This Old Military Rifle

[V-Tach]

Schmidt–Rubin

K11 Carbine



Schmidt-Rubin rifles were produced in a series of models and variations from 1889-1954.

Colonel Rudolf Schmidt designed the action and Eduard Rubin the 7.5X55 cartridge it would use.

The action is a straight pull design which with a straight pull by the user pulling the bolt handle to the rear and then pushing it forward would perform all the functions needed. The M1889 rifle originally adopted by the military in 1889 would eventually culminate with the K31 model being adopted in 1933.

The K11 carbine model is one of those variants that preceded the K31. Swiss rifles are known for their exacting craftsmanship and excellent accuracy. Because of their neutrality in the wars, their surplus rifles tend to be in very good to excellent condition.



K11 Specifications:

Length: 43.6 in.

Barrel Length: 23.3 in.

Weight: 8.8 lbs.

Caliber: 7.5x55

6 round box magazine

Total production 185,150

​

 

[V-Tach]

Argentine Modelo 1909 Cavalry Carbine



Produced in Germany and then later in Argentina, the Modelo 1909 is basically a copy of the Gewehr 98. There were some minor modifications along with being chambered in 7.65X53 Argentine. The cavalry model sported a hinged floor plate, shorter barrel length, straight stock full length Mannlicher style forend an extended bolt release lever. Sights were also different from the K98.



DWM (Deutsche Waffen Munitionsfabriken) in Germany produced about 200,000 rifles and another 85,000 were produced in Argentina by Fabrica de Armas Potatiles. Peru also received some M1909’s there were closer copies of the K98.

The M1909 served from 1909 to the early 60’s and were replaced by the FAL. The Argentine’s M1909 never saw combat.



Specifications: (Cavalry model)

Weight: 8.5 lbs.

Length: 42.5 inches

Barrel Length: 21.5 inches

Caliber: 7.65X53 Argentine



My rifle is all matching and non-import marked.


​

 

[kmcn762]

Belgian Mauser Model 1889/16 Carbine
​

There's something about those Belgians, from waffles to beer to guns, they just get it right.

This is my latest acquisition that will be joining the WWI Wall: a Belgian Model 1889/16 Mauser Carbine. This rifle has a distinct look thanks to its barrel jacket and dual sling swivel/stacking hook. I'm finally getting into the less common rifles of the war and this is an excellent way to start.

This funky looking carbine started life as an Model 1889 long rifle made sometime in the early to mid 1890's. The 1889 is regarded as the first 'Modern Mauser', as it was the first Mauser rifle chambering a smokeless, rimless cartridge: the 7.65x53mm. It also was the first Mauser to be fed from a five round, single stack, integral box magazine, and for the first time, loaded with stripper clips. Modern in every way. It also adopted a cock-on-close action, similar to the Lee-Metford, known to be quick and smooth, but with dual front locking lugs.

With the French adoption of the MLE1886 Lebel rifle and its new smokeless powder cartridge, the powers of Europe were scrambling to match this new level of firepower. Germany was one of the first and held their trials shortly after the adoption of the Lebel and ended up going with a mostly Mannlicher designed rifle: the Gewehr 1888 aka the Commission Rifle. While failing to secure the contract with the German government, Paul Mauser revised the design of his rifle and entered in the trials held by the Belgians, who were also looking to modernize their military, and they ultimately adopted his rifle after their trials in the late 1880s.

Initially made by Ludwig Loewe, this rifle was mostly to be made domestically by Fabrique Nationale D'Armes de Guerre, which my example was. After a long service life the markings are very worn, but on mine you can see the beginning of the crest 'FAB' for Fabrique. A few rifles would be made by the government arsenal Manfacture D'Armes L'Etat or MAE but not many made it out before the war. Several other manufacturers such as Hopkins & Allen and Birmingham were later contracted to produce rifles during WWI.

Production dates are not well know for these rifles but mine is fairly early being in the F-block, so one could guess probably early to mid 1890s.

During WWI the Belgians wanted to standardize on short rifle/carbine pattern to make new or convert their various long rifles and several carbine models, so these rifles were cut-down beginning in 1916, hence the designation 1889/16. Mine also probably got a refurb at some point and now has a (remarked) matching bolt, as well as matching stacking hook and bayonet lug.

