A friend of mine commanded an artillery battalion in Iraq that was serving as a “provisional infantry battalion” in the cities since artillery wasn’t used but rifles were.
I was back here, supporting the Marines in country when he sent a request to me to find M-14s for them to replace their M16s. He said that they needed something with more power for the long distances they were dealing with and better penetration through the mud walls they were facing..
Sounded reasonable to me - so I found 2,000 M14s in Condition Code A, then found magazines, magazine pouches, parts and gauges for them then found M80 Ball in stripper clips to send forward.
Almost got away with it, but some sharp-eyed rear area commando in Plans, Policies, and Operations at HQMC stopped it all before we could send them over.
Damn shame. The ‘14 is a fine rifle and capable killer in all conditions.
My brother was 3rd Marine Division. Infantry. Hell of a job.
He was definitely a fan of the 7.62 NATO round.
I would love an M14 - but they are pricey and ammo is ridiculous.
I chuckled reading a earlier post of yours upthread regarding the spray and pray mentality haji’s had - just hold that damn trigger down and close those eyes while you do it.
My bro always told me semi-auto was always better than auto due to ammo waste and fools who don’t know how to shoot. Pretty much the same thing you said. He does like 7.62x39 AK’s though.
Thank you for your service!
May God Bless You this Christmas and beyond!