M14 Rifle

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	Weapon: M14 Rifle Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1959 Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO Action: Select Fire Overall Length (mm): 1118.0 Overall Length (in): 44.02 Weight (kg): 4.50 Weight (pounds): 9.92 Effective Range (m): 460 m Effective Range (yards): 503.06

The M14 Rifle was developed in the 1950s as a replacement for the M1 Garand, the standard-issue rifle of the U.S. military during World War II. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, the M14 was designed to serve as both a battle rifle and a light machine gun, with select-fire capability and a detachable magazine. It was adopted by the U.S. military in 1959.

The M14 saw extensive use during the early years of the Vietnam War, where it was praised for its accuracy and stopping power. However, its heavy weight and significant recoil in fully automatic mode made it difficult to control, leading to its replacement by the M16 in the mid-1960s. Despite this, the M14 remained in use for specialized roles, such as designated marksman rifles and ceremonial purposes.

Today, the M14 is still in limited service with the U.S. military, particularly in roles that require long-range accuracy. Its legacy as a bridge between the Garand and the modern M16/M4 series ensures its place in the history of American military firearms.