Why the M14 Remains America's Most Controversial Military Rifle

Don't know if I would agree with the "most controversial" moniker. The early M-16s were infamous for their unreliable performance in VN due to design and powder problems and the resulting deaths. There were three primary reasons the M-16 came to the fore: the M-16 and its ammunition was lighter therefore was a lighter load to carry; the emphasis in VN was more of a "spray and pray" rather than aimed fire; and McNamara liked the fact it was cheaper to produce. The fact that the M-14 is still the weapon of choice for long range accuracy is evidence it does what it was designed to do.

PO1 Tony Holland I Liked the M-14.

Before my time.

I certainly don't blame the M14 for teething issues, all rifles have those (certainly the M16 did). However, it was a rifle that was nearly obsolete as an infantry man's primary weapon when it was released. Warfare had moved on and the M14 was a holdout from prior war's design. We tend to be slow to change.

It's an excellent rifle and used for accurate long distance shooting and it had a great place in the military in that role.