[jismail]

Originally Posted by locutus

Fal and M14 more ergonomic by far, but the ancient "piston" type gas systems and the wooden furniture relegate them to curio status.

I would not think the piston action would classify the M14 as a curio or relic... if it aint broke, don't fix it.....

[locutus]

Originally Posted by jismail

I would not think the piston action would classify the M14 as a curio or relic... if it aint broke, don't fix it.....

to each his own!

[UKBleedBlue]

I wouldn't consider my M21 as a curio or relic. Wooden furniture, check. Gas piston, check. Ability to engage and neutralize targets out to 1000 yds, check. To each his own....there's soul in wood and steel.
Oh yes, it's not light (11.6 pounds before optics, mount, bipod), and it's not cheap, but everyone has their dream and this one is mine. Repeatable, reliable, and a joy to shoot. It's easy to work on, easy to maintain, and easy to customize.
Cons...hand loading is necessary unless you go with milsurp ammo. Initial price can be scary. I bought (gently) used and was over $2k....don't expect to ever sell, but knowing about this rifle (tuned by Glenn Nelson) doubting that I will lose money.
Bottom line, everyone has their own opinion...and none are "wrong". It's up to the individual to figure out what is "best" in their eyes/situation.

[ikeepem]

Why mess around unless monies a concern...M1a or a Garand any and all day long..dependability, durability and accuracy, the military didn't bring back the M14 for no reason...mine was very accurate out of the box but with a Tubbs Op rod spring and Sadlak NM spring guide made a big difference and I ain't messin with it no more..

[M1Anut]

All three are great rifles. All three will run great. Accuracy, isn't that what it's all about? Iron sights at distance, thats where the M1A/M14 pulls away. Never had one shoot bad "out of the box"!

[Donn]

M-14. Yeah, it's heavy, (so are the mags/ammo), but with average skills, if you can see the target, you can hit it, iron sights or optics. I am partial, wish I still had my old basic training issue '14.