Due to the like (love) for all firearms, I joined the U.S. Army for three years back in mid 50's with a specific assurance that I'd be attending the Small Arms Repair School at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD. Didn't have M14's or M16's yet back then but did enjoy working on the Garands, Carbines, Thompsons, 03's, 03A3's, 1911's, Grease guns, 1919A4's and 1918 BAR's, Mod 97 and 12 Winschesters plus MANY others.. As the old saying goes, it was a million dollar experience but I'd not give a plug nickle for another one just like it.