Friday, December 7, 2018

battle rifle book 14


BATTLE RIFLE BOOK 14
THE M-1 FAMILY
I’m not sure what the attrition rate of weapons on the battlefield is today, compared to seventy years ago.  From shrapnel to bullets, from bent barrels from bayonet fighting to the weapon falling prey to gravity and hard surfaces, no firearm is going to be so tough that it doesn’t get banged up.  So I can see where it would be in the governments interests to have weapons that are able to be made much more cheaply.  If you have to replace them anyway, why not make them cheaper to start with?  What started as wartime resource scarcity turned into better mass production.
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The Lee-Enfield no4 was far superior to the no1 in every way.  It was meant to save lots of money in production but it also gave the troops a better performing rifle.  The German assault carbine was exactly what the troops needed, AND was much easier to produce, but it was just too little too late as the inferior American and Russian weapons and tactics wore down Germany in cannon fodder fashion.  The AK-47 was just a continuation of old Russian designs, but the German round AND production methods they ripped off was the true innovation.
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The AK doesn’t get the respect it deserves from the American survivalist.  A large portion of this is the fault of the American manufactures, NOT the design of the weapon.  It is far too expensive for how cheap it SHOULD be to manufacture, but as American gun manufacturers have been paying off politicians for many decades to restrict imports as a competitive advantage, they get to charge as much as they desire.  Even the “bargain” G-3 here should be much cheaper as the rollerblock design is the cheapest to produce. 
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But at least with the AK, you get Old School reliability with the weapon.  It was cheaper to produce, and boy did they produce the heck out of them, but they also made them very rugged on the battlefield.  But after the AK, unfortunately, most other cheap to produce rifles were NOT