[quadrant]

I know people criticize the M14, but it is one accurate rife; it rugged; and it will fire with all sorts of gunk in the chamber.
I think it would have been a great rifle for a conflict with the Soviets in Western Europe, but in SE Asia, the M14 was simply out of its element.

[redcatcherb412]

If you really miss it as I did, the Mini-30 tactical in 7.62x39 is a great substitute.

[D Rider]

A friend of mine carried one his whole tour in Vietnam. The first time his m16 jammed he threw it down an picked up an m14. Easy to fire accurate, and you can’t hide behind small trees and shrubs. In fact I have successfully shot the 7.62 round through a 6 inch tree to take game. (Not intentionally)

[BuffaloJack]

I carried an M14 for 4-1/2 months in Vietnam, then they took it back and gave me a crappy M16 that jammed every time it was needed. I really loved that M14.

[Chainmail]

"but in SE Asia, the M14 was simply out of its element"

I beg to differ, my friend - I carried one for all my 17 months in combat and it was perfect: it always worked, it was effective to 500m or better, and things that were hit with it stayed hit.

I had a buddy who served with the 82nd ABN in Vietnam and when he told me that "the M-14 was too heavy for Vietnam" , I told him that I had wished that he had told me at the time.

He asked why and I said "because I would have sent a big, strong Marine to hold the rifle up for him".