Differentiating an M1A Rifle from an M14 Rifle

June 10, 2009 by M1A Scout
Filed under M1A Rifles

M1A Rifle - Click to enlarge

The first thing that you might notice about these two rifles is the striking similarity in appearance. It should be similar because they are essentially the same in almost every feature except that one rifle is used by the army and the other one can be purchased at any reputed gun store.

Like the saying goes, the differences are only skin deep. For beginners, the receivers of the M14 are manufactured using what is known as the drop-forge technique. M1A on the other hand uses an investment cast receiver and may be comprised of a mixture of genuine United States GI military specification parts along with case replica parts, or simply all United States GI parts or even mostly investment cast parts along with smaller military specification parts. The sound created by the two receivers is different and any rifle audiophile can immediately differentiate the two by simply listening to their sound upon discharge.

The selector switch of M1As manufactured post 1990 are different from the ones on the M14. The M14 uses a walnut stock similar to the M21 that is height adjustable. Additionally, the 7.62mm caliber design was also dropped after the 1990 model of the M1A. M1As work only off 7.62x50mm NATO ammunition and not on anything else.

The bayonet lug has been removed from the newer M1A models. This was following the Assaults Weapons Ban of 1994 that prohibited the use of bayonet lugs on civilian weaponry. However, there is a workaround that allows owners to attached a bayonet lug to their M1As since the flash suppressor on the M1As are all identical.

When it comes to disassembly as well, there are minor differences between the two. With the M14, you can simply remove the connector and the operating rod slides out whereas the M1A uses a technique commonly known as “twist and pray” to remove the operating rod.

M14 Rifle With Fire Selector - Click to enlarge

The M1A is strictly a semi automatic rifle. There is no way that it can be made to operate in a full automatic mode. The M14, on the other hand, is a selective fire military weapon. This translates into it being able to operate in selective automatic fire mode. The military initially hadthe selector switch to operate the M14 in full auto but eventually had it removed to a functionless knob since most of the soldiers were habitually leaving the selector to auto under all conditions. The M14 was infamous for not being very controllable in the auto mode and hence it was decided to drop the switch after a while. Thus, this is the reason why almost 90% of the M14s out there are forcibly semi auto with no option to switch.

The other big difference between the two weapons is the inflated price tag. The M14 is at least $14,000 dearer than the M1A. The high cost is attributed to the costlier fabrication process and the use of costlier military grade materials while making it. Hence, you need to be cautious and use discretion while handling the M14, especially if it is in the auto mode.

Tags: automatic mode, automatic rifle, caliber, flash suppressor, gun store, lugs, m14, m14 rifle, m1a, m1a rifle, military specification, military weapon, New, rifle, used, walnut stock

M1Acheekpad.com- Review of My M1A Cheek Pad

April 14, 2009 by m1arifles
Filed under M1A Cheek Pads, M1A Rifles

6 Comments

The site m1acheekpad.com has a good an interesting array of cheek pads designed for M1A and M14 rifle stocks . The purpose of the cheek pad is not only for comfort, but it also gives a good line of sight in the correct cheek to stock weld position which is what shooters need. Owners of M1A or M14 rifles can definitely find a cheek pad that would suit them through this site. Also, the site isn’t filled with flashy graphics and annoying applications. Once you have found the cheek pad that you require, simply click on the ‘Order Page’ for the purchasing process.

Purchasing my 1 7/8 cheek pad from m1acheekpad.com was a thoroughly good experience, as the customer service given to me was good. The people from m1acheekpad.com gave me good response to my inquiries. Not only that, the shipping was incredible too. As soon as I placed my order and my purchases, shipping was prompt to what has been promised by the folks at m1acheekpads.com.

Customers will be happy to know that shipping costs were also reasonable. Most companies charge an incredibly expensive amount even though the locations aren’t that far. So not only will customers get prompt delivery, they are also not burdened by the shipping costs that directly increase the purchase value of the cheek pads.

