The M14 Rifle Is Still Used by U.S. Soldiers

The M14 Rifle Is Still Used by U.S. SoldiersThe M14 Rifle Is Still Used by U.S. SoldiersThe M14 rifle remains one of the oldest weapons still in service with the U.S. military. Battle Rifle The M14 is referred to as a battle rifle. This term is given to weapons that fire full-power rifle ammunition. The M14 first entered service with the U.S. military in 1957. The weapon welches the standard issue U.S. rifle from 1959 until 1970. The M14 was also used for basic training by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps during that period. The M14 has largely been replaced by the M16 rifle. However, the M14 is still used on the front lines by the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard as of 2018. It is also widely used as a ceremonial weapon by U.S. soldiers. Modified M14 rifles are the basis for the M21 and M25 sniper rifles. Development and Use Development of the M14 rifle began shortly after the Second World War and continued throughout the Korean War in the 1950s. The rifle was created in an attempt to replace four different weapon systems- the M1 Garand, the M1 Carbine, the M3 Grease Gun, and the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle. U.S. military officials wanted a rifle that was durable in hostile environments and provided deadly accuracy. The M14 rifle was widely used during the Vietnam Conflict of the 1960s. After the competing M16 rifle was introduced in 1970, the M14 took on a new role with the U.S. military as a sniper rifle. The M14 rifles accuracy over long ranges made it ideal for marksmen. Versions of the M14 rifle have been used by snipers in Afghanistan and Iraq. These M14 rifles have been modified to include scopes and fiberglass stocks. The M14 rifle is also on regular display at military funerals, parades, and other ceremonies.