posted 08-07-2001 21:49               

I really like the Scout type rifles for general purpose use but they are not what you want in a sniper rifle.

Reliability wise, I have never had an issue M14 malfunction. Never.

As to the accuracy of the standard M14 versus the match version, that'll depend on the individual rifle and ammunition. My box stock TRW M14 shoots about 1.25" for 5 shots at 100 yards with Federal 168 gr. Gold Medal using iron sights. This, however, is pretty atypical and you can expect an average M14/M1A to shoot under 2" at 100 yards. This is a more reasonable expectation.

If you end up with one of the standard service grade M1A's, be sure to get the chrome lined bore---it's the way to go on a hard use rifle.

I can't comment on the DMR.

Good luck!

posted 08-08-2001 12:42               

My rifle is an older model with a wood stock. I would never choose a wood stock for this rifle again because I live in a very humid climate and the stock is subject to change based on the weather. Besides that, my wood stock is ugly.

Another issue with the Super Match is the bedding; repeatedly removing the action from the stock (i.e., for cleaning) will damage the bedding and is not recommended.

I have the Springfield 1st Generation scope on my rifle, and if I replaced it I would get the pricey but excellent Leupold MkIV as Barbrady recommended. Once you look through one of these you will not want to go back to a lesser optic. Don't forget good scope rings as well. I have the Leupold MkIV rings and I seem to be the only person around who has not had good luck with them.

I highly recommend using ONLY U.S.G.I. magazines ($50+) and not the $20 knockoffs.

If I were buying again knowing what I know now, I would go to Fulton Armory, http://www.fulton-armory.com/ , and buy one of their unbedded Service Grade rifles (< 2.5 MOA) BUT my need for accuracy is not at the tactical / sniper level. Consider buying the M14 Owners Guide by Scott Duff ($20 at Fulton Armory) before buying your rifle; this should answer questions you didn't even know you had. Another amusing source of info about M14's is Fred's, http://www.shotgunnews.com/members/fred/pages/Fredspagesindex.html .

posted 08-08-2001 13:39               

The M21/M25 (M14 in sniper configuration) is relatively fragile, expensive, and requires frequent, high levels of armorer level maintenance. They also have serious problems maintaining zero under field conditions.

The M14 has numerous inherent problems and limitations built into the system. They severely limit it's suitability for use as a sniper rifle.

A properly constructed bolt action rifle system will far exceed any currently available auto in terms of reliability, durability, and zero retention under field conditions.

If you must have a semi auto sniper rifle, IMHO the Knight's SR25 or Armalite AR10T is a far better choice than any M14 variant.

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MD Labs

posted 08-09-2001 13:46               

I used the M1A bush gun with great success during one day of Randy Cain's carbine class. Did great with it, mostly due to the superior trigger over my AR-15. Randy even showed me how to do a tactical speedload with it. The short barrel in that outside environment probably didn't make much difference, but I still prefer it for its handiness and balance.

I'd like to have a scout to put an Aimpoint on it, but I'm thinking that I can just use the first gen mount I already got. True be told, I'd prefer iron sights for serious work. Then again, if things get so bad that I need an M1A for serious work (as opposed to my Glock or my Benelli), we're all in "a world of sh*t." ("Full Metal Jacket")