Not a sniper rifle, but an interesting ‘vintage’ build nonetheless. Just received my latest M1A project back from the builder and I don’t have a range report yet, but it’s kind-of a neat build for anyone interested in this old platform. The goal of this project was to build a close replica a USMC double-lugged, heavy-barrel, match M14 from the mid-1990s heyday. So again, this is not a sniper rifle, but the USMC applied some of the build characteristics used on the M14 DMR rifle that was subsequently developed in the late 1990s.
There is a lot of work that went into this replica match rifle, which included welding on front and rear lugs; properly threading the lugs for torque screws, and related bedding processes for a double-lugged rifle. (MarineTex is the bedding material). Many of the parts are from old USMC M14 match rifles that were decommissioned, such as the trigger group which had 3 sets of the last four digits stenciled on the side of the trigger group, indicating that this group was used on 3 different match rifles over time. It still has a match sticker on the trigger guard from its safety inspection to ensure the trigger pull is not less than 4.5 lbs. Other USMC take-off parts are flash hider, front and rear match sights, modified op rod, TRW bolt, and the McMillan stock, etc.
Fwiw, this project started with just a 1995 Gene Barnett heavy profile match barrel that was made specifically for the USMC shooting team. The barrel was NOS/never chambered, and is marked “USMC REV 1”. I was told by a retired USMC 2112 that the “REV 1” barrels were unique in that they lacked a gas port hole for the gas cylinder, and the shoulder surface where the gas cylinder mates with the stock ferrule was pushed forward ~ 0.001”. This reportedly allowed the USMC precision armorers to pre-fit the gas cylinder and gas cylinder lock for ideal timing without the need to use shims between the gas cylinder and the barrel’s mating shoulder. Once the gas cylinder/gas cylinder lock was pre-fitted, the barrel was then marked for the gas port hole and subsequently drilled in the ideal location.
I should also note that most USMC match M14 barrels were typically 1:12 twist, and the other interesting thing about this “REV 1” barrel is that the twist rate is 1:10. I understand that some of these barrels might have been used for certain long-range/1000 yard events. Note: This build has a USMC take-off front sight that was filed back in the day to be very thin (0.031”) and very short, reportedly these modified sights were used on their 1000 yard M14s.
It took almost two years to collect all the parts, prep and weld the receiver for double lugs, and finish the build by having Accuracy Speaks in AZ professionally bed it in MarineTex. I do not have a range report yet, and unfortunately I will not be able to shoot this iron-sighted rifle to its full potential given my sub-optimal middle-age eyesight and overall skill level, but I do intend to enjoy it at the range from time to time. Weight with sling and an empty magazine is 13 lb 7 ozs. (I also have a USMC Weapon book filled out by the builder re specs, but it is being mailed back separately).
Just a random post for anyone interested in this replica of a vintage USMC M14 match rifle.
There is a lot of work that went into this replica match rifle, which included welding on front and rear lugs; properly threading the lugs for torque screws, and related bedding processes for a double-lugged rifle. (MarineTex is the bedding material). Many of the parts are from old USMC M14 match rifles that were decommissioned, such as the trigger group which had 3 sets of the last four digits stenciled on the side of the trigger group, indicating that this group was used on 3 different match rifles over time. It still has a match sticker on the trigger guard from its safety inspection to ensure the trigger pull is not less than 4.5 lbs. Other USMC take-off parts are flash hider, front and rear match sights, modified op rod, TRW bolt, and the McMillan stock, etc.
Fwiw, this project started with just a 1995 Gene Barnett heavy profile match barrel that was made specifically for the USMC shooting team. The barrel was NOS/never chambered, and is marked “USMC REV 1”. I was told by a retired USMC 2112 that the “REV 1” barrels were unique in that they lacked a gas port hole for the gas cylinder, and the shoulder surface where the gas cylinder mates with the stock ferrule was pushed forward ~ 0.001”. This reportedly allowed the USMC precision armorers to pre-fit the gas cylinder and gas cylinder lock for ideal timing without the need to use shims between the gas cylinder and the barrel’s mating shoulder. Once the gas cylinder/gas cylinder lock was pre-fitted, the barrel was then marked for the gas port hole and subsequently drilled in the ideal location.
I should also note that most USMC match M14 barrels were typically 1:12 twist, and the other interesting thing about this “REV 1” barrel is that the twist rate is 1:10. I understand that some of these barrels might have been used for certain long-range/1000 yard events. Note: This build has a USMC take-off front sight that was filed back in the day to be very thin (0.031”) and very short, reportedly these modified sights were used on their 1000 yard M14s.
It took almost two years to collect all the parts, prep and weld the receiver for double lugs, and finish the build by having Accuracy Speaks in AZ professionally bed it in MarineTex. I do not have a range report yet, and unfortunately I will not be able to shoot this iron-sighted rifle to its full potential given my sub-optimal middle-age eyesight and overall skill level, but I do intend to enjoy it at the range from time to time. Weight with sling and an empty magazine is 13 lb 7 ozs. (I also have a USMC Weapon book filled out by the builder re specs, but it is being mailed back separately).
Just a random post for anyone interested in this replica of a vintage USMC M14 match rifle.
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