However, over the years it has seen some hell and it does have a mismatched but correct stock, buttplate, and magazine (which has an Ottoman moon, could be an 1890 Mauser mag).

The Belgians went light on the markings and you really only seen the few serials I've shown and some proof marks on the bolt parts.

Luckily this one has a rather nice bore as you can kinda see here.

Should be a good shooter. And of course, I had to get a bayonet for it. What is a rifle without its bayonet?

Belgian Mausers are not exactly rare, but you certainly do not see them often. I have seen maybe only one or two in person in my time collecting. You almost always seen the 89/16 carbines since many long rifles were converted. So I was thrilled when I picked this one up off of a low key gunbroker auction for $700 plus shipping. A great price for a somewhat scarce rifle.

 

[V-Tach]

FN FAL
(abbreviated history)

The Right Arm of the Free World



In use by militaries in over 90 Countries…but not the USA. The FAL was tested among other rifles by the US military but It lost out to the M14. Some say the USA lost out by not adopting the FAL.



Designed during the cold war, it utilizes the NATO 7.62 round. However, it was originally designed to use the 280 Brit. The Brits adopted the FAL but produced their own version in an inch pattern instead of the standard metric pattern. The Brits licensed copy was known as the L1A1 and also followed FN by adopting the NATO 7.62 round. Not all parts are interchangeable between metric and inch pattern FAL’s. Even magazines. The Bren L4 mag is compatible with inch pattern rifles.

Inch Pattern Users

Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Jamaica Defense Force, Singapore



The first FAL prototype was completed in 1946 right after WWII. Although the Brits got FN to also produce a bullpup configuration prototype, it never went into production. An important part of its design is the adjustable gas system which can be adjusted to accommodate variations in the NATO 7.62 loads and to some extent, mitigate recoil.



It has been produced in both light and heavy barrel configurations. Both fixed and folding stocks have been used. Both wood stocks and synthetic can be found on these rifles. There have been several variations including the select fire Sturmgewehr 58. FN produced 20K of the STG 58 then licensed production was picked up by Steyr-Daimler-Puch (currently Steyr Mannlicher).



Many FALS have been imported and converted to semi-auto function over the years by various manufacturers. DSA continues to produce FALs domestically.

Total production worldwide-estimated 7 million

FN

Imbel

DS Arms

Fabricaciones MIlitares



Wars/Conflicts- Multiple

In use from 1948-Current





Weight: 9.81 lbs. to 11.35 lbs. depending on configuration

Length 43 inches

Barrel Length 21 inches

Chambered in 7.62X51 (7.62 NATO)


My rifle was built using a Australian L1A1 kit by CAI. I cut the barrel down to 16 inches and threaded the barrel. It has been 100% reliable and pure joy to shoot.

Resources: Wikipedia, open internet sources



Books
​

 

[V-Tach]

(First Post of two)




AK-47

(An abbreviated history)



Avtomat (automatic) Kalashnikov 47 (year model was finalized)





The most prolific firearm ever made in terms of sheer numbers. It is estimated that there are 75-100 million AK-47’s and variants around the world.



One of the things most liked about the AK47 is how little it costs to produce them. While cheap everywhere in the world, they have become collectable in the United States and the prices in the U.S. reflect that reality.



Design work started in 1945. Mikhail Kalashnikov probably never imagined the success his rifle design would come to earn. Military trials started in 1947 and was adopted in 1948 by select units of the Russian army then adopted across all Russian military units in 1949. The caliber was 7.62X39.



Low production cost, reliability under the harshest conditions and easy to use are its greatest attributes. It is available geographically all over the world. The AK47’s accuracy is acceptable under the conditions for its usage.

Like all Countries involved in WWII, Russia saw the German ingenuity in automatic rifle weapons and wanted one of their own. While they had the PPSH41 Sub machinegun and Mosin 91/30 rifles, they also realized they would soon be obsolete with weapon designs coming after WWII.

It has been reported that Kalashnikov combined the best features of the M1 Garand and the German STG44 in his design. Long stroke gas piston, upper and lower receivers combined into one piece. The safety and selector combined into one. Originally production was started with stamped steel receivers and milled trunnions. Difficulties in early production welding of the guide and ejector rails caused the Russians to change to milled receivers (1951) until the problems were overcome. In 1959 they upgraded to the AKM utilizing a stamped steel receiver and other upgrades were distributed to the troops.



