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U.S. Army/Navy/USMC M14-based sniper and DMR/SDM rifles circa late-1960s to late 201Xs

One more little historical factiod for anyone interested. The National Match M1 Garands used from 1953-1963 and the National Match M14s used from 1962-1967 were all built to the exact same standard for all competitors at the Camp Perry National Matches, and all competitors during a given year were also provided with the same lot of National Match Ammo. This all went away in 1968 as the Army dropped funding for the matches, but it’s an interesting factiod.

The “original” NM M14s were made by Springfield Armory from 1963 and 1965-66, with TRW made the NM M14s in 1964 (the last year of production), and the NM program was transferred over to Rock Island Arsenal in 1967. All those rifles were made to the exact same standard, as the match’s were designed to purely test a shooters individual ability, with all competitors using same NM rifles and NM Ammo up thru 1967.

Here's my 1967 NM replica with some vintage match M118 ammo. (It has a 1963 NM stock with 'minimal bedding'):
2Replica 1967_NM_poster_v2.jpg


When it was announced in 1967 that the military shooting teams would be ‘on their own’ beginning in 1968 due to funding constraints, the USAMU immediately went to work in experimenting with accuracy modifications in the summer of 1967, and subsequently developed their own match prepared M14s build guide, first published in 1968 (and revised periodically over the years). The USAMU build guide was the basis for the XM21 sniper rifles, the first of which were shipped to Vietnam in late 1968 for field testing. Approval was granted in spring of 1969 for up to 1600 systems to be made by RIA.

As for the other branches. I think the original USMC National Match M14 build guide is dated 1972. Not sure if NG had its own build process or used the USAMU build process, but I do know the armors went to Rock Island Arsenal for training.

So it was 1968 and later when all the divergence occurred re match M14s, with each branch using its own voodoo build processes to maximize accuracy. The so-called "medium-heavy" barrels were first approved for match use in 1976, and around that same time or shortly thereafter, the USMC began welding on lugs in the late 1970s and the Navy started doing this as well in the 1980s. (The Navy famously initially went its own way with highly accurized M1 Garands with 7.62 NATO barrels, aka “Grade A or B, Mk 2 Mod 1” rifles. The Air Force also build their AF Premium Grade match M1 rifles, initially in 30-06 but switched to 7.62 NATO caliber around 1970-71).

Fwiw, here is the last precision M14 rifle that was purpose built for the US military, the Mk 14 Mod 2. Only 250 of these were reportedly made in 2011 for the NECC. They are DMR rifles that come with both a NF 3.5-15x scope and a AN/PVS-27 night vision optic as well. Mk 316 Mod 0 is the recommended ammo, and I heard that a small number of these are still in service, or at least still used in E-DMR training course.
Mk 14 Mod 2_TM_cover_Mk_316.jpg
 
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Specialist Ross Henderson, Mortar Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, mans a 7.62mm M21 sniper rifle as he watches for enemy in the Gayan District, Afghanistan. US Army photo by SPC Jerry T. Combes, July 10, 2004:

m21 w PEQ2.jpg


Specialist Jason Peacock, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, scans rooftops with his M14 sniper rifle on Feb. 8, 2007, in Baghdad Province, Iraq, during a joint cordon and search mission with the 6th Iraqi National Police. U.S. Army photo by SSG Sean A. Foley:

m14rails.jpg


Lance Corporal Brandon Debolt, 29 Palms Combat Center Shooting Team, fires an M14 at the High Desert Regional Shooting Competition, Nov. 14, 2014. Competitors shot the 1,000-yard team match on the second day (Friday). Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Thomas Mudd:

competition.jpg


Specialist David Betz fires the Mk 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle during the Squad Designated Marksman Course on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 20, 2017. The course teaches Squad Designated Marksmen to directly support their squads with well-aimed shots at ranges up to 600 meters. The New Jersey Army National Guard's 254th Infantry Regiment is based out of the Regional Training Institute, National Guard Training Center at Sea Girt, New Jersey (site of the first National Matches). Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Matt Hecht:

