M14 Article: Part Three

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I'm convinced that owning an M14 is a love hate relationship. Its a bit like lusting after someone even though you know that person is totally nuts and will someday probably leave you crying in a beer with an empty bank account.

No wait, its not KIND of like that, its EXACTLY like that. But I digress.

I ran the M14 in its last configuration for about 5 months before deciding that the solution I currently had wasn't satisfactory. Because of the layout of an M14, having good comb height to use a scope meant that getting to the backup irons was almost impossible The McMillian stock didn't really help this situation at all, yes it was possible to adjust comb height, but it was a cumbersome slow task and not at all suited to a fluid/tactical situation. The first sign of this was the scope mount issue during last June's carbine match when I couldn't get
low enough to switch to irons. So I needed a different approach and began looking for something to address some of these issues.

I started out with a couple of experiments to try and solidify the direction of the rifle. The original roles I was attempting to build for called for a M14 that was as capable in CQB environments as it was out to 600 meters.

Rather than try to make the accessories of the rifle try and do everything, I decided to allow minor changes from one role to the next. So I started with a recipe for the CQB version first. This meant optics, vertical foregrip, stock, and weapons light. Since a new recipe called for new optics I looked around trying to find a less conventional approach. After talking to Insight Technologies and reading some initial information I decided to give their Integrated Sight Module-Visible Laser (ISM-v) a try. I mounted up a CTR stock, ladder rail covers and MIAD grip from Magpul for finish out the furniture portion. And since I also needed a VFG and weapons light, I found an off the shelf solution from Streamlight in their new all aluminum VFG (with rail mount) and 6v, 135 lumen SuperTac light. So the "CQB" version of the rifle was setup with:

° FDE Troy MCS
° FDE Troy Industries Folding Battle Sights (Backup Iron Sights)
° Insight Technologies ISM-v red dot/laser weapon sight
° Magpul Industries CTR Stock, MIAD Grip and Rail Covers in FDE
° Streamlight SuperTac Flashlight & Streamlight VFG with railmount
° Checkmate Industries new 25rd M14 magazines

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The first place to start was the stock. After a fair amount of research I settled on the Troy Industries Modular Chassis System (MCS) for several reasons. It takes the M14's action and mounts it in a aluminum chassis that approximates the AR15/M16 layout. By moving the action lower in the chassis, recoil is directed straight back instead of back and down like a 'normal' M14 stock. The MCS also uses a fair amount of AR15/M16 accessories such as stocks, pistol grips, backup iron sights and other items. Because of the interchangability of accessories, the M14 platform can be made friendlier to people venturing over from the AR15/M16 world. But I will say that there are good and less good things about this layout.

Troy Industries Modular Chassis System

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Before we talk about the good and bad, let's look at what Troy Industries says about the M14 Modular Chassis System:

° Patent Pending Design
° Machined from billet T6 aluminum
° MIL-Std. hard coat anodized
° MIL-Std. M1913 rails located at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock
° All rails feature numbered cross slots
° Single plane, full-length top rail allows perfect co-witness of iron sights and optics
° Mounts all optical sights and scopes
° Optics & sights remain mounted and undisturbed while field stripped
° Stocks are available in Black & Flat Dark Earth
° Will fit USGI M-14's and commercial variants
° Field strips without tools
° Duplicates the ergonomics of the AR Type rifles and the M4 Carbine
° Accepts all M16/M4 pistol grips and stocks
° Only available with the selector cutout, but will install on all semi-auto rifles

This stock will fit a MK14 Mod0, USGI M14, SOCOM, Scout, Bush, Standard, Medium, Loaded, National Match, Super Match, or any configuration without a rear lug. The butt stock, buffer tube, pistol grip, rail mounted sights/optics, and accessories are not included and available for purchase separately.

The TROY M14 Modular Chassis System can be configured for every mission need to include Close Quarters Battle (CQB)
Carbine, Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) or a Semi-Auto Sniper System (SASS).

The MCS is easily mounted and took me about 45 minutes to put everything together. I had a really hard time getting the upper and lower sections separated the first time but after that initial issue, breaking the rifle down for cleaning and maintenence has been quick and easy. A caveat, the MCS is designed to tension bed the rifle within its chassis and because of this; some things that you'd see on an accurized M14 aren't needed. Primarily this related to having a national match gas cylinder, since welding the assembly creates a metal bead that interferes with the MCS's retention system. Not ALL national match gas cylinders have this problem (mine didn't) but the documentation didn't cover this aspect, so be careful when you put the chassis together since you could cause the weapon to not
function properly.

