The M-14 and M1 were good rifles but they were heavy and the ammo was heavy. After firing one for 75-100 rounds in a few hours, shooters (soldiers) often started flinching. I've read that prarie dog hunters often shoot several hundred 22-250 rounds in a few hours and that they develop a flinch, even with 10+ pound rifles. I've been told this by WW2 vets, so I accept it as true, Jeff Cooper not withstanding.
The M-16 rifle weighs less and recoil is less, so I guess I'll vote for the M-16 as a more effective firearm. You can't hurt what you don't hit!