EBR.jpg


Specialist Earnest Budlong, a sniper with Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, shoots targets with an M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle during Exercise Orient Shield 12 on 30 October 2012. Orient Shield is one of the foundations of US - Japanese defense cooperation, and is US Army Japan's premier field training exercise. U.S. Army photo by Jason Dorsey:

ebrport.jpg


Estonian Scouts Infantry Battalion 50-caliber Hecate and 7.62mm M14 scout-sniper rifles at a Headquarters Company, 7th Regimental Combat Team range on Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 12, 2013. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sergeant Ezekiel R. Kitandwe:

estonian.jpg
 
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An Iraqi soldier holds a new M-14 sniper rifle at the Taji Military Complex, Iraq, May 23, 2015. (Photo by Capt. Bradley Richardson, 1st Joint Public Affairs, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs):

tajim14.jpg


An Iraqi soldier assigned to the 73rd Brigade, 16th Division, fires an M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle at Camp Taji, Iraq, June 25, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charles M. Bailey, CJTF-OIR Public Affairs)

Tajim141.jpg


An Iraqi soldier fires an M14 sniper rifle as an Australian Task Group Taji soldier spots a target for him during an advanced marksmanship class at Camp Taji, Iraq, July 17, 2016. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua Powell:

ozm14.jpg


Danish soldiers instruct Iraqi 3rd Battalion, 75th Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division soldiers on the M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Nov. 27, 2015. U. S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Clarence Leake:

danskm14.jpg


An Iraqi soldier fires an M14 sniper rifle during an advanced marksmanship class at Camp Taji, Iraq, July 17, 2016. U.S. Army photo by Sergeant Joshua Powell:

tajishoot.jpg


An Iraqi soldier fires an M14 during sniper training by Spanish instructors at the Besmaya Range Complex, Iraq, Oct. 10, 2017. U.S. Army photo by Specialist Cole Erickson:

besmayam14.jpg
 
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A Kurdish Peshmerga soldier looks for a target through the Leupold scope on his M14 enhanced battle rifle during a combined arms live-fire exercise near Erbil, Iraq, Oct. 11, 2016. Successfully completing a CALFEX validates the Peshmerga soldiers’ ability to strategically plan and tactically maneuver in combat. U.S. Army photo by Sergeant Lisa Soy:

peshmerga.jpg


An Italian trainer observes a Peshmerga soldier acquire a target through the scope of his M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle during the sniper portion of the combined arms training exercise near Erbil, Iraq, July 26, 2016. US Army photo by Sergeant Kalie Jones:

peshm14.jpg


Peshmerga soldiers acquire targets through the scopes of their M14 Enhanced Battle Rifles, Erbil, Iraq, 26 July 2016. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kalie Jones:

peshpair.jpg
 
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Lance Corporal Brandon Debolt, 29 Palms Combat Center Shooting Team, fires an M14 at the High Desert Regional Shooting Competition, Nov. 14, 2014. Competitors shot the 1,000-yard team match on the second day (Friday). Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Thomas Mudd:

View attachment 7732183
Pretty sure that isn't one of Uncle Sam's rifles. SA M1A with a Vortex Gen1 PST and some tall-ass rings on a Gen4 SA mount pushing his head position WAY up.
 
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Pretty sure that isn't one of Uncle Sam's rifles. SA M1A with a Vortex Gen1 PST and some tall-ass rings on a Gen4 SA mount pushing his head position WAY up.
Yeah, no bayonet lug either. Probably a personally-owned for the match. It is California.
 
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Pretty sure that isn't one of Uncle Sam's rifles. SA M1A with a Vortex Gen1 PST and some tall-ass rings on a Gen4 SA mount pushing his head position WAY up.

Yeah, no bayonet lug either. Probably a personally-owned for the match.

The selector switch cutout on the stock has also been filled in with bedding material, so it's probably an original take-off stock that was build as the guy's personal rifle. This is a pretty cool thread, lot's of pics and info!
 
Italian sniper in a biathlon sniper match. The National Guard Marksmanship Training Center is hosting the 48th Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championship and the 28th Armed Forces Skill at Arms Meeting at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center near Barling, Arkansas, March 29 through April 3, 2019. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Scott D. Longstreet, National Guard Marksmanship Training Center)

33649720678_7af3d54935_o.jpg


Kurdish Peshmerga soldier, July 2016:

peshm14_jpg-2154276.JPG
 
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Picture of a USMC DMR from an October 2010 article on Marines in Patrol in Kajaki, Afghanistan:
U.S. Marines Pfc. Logan Harty (L) of Dixon, Calif., and LCpl. Jose Dehoyos from Fort Worth, Texas attached to India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment fire on an enemy position during a firefight near Zeebrugge. The Marines of India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment are responsible for securing the area around the Kajaki Dam on the Helmand River.
USMC_DMR_Kajaki_Afghanistan_2010.jpg

...and here's my humble tribute/replica of that rifle:
DMR with poster_v2.png
 
Picture of a USMC DMR from an October 2010 article on Marines in Patrol in Kajaki, Afghanistan:


View attachment 7734415
Pfc lights up with that 240 and LCpl gonna knock his shit out ... after he regains some semblance of hearing, the little swirlys in his vision go away and he picks up his glasses that got blown 5 ft to his right.
 