The quality of the MCS was apparent, all rails were properly numbered (top, bottom, left, right), M1913 rails were all in spec (according to the Snap-On MIC103 digital micrometer). The full top rail was a welcome relief from the cobbled together scope mounts that have plagued the M14 since its inception. The flat dark earth coating has held up well and it was obvious that the coating was carefully applied (no runs, drips, smears etc) and attention to detail was very good overall. The MCS comes bare. You get the upper and lower sections and a couple of allen wrenches to assemble it any nothing else. Once assembled, the system holds the receiver and action in a multipoint tension bed that's metal on metal. Nothing to bed, nothing to move. Kudo's to Troy.

Overall the weapon handles well, more balanced and quite frankly, very poised. I'm not sure in the big picture how much the new design reduces recoil, but it recoils "differently" now. Before after a day of shooting the M14 with the McMillian stock it was common, even with the Ace 1" pad, to have a sore or bruised shoulder at the end of the day. With the McMillian, you'll recall that I tried both the padded Ace stock and a bare M4 stock, this time I tried a Lewis Machine & Tool SOPMOD stock and a Magpul CTR, so again I had a padded and an unpadded stock. And even after several range trips I've yet to feel the pain that I did before. It still kicks, don't get me wrong, but its
different somehow. Chalk one up to Troy for doing their homework on this issue.

I ran many of my normal drills to try the combination out and found lots of good and some bad. None of it is insurmountable however. I'll start with the Troy MCS since its the largest overall difference. The change to the AR style layout of the MCS has some platform issues that take some getting used to. Because of the change to AR style layout, most of us that are schooled in the 'nose to the charging handle' style of AR15/M16 shooting will find that either the folded down rear sight or the "charging handle" area will gouge you in the cheek pretty good from recoil of the weapon. You can extend the stock back further but that changes your length of pull (LOP) and
accentuates the rifles tendency to feel "long", since it really doesn't need any help in that arena. I also had a slight fitment issue with the widebackstrap of the Magpul MIAD grip not 'aligning' with the backstrap of the MCS. I might have to fiddle with it and see if it can be solved.

But overall the weapon chassis was solid, stable and given that the weight didn't really change that much; yes I lost a heavy steel mount and a stock with a limited rail system, but the new system is a lot more metal, so it all evened out. Unlike the earlier mount/stock system I had no zero problems and all the normal activities that go along with this, shoothouses, range work, accessory swapping, field stripping, competition, etc, et al, didn't phase the MCS at all. It truly took everything I threw at it in stride, with nary a hitch.

Troy Industries Folding Battle Sights

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The Troy Industry Folding Battle Sights (BUIS) are also an benchmark item that other BUIS systems are judged again. The Troy BUIS deploy quickly, locking in the up position and feature tamper resistant 1/2 MOA adjustments and a host of other features. Install was a breeze and while I was at it I installed a KNS Precision front sight post. The position the apertures is at the exact same height as the factory sights, with no levers or springs so deployment of the sight under stress is easy. To fold the sights down, simply press the release button located on the left side of the sight.

Of the two problems that I had; one is minor, the other is a fairly serious a problem (for me). The first is the annoyance, when you "unfold" the rear sight, it defaults to the larger, low light (commonly referred to as the CQB) aperture. I prefer the small .010 aperture. The second is that in order for the sight to have no protruding edges, the .010 aperture has a small bevel cut into the top of it. In bright light situations the top of the ghost ring "washes out". This to me is a problem, I verified the problem with several other Troy Industry Folding Battle Sight owners, and at this point I think everyone basically just thought it was them, not the sight. I'll follow up with
Troy and see what they say about this.

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Insight Technologies Integrated Sighting Module (Visible Laser)

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The ISM-v is a truly innovative red dot sight. just to look at the features is to breath out a 'wow'. It boasts:

° Co-aligned Aiming Laser and Red Dot
° Mounts to any MIL-STD-1913 Rail
° 1.7 MOA Dot size with negligible Parallax
° Variable Power Selections for Lighting Conditions
° 7 daytime brightness settings
° 5 nighttime brightness settings, compatible with night vision devices
° Operates on One 3-Volt Lithium Battery
° 1500 hours battery life for red dot
° 8 hours continues on red dot & laser use
° Less Than 10 oz.

The glass was clean and clear, the fine 1.7 moa dot is very forgiving to aging eyes and the ISM held its zero thru thick and thin with aplomb despite my best efforts to dislodge it or cause it to lose its zero. I have to admit, when I first saw it, I groaned. The ISM-v is made from the same polymer material as the Insight PEQ-2 which has a habit of getting itself knocked off of the top of many a rifle in the sandbox. However, after consulting with a source from within the Special Forces Community (thank you), I got an insight (no pun) into improvements that were made to the system to improve its durability. Battery life for the red dot itself is very good, maybe not 10,000hrs yet, but 1500 is very admirable and I've left it on several times, run the laser a fair amount and I'm still on the original battery that Insight provided with no loss of performance. I really have no issues with the ISM-v in the big scheme of things. I wish it used a separate battery for the laser and that they had a rail mounted tape switch, but those are preferences and not dislikes.

