The combat rifle that just won't die

[Jim Visel]

When the M-14 replaced the M-1 Garand, the BAR, and the M1 Carbine, not only was the machinery replaced, but the venerable .30-06 caliber cartridge was as well. While there will always be them that quote Grandpa's "If it don't need fixin', leave it alone." (and for good reason) none-the-less, politics being what it is, the new 7.62 (.308 Winchester) became the premier battle-cartridge for the US military. Proven in Vietnam (as was the M-14 and the M-60, both in that caliber), the M-14(M1A) in 7.62 NATO, is still in the field today, more than 40 years after it was introduced. There is reason for that...it works where lesser calibers simply do not (because they cannot).

There are some new after-market perks for those of you who cater to Grandpa's admonition about not fixin' things! Check out the August edition of Dillon's Blue Press, www.bluepress.com for a copy, which sports (among other things) a new wrap for the M-14. The brainchild of Sgt Richard Cabral (Circa Vietnam- Iraq) and Zack of Z Machine who did the engineering and production, these guys turned out what they call the BullDog 762.

With no gunsmithing necessary, this stock shortens the M-14-M1A SOCOM 16 by a full 12", giving it CQB (Close Quarter Battle) capabilities to it's already legendary reliabilities and long-range accuracy. It has an integral picatinny rail and internal bedding system which really makes it interesting! Add the cute little bipod it's still good out to 800 meters. It is presently being tested in the field by Army Special Forces units.

At one time I was of the mind-set that there are different rifles for different purposes, but when somebody invents a way to have your cake and eat it too? It made me look twice! And I can still use the 30-rd box magazines.

JWV

Check it out at Short Rifle Stock Systems Inc. P.O. Box 3940, Lake Gregory, CA 92325. [e-mail]. www.shortrifles.com [phone]