Specialist Ross Henderson, Mortar Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, mans a 7.62mm M21 sniper rifle as he watches for enemy in the Gayan District, Afghanistan. US Army photo by SPC Jerry T. Combes, July 10, 2004:

View attachment 7732172


Specialist Jason Peacock, Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, scans rooftops with his M14 sniper rifle on Feb. 8, 2007, in Baghdad Province, Iraq, during a joint cordon and search mission with the 6th Iraqi National Police. U.S. Army photo by SSG Sean A. Foley:

View attachment 7732176

Lance Corporal Brandon Debolt, 29 Palms Combat Center Shooting Team, fires an M14 at the High Desert Regional Shooting Competition, Nov. 14, 2014. Competitors shot the 1,000-yard team match on the second day (Friday). Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Thomas Mudd:

View attachment 7732183

Specialist David Betz fires the Mk 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle during the Squad Designated Marksman Course on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 20, 2017. The course teaches Squad Designated Marksmen to directly support their squads with well-aimed shots at ranges up to 600 meters. The New Jersey Army National Guard's 254th Infantry Regiment is based out of the Regional Training Institute, National Guard Training Center at Sea Girt, New Jersey (site of the first National Matches). Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Matt Hecht:

View attachment 7732185

Specialist Earnest Budlong, a sniper with Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, shoots targets with an M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle during Exercise Orient Shield 12 on 30 October 2012. Orient Shield is one of the foundations of US - Japanese defense cooperation, and is US Army Japan's premier field training exercise. U.S. Army photo by Jason Dorsey:

View attachment 7732194

Estonian Scouts Infantry Battalion 50-caliber Hecate and 7.62mm M14 scout-sniper rifles at a Headquarters Company, 7th Regimental Combat Team range on Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 12, 2013. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sergeant Ezekiel R. Kitandwe:

View attachment 7732199


Few years ago in Leatherneck someone sent a "Letter to the editor" asking for confirmation that Marines shot M14 to 1000 yards during training/Competition. He was in an argument with an Army dude and he figured an answer in Leatherneck would be good backup.

The dumb Lt Col editor (WM) replied he was mistaken and the M14 was never shot that far its Max effective range was much smaller.

I emailed a rebuttal saying she was nuts, as did others, because couple issues later she doubled down and said we were all mistaken and the M14 is not 1000 yard capable.

That and their "woke" articles is really depressing in regards to what was good lit when it was staffed by active Marines.
 
I am sure Don Huemann, Kistler and the rest of the team that cleaned house with M14s at Perry in 93 got a chuckle from that reply.
 
I am sure Don Huemann, Kistler and the rest of the team that cleaned house with M14s at Perry in 93 got a chuckle from that reply.
If it wasn't DI Boyd, believe Donnie may have been the Army Coach when they broke the Interservice Team record with M16s. Marine alumni had come from miles around to see the match and were shocked and sad when it happened.

I understand how they could have felt -- but records are meant to be broken.
 
I am sure Don Huemann, Kistler and the rest of the team that cleaned house with M14s at Perry in 93 got a chuckle from that reply.

If it wasn't DI Boyd, believe Donnie may have been the Army Coach when they broke the Interservice Team record with M16s. Marine alumni had come from miles around to see the match and were shocked and sad when it happened.

I understand how they could have felt -- but records are meant to be broken.

Despite legit replies from people with ranks and backgrounds that should of indicated they knew of what they speak she doubled down.

I get her blowing off a mere Sgt but Mstr Sgts with PMI backgrounds were dismissed.

Their latest trend to printing hit pieces, environmental BS and promoting Marine "interventions" in response too "insurrection" seem to be putting out a certain "message", the way they include pictures of obama all these years later but in an image you know trump was at they crop him out........

Maybe I am just sensitive.
 
Look closely at pic #3 and pic #5 in post #104 - its' the same date in July 2016; its the same helmet (note small spots/blemishes on the brim), it's the same Iraqi solider w/ mustache, and it's the same EBR-RI rifle as far as I can tell from those two pics.

