walnut stock is beautiful. Thank you for this great video and the knowledge that you imparted with it. All the best to you.

[@Dominik189]

O_o casting can actually be quite strong. But it has to be done in a very specific way, namely high pressure casting, some call it flow forging. Basically the liquified metal isn't poured but instead pumped in at quite a bit of pressure, I think something like 28 to 42 psi or something like that. But I think such casting is really only limited to the automotive industry cause it's fairly expensive

[@williamryan9195]

I believe Ruger uses the process.

[@pauls420]

Don't hit it with a Hammer! Geeez

[@KaneGregory]

We get it you hate M14!🤯🔫👍🏽

[@JESUSsaves997]

27:01 those results look the same as Henry's results with the m21, great video Chris.

[@joshshepherd5660]

I tried so hard to find a 7mm-08 chambered barrel to re-barrel my first M1A. Instead i settled for a Bula defense barrel and aside from it being 308, It is very very accurate and i couldnt be happier with it. I was able to purchase a springfield m1a for only $800...with an 18inch barrel and I just couldn't have that. Found myself a 22 incher and over the next month became a very much more capable gun owner/hobby level gunsmith lol THIS RIFLE IS NOT AN AR-15. Not even a little.

[@tedhodge4830]

One other thing to note and something that goes into why the M14 was a failure in its military guise - from what I have read, the M14 was subcontracted and manufactured by a lot of different third parties, and evidently quality control issues were quite common when it was originally in production for the US military. Unsurprising for a rifle that uses a lot of "old world" engineering such as machined and forged parts, and hand fittings with a wooden stock. I would really like to see you expand on your M14 series and discuss the M14 quality control issues when it was doing its initial production run for the US government, and the reasons behind them in a separate series. I'm also curious as to why the M1 didn't seem to suffer in such a way.

[@jrbarilla]

Have a Fulton, It’s perfect, never an issue ✌️

[@nickma71]

I grew up 7 miles from Camp Perry. That rifle was a popular choice if the category allowed it.

[@GK11415]

I never thought this day would happen, is Santa Clause real too! Another great video, thanks Chris.

[@anthonylimjoco5958]

Funny how the perception of this rifle is out dated but at the same time in Africa with both open and jungle foliage the 308. All the way up into the 80's. You had the 556 in Vietnam while the 308 in the bush war. I think the 308 out classed the 556

[@terranempire2]

M14 isn’t a bad gun. Just the wrong era for it. Had it been introduced in service around 1948 it would have been good. But by 59 it was an anachronism. As a hunting rifle, target rifle or a Drill rifle it’s fine as a tactical rifle it was already obsolete.

[@EastCoastMan603]

Chris I’m not sure what happened…. Did they get to you ? (All jokes aside) Now I need an M14 in hand. 🤷🏼‍♂️ god bless brother. All the best to you and yours. 🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@richardturk7162]

I am more than satisfied with my GI parts M14. I have had the NM Springfield M1A and a scout squad version but the GI parts gun shoots much better. If I was in the market for a correct M14 it would be a Bula.

[@sportsfan205]

I carried one for 27 mon. in Vietnam never had any problems , what heck we like our M-14

[@NYFreeman]

Navy guy here. If I had a M14 I'll still take it over an AR. In full auto does suck. Now, the M60 (as a riffle) in full auto was awesome. The grouping in full auto is unbelievable.

[@korbyn49]

Whoever makes an out of the box “Mogadishu” Model M-14 will make a lot of money

[@richardcranium2581]

Just add a old school aim point

[@hamie7624]

​@@richardcranium2581 and all match parts, and a fiberglass stock.

[@orionexplorer]

I have to differ with you on the purpose of the M14 Rifle. Yes, it is based on the M1 Garand, in fact John C. Garand, I have heard came out of retirement to help modernize the M1 Garand. It was NOT meant for jungle warfare. It was intended for use in Europe where ranges were longer and reaching out to 400 meters was useful but would probably never be used at those ranges. The Generals in the 1950's wanted the soldier to hit the 1000-yard target. Before they even deployed troops to Viet Nam the US Army Special Forces were already in country training the South Vietnamese in military operations. They WERE using AR-15's that were unofficially purchase for use in Viet Nam. The Green Berets loved the AR-15 in the jungles. It would be Robert McNamara that pushed for the M--16 on the military. The militaries did not have a choice in the matter, they were told they were going to use the M-16. McNamara would not include the changes the military wanted for the M-16 like a chrome lined barrel. The M14 as you said was not intended for jungle warfare but European Theater of Operations fighting the Soviet Union as they invaded through the Fulda Gap in West Germany. Also, I served 13 years in the US Army and half of it as a Cavalry Scout, and learned military history while I was in while one Platoon Seargent having served in Viet Nam as a FAC attached to 1-8 Infantry 4th Infantry Division. When he was my Platoon Sergeant I had just PCS'd from the same unit, SFC Fowler and I got along very well and he taught me a lot about Viet Nam.

[@BattleRifles]

I think you mean James River Arms, not Johns

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Yup

[@dcale15]

These are strange times for sure!