difference

again from retirie. what is the difference between the m1 garand the m14 and the m1a

M1 Garand is 30-06 caliber, uses an enbloc magazine with eight rounds and was US's first semi-auto battle rifle. The M14 is the next generation US battle rifle that was 7.26mm X 51 (.308 Win-ish) detachable box magazine full auto. The M1A is the civilian, semi-auto version of the M14.

M1 Garand below
http://www.dandbmilitaria.com/ekmps/...44--4110-p.jpg

M14 below note the selector switch under the rear sight
https://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif

M1A below note no selector switch
http://world.guns.ru/assault/m14s.jpg

To clarify, the M1A is a trademarked name used by Springfield Armory, Inc (SAI). to identify their M14 clone rifles. They are not to be confused with Springfield National Armory, as in, the government run armory that was closed in 1968. Real M14's were produced by Springfield Armory (the government one), TRW, Harrington and Richardson and Winchester. Real M14's were select-fire and had either a button or a selector lever at the rear of the receiver.

I believe that because of legal reasons, SAI was not able to rename their rifles M14 so there is a rumor that they chose M1A because the "A" resembled a slanted "4". SAI purchased a large quantity of USGI M14 parts and used them to make their rifles which were built on cast receivers. Early M1A's are superb rifles as were the ones built up to the late 1990's but I'm not so hot on the newer ones coming off the line. GI parts have dried up and they use more overseas commercial reproduction parts.


You will see other companies use similar M14 names but rarely ever the term "M14" alone. My LRB says "M14SA" and sometimes you will see "M14 NM". So M14 is a term used to describe any M14 or M14 clone other than SAI's M1A. M1A is used to identify a SAI M14 clone.

sorry to get back to you so late. thanks for your info.