I was able during competition to hit targets consistently (when I did my part) with the ISM-v out to 425 yards. For a 1x red dot, that's pretty impressive, considering that every other person competing was running a 3x or better scope against the that ISM-v. Insight has done their homework and it really shows in this piece of equipment.

Magpul Industries CTR Stock, Magpuls, MIAD Grip and Rail Covers

Its hard to say more good about Magpuls products, time and time again, they stand up to everything I throw at them. I've had a grand total of 1 Magpul tear. In the dozens (hundreds?) that I have one failure. That's pretty damn admirable. I found that the CTR was a bit overwhelmed by the recoil of the M14. Admittedly it was designed for a much smaller weapon, so I really can't complain. I'm considering getting one of Magpul's rubber pads and seeing if that helps. Other than that, everything worked as stated, first time, every time. Can't ask for much more than that.

CTR Carbine Stock
The patent-pending Compact/Type Restricted (CTR) is a drop-in replacement for the standard M4 stock body. Designed for stability, the CTR utilizes a shielded operation lever and a friction locking system that secures the stock to the buffer tube for zero movement.

• Friction locking system that eliminates all stock movement
• Sloping cheek weld for improved user interface
• Ambidextrous sling mounts for QD, 1.25" loops, and lanyard hole
• Side mounting slots for cheek risers
• LOP Adjust= 3.3 inch
• Weight: .0785 pounds without rubber butt-pad or spacer butt-pad
• Collapsed Length: 7.2" without rubber butt-pad or spacer butt-pad
• Extended Length: 10.5" without rubber butt-pad or spacer butt-pad

MIAD - Misson ADaptable AR15/M16 Grip Basic Kit

The Magpul Mission Adaptable Grip (MIAD) is a drop in replacement for the pistol grip on the M16/M4/Ar15 series of rifles. It features removable and replaceable front and rear panels for a custom fit over multiple hand sizes.Grip features improved ergonimics and positive rough texture on both sides and rear backstraps. Features a removable inner core that allows for storage (3 round plug included) Custom storage of batteries (waterproof) or bolt/firing pin is available with optional cores. The basic Kit includes 3 size backstraps (s,m,l), 2 frontstraps, 3 round core plug, installation hardware.

• Aggressive no-slip texture
• Small (B1), medium (B2), and large (B3) back-straps
• A1 and A2 style front-straps
• Three-round 5.56 NATO storage core
• Weight: .190-0.260 pounds

Ladder Rail Protectors

• Provides a very low profile grip
• Protects the operator from sharp rail edges
• Protects unmounted rail areas from damage
• Prevents damage to gear, such as rappelling ropes, that may be abraded or cut by uncovered rail sections
• The Santoprene covers provide a rubbery surface for improved weapon control
• Easily cut for custom fitting. Each protector covers 17 slots of rail

Magpuls

When installed on the base of a rifle or subgun magazine, the Magpul provides unsurpassed speed and controllability
during high stress, tactical magazine changes.

• Durable thermoplastic loop with recessed rough gripping surface
• Quick and easy installation and removal
• Patented design based upon the tried and true para-cord loops and duct-tape tabs currently in use with special
warfare units worldwide

Streamlight Super Tac Flashlight and Vertical Foregrip w/ Rail

To be honest, the first thing that went thru my mind when I saw the Super Tac light at SHOT was "Holy Cow, it looks
like a tacticool ice cream cone.". Then I saw its beam. Even under the bright Sodium lights inside the convention center, the Super Tac could throw. This is the Nolan Ryan of flashlights. Even across the building it's beam was less than 3 feet at 25 yards. Considering the competition, the Super Tac has a lot going for it. Most 9v lights top out around 125 lumens. With the Super Tac you get 135 lumens on tap from only 2 3v batteries. So not only does the light weight less, you get the advantage of a unbreakable LED to boot. The only real issue I had wasn't with the light, it was with the VFG. There are 2 small steel pins that align the two halves. These pins aren't locked into
place and are easily lost when changing or installing the VFG. A minor issue, but one that could sideline the installation of the grip.