In 1974 the Russians started replacing the AKM for a newer variant, the AK74 chambered in 5.45X39.



AK47 Models

Type 1A: Original stamped receiver adopted in 1949

1B: 1A modified for underfolding stock



2A: Milled receivers from steel forgings from 1951-1957

(Lightening cuts milled on both sides of the receiver running parallel to the barrel)

2b: 2A with underfolding stock



3A: Last version of the milled receiver using steel bar stock (1955-1959)

(Lightening cuts on both sides of the receiver slanted to the barrel axis)

3B: 3A with underfolding stock.



4A: AKM stamped receiver from sheet metal riveted rather than welded (1959)

(The most produced design)

4B: 4A with underfolding stock.



There are at least 32 Countries producing Licensed copies of AK47’s. AK’s are being used in over 100 Countries. AK 47’s have been used in almost every war and conflict since WWII.



Resources: Wikipedia and open internet resources





Books
​

 

[V-Tach]

(Second Post of AK47 First Post Above)

Romanian WASR

Norinco MAK90

Norinco MAK90 with ACE folding stock converted to Registered Post Dealer Sample

Hungarian AK63D (CAI) with milled receiver

 

[seeker_two]

FN FAL
(abbreviated history)

The Right Arm of the Free World



In use by militaries in over 90 Countries…but not the USA. The FAL was tested among other rifles by the US military but It lost out to the M14. Some say the USA lost out by not adopting the FAL.



Designed during the cold war, it utilizes the NATO 7.62 round. However, it was originally designed to use the 280 Brit. The Brits adopted the FAL but produced their own version in an inch pattern instead of the standard metric pattern. The Brits licensed copy was known as the L1A1 and also followed FN by adopting the NATO 7.62 round. Not all parts are interchangeable between metric and inch pattern FAL’s. Even magazines. The Bren L4 mag is compatible with inch pattern rifles.

Inch Pattern Users

Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Jamaica Defense Force, Singapore



The first FAL prototype was completed in 1946 right after WWII. Although the Brits got FN to also produce a bullpup configuration prototype, it never went into production. An important part of its design is the adjustable gas system which can be adjusted to accommodate variations in the NATO 7.62 loads and to some extent, mitigate recoil.



It has been produced in both light and heavy barrel configurations. Both fixed and folding stocks have been used. Both wood stocks and synthetic can be found on these rifles. There have been several variations including the select fire Sturmgewehr 58. FN produced 20K of the STG 58 then licensed production was picked up by Steyr-Daimler-Puch (currently Steyr Mannlicher).



Many FALS have been imported and converted to semi-auto function over the years by various manufacturers. DSA continues to produce FALs domestically.

Total production worldwide-estimated 7 million

FN

Imbel

DS Arms

Fabricaciones MIlitares



Wars/Conflicts- Multiple

In use from 1948-Current





Weight: 9.81 lbs. to 11.35 lbs. depending on configuration

Length 43 inches

Barrel Length 21 inches

Chambered in 7.62X51 (7.62 NATO)


My rifle was built using a Australian L1A1 kit by CAI. I cut the barrel down to 16 inches and threaded the barrel. It has been 100% reliable and pure joy to shoot.

Resources: Wikipedia, open internet sources



Books
​

Adopting the M14 over the FAL was one of the biggest boondoggles of US military history....followed closely by forcing the adoption of the .308 NATO over the .276 caliber that the FAL was initially designed to use....

 

[zackmars]

Adopting the M14 over the FAL was one of the biggest boondoggles of US military history....followed closely by forcing the adoption of the .308 NATO over the .276 caliber that the FAL was initially designed to use....

In a perfect world, the second they saw the AR-10, they should have adopted it with an all steel barrel.


I like the FAL, and its a much better fighting rifle than the M14, the AR-10 had so much promise

 

[V-Tach]

Mannlicher M1895



A straight pull bolt design very similar to the M1890 carbine. It was originally chambered for the 8X50mmR cartridge.

