Here's another recent project. I'm still putting the finishing touches on this one, but here she is anyway. This semi-auto M-14 is built from all-USGI parts except for the Armscorp receiver. Almost all the parts have been refinished (I still have to do the gas cylinder, etc). I used Manganese Phosphate parkerizing just like on the originals. The stock is in excellent condition, and only needed a light cleaning and re-oiling.



The barrel is a unique USMC medium-weight competition barrel with a manufacture date of 1991. It's used, but the bore looks pristine. I need to buy a .308 chamber cutter though because this barrel actually has to LITTLE headspace! Normally when putting on a used barrel you worry about too much headspace. However, I think the Marines had these chambers cut to the bare minimum, and combined with the civilian Armscorp receiver, there may have been enough variation to make it come up short.



Here's what I started with for parts (some of them), and this is BEFORE they were refinished.


The magazine is made by Checkmate industries...the only current USGI supplier. They are first-quality and are available from www.44mag.com

WOW! Glen that is one beautiful peice... Bravo!

Thanks!! I'm definitely shooting for just the regular ole "standard M-14 battle rifle" look.

One thing about the M-14 is when you're holding it, you really feel like you've got a serious piece of military hardware. With the mag and different gas system, it looks way "meaner" than the M-1 Garand.

LOL, that un brings back memories....some good n some bad! I always liked my M14.
Dan

Very nice work on your semi auto M14! Everyone has their preference and the traditional look with a birch or walnut stock is classic. Then again, I am partial to the M1A and the classic as issued look. This one is on a like new USGI birch stock from Freds. Thanks for sharing your pictures. Hope your weapon shoots as good as it looks!




Dan, thanks for your service. I'm sure you have seen this bumper sticker before

I love the Woodstock image at the bottom. I think I may have posted it before, but here is a picture of my current M14. Its a Springfield M1A, but I have always hated the term M1A. Since most M14's were changed to semi-auto only, I think I'm good for using the term M14. I've had many people get confused about what I'm talking about when I say M1A. They usually think I'm referring to a Garand. Anyway, here is mine


I keep meaning to photoshop out the background and other stuff, but time is short when you are trying to run a gun business. You can't afford to spend time working on photos of guns you will NEVER sell. I sold my first one, and the regret ate at me for 6 years until I replaced it with the one you see here. I upgraded to the National Match version. I had planned to buiild the ultimate M14 target rifle using forged LRB parts and a Krieger barrel. Unfortunately, LRB took 10 months to finish the receiver and by that time the funds for such a project were dedicated towards growing LTS. I'm a Harrington and Richardson collector and one day I hope to have both an H&R M1 and M14 for my collection. It's still fun to dream a little.

By the way, Glenn at Bunker Hill keeps my stocks in shape. Fortunately, Springfield Armory gave us a nice stock to work with on this gun and Glenn sanded and polished it by hand with amazing TLC. I wish he would post some pics of the K31 he restored for a friend of his. The metal and wood work on that gun were even better than what you see on my M14. He has some talent. Most of all, he has patience.

Keepemflying, I have another stock for this rifle that came from Fred's. Took like two months to get it, but it's one of the $55 walnut ones, and it looks great. Your M-14 looks super by the way. Interesting username. Ever been to the Cavanaugh Flight Museum just north of Dallas?

Dan, I also thank you for your service.

Mr. Dowdle's M-14 is sweet, sweet, sweet. It also had a very UNDERwhelming stock on it. The big surprise turned out to be what a gorgeous chunk of walnut it was...hidden under dark opaque stain and not enough BLO. It felt very rewarding to bring some life to that stock. It totally deserves it.

Also the photos of the K-31 are under the "Long Overdue Posts" thread. Stop by and check 'em out. That was another fun project for a buddy of mine.

Thanks for the comments and pics guys....keep those Service Rifle photos and stories coming!

I love M-14's I just have never put the money together and got one maybe for next Christmas. Nice rifle

Tim, The depth and grain of the wood stock on your NM Semi M14 is really outstanding and the national match features should make it a tack driver! A very beautiful example of American craftsmanship. You are very correct about the designation of the M1A being confusing. The Thompson SMG is designated as the M1A1. That leaves us with the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, M1A1 Thompson SMG, and M1A Semi M14. Semi M14 works just fine. I'm sure your website will do well and hopefully pay you dividends towards that H & R M14. Recently, there was a Class III collector selling four M14's which I think were acquired from the US Dept of Energy. Each example was represented (Springfield Armory, Winchester, H & R, and TRW). The price was $100,000 and they did sell.

Glenn, your craftsmanship really shows in the work you did to that stock! I would be interested to see some of the other projects you have completed. Fred's has very nice stocks but (Jack) his real name, (Fred) is his dog... can be slow at shipping. Patience pays off since he sent me two really nice walnut and birch examples that are like new. I frequent the Cavanaugh museum often to visit the P51 Mustang in the collection. Jim Cavanaugh has acquired a number or really outstanding examples of which most are airworthy.

Here are two service rifles in my collection. The Garand is a Springfield Armory model from 1954 which is all original with knicks and dings. This 1903 was manufactured in Dec 1943 by Remington and it is either new or arsenal refinished. The weapon was purchased through the NRA program in the 60's. The DD 1149-4 form which came with the weapon shows it was purchased on 06-25-62 from the Letterkenny ORD depot in Chambersburg, PA. It was purchased for $10.00 and the shipping and handling to Dallas TX was $4.50. The good ole days! Sorry for the poor photographs and for being long winded.

LOL, nope, I hadn't seen that bumper sticker before.......like most, I have tried to keep a fairly low profile! Still loved my M14....Trouble free and never let me down....I can say the same for my Ithaca 1911A1!!!!!
Way I remember the stamping wasUS Rifle,M14,Cal 7.62MM NATO.......with selector, is was M14A1......long time ago, kinda fuzzy....
Dan


Gentlemen..I am humbled by your thank you's......don't thank me, it was the law of the land and Canada was not an option! Ones that deserve the thanks are not here to get it!

Great replies everybody...and NO apologies for being long-winded!

I'll say one thing, the days when you could pick up a gorgeous M1903A3 for approx $10 are long gone!! Keepmflying, you've got a couple of real nice ones there. Your M-1 is one of the last made, and is highly desireable. Looks like she's in great shape. That M1903 makes me all tingly too.

Interesting Army poster too. Anyone notice the "Armed and Ready" airborne soldier is missing his airborne jump helmet, his airborne uniform (BDU), and worst of all...he's got an M-14, but some mean ole quartermaster sent him into battle with a Garand ammo belt. No wonder he's got such an angry look on his face!

Regarding Fred's stocks and their slow service...someone on the CMP forum just made a comment that had me rolling on the floor. He said "when you're busy planning the counter-offensive to the UN occupation of Amerika, customer service has to go on the back burner for awhile". ****, that's funny.

I'm almost done with the Match Winchester M-1. I will get pics up as soon as it's done. You guys are gonna love it.

Hey Tim, I am not sure that M14 has a smooth enough stock. It's kind of a crappy finish...

WOW!!!!