12-17-2011, 04:52 AM
That M14A1 has a muzzle break to help keep it controllable on AUTO, which is a non-starter for any 7.62 battle rifle fed from a 20rd mag for a sustained fire role. Also, the M14A1 was meant to be an automatic rifleman's weapon, and failed miserably at that due to mag capacity limitations, and barrel heating. A .625" fore-end barrel ain't gonna cut the mustard for sustained full auto. The M14's receiver is a dirt and debris funnel that ends in the magazine as well, so in sandy environments, it becomes a dirt suck magnet, with malf's fairly common, but we already knew this from the 1955 trials...
Nice comparison of a 240lb shooter leaning into the muzzle-breaked M14A1 with a 120lb kid shooting the AR10 without a muzzle brake and not using the modern technique to drive the gun. Still, notice how small the AR10 looks even in a kid's hands.
Stoner's genius is evidenced in several areas:
Use of aircraft-grade aluminum for the receiver
Barrel extension fit into Aluminum receivers
Overall lightweight never achieved before in that caliber class
Fitting of receivers together
Mild recoil impulse in a lightweight auto-loading rifle
Excellent ergonomics and ease of user interface for common controls
Inherent accuracy
The ergos of the AR are currently being copied by makers of shotguns, numerous other assault rifle designs, and even bolt guns. The AR is still the easiest and fastest platform to change mags with, actuate the selector with using your firing hand, index the sights with, and it balances better than any other assault rifle I have used, save maybe the AUG (which has polymer fire control parts).
I'll be the first to admit that the charge handle design is nowhere near optimum, but I still don't like side-chargers on the right side of the weapon. The most convenient charge handle design is on the Sturmgewehr grandaddy of assault rifles, and the Belgian FAL. The original AR10 and AR15 "trigger" charge handles were a nice attempt at one of the first ambidextrous designs, but were too hot to handle after high-volume sessions, and almost impossible to use with winter mittens. It is very difficult to find a more ergonomic charge handle for the AR, and still keep the receiver closed to help keep out debris.
For me and those who run the guns on a regular basis, the AR charge handle isn't an issue. I use the BCM Gunfighter handles on my AR's, and they come in 3 different handle lengths for your preferences. If one wants, there are several left and right-side chargers to choose from for the AR.
Nice comparison of a 240lb shooter leaning into the muzzle-breaked M14A1 with a 120lb kid shooting the AR10 without a muzzle brake and not using the modern technique to drive the gun. Still, notice how small the AR10 looks even in a kid's hands.
Stoner's genius is evidenced in several areas:
Use of aircraft-grade aluminum for the receiver
Barrel extension fit into Aluminum receivers
Overall lightweight never achieved before in that caliber class
Fitting of receivers together
Mild recoil impulse in a lightweight auto-loading rifle
Excellent ergonomics and ease of user interface for common controls
Inherent accuracy
The ergos of the AR are currently being copied by makers of shotguns, numerous other assault rifle designs, and even bolt guns. The AR is still the easiest and fastest platform to change mags with, actuate the selector with using your firing hand, index the sights with, and it balances better than any other assault rifle I have used, save maybe the AUG (which has polymer fire control parts).
I'll be the first to admit that the charge handle design is nowhere near optimum, but I still don't like side-chargers on the right side of the weapon. The most convenient charge handle design is on the Sturmgewehr grandaddy of assault rifles, and the Belgian FAL. The original AR10 and AR15 "trigger" charge handles were a nice attempt at one of the first ambidextrous designs, but were too hot to handle after high-volume sessions, and almost impossible to use with winter mittens. It is very difficult to find a more ergonomic charge handle for the AR, and still keep the receiver closed to help keep out debris.
For me and those who run the guns on a regular basis, the AR charge handle isn't an issue. I use the BCM Gunfighter handles on my AR's, and they come in 3 different handle lengths for your preferences. If one wants, there are several left and right-side chargers to choose from for the AR.