Two things changed in that picture sequence. His helmet in pic#5 has some new dirt on it from being removed and laid on the ground, and #2, the scope was removed, possibly by solider via the SAGE canti-level mount, and re-installed incorrectly, and now positioned about 1" or 1.25" more forward. Hard to say, but his head position looks a little better in pic #5, although the scope's zero might not be consistent - given its now detached at the rear....

Why did the scope get removed and re-installed b/t those two pictures on that same day? Not sure of course, but looking at pic #3, my guess is the rear ocular of the scope was possibly hitting the brim of his helmet, so he took off his helmet and moved the scope slightly forward. Hopefully it was subsequently re-installed the right way, and I should note its easy to remove that SAGE mount with just one's hands via the two cantilevers on left side.

On edit: Attached are 3 pics from the EBR-RI TM. The scope is designed to be easily removed in the field, so the iron sights can be used if the optic fails. It takes two-throw levers and two or three seconds. The rear mount is just a "dog leg" or location pin, so it helps ensure the scope is level to the rifle, but that's it. Their are no threads or much tension on the rear - the cantilevers are installed with a fair amount of force and that is the main clamping force with that set-up. So the rifle will work as seen in that pic, but the elevation 'zero' might indeed occur given lack of rear support. BTW, even when it is correctly removed and re-installed the manual states "Removal of the cantilever base will require re-zero of the weapon." SAGE used sort of a compromise design for easy removal and re-installation in the field - but its not as solid as the typical 3-point bolt-on mounts that are not designed for field removal.

Anyhow, hopefully that scope was put back in the proper position after that pic was taken. It would only take 2 or 3 seconds to do that (no tools required, just two strong hands). Just an fyi.
 

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Look closely at pic #3 and pic #5 in post #104 - its' the same date in July 2016; its the same helmet (note small spots/blemishes on the brim), it's the same Iraqi solider w/ mustache, and it's the same EBR-RI rifle as far as I can tell from those two pics.

Two things changed in that picture sequence. His helmet in pic#5 has some new dirt on it from being removed and laid on the ground, and #2, the scope was removed, possibly by solider via the SAGE canti-level mount, and re-installed incorrectly, and now positioned about 1" or 1.25" more forward. Hard to say, but his head position looks a little better in pic #5, although the scope's zero might not be consistent - given its now detached at the rear....

Why did the scope get removed and re-installed b/t those two pictures on that same day? Not sure of course, but looking at pic #3, my guess is the rear ocular of the scope was possibly hitting the brim of his helmet, so he took off his helmet and moved the scope slightly forward. Hopefully it was subsequently re-installed the right way, and I should note its easy to remove that SAGE mount with just one's hands via the two cantilevers on left side.


I think had they left the scope properly mounted, and gave the student the hottest rounds they could find, the problem would have "self corrected" without making the rifle unserviceable.
 
2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion Operator hones his high angle shooting skills with an M14 rifle prior to deployment. U.S. Army Depot Hawthorne, Nevada, 17 April 2009. (USMC photo by Lance Corporal Stephen Benson)

USMC-090417-M-4595B-185-1125x750.jpg

2MAR.jpg
 
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Soldiers with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment provide security outside an Afghan village March 3, 2013, during Operation Southern Fist III in the district of Spin Boldak, Kandahar province, Afghanistan:

tumblr_n8igkqd2ml1skaxu8o1_1280.jpg
045d340a992a0644335da46b597e4f3a.jpg


An Estonian scout sniper with the Scouts Infantry Battalion checks his scope at a live fire range run by Marines and Sailors with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 7, on Camp Leatherneck:

tumblr_n0hvu0C0e01skaxu8o1_1280.jpg
M14.jpg
 
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I will share some photos shortly. The M14s the Ukrainians recieved in large numbers have GI fiberglass stocks. Bruger and Thromett scope mount and S&B 3-12 with USMC style MTC knobs but not marked M8541. The parts were mostly TRW from examination.

I'd guess they came from Estonia as they transition to LMT.
 
Picture from 2011
article-m14-and-the-war-on-terror-one-veterans-experience-V2.jpg
 
Wish I had some pics from the years of the multiple versions we utilized but my hard drive crashed. In 2004, Iraq, we had three man sniper teams at each of our companies. We had a M24, and spotter was using a M14. In 2010, in Astan, we got issued the 2010’s conus, so we showed up with our m107s, M24s, M2010s, and M110’s. Also had access to some EBRs. Once in country, our TPE conex had some M14’s that we ended up utilizing as well, but threw red dots on them. EBRs weren’t used a lot, because they were so heavy. Went one mission without the 107s, and then they came on every mission. On 4 man SKTs, a 110, 2010, m14 with red dot, and MK48 with Elcan would be carried. 107 would be split up between two guys. AO dictated the need for the longer ranges and the m14 helped provide that.
What was typical engagement range in your experience in Afghanistan? Did you ever encounter Chechens or any other foreign fighters who stood out in some way as far as capability compared to typical Taliban?
 
