They're not a bad rifle, but the stock is configured for peep sights, not a scope. We had to tape our shooting gloves to make a temporary cheek rest on the stock to keep from gettting fatigued.
I don't know why the Army never replaced the stocks.
I have no doubts the newer bolt guns are superior. At the time, the AMU built the sniper rifles individually, and I mean replaced just about every part on the rifle.
I'm not a M 14 fan, but the M 21 was a good rifle. Afterward, I bought a M 1A Supermatch, and it would shoot OK. But not like an AR that's been built, plus it was a lot more expensive.
