Home Forums Hunting & Shooting AR and Tactical Rifles Ar vs M-14

I think that for absolute reliability, I would rather buy an M-14-type rifle than an AR-10. I just like the rifle better for one thing.It is a proven performer, as is the AR.

I would like some opinions from someone that has handled both types. I have shot lots of .223 through ARs, but I have shot the M-14 rifles very little. If I buy a rifle, it will be the .308-not the .223.

I"m old... I like the M1A.

The AR is every bit as reliable in a well built rifle.

If I were going 308 I"d probably go AR 10 though. Just because of what you can modularly do to it/with it. Well built of course.

Easy to float, various triggers, and all the other toys you can add.
Vs the M14, would have to be double or triple lugged. Not much you can do with it. scope mounts are ok, but interesting, and only a few.

For me, I"ll have Carolyn with a shorter AR of some type and me with a bolt gun in 308...if I were to be worried about anything.

I tend to agree with the bolt action.

If you are after accuracy be aware of what it takes in a 14.... probably 2500 plus dollars. And then unless you have spent the money on lugging, you'll have to know how to skim bed every 2500 rounds or so.

In reality, and just FWIW, what is the duty of this rifle such that 223 won't work? I"m just asking, 223 can do a LOT more than most folks think, and I'm not anti large or anti magnum at all....

My experience is limited but I find shooting a garden variety AR10 to be easy and generally they seem to be quite accurate w/o a bunch of effort. Reliability outside of match tuned is unquestioned. They are heavy though. I dont find the M1A that comfortable to shoot and while they can be very impressively accurate they have a reputation of being finicky and prone to having some lesser degree of self degradation. AR10 has lotsa accessories available and can mout many sight or optics without a lot of hassle. Not as easy w/ M1A. Simple answer though is like you said, the M1A suits you so that is the way to go.

I got rid of all of my .223 stuff years ago. I am just not crazy about small stuff.

I have no specific use for the rifle. It is more hypothetical than anything right now. I just like the .308 a lot better and am kicking around maybe getting one of the above at some point.

No specific use for the rifle then, just begs you to buy what YOU like and want.

We kept 2 M1As, Krieger tubes, MC Stocks, and very nice shooters. Awful reliable. At the time probably didn't have more than 1500 or so in them. Myabe closer to 2000.

But FWIW a rack grade M1A I bought initially, even not bedded would scare teh heck out of MOA....Springfield....

I have seen a little dip in M1A prices, and between now and November you should keep your eye open for a good (little used) M1a.

The Stoner Platform does have some advantages over the Garand design.
Lack of an expensive operating rod does allow for a wider range of bullet weights
and load velocities.

Having grown up with Garands and M14's the 308AR's are new to me.
I purchased a lightly used LMT MWS last year and have found it money well spent.

Good shooting.

308 ARs are the future, but they still have growing pains. M1A's are relics of the past. Can't fault someone for buying/liking an M1A SOCOM or Scout though. PSA even had SOCOM's on sale recently.

m14's are way way too heavy for one. If I was going 308 I would get a dpms gen 2, shoot enough to make sure its reliable. That gun could be customized alot more as well.

Not all 14s are heavy, though our match ones are.

I have the AR platform 308s

They are easy to carry until you put a 25 doing magazine in them.(adds 3 pounds)

I'd rephrase this...




Travis

If I had to buy a semi-auto .308 I think it'd be an M14.





Travis

An M1A holds/shoots offhand like no Ar10 ever will. If you are a prone/scope ninja go AR-10 for sure

DoD did testing in the 1960s that showed the M14 to have a shorter MRBF than the M16, and that was when M16s had bugs and M14s had GI parts. Now the M16 has had sixty years of development and M14s are full of castings.

The M14 was one of the most expensive rifles to maintain that has ever been fielded.

M14's are interesting, look good, and feel pretty good, but their quirks offset the aesthetic appeal, IMO. Without much trouble you can get an AR10 to shoot very well, and the ergos are more practical. Neither is a lightweight rifle.

I still want an FAL someday

Don't forget the G3 either.

Pick the stock you like. I like AR's just fine, but I really like the M1A stock. I have a scout squad in a synthetic stock and it is pretty light for what it is.