[JSteff]

No they meant M-14s. The M-14 has a greater punch at long distance. Where they are there are lots of long distance shots taken. They want to be able to drop someone they shoot at 400+ yards.

I understand they brought out some M-14s that were still in Navy/Marine Corps armories when they had some of their first encounters in Afghanistan. The M16s just had no stopping power at distance in the mountains and valleys.

The troops are glad to have them. 7.62 is the way to go if you want to be sure.

[FormerlyAnotherLurker]

1st Battalion 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment

"The United States Marine Corps (USMC) Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) uses the new enhanced M14 rifle. The M14 rifle has recently seen action with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Kandahar, Afghanistan."
M14 Rifle and M14A1 Rifles

"Already field-tested in Afghanistan, the DMR version of the 7.62mm M14 is just one of the new tools being used in America's war on terrorism by the U.S. Marine Corps' 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade Antiterrorism unit."
United States Marines Antiterrorism Force

[Modernman]

No they meant M-14s. The M-14 has a greater punch at long distance. Where they are there are lots of long distance shots taken. They want to be able to drop someone they shoot at 400+ yards.

Considering the type of firefights these guys are getting into (small skirmishes against slippery enemies) this seems to make sense- accuracy is probably more important than rate of fire.

[CholeraJoe]

If you really want to reach out and touch someone, nothing sends loving like a .50 BMG.