I would have to say that I love this rifle. It is absolutely a joy too shoot! I'm still working with the sighting (good out too 200-300 yds.) with open sights. I'm sure I will be able to do better. However I can't see this being an ideal combat weapon. Sure it packs a punch and is accurate. But I was doing some rapid fire drills with it and well lets just say accuracy suffered. I think in full auto it would be even worse? I see where the AR is better in that regard. Still love the thing though, my .02

The Cartridge 7.62 NATO is just too powerful to be used in a select fire weapon.

The M14 is a WONDERFUL rifle..it feels good in the hands, inspires confidence, has good ergonomics, can hit your target a long ways off, and the round has enough PUNCH to get through a lot of COVER and nail the guy on the other side.

It is truly a Riflemans Rifle.

Basically the M-14 was the right rifle at the wrong time.  It was obsolescent when it was introduced.  The time and money put into its development was a waste as far as the military is concerned.  

However, this is one example of government waste that I don’t mind since we civilians got a really great rifle out of it.  This should happen more often!

ed-

You have made a prety good assessment of the M1A rifle, IMO.

I love mine too, if I EVER get it back from the guy working on it.

IF? I could only keep one. It would probably be the M1A.
Sigh.........
Only one? Sniff, sniff