Updating this older thread with a project update: My replica of a U.S. Navy MK 14 MOD 2 EBR-EDMV has finally come together (formal name: Enhanced Battle Rifle - Expeditionary Designated Marksman Variant) . First, here's some background info from Frank Iannamico's book on this rifle, M14: The Last Steel Warrior (2018), pg 244. Crane reportedly made only 250 of these rifles for the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) circa 2011-12.

Photograph Machine gun Air gun Black Trigger


I owe a huge thank you to Crazynoto regarding this project; by providing one of the unique ‘straight-back’ stock connector pieces for this chassis system, and also getting everything professionally anodized in the correct NSG (Navy Seal Gray) color. He also machined the right receiver rail to make it more USGI width, and also did the machining on the barrel shank for the SSR scope mount system. (This rifle uses one of his excellent reproduction SSR scope mounts). Barrel is a new heavy profile SAI/Douglas barrel, 1/10 twist, that I had SAI install on this receiver back in 2019 - which has yet to be fired...

I used a 1993 era SAI receiver (69k serial range), and mostly USGI M14 parts; along with the proper SEI gas system, Vortex flash hider, etc. The NSG SAGE chassis is the heavy barrel version, with PRS II buttstock. (Note: I tried to order a Heavy barrel chassis from SAGE in March 2020, but due to the pandemic they had just temporarily shut-down their operations, and I didn't get the chassis until late summer of 2021...and of course the chassis only came in black, so everything had to be stripped and re-anodized the Navy Seal Grey (NSG) color, which added more delay to this project...but I digress).

It's 95% complete, just need to add the EBR trigger-shoe, parkerize the right side of the receiver rail that was thinned to USGI width to facilitate the connector rod installation, add an Atlas bipod, and a padded M60 sling. After three years of effort, I'm glad its finally assembled, and will soon be finished.
Air gun Trigger Machine gun Gun barrel Gun accessory


Below one can see the heavy profile barrel, re-print of the 2013 Mk 14 Mod 2 manual, some ammo that Crane recommended for this rifle, and a special multi-tool that Crane issued with the Mk 14s.
Air gun Trigger Office equipment Machine gun Gun barrel


Along with the unique Mod 2 stock connector piece, the other hard part to find for this replica is this slightly salty "NAV-SPEC" marked NF scope.
It's 3.5-15X with a Gen II Mil-Dot reticle (w/ hollow dots). Rings are correct lightweight/aluminum NF parts.
Camera lens Reflex camera Digital camera Camera Camera accessory


Left profile. Trivial detail, Crazynoto had the front sling loop anodized NSG like seen on some pics from Crane, and left the rear sling loop black.
It's a very small detail, but I appreciate his level of perfectionism(!).
Air gun Post-it note Trigger Handwriting Machine gun


Unique/unicorn 'straight back' piece that was only used on the Navy's Mod 2 chassis, and a few black ones that SAGE sold directly about 10 years ago.
Air gun Trigger Automotive design Bumper Automotive tire


It's heavy, but its a DMR/sniper rifle designed for prone shooting. (Below is weight of rifle w/ bipod and an empty mag, but no sling).
Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Vehicle Gun accessory


Anyhow, no range report yet as I just got it this week, but I hope to sight-in the rifle very soon.

Synopsis: This replica represents the final or 'omega' variation of a precision US military-issued M14 DMR rifle. It was a three-year journey to build this replica. Per a guy at Crane, some were still in service as of 2020 for NECC DMR training, but many of them were in storage and had never been issued.
(I'm still working on the 'alpha' version of the M14 sniper rifle, a replica of a circa 1958 T44E4 sniper with hinged scope mount and M84 scope).
 
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Updating this older thread with a project update: My replica of a U.S. Navy MK 14 MOD 2 EBR-EDMV has finally come together (formal name: Enhanced Battle Rifle - Expeditionary Designated Marksman Variant) . First, here's some background info from Frank Iannamico's book on this rifle, M14: The Last Steel Warrior (2018), pg 244. Crane reportedly made only 250 of these rifles for the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) circa 2011-12.

