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Posted: 1/16/2010 2:01:38 PM EDT
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just a quick question about a difference between the M1 and M1A: but M1 takes the 8 round clips, and the M1A loads rounds via a magazine?
i guess what im trying to clarify is, does the M1A accept the older 8 round clips as well, or magazine only? |
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The M14 is basically a product-improved M1 Garand, designed to overcome perceived shortcomings of the M1 at the end of WWII. Developments in gunpowder had made it possible to get essentially the same ballistics as M2 Ball out of a 1/2" shorter cartridge case, so the Army developed what became the 7.62X51mm NATO cartridge. Changes like magazine feed, the bolt roller, and the tappet gas system were all perceived shortcomings of the M1. In fact, the Army had decided to add the bolt roller to the M1 before WWII ended. The plan was shelved due to the imminent end of the war.
Unfortunately, while they were redesigning the main battle rifle, the Army brass decided to replace the Browning Automatic Rifle, M1 Carbine, and the M1 Garand, all with one new weapon. They made the rifle light enough that it could replace the Carbine, then added the select-fire capability and found that the rifle was both difficult to control in automatic fire, and not durable enough for extended automatic fire. One requirement forced upon the Army by a reluctant Congress was that any new rifle must be produced with existing machinery and tooling - something that proved impractical. The M14 cannot be loaded with the 8-round en-bloc clip of the Garand, but was commonly loaded with 5-round stripper clips. It could also be topped off with loose cartridges. |
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