“FWIW I’ll take the M-14/M1A over the M-1 hands down......”
Qualified with both in the Marines. While the M-14 MAY be better at short range, it looses at 500 yds or greater. BTW, my scores in rapid fire weren’t much different; standing was better with the M-14; but prone at 500 yds. the M-1 was the better rifle.
The M-1 is the one rifle I’d stake my life on.
“The M-1 is the one rifle I’d stake my life on.”
While basically the same rifle, I would take issue with your statement, but to each his own......
the advantages of a box magazine over the en bloc clip are huge, as is the ability to recharge the magazine while it is in the rifle. Not having the rifle signal to the enemy that you are empty as the M-1 does when it eject the en-bloc clip “ping!” is another M-14 advantage......no more M-1 thumb! lololol
With both of us being former Marines, we realize that combat sights (battle sights) are recommended to be set at 300 yds. although most often we are engaged at far shorter ranges. The balistic differences between the 30-06 and the NATO 7,62 x 51 are negligible.
http://www.6mmbr.com/308Win.html
I shot a perfect score at Stumps using a M-14 on the “charlie” targets during requal. I did not find it difficult hitting the 1/2 man Silhouettes at 500 yds. Course thats just paper, and they don’t shoot back!
Marine snipers have used the 7.62 round to great effect at longer ranges, although I understand that .338 magnums or something similiar in bolt guns are de rigor now.
For me, as stated before, the M-14 is the one I trust to keep me ticking! Modern Marines are now rediscovering the M-14 and are carrying them in combat again...that is as high praise as you can find!
No matter what weapon is used, gaining fire superiority through accurate, overwhelming riflery is key to combat success. Marines of all eras, using many different weapons, have proves that time and time again......
“Qualified with both in the Marines. While the M-14 MAY be better at short range, it looses at 500 yds or greater.”
Accuracy: .30-06 vrs 7.62 NATO
http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/AccuracyFacts.asp