Why I Despise the M14...

Published on September 21, 2018
Duration: 30:31

This video critically analyzes the M14 rifle, arguing its failure stemmed from the US Ordnance Corps' insistence on the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge over superior intermediate rounds. The speaker details how political and traditionalist influences, including the alleged sabotage of the AR-10, led to the M14's adoption despite its shortcomings in combat, particularly in Vietnam.

Quick Summary

The M14 rifle's failure is attributed to the US Ordnance Corps' resistance to intermediate cartridges, favoring tradition over superior designs like the AR-10. Its poor performance in Vietnam's close-quarters combat led to its replacement by the M16, following a congressional investigation into Army negligence.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Why I Despise the M14
  2. 02:34NATO Standardization Failure & Intermediate Cartridges
  3. 06:49.280 British vs. 7.62 NATO Debate
  4. 10:05The FAL and T44 (M14) Trials
  5. 14:25Sabotage of the AR-10 Design
  6. 18:17M14's Failure in Vietnam Combat
  7. 21:20Congressional Investigation & Ordnance Corps Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the US Ordnance Corps favor the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge for the M14?

The US Ordnance Corps was deeply entrenched in tradition, favoring a full-power .30 caliber round similar to the .30-06. They resisted adopting superior intermediate cartridges, influenced by a desire to maintain existing arsenal operations and a misunderstanding of lessons learned in WWII.

What was the AR-10's advantage over the M14?

Eugene Stoner's AR-10 was significantly lighter (6.85 lbs vs. M14's 9.5 lbs) and utilized advanced materials like aluminum and synthetics. This design offered better controllability, especially on full-auto, and represented a more modern approach to rifle development.

How did the M14 perform in Vietnam?

The M14 proved ill-suited for Vietnam's jungle warfare. Its full-auto fire was difficult to control in close-quarters combat against AK-47s, and its weight was a significant burden. This led to its rapid replacement by the lighter and more adaptable M16.

What was the impact of the Ichord Committee investigation?

The Ichord Committee's findings of 'criminal negligence' regarding early M16 failures effectively ended the US Ordnance Corps' control over small arms procurement. This led to the closure of government arsenals and a shift towards private defense contractors.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from SmallArmsSolutions

View all →