Super Tac™ Flashlight

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° Up to 30,000 peak beam candlepower
° C4 LED is 3X brighter than a Super high-flux LED
° 135 Lumens
° Runtime: up to 3.5 hours
° Machined Aluminum
° Length: 6.62 inches (16.81 cm)
° Weight: 7.1 oz (200 g)
° Extended Warranty
° Two 3 Volt CR123A Batteries (included)
° Holster Included

Streamlight Vertical Grip w/ Rail

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° 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
° CNC Machined
° Rail-Grabber
° Type II Class 3 Hard Black Anodized
° Mounts To Any Picatinny / Weaver Rail
° O-Ring Sealed Waterproof compartment
° Vertical & Horizontal Ribs For Secure Grip
° 2.5 Inch Picatinny Mounting Rail
° 5 Holes On Rail For Tie down
° Ultra Light Weight Only 6.5oz
° Lifetime Warranty

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I also came up with a version that I tailored a bit more for the DMR role. By switching a few items, VFG, stock, adding a magnifier for the optic, I did the weapon equivalent of 'changing gears'. I took off the Streamlight VFG/Light combo and went back to the GripPod with its VFG/Bipod combination, switched from the Magpul CTR to the Lewis Machine and Tool SOPMOD stock and finally adding a LaRue Tactical "Po Boy" magnifier.

Lewis Machine & Tool SOPMOD Stock

I'm not going to recover the GripPod since I spoke at length about it last time. So that leaves two major items. First up the LMT SOPMOD; and unless you've been living under a tactical rock, the SOPMOD is probably one of the most popular aftermarket stocks out there with good reason. The stock has several key points:

° Improved cheek weld for better shooting position
° Watertight battery storage compartments.
° Padded buttplate reduces felt recoil and provides no-slip surface against web gear and body armor. (this is a HUGE deal with a M14)
° LMT is the sole provider of the SOPMOD Buttstock to the US Special Ops Command, US Army, US Navy, US Air Force,
US Marine Corps and other government agencies and bureaus

And now since its available in Flat Dark Earth, the options just keep on coming. I've had three SOPMOD stocks on my rifles over the years and never managed to break or cause one to fail. The cheekweld is super and the pad really helps manage the M14's recoil. Its heavier than a lot of other stocks, so there's a tradeoff, but for an application like a DMR M14, its almost a requirement.

Checkmate Industries M14 Magazines

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Most people don't know this, but there's only ONE company that makes USGI spec M14 magazines and that company is Checkmate Industries. I haven't understood in the last several years, while the market has been flooded with 30+ dollar counterfeit M14 magazines from overseas why people didn't simply buy REAL M14 magazines for less than 25.00 each from Checkmate distributors. Oh well, all you can do is lead a horse to water as it were.

Checkmate, despite having a strong business in all kinds of magazines (they're the official M1A magazine supplier to Springfield Armory) Checkmate hasn't been content to rest on their past successes. They've recently introduced a new line of 25rd M14/M1A magazines and a 20rd stainless steel model. I've used these new magazines and they've done really well, no failures of any sort. The only gripe I have is that the stainless steel ones can be slick as all get out in your hands without a Magpul on them. They will slip right out of a nylon pouch if your retention system isn't 100% good to go. Conversely, they don't hang at all when pulling them out either.

If you're going to get magazines for your M14, get Checkmate Industry brand mags. They don't cost anymore and they'll save you a world of headaches.

LaRue Tactical "Poor Boy" Magnifier

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The last item is the LaRue Tactical "Poor Boy" magnifier. This was designed for a variety of red dot sights such as the ISM-v, Aimpoint M2 and EOTech HWS to extend their capabilities without the 400.00+ price tag of the Aimpoint or EOTech magnifier. Based on the 2.5 power Hensoldt magnifiers that were surplus off of German military anti-tank systems. LaRue had them refurbished by scrubbing off the tank buster reticle and then having magnifier purged and reassembled. You get the pivot mount and magnifier for a bit more than 1/2 of what an Aimpoint/EOTech magnifier would cost to your door. And the system works great on an AR. But... not so well on the M14. Because of the age of the magnifier, optical technology was a lot more primitive back when these were designed. So the 1" eye relief,
while ok on a low recoil AR was simply too close to the eye on the hard recoil M14. If you're looking for a black eye, then this is your combo. Don't get me wrong, its a great combo, just not an ideal magnifier on heavy recoil rifle. So my search for the 'perfect' magnified optic continues.

Whew. Thanks for sticking thru a really long write up. The rifle is getting there, the MCS has really advanced the platform and if I can get a magnified optic for the DMR role, I'll be pretty happy, but that friends, is another review on another day!

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Fine looking rifle there!! I am going to complete my full length service M14 and then think about building a 18" barrel version. The stock is freakin awesome. It looks like it eliminates the cheek weld problem with GI stocks and optics.