Photograph Machine gun Air gun Black Trigger


I owe a huge thank you to Crazynoto regarding this project; by providing one of the unique ‘straight-back’ stock connector pieces for this chassis system, and also getting everything professionally anodized in the correct NSG (Navy Seal Gray) color. He also machined the right receiver rail to make it more USGI width, and also did the machining on the barrel shank for the SSR scope mount system. (This rifle uses one of his excellent reproduction SSR scope mounts). Barrel is a new heavy profile SAI/Douglas barrel, 1/10 twist, that I had SAI install on this receiver back in 2019 - which has yet to be fired...

I used a 1993 era SAI receiver (69k serial range), and mostly USGI M14 parts; along with the proper SEI gas system, Vortex flash hider, etc. The NSG SAGE chassis is the heavy barrel version, with PRS II buttstock. (Note: I tried to order a Heavy barrel chassis from SAGE in March 2020, but due to the pandemic they had just temporarily shut-down their operations, and I didn't get the chassis until late summer of 2021...and of course the chassis only came in black, so everything had to be stripped and re-anodized the Navy Seal Grey (NSG) color, which added more delay to this project...but I digress).

It's 95% complete, just need to add the EBR trigger-shoe, parkerize the right side of the receiver rail that was thinned to USGI width to facilitate the connector rod installation, add an Atlas bipod, and a padded M60 sling. After three years of effort, I'm glad its finally assembled, and will soon be finished.
Air gun Trigger Machine gun Gun barrel Gun accessory


Below one can see the heavy profile barrel, re-print of the 2013 Mk 14 Mod 2 manual, some ammo that Crane recommended for this rifle, and a special multi-tool that Crane issued with the Mk 14s.
Air gun Trigger Office equipment Machine gun Gun barrel


Along with the unique Mod 2 stock connector piece, the other hard part to find for this replica is this slightly salty "NAV-SPEC" marked NF scope.
It's 3.5-15X with a Gen II Mil-Dot reticle (w/ hollow dots). Rings are correct lightweight/aluminum NF parts.
Camera lens Reflex camera Digital camera Camera Camera accessory


Left profile. Trivial detail, Crazynoto had the front sling loop anodized NSG like seen on some pics from Crane, and left the rear sling loop black.
It's a very small detail, but I appreciate his level of perfectionism(!).
Air gun Post-it note Trigger Handwriting Machine gun


Unique/unicorn 'straight back' piece that was only used on the Navy's Mod 2 chassis, and a few black ones that SAGE sold directly about 10 years ago.
Air gun Trigger Automotive design Bumper Automotive tire


It's heavy, but its a DMR/sniper rifle designed for prone shooting. (Below is weight of rifle w/ bipod and an empty mag, but no sling).
Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Vehicle Gun accessory


Anyhow, no range report yet as I just got it this week, but I hope to sight-in the rifle very soon.

Synopsis: This replica represents the final or 'omega' variation of a precision US military-issued M14 DMR rifle. It was a three-year journey to build this replica. Per a guy at Crane, some were still in service as of 2020 for NECC DMR training, but many of them were in storage and had never been issued.
(I'm still working on the 'alpha' version of the M14 sniper rifle, a replica of a circa 1958 T44E4 sniper with hinged scope mount and M84 scope).
Dam Nice Rig!!!!!! That is worth the work and the wait!! I have been working towards some type of M14….. you have set me on fire!!! Can’t wait for the range report!🇺🇸⚡️Charlie112
 
To the collective,
While I was stationed at NSB Bangor,Wa from 97-99. Our dm/cqb platoon had m-14’s with the unertl 10x on top. While i was not a dm, I did get to shoot them on one fam. I am 100% positive it was a unertl. They are to distinctive to get it mixed up with any other scope.
I bring this up as this the only version not mention in this thread.
 
