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FALPhil · 12-11-2002, 06:33 AM

The M14 was given extra points because the DoD was "sold" on the dubious concept that the M1 tooling could be easily and cheaply retrofitted to build M14s because of the similarity in the weapons. Along with that notion, came similar ones concerning maintenance and training.

The M14 has got a lot going for it - when compared to the Garand. However, when you compare it to the FAL, the FAL appears to have an edge.

Ergonomics: When compared to traditional designs, the M14 has got very good ergonomics, but it is still a tradtional ergonomic design that had not changed in 85 years. The FAL is a pistol-grip assault style design. That means it's easier and faster to bring into action and easier to control. Cleaning is much easier and the barrel can be cleaned from the breech end.

Sights: The M14 has the best battle sights, hands down. Unless the FAL is equipped with an optical sight (which, BTW, is much much easier than the M14) or a non-standard peep sight, FAL sights suck in comparison.

Accuracy: The M14 can be made into a highly accurate platform with a lot of work. FALs can be made just as accurate, but it takes even more work. The difference between the two is in maintainability of that accuracy. M14s have a definite deterioration curve when it comes to accuracy. FALs, OTOH are pretty consistent through their serviceable lifetime. My experience with real M14s and M1As has been that rack grade M14s and rack grade FALs have about the same level of accuracy.

Simple and Complex Field Maintenance: What can I say? Anyone who says the M14 has an advantage in this area eoither has never performed any on a FAL or is suffering from cranial rectosis.

Armory maintenance:There is no qestion that the FAL has an advantage here. A FAL can be completely disaasembled and rebuilt in about the time it takes to get M14 disassembled. It is a much more forgiving design, which is why they are so popular among the homebrew set.

I love the M14. To me its a prettier rifle. But let's face facts: the FAL has more going for it as a long term solution.

12-11-2002, 06:33 AM	#16
FALPhil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Occupied Confederacy Posts: 242	Should we have adopted the FAL? The M14 was given extra points because the DoD was "sold" on the dubious concept that the M1 tooling could be easily and cheaply retrofitted to build M14s because of the similarity in the weapons. Along with that notion, came similar ones concerning maintenance and training. The M14 has got a lot going for it - when compared to the Garand. However, when you compare it to the FAL, the FAL appears to have an edge. Ergonomics: When compared to traditional designs, the M14 has got very good ergonomics, but it is still a tradtional ergonomic design that had not changed in 85 years. The FAL is a pistol-grip assault style design. That means it's easier and faster to bring into action and easier to control. Cleaning is much easier and the barrel can be cleaned from the breech end. Sights: The M14 has the best battle sights, hands down. Unless the FAL is equipped with an optical sight (which, BTW, is much much easier than the M14) or a non-standard peep sight, FAL sights suck in comparison. Accuracy: The M14 can be made into a highly accurate platform with a lot of work. FALs can be made just as accurate, but it takes even more work. The difference between the two is in maintainability of that accuracy. M14s have a definite deterioration curve when it comes to accuracy. FALs, OTOH are pretty consistent through their serviceable lifetime. My experience with real M14s and M1As has been that rack grade M14s and rack grade FALs have about the same level of accuracy. Simple and Complex Field Maintenance: What can I say? Anyone who says the M14 has an advantage in this area eoither has never performed any on a FAL or is suffering from cranial rectosis. Armory maintenance:There is no qestion that the FAL has an advantage here. A FAL can be completely disaasembled and rebuilt in about the time it takes to get M14 disassembled. It is a much more forgiving design, which is why they are so popular among the homebrew set. I love the M14. To me its a prettier rifle. But let's face facts: the FAL has more going for it as a long term solution.