They have brought back some of the M-14's with match barrels, as semi-auto sniper rifles for Afghanistan and are considered to be very effective.
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A high school kid whose name was Schuster was shooting in matchs with them at 1,000 yards and hitting.
RE the .308 vs 5.56 argument mission, and terrain determine equipment and tactics. Both the M14 and the M16 can be ean excellent choice. In a desert with plenty of resupply I might prefer a .308 (7.62 X 51) over a .233 (5.56 X 45). In a jungle or urban envirornment with close range fire and no easy re-suply I might well prefer a .223 cal
Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - Yorktown