While I was stationed at NSB Bangor, Wa from 97-99. Our dm/cqb platoon had m-14’s with the unertl 10x on top. While i was not a dm, I did get to shoot them on one fam. I am 100% positive it was a unertl. They are to distinctive to get it mixed up with any other scope.
I bring this up as this the only version not mention in this thread.
Thanks for chiming-in. I wish you had a picture of one of those rifles. You are the third veteran who has mentioned the enigmatic M14 with USMC 10X Unertl scope circa late 1990s. I have seen only one picture of those prototype DMRs, and here is what was posted on the m14 forum.
"Pic was taken in 1996 on a range at Dam Neck after we performed a live fire coordinated assault for a USN video crew."
Prototype_USMC_DMR_black_stock_Unertl_1997.jpg

His description of the USMC DMR rifles of that era:
"I completed the Marine Corps Security Forces Designated Marksmen course at Dam Neck, Virginia in 1997. Our Battalion issued two types of DM rifles - the M-14 and a Galil based DMR variant which had a folding stock and came in a tan triangular case. I had the M-14. The build was by the Precision Weapons Section at Quantico using NM parts in a (black) Macmillan pistol grip stock. I had a Leopold MK4 fixed 10X with mildot reticle in a Brookfield mount, although a few had Leopold 3x9 variable power scopes and a couple had Unertls. Much preferred the MK4. The M-14 rifle was issued with a drag bag, torque wrench, spotting scope for each 2 man team and ammo log book, and ANPVS 14, which made the rig a bear to keep upright. Issued ammo was M-118 and we were told 3 MOA minimum accuracy for cold bore and my rifle was better than that. Cold bore was about 1.5“ at 1 o’clock. I believe each rifle was returned to PWS for rework at the 2200 round mark."

...There are a couple of those salty-looking black McMillan M2A stocks floating around, with "USMC" hand etched on the bottom on the cheek piece, but other than this one picture, I have not seen any other pics of the prototype DMR rifles. I do know from a retired 2112 that PWS tested "about half a dozen or so" configurations in the mid-to-late 1990s. He said different stocks, barrels, scopes and scope mounts were tested on their M14s. It seems the Unertls were used on an 'ad hoc' basis during that era. In 1998 they finalized the configuration of the DMR (ie, green M2A stock, Leupold fixed 10x scope, GGG mount, welded-on rear lug, etc), but didn't actually build them until 2000-01. (I assume funding had became available for a formal Program of Record)
 
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Random, I wish I had taken pictures of the firing line at Ft Lewis. We had 6-8 of them lined up.
The pic you referenced is exactly what we had at the time. Dudes running around in nomex and one poor bastard in a gumby suite as over watch.
Good times
 
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We had 6-8 of them lined up. The pic you referenced is exactly what we had at the time

Neat, just to confirm, do you recall if those 6-8 DMR rifles at Ft. Lewis have the same black McMillan M2A stocks like seen in the center?
(These are not my stocks, but the middle salty black one was likely on a prototype USMC DMR - back in the 1990s the adj cheek piece used only large knob, whereas the later McMillan M2As used the two knobs for tightening). The green stock is what the USMC started using on DMRs circa 2000.
Three_M2A_stocks_v2.jpg
 
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Random,
Out of three of us that served. We remember most were the black, single adj knob but, we remember green stock too. Nothing concrete, just what we recollect.
 
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Thanks for chiming-in. I wish you had a picture of one of those rifles. You are the third veteran who has mentioned the enigmatic M14 with USMC 10X Unertl scope circa late 1990s. I have seen only one picture of those prototype DMRs, and here is what was posted on the m14 forum.

View attachment 7952781
His description of the USMC DMR rifles of that era:
"I completed the Marine Corps Security Forces Designated Marksmen course at Dam Neck, Virginia in 1997. Our Battalion issued two types of DM rifles - the M-14 and a Galil based DMR variant which had a folding stock and came in a tan triangular case. I had the M-14. The build was by the Precision Weapons Section at Quantico using NM parts in a (black) Macmillan pistol grip stock. I had a Leopold MK4 fixed 10X with mildot reticle in a Brookfield mount, although a few had Leopold 3x9 variable power scopes and a couple had Unertls. Much preferred the MK4. The M-14 rifle was issued with a drag bag, torque wrench, spotting scope for each 2 man team and ammo log book, and ANPVS 14, which made the rig a bear to keep upright. Issued ammo was M-118 and we were told 3 MOA minimum accuracy for cold bore and my rifle was better than that. Cold bore was about 1.5“ at 1 o’clock. I believe each rifle was returned to PWS for rework at the 2200 round mark."

