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.
I'd dispute that figure just a bit. A McMillan Tactical stock runs nearly $500.00 alone. Kreiger barrels will set you back $400 or so. Toss in a bipod and you're at a grand right there. And we haven't even started talking about mounts for optics, let alone the optics themselves.
Then there's the tactical advantage of having a nearly identical platform to the M16. Training is vastly simplified because the controls are all in the same place and serve the same function. AND the bad guys can't pick out the obvious marksman from a distance. That's huge.
Now don't get me wrong. I love the M1A. Scroll back up the thread to see the one I built. But making a new, purpose built 7.62 platform for our guys at the tip of the spear makes a good deal of sense to me.
Best,
L
>>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.<<
The idea during wars is to spend money, get into debt, as deep as the banker will allow you. Buying new equipment keeps the economy bristling and the taxpayer.