You find an M14 for $500, you let me know. I'll buy all of them you have.
Point is, the M-14s are already bought and in inventory in numbers large enough to equip at least one man in every squad presently in combat. I am fairly certain they can be refurbished, and fitted with composite, bedded stocks, telescopic sights and bipods for $500 or close, each. As you know, they are an accurate weapon to begin with.