...There are a couple of those salty-looking black McMillan M2A stocks floating around, with "USMC" hand etched on the bottom on the cheek piece, but other than this one picture, I have not seen any other pics of the prototype DMR rifles. I do know from a retired 2112 that PWS tested "about half a dozen or so" configurations in the mid-to-late 1990s. He said different stocks, barrels, scopes and scope mounts were tested on their M14s. It seems the Unertls were used on an 'ad hoc' basis during that era. In 1998 they finalized the configuration of the DMR (ie, green M2A stock, Leupold fixed 10x scope, GGG mount, welded-on rear lug, etc), but didn't actually build them until 2000-01. (I assume funding had became available for a formal Program of Record)
Random,

I gotta ask. How did the PWS feel about the M-14 precision rifles? Seems like I'm hearing more than a few guys here liked them. But, the general overall consensus was, they kinda broke down in accuracy. Our snipers ('81-'85 Rangers) said they could hold moa with them (at reunions I found it was more like 2 moa). Then at a certain point, they went to shit. Edit: regular rifle accuracy, not precision.

I would think the PWS might have had some insight, or lattitude, to do things to better these rifles.
 
My impression is that some MOS 2112s may have liked building the bolt-action sniper rifles a little more, given they have higher level of precision, and are arguably a little easier than build an M14 DMR.

That said, I do recall one 2112 who told me the USMC DMR was “an absolute hammer.” He didn’t care for its replacement, the M39 with its SAGE chassis, and said he liked bedding the action over the SAGE system. I think the DMRs were pretty durable overall, but not as durable as an M40A3/A5 of that era.

The accuracy of the M14 DMR was very good with M118LR, but the bolt action snipers were sub-MOA with 5-rd group testing.
 
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My impression is that some MOS 2112s may have liked building the bolt-action sniper rifles a little more, given they have higher level of precision, and are arguably a little easier than build an M14 DMR.

That said, I do recall one 2112 who told me the USMC DMR was “an absolute hammer.” He didn’t care for its replacement, the M39 with its SAGE chassis, and said he liked bedding the action over the SAGE system. I think the DMRs were pretty durable overall, but not as durable as an M40A3/A5 of that era.

The accuracy of the M14 DMR was very good with M118LR, but the bolt action snipers were sub-MOA with 5-rd group testing.
My rack grade M1A seriously seems to be a consistent 2MOA rifle.

A real shooter could do better.

It shocked me how well it shoots compared to a mil spec Garand.

Both fall within the specs of their need in my opinion the plain Jane M1A exceedingly so.

You can ring the accuracy out of them, question is how long will it last.
 
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My rack grade M1A seriously seems to be a consistent 2MOA rifle.

A real shooter could do better.

It shocked me how well it shoots compared to a mil spec Garand.

Both fall within the specs of their need in my opinion the plain Jane M1A exceedingly so.

You can ring the accuracy out of them, question is how long will it last.
Every once in a while you get a rifle that just shoots great. Certainly in comparison to the others of it's type around it. But, what makes it do that? Was it a batch of better barrels? How the actions were made, or finished out? Did the rifle get bedded? Got to be some reason one rifle shoots so well over the others.
 
My impression is that some MOS 2112s may have liked building the bolt-action sniper rifles a little more, given they have higher level of precision, and are arguably a little easier than build an M14 DMR.

That said, I do recall one 2112 who told me the USMC DMR was “an absolute hammer.” He didn’t care for its replacement, the M39 with its SAGE chassis, and said he liked bedding the action over the SAGE system. I think the DMRs were pretty durable overall, but not as durable as an M40A3/A5 of that era.

The accuracy of the M14 DMR was very good with M118LR, but the bolt action snipers were sub-MOA with 5-rd group testing.
RG, would you or anyone else have some pics of DMR rifles from around 1999/2000? At Krieger barrels at that time I quoted and handle the order for the DMR barrels we made for the USMC. I still have the business card of the officer I dealt with. I know they where medium weight contour barrels. Had to use the standard M14 op rod guide. For the contract/order the USMC even sent us two M14 receivers (TRWs) that we could use to check fitment etc…when the job was complete I had to return the receivers (bummer) to the USMC.

If I recall correctly we had to make like 250 barrels.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
 
Awesome! Pic of the rifle is what I was looking for.

We did stamp the Krieger name on them and the s/n like usual and usually it would also say like 30 10 meaning 30cal and 10 twist. If the barrel was a 12 twist it would show 30 12.

I see they added more info as well.

Thanks for the pics!

Later, Frank
 
I see they added more info as well.
You might be referring to the hand-done “proof” stamp that Precision Weapons Section did on those barrels. Here’s what the 2112s did on each barrel (looks like a 2001 install/ proof date in the above picture of a DMR barrel).

8BC3416B-7F14-4903-8F31-F5EDC47F3631.jpeg
 
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