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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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M14 rifle

The M14 rifle is an American select-fire battle rifle chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The M14 rifle is an American select-fire battle rifle chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition. Adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces in 1957 and produced from 1959, it replaced the M1 Garand as the standard service rifle before later being supplanted by the M16.

Development and adoption

The M14 was selected in the 1950s as the U.S. military's new service rifle and was formally adopted in 1957. It was based on the M1 Garand design but updated to use detachable magazines and the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge.

Design and specifications

The M14 is a gas-operated, select-fire rifle with a 20-round magazine. Commonly cited specifications include a 22-inch barrel, overall length of about 44.3 inches, and a maximum cyclic rate around 750 rounds per minute.

Military service

The M14 replaced the M1 Garand in U.S. service and was later replaced in general infantry use by the M16 during the 1960s and early 1970s. Despite this, it continued to see limited service in training and specialist roles.

Later use and variants

After its frontline replacement, the M14 remained useful as a long-range rifle in some military roles. Modernized variants and rebuilds have been used by U.S. forces as designated marksman or sniper-support weapons.

Key facts

  • The M14 is an American select-fire battle rifle chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition.
  • It was adopted in 1957 and production began in 1959, replacing the M1 Garand.
  • The rifle uses a 20-round detachable box magazine and has a 22-inch barrel.
  • It was later replaced in general infantry use by the M16 but remained in limited service as a marksman or designated marksman rifle.
  • The M14 is historically significant in Cold War-era small-arms development.
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Canadian context

The M14 is mainly relevant to Canadian readers as a historically significant Cold War-era military rifle used by the United States and discussed in firearms collecting, military history, and small-arms development.

Frequently asked questions

What is the M14 rifle?
The M14 is an American battle rifle chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition and designed as a select-fire successor to the M1 Garand.
When was the M14 adopted?
It was accepted as the U.S. service rifle in 1957, and production began in 1959.
What did the M14 replace?
The M14 replaced the M1 Garand as the standard U.S. service rifle and was later replaced in general infantry use by the M16.
How many rounds does the M14 magazine hold?
The standard M14 uses a 20-round detachable box magazine.
Is the M14 still used?
Yes, but only in limited roles. It has continued to appear in military service as a marksman or specialized rifle rather than as the standard infantry weapon.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M14_rifle
    Supports: Adoption date, cartridge, service role, and replacement of the M1 Garand.
  2. Army Times — https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/02/10/the-m14-rifle-what-you-didnt-know-about-its-history/
    Supports: Production history and basic specifications including magazine capacity, dimensions, rate of fire, and muzzle velocity.
  3. Ashton Armoury Museum — https://www.ashtonarmourymuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/USA-M14-rifle.pdf
    Supports: Official designation, service history, replacement by the M16, and use in U.S. military training.
  4. Army Historical Foundation — https://armyhistory.org/m14-rifle/
    Supports: Adoption history and later military use as a marksman-type rifle.