G3 vs. M-14 (M1A)

[BMS]

Ok, so based on my other thread, asking about the G3 compared to the Hk-33, it seems as though the 7.62 (.308) fans are very passionate and voiceiferous about the awesome power of the 7.62 NATO cartridge. So, that said, what if we now compare the German's G3 to the US's M-14 (M1A).

I had a "loaded" M1A that was a sweet gun......compared to my SR9(s) it did not perform well at all. And both are essentially "battle rifles" if you ask me.

So, how about some input.....if you had to pick either an M-14 or a G3, which one would you choose??????

Thanks again for everyone's input, it's much appreciated as always!!!!

---Brian (BMS)
:D

[FChen17213]

I'm no expert and only have limited experience actually firing both the HK91 and M1A. Personally, I've found the M1A (M14) to be more accurate and have a better trigger. It also balances better in my hands. The HK91 is heavier, but more rugged and robust. The HK91 feels more like a battle rifle to me, but that's purely subjective. Obviously the M1A has no pistol grip and is not like a traditional assault rifle. Also, the HK91 recoils more since it's a delayed blowback rather than a gas operated weapon. The HK91 can be a huge pain in the ass to field strip when the extractor spring is still very tight. After it loosens some with use, it's easy. I'm talking about stripping the bolt assembly of course. Overall, I'd guess it's personal preference. At this point in time however, I'd say the HK91 is much more collectable and worth more.

[Galil]

I have not tried the M14 so I cannot really say anything about the pro and cons of the m14 rifle. But I have a Hk91 and it's definatly a greate rifle in any ways. I use my Hk91 in ipsc shooting and performe greate. The power of the 7.62 shine trough in the longer range when you are shooting steel targets and might hit low. It almost does not matter how good you hit is and the target still goes down. The recoil of the G3 rifle is not bad at all and you can still shot relatively fast. Rifle design is greate, with freefloating barrel. The only drawback with the g3 rifle is that is only has 20shot mag, but still I hit better with my g3 that with my other 223 rifles. And when the range gets alittle better you aim more than at close range. Usually one shot is enough to get the targets down.

Field stipping the G3 is no problem when the rifle is used. My Hk91 is not used that much as I only boght it a few years ago and the last owners mostly stored it in their safe. Because of the little use the stripping the bolt can be a pain if you "screw up" when you put it together ;) . this is no problem with the more used rifles. We use the G3 in the army where I live and my old service rifle I could strip and put together in about one minute.

Because it, without any doubt, is a greate rifle, have a pistol grip, an good diopter sight that is calibrated from 100-400m that really works. I would definatly grab the G3/hk91 over an M14 if I need to "hit the woods" or going to a ipsc match.

I don't really belive the M14 has any better accuracy than the g3 with me shooting my surplus ammo. As long as I can with my first shot and the next 19 shots at a std. ipsc target at a known distance out to 500m I'm more than happy with the performance of a semi auto rifle "battle rifle" :)

[nzhk]

I have no experience at all with the G3 but do own an m14 clone which really performs. The only comment I would make is that a rifle in standard configuraton as opposed to one with a pistol grip is much easier to reverse and smack (butt stroke) an opponent under the chin. A small advantage maybe and I guess it all depends on what you want from your "battle" rifle. I also have to say here that if I was ever in a situation where I had to use my rifle as a club it'd probably be all over.

[KBAR04]

Ive used both of these rifles a good bit. In my opinion, the M14 is a better target rifle "out of the box" while the G3 is a better battle/military rifle. The M14 has a better trigger(without much work) and better iron sights. The G3 is far more rugged and easier to maintain. I personally find the G3 to be much more handy, but thats a personal preference. The G3 is also more modular, you can swap out stocks, forends etc fairly easily. Both rifles are a pain to scope. If I had to choose an all around rifle, the G3 would be it.

[BMS]

Thank you, guys, for your detailed replies. They are much appreciated. I was very excited when I bought my M1A a few years ago, but after shooting it a few times I began to worry that it needed some serious work. I am by no means an expert shooter, but I had a terrible time hitting the target with it at 50 yards. 100 yards was a nigtmare. I remember putting it down and picking up my shooter-grade SR9 and blowing the holes out of the target at 50 yards and making nice tight groups at 100 yards. I was thinking that my case was just an isolated one. That said, I sold the M1A and bought another SR9....what a surprise ;)

[stubbicatt]

The only comment I would make is that a rifle in standard configuraton as opposed to one with a pistol grip is much easier to reverse and smack (butt stroke) an opponent under the chin.

I think the Range Officers at my IPSC matches would probably dq a person for buttstroking a fellow competitor under the chin. And I suspect anybody who did this would be arrested and go to jail too.

[stubbicatt]

Thank you, guys, for your detailed replies. They are much appreciated. I was very excited when I bought my M1A a few years ago, but after shooting it a few times I began to worry that it needed some serious work. I am by no means an expert shooter, but I had a terrible time hitting the target with it at 50 yards. 100 yards was a nigtmare. I remember putting it down and picking up my shooter-grade SR9 and blowing the holes out of the target at 50 yards and making nice tight groups at 100 yards. I was thinking that my case was just an isolated one. That said, I sold the M1A and bought another SR9....what a surprise ;)

To me the ring inside a ring with a post is a more intuitive sight than the post in a ring offered by the M14. I do like the windage adjustment of the M14, but again one can also hold off into the wind a fair bit with either of these rifles and still get good hits.

[faraim]

I have an HK91, an M1A, and an FN-Fal. The HK91 has a rear sight that I can't adapt too, feels heavy and poorly balanced, kicks a lot, and has a terrible trigger pull. The M1A has more of a traditional rifle feel, has a great trigger pull and sights, it fits me better and I tend to shoot it better. The FN is the most ergonomic, easiest to strip for cleaning, easiest to maintain, has acceptable sights and trigger. If I had to choose one it would be the FAL, thank goodness I don't have to limit myself though. They are all different, and all will do the job, and I could be content with any of them.

[Las_Vegas_HK]

I have an HK91, an M1A, and an FN-Fal. The HK91 has a rear sight that I can't adapt too, feels heavy and poorly balanced, kicks a lot, and has a terrible trigger pull. The M1A has more of a traditional rifle feel, has a great trigger pull and sights, it fits me better and I tend to shoot it better. The FN is the most ergonomic, easiest to strip for cleaning, easiest to maintain, has acceptable sights and trigger. If I had to choose one it would be the FAL, thank goodness I don't have to limit myself though. They are all different, and all will do the job, and I could be content with any of them.

+1

I hate to say this, especially considering this is "HK" Pro, but my vote is the FN FAL also.
Buy a G3 if you have a H&K Auto Sear and you are looking for a bunch of host weapons.
If the plan is semi auto, the FN FAL is vey hard to beat.

Well balanced and feels lighter overall, easier to clean, mags engage great and about the same accuracy as the G3.
The forearm on the FAL heats up quicker, but this is easily fixed.

By the way, the M1's are great but way to heavy for me.