It was the main battle rifle of the Austro-Hungarian Army during WWI and remained in service post war by both the Hungarian (1895-1918) and Austrian armies. Bulgaria obtained many rifles (1903) and the rifles were used in both Balkan wars. Many of the rifles were used during WWII by various Countries/groups. Like many rifles of the period, it uses a 5 round en-bloc clip fed from the top drops from the bottom of the receiver when all cartridges are spent.



Manufacturers:

Steyr 1896-1918

F.G.G.Y Budapest 1897-1918

BRNO 1918-1920



Variants:

Rifle

Weight: 8.3 lbs.

Length: 50.1 in.

Barrel length: 30.1 in.



Stutzen (short rifle)

Weight: 6.8 lbs.

Length: 39.5 in.

Barrel length 20 in.



Carbine (Cavalry) (no bayonet lug)



Sniper (offset scope to allow en-bloc loading)



Between WWI and WWII Austria and Hungary rechambered most of the rifles to the 8X56mmR (spitzer projectile) which was a superior cartridge to the 8X50mmR.



Conversions:

Between 1930 and 1940 Steyr Mannlicher converted rifles to the 8x56mmR cartridge and a couple of other changes such as sights and a front sight protector. These are known as the M95/30. These rifles have an S stamped on the barrel.



FEG in Hungary converted rifles to the 8X56mmR and the rifles had an H stamped on the receiver (chamber).



There was a conversion of rifles used in Yugoslavia that were converted to the 7.92X57mm cartridge known as the M95M or M95/24.



Used by over 22 Countries and many wars/conflicts including WWI and WWII. Approximately 3,500,000 rifles of all variants were produced.



Sources: Wikipedia and open source internet sites.


​

 

[V-Tach]

Italian M91/24 Carbine


Describing this rifle is a little complicated, so I will just post the video for those who are interested in this model......

 

[V-Tach]

PPS43



Although the Russian PPSH-41 was a successful submachine gun widely deployed during WWII, it wasn’t the best choice for tank and other military vehicle crews. The need for a more compact weapon that was cheaper to make and requiring less labor (machining) was met with the PPS-42 in 1942.

The original designer of two prototypes in 1942 was Lt. I. K. Bezruchko-Vysotsky attached to the Dzerzhinsky Artillery Academy. Alexei Sudayev was put in charge of the project and developed the PPS-42 and the PPS-43 from those two prototypes.



Labor for the PPS-43 was less than ½ of that for the PPSH-41. Fewer workers were needed, materials costs were lowered. The PPS-42 was produced in numbers of approximately 45 thousand in 1942 during the siege of Leningrad. Full scale production started in 1943 with some modifications and became the PPS-43. Over 2 million PPS-43’s were produced.

The PPS-43 fired from an open bolt with a fixed firing pin. The firing pin was user replaceable. Rate of fire was 500-600 rounds a minute. It utilizes 35 round magazines. A folding stock kept the firearm compact. A perforated sheet metal handguard help protect the user from heat.

BY all accounts it was a successful and popular SMG and remained in use with the Russian military well into the 1950’s. Licensed copies were made in Poland.



Variants:

Finland M-44

China Type 54

Vietnam K-50M

Hungary M53 (unsuccessful)



Weight: 6.7 lbs.

Length: 32.3 inches extended stock

25.2 inches folded

Barrel Length: 9.6 inches

Chambering: 7.62X25 Tokarev

Resources: Wikipedia, Tactical Life, Pioneer Arms, open internet sources



Books:

​

Mine is currently in a pistol configuration as the stock is welded in the folded position. I am going to SBR it with a folding stock from a PPS-43 kit that I have. It is made in Radom Poland and imported by Pioneer Arms and available in 7.62X25 and 9X19.........

 

[V-Tach]

Enfield No 4 MkI





A variation in the ubiquitous Lee-Enfield rifle line the No 4 MK1 was an upgrade to the No 1 Mk III. The No 4 Mk1 was the main battle rifle for Britain for WWII. The No 4 had a heavier barrel, rear receiver mounted sights (several examples can be found) and a more squared and right angled receiver compared to the Mk III. It was actually a few ounces lighter than the Mk III even with the heavier barrel.

The sword bayonet was replaced by a sharpened spike which proved unpopular with the troops. There was no nose cap and the barrel protruded from the forend. The rifle itself was extremely well received and earned an excellent reputation in combat as being rugged, reliable and accurate.

The No 4 Mk 1 was easier, quicker and less expensive to produce. Designed in the 1930’s it became adopted in 1939, although mass production started in 1941 and issued to troops in the spring of 1942. During the war it was produced by Birmingham Small Arms (BSA), RSAF Enfield, Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF), as well as Long Branch Arsenal (Canadian) and Savage (USA). Over 3 million No. 4 Mk 1’s were produced. No 1 MK III production ended in 1943.

Specifications:

Weight: 9.06 lbs.

Length: 44.45 in.

Barrel Length: 25.2 in.

Chambering: .303 Brit

10 Round Detachable Magazine (Capable of receiver fed stripper clips)



Variants: No. 4 Mk 1(T) Sniper

No. 4 Mk1* (T) Sniper

No. 4 Mk 1*

No. 1 Mk VI (for trials in the 30’s only 1025 produced)



Resources: Tactical Life, Wikipedia, WW II Online, open internet resources



Books:

​

 

[V-Tach]

Swedish Mauser

M/96 Long Rifle



Based on the Mauser M1893 and adopted in 1896 for use by the Swedish infantry replacing the Remington Rolling Block single shot rifles. Licensed production of the rifles started in 1898 at Carl Gustafs and continued to 1925. Husqvarna and Mauser also produced M/96’s. Approximately 535,000 M/96’s were produced.

There were several Swedish Mauser Models

M/94

M/96 Long Rifle

M/38

M/41 (sniper)



Specs:

M/96

Weight: 8.8 lbs.

Length: 50 inches

Barrel Length: 29.1 inches

Chambering: 6.5X55 Swedish

References: Wikipedia, open source internet.

Books:

​

Colorized Photo.............

 

[V-Tach]

Lee Enfield

MKIII*



The MKIII* is a variation of the Lee Enfield line of rifles.

The MKIII was introduced in 1907 during the first years of WWI it was deemed complicated and expensive to produce. In 1915 a year into the war the MKIII* was introduced with some changes. These included deleting the magazine cut off, the long range volley sights and deleted the rear windage adjustment. The cocking piece was also changed to a serrated slab style. Rifles with those features are still found as the changes were done incrementally at different times and not all rifles received all changes.

The MKII* was renamed in 1926 to the No. 1 MKIII and saw extensive service during WWII with British and Commonwealth forces. India produced the MKIII* in .303 Brit then later the Model 2A in 7.62 NATO. Australia adopted the MKIII* and continued using it through the Korean War. The SMLE MKIII is the most well know variant of the line of rifles. British makers subcontracted parts and even rifles during WWII in order to keep up with demand. RSAF Enfield, Birmingham Small Arms Company, and London Small Arms LTD all produced the MKIII*.

Over 17 million Lee Enfield rifles (all variations) were produced.

Specifications: MKIII*

Weight: 8.73 lbs.

Length: 44.57 inches

Barrel Length: 25.2 inches

Caliber: .303 Brit

Resources: Wikipedia, open internet sources

Books:



I have two MKIII*'s One is an import and one not an import...both 1918


​

 

[V-Tach]

 

[Salted]

kyū guntō captured during WWII probably belonged to a 1st LT or 2nd LT sword by the tassels that were red and blue originally.

The blue/brown tocho signifies a rank of Lieutenant to Captain. This particular one is the less expensive version of the two available to officers, with the other version having strips of the opposing color visible on the edges of the strap (blue edges on the brown side, brown edges on the blue side). The ito wrap on the tsuka is a little bit awkward, but the terminal knots are mostly correct, so I believe this is likely either a field repair wrap or a rush handle completion to get out on the field late war (possibly corroborated by the mismatched cast fuchigashira).

The most interesting part about this blade is that it is not a Kyu Gunto. It is in honzukuri/bukezukuri fittings as opposed to "modern" military fittings. This is an ancestral blade, likely carried by a true samurai sometime in the officers family history. Supported by the traditionally forged blade, old ishidatami style habaki, iron sukashi tsuba, and the full wrap of rayskin on the handle.

Very nice sword.

 

[V-Tach]

The blue/brown tocho signifies a rank of Lieutenant to Captain. This particular one is the less expensive version of the two available to officers, with the other version having strips of the opposing color visible on the edges of the strap (blue edges on the brown side, brown edges on the blue side). The ito wrap on the tsuka is a little bit awkward, but the terminal knots are mostly correct, so I believe this is likely either a field repair wrap or a rush handle completion to get out on the field late war (possibly corroborated by the mismatched cast fuchigashira).

The most interesting part about this blade is that it is not a Kyu Gunto. It is in honzukuri/bukezukuri fittings as opposed to "modern" military fittings. This is an ancestral blade, likely carried by a true samurai sometime in the officers family history. Supported by the traditionally forged blade, old ishidatami style habaki, iron sukashi tsuba, and the full wrap of rayskin on the handle.

Very nice sword.

Thank you for the information. Your knowledge of these blades far exceed mine.......thanks!

 

[V-Tach]

M1 Carbine

(United States Carbine, Caliber 30, M1)

A limited history





Before WWII there was a need for a light smaller rifle for support staff, artillery troops, field radio operators and others because of the size and weight of the M1 Garand impeded their work capabilities.

The Ordnance Department ordered trials for a lightweight rifle. It should be more effective than a handgun, weigh no more than 5 pounds and have an effective range of 300 yards. The .30 carbine round had already been approved and rifles submitted for testing used the .30 carbine round.

Winchester was already contracted for the .30 Carbine ammunition production and eventually submitted a rifle for the trials. The Army tested the rifle in 1941. A more refined version was adopted formally and standardized in October of 1941.

While several others at Winchester worked on the project, the best known designer for the carbine was David Marshall (Carbine) Williams. If you don’t know the history of Mr. Williams, please do some research on him. He was a Navy Veteran, Moonshiner and convicted murderer. While in prison he designed and built four rifles in the prison machine shop. He had to wait until he was no longer incarcerated to apply for patents as he was not eligible as a prisoner.



There were 3 variations. The M1 Carbine, the M2 (selective fire approximately 750 rpm) and the M3 an M2 with an infrared scope (no iron sights).

Over 6 million M1 Carbines were produced by Winchester, IBM, Underwood Typewriter Company, Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation, National Postal Meter, Saginaw, Standard Products, Irwin Pederson, Commercial Controls and General Motors (Inland). Inland produced the most carbines.

The M1 Carbine was used in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.



Specifications:

Weight: 5.2 lbs.

Length: 35.6 in.

Barrel length: 18 in.

Calibers: .30 Carbine

Magazine capacity 15 rd. and 30 RD. Magazines



Resources: Wikipedia, RJM Military Collectables, open source internet

Books:

​

I have an Inland and a Winchester. Neither are imports.......

 

[V-Tach]

Sterling MK IV L2A3



The STEN was simple, reliable, and inexpensive to produce. Britain had plenty of them after WWII. The one thing it wasn’t known for despite all it had going for it, was accuracy at anything but short distances. Weapon designs were advancing quickly towards the end of WWII and all Countries were looking to give themselves an advantage on the battlefield.

During the war Countries continued to update and improve older weapon designs and design new ones. The Sterling SMG prototype was being tested in 1944-45. The British military wanted an SMG that would weigh 6 pounds or less and accuracy capable of 5 consecutive shots in a 12 inch square at 100 yd in semi auto mode. The preferred caliber was 9X19mm.

The prototypes were built at the Sterling Armaments company. The chief designer at the time was George Patchett. The earliest prototypes were quite similar to the STEN. Trials were held near the end of WWII and the Patchett design was an immediate success. 120 guns were ordered for the trials. It is interesting that some of those guns actually made into combat in Northern Europe. The first designation was Patchett Machine Carbine MK I. Trials in 1947 also consisted of guns submitted by BSA and an experimental Australian design.

The Patchett design was also interesting in the fact it could also use the STEN straight stick magazines in addition to its 34 round curved magazine. The Sterling magazine also introduced rollers as the magazine followers. STEN mags proved to be somewhat unreliable in the L2A3. The Brits decided to adopt the L2A1 Sub machine gun in 1951. It did not start to replace the STEN however until 1953. Production ceased in 1988 and coincided with the closing of Sterling Armaments.

Variants:

Patchett Machine Carbine MK I (trials in 1944)

Patchett Machine Carbine MK I with a folding bayonet (never adopted)

L2A1 MK II adopted in 1953

L2A2 MK III adopted in 1955

L2A3 MK IV adopted in 1956

L34A1 MK V (an integrally suppressed version)

MK VI A closed bolt semi-auto version for police and civilian sales (16 in. barrel)

MK VII A para-pistol with a 4 inch barrel, vertical fore grip for intelligence and commando units.

Total production 400,000 +

Specifications:



Weight: 6.0 pounds

Length: 27 inches (Stock extended)

18.9 inches (Stock folded)

Barrel length: 7.7 inches

Chambering: 9X19 mm

ROF 550 RPM



References: Wikipedia, open internet




Books

​

I registered my gun last night on an electronic Form 2 to BATFE................

 

[V-Tach]

M14

The Last American Battle Rifle

No other U.S. service rifle invokes the extreme spread of opinion than the M14. From Vietnam to Afghanistan till this very day, U.S. soldiers have carried a version of the M14.

Officially known as the United States Rifle, caliber 7.62mm, M14 it was adopted in 1959.

For its time, the M1 Garand was the quintessential battle rifle. But its time ran out quickly after WWII with the advent of lighter rifles that had more capacity, lower cost and ease of production. In trials the M14 was tested against rifles such as the now iconic FAL…..and the powers that be still chose the M14.



The beginning…….



Towards the end of WW II extensive testing of prototype rifles based on the M1 Garand were ongoing. Selective fire and detachable box magazines were some of the additions to these prototype rifles. Springfield, Winchester and Remington all offered conversions. John Garand still working with Springfield offered his version known as the T20.

The new cartridge for the next battle rifle was also being developed at the same time. Based on the 30-06 parent case, it was shortened to the length of a 300 Savage. Known as the T65 it had less powder capacity than the 30-06. With the new ball powder that was then available it had similar ballistics to the 30-06. After testing several bullet designs, the T65 was adopted as the 7.62X51 NATO.

Earle Harvey of Springfield was working on a rifle designated the T25 and was chambered for the T65 cartridge. The T25 was renamed the T44 which eventually became the M14. The M14 was meant to replace the M1 Garand, the M3 (“Grease Gun”, The 1918 BAR and the M1 Carbine. As it turned out, the M14 was not suitable for all those replacement needs. In fact the M14 proved somewhat unmanageable during automatic fire.

Springfield, TRW, Winchester, Harrington, Richardson and Thompson-Ramo-Woolridge Inc. produced US M14 rifles.

Problems with the rifles arose in Vietnam that the M14 was soon replaced by the M16 in 1967. In the bush/jungle the length and weight of the rifle was not what the troops needed. The wood, birch and walnut swelled in the humidity and heat. This only added to the other problems. Fiberglass stocks were eventually rolled out but after they were being replaced by the M16 as ordered by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara (over objections in the Pentagon). Some troops continued to carry the M14 as problems with the M16 were happening too. They liked the power of the 7.62 NATO to penetrate cover and its effective range. There was controversy about adopting the M16 and some people claim there were internal attempts to sabotage the M16 performance reports in order to keep the M14 alive.

As we know, the M14 has never really gone away.



Variants:

M14 standard issue

M15 SAW (because of its 20 round magazine was limited and was never issued)

M14E1 not adopted (folding stock)

M14E2/M14A1 Successor to the full auto M14 with bipod issued 1963 and re-designated M14A1 in 1966. Pistol grip stock

M14 SMUD (standoff munitions disruption) used to destroy ordnance (scoped NM)

Mk 14 EBR an enhanced battle rifle, shorter 18 barrel, telescoping stock with rails for accessories

M14 Tactical Modified Mk 14 used by the Coast Guard 22 in. barrel and Smith Enterprises muzzle brake

M14 Designated Marksman (replaced by the M39)

M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle Modified DMR same stock as the Mk 14 (Being replaced by the M110)

M89 SR Model 89 Bullpup configuration (Israeli Defense Forces)

M21/M25 Scoped sniper rifles accurized beyond normal M14 rifles.



In use from 1959-present



Specifications:

Weight 9.2 lbs.

Length 44.3 in.

Barrel length: 22 in.

Caliber: 7.62X51 NATO

Numbers produced: 1.3 million



References: Wikipedia. Open internet sources



Books:

​