Once I received my cheek pads, one thing that really made me happy was the fact the cheek pad was comfortable. This is a good feature for the cheek pads because not all material is soft. What I didn’t like about the pads were the fact that it kept on slipping positions (leaning right) and it wouldn’t stay upright as how I needed it to be. This disturbed my focus and line of sight. It would be great if the cheek pads were made with anti slip features on the bottom to better grip the stock.

Though the pads themselves were soft, the outer nylon materials were not so great. For male shooters who did not shave their facial hair off, this would be a problem as I noticed my facial hair got caught in the webbed part of the material causing discomfort. Not only that, the material also tugged at my facial hair and caused a sharp pain here and there. This was extremely painful which resulted in a not so comforting shooting experience.

All in all the cheek pad was ok. I would suggest to browse ebay first before you go and spend $40+ dollars on this M1A Cheek pad. Here are some listings.

Blackhawk 90CP01BK Tactical Long Gun Cheek Pad Adjustable Height HawkTex Black
$23.82
Time Remaining: 24d 1h 45m
Buy It Now for only: $23.82

AR Carbine Buttstock Cheek riser & Butt Pad
$9.99 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 5d 19h 54m

Blackhawk Universal Rifle Buttstock Cheek Pad - Black 90CP00BK
$16.48
Time Remaining: 29d 10h 50m
Buy It Now for only: $16.48

Blackhawk 90CP00BK Long Gun Stock Cheek Pad w/ Tie Down System Black
$16.48
Time Remaining: 23d 14h 50m
Buy It Now for only: $16.48

Blackhawk Rifle Ammo Cheek Pad With HawkTex Black BH90CP02BK
$34.17
Time Remaining: 6d 16h 23m
Buy It Now for only: $34.17

Blackhawk 90CP05BK Black IVS Rifle Ammo Cheek Pad - Holds 5 Spare Rounds
$34.31
Time Remaining: 10d 45m
Buy It Now for only: $34.31

Do you have this pad? What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below.

Tags: cheek pad, m14, m14 rifle, m14 rifle stocks, m1a, m1a cheek pad, m1a rifle, m1a stock, rifle, used

Why You Should Have Harris Bipods On Your M1A Rifle

March 22, 2009 by m1arifles
Filed under M1A Rifles

1 Comment

Do you know the number one reason of actually getting a bipod for your rifle? Shooters use bipods if they require fast setup speed and even better stability when it comes to shooting on unlevel ground. Achieving an accuracy below 1/2 moa with bipods requires a lot of care and consistency.

There are a number of reasons to why you would need a Harris Bipods on your M1A Rifle. For one, the bipods clamp securely and quickly to the M1A sling. It clamps to the gas block effectively since there isn't a better mounting point on an M1A. Harris Bipods are also equipped with strong recoil springs to prevent damage to the stock and maintain point of impact. Another thing to note on these Harris Bipods is the fact that their legs are adjustable for height.

The bipods come manufactured with heat treated steel and hard alloys and finished with a black anodized coat. Some of the models of under the Harris Bipods series are Model BR (Bench Rest) Lowest of the Bipods which is most useful for shooting off the bench. The bipods can be adjustable to a height from 6" to 9". Then there’s the Model L (Light). This model is the world's largest selling bipod as it is compact and light. It has an adjustable height from 9" to 13" and weighs 11 oz. Model H: (High) is for prone or sitting position shooting and it's the best for varmint shooting. The height is adjustable from 13 1/2" to 23". In the Model 25C, it is the tallest of the Bipods with the three piece leg construction being adjustable from 13 1/2" to 27"

There are several styles to choose from the Harris Bipods series. Series "M" is a new version of the original Leg Notch Bipod. This version is where the legs eject by spring action and its height is can be adjusted at a rate of 1" increments. The Series "S" features a rotating bipod that rotates to either side for instant leveling on uneven ground. Hinged base has tension adjustment and buffer springs to eliminate tremor or looseness. This model is similar to the non-rotating Series and is available for ALL models except the "H" model.