Posted on 04/03/2010 1:03:04 PM PDT by neverdem
Let me guess - you haven't fought at one of the firsbases in the high mountains of north eastern Afghanistan.
OUr troops have been forced to build tiny,open firebases in the fishbowl bottoms of valleys - surrounded by tree studded hills and mountains.
The Taliban have the advantage of shooting DOWN - which means the bullets WILL land on the firsbase.
I'll leave it there = but you might want to talk with a soldier who's been there. Nothing trumps boots on the ground knowledge.
M1 Garands with 30’06 black tips have that power. I’ve got one or two and I wouldn’t want to hit from one...
“And there are still M-14’s in inventory in some obscure warehouse somewhere, I’m sure.”
Not many (Clinton destroyed or sold a bunch) and the supplies and spares are no longer in the system. Plus... the M110 looks like an M16. Make the user less of a target than an M14 does.
Mass on target when it gets there....
(( ping ))
Some amazing information here.
(( ping ))
oops...yep...
“I have one and they are the same as the M-14 to the point that my M-1A came from Springfield with a military M-14 tear down manual.”
SA Inc’s quality is spotty.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBweq6rHnzA
Now this is the proper way to gripe...Continue Pvt. Jackson!
The 62 grain 5.56 bullet has a muzzle energy of 1323 ft/lbs, but at 500 yards that has shrunk to 368.
The 147 grain 7.62 NATO starts out at 2582 at 500 yards still has 1071 ft/lbs at 500 yards.
We need to dispense with the "one size fits all" mentality (and also with the ridiculous rules of engagement). US troops should be trained to be proficient with both 5.56 and 7.62 NATO.
Actually, you could build a 40 for less than $6,000 with a little shopping. But you’re right, a 700 with a real good scope is about all you need.
“I’ve been saying for years they need to ditch brass cases and upgrade to high strength aluminum alloy cases and then boost up chamber pressures.”
You really want to hit us reloaders where it hurts?
“Little more accuracy, little more velocity...that’s all that’s needed.”
Accuracy is fine. A heavier bullet is all that’s needed. Mk 262 Mod 1 has limited availability, but it’s very accurate to 600 yards. Chamber pressures already are above SAAMI maximums.
“BTW, 556 shoots further than 762. This article is not entirely honest.”
False, provided the “7.62” is 7.62x51 NATO.
It has served me well consistently.
I'm going to compare it to my latest yet to be tried acquisition, an APA-4 LR 308 tomorrow.
“I thought Springfield Armory still produced new M-14s for the DoD?”
No. The company going under the name “Springfield Armory” never manufactured M14s and has no relation whatsoever with the former government armory.
The earlier M1As were far superior - fewer cast, foreign, parts.
BINGO
And has resulted in a doubling of losses every month for the last year - double since the first year.
And yet the press is silent.
no air cover
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2009/09/08/75036/were-pinned-down-4-us-marines.html
fishbowls
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/world/asia/03battle.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1 LIVE LINK NEXT POST
What Happened to the M14 rifle?
Records show that some 1,380,358 M14 rifles were made. The M16 was ordered as a replacement for the brand new M14 by direction of Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara starting in 1966. By 1970 the barley used weapon had been largely replaced in active duty. The National Guard discontinued using the weapon by 1980. No less than 479,367 M14 rifles were destroyed in 1993-94 and an unknown number were de-milled (cut with a blowtorch and welded shut) then transferred to JROTC units as drill weapons. Over 321,905 surplus arms were exported to foreign militaries under the Excess Defense Articles program and others.
That's an excerpt, but I don't know how true it is. I vaguely remember the ATF getting worried about it because a converter kit can make it full auto with little trouble, sales by the Department of Civilian Marksmanship were halted and that The Bent One ordered a bunch destroyed.
Live links per previous post
NO air cover - might hurt a civilian - EVEN thought there were none
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2009/09/08/75036/were-pinned-down-4-us-marines.html
in a fish bowl - no time/equipment to dig in
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/world/asia/03battle.html
Thanks for the links.
I call BS.
The “problem” with a .223 is an ammunition problem. Expanding rounds > non-expanding rounds. The question that needs to be asked is, why aren’t we using the most effective ammunition?
Also at range, mortars always > rifles.
Another question to ask is, if resupply is not an issue why not equip with the heaviest, most accurate, most lethal round available? And it’s not a .223.
Seems like an article designed to build momentum to transition to the 6.8 SPC. Just my opinion.
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