I forgot to add a picture of the M14E2
Was the trigger lever geometry changed for this? The M14 has a trigger that pulls sort of "up", as opposed to a rearward pull suitable for hand orientation when gripping a pistol grip.
I'll take that one.
Although I never fired one of these, the E2 (also known as the 'M-15' was an attempt to replace the BAR. Or so I have gathered in my readings of history, and talking to vets who were there.
It did not work. The M-14 action was capable, but it lacked the heavy barrel of the BAR.
You can't get something for nothing. A 'light' machinegun will always weigh more than a rifle. If it is well made it will weigh twice as much as a rifle. "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction".
Anyhow, when my Dad went to his second tour in Vietnam, the E2 was mostly gone. In its place was the M-60.
Do not send a rifle to do a machinegun's work.
On the other hand, the USMC could have kept the BAR and done very well with it. The M-15 just was not heavy enough to stabilize the fire.
Hard to recall as I last saw it 35 years ago. My recollection is the E2 stock replaced the standard version. The E2 also came with the automatic selector switch. The pistol grip was comfortable. Other than the pistol grip, the stock was the same shape as the standard where the butt was held to the shoulder. The E2 was at its best in the prone position. The bipod removed hand shake and breathing movement. I never thought I could hit a man size target at 720 meters until I fired the M14E2.
I forgot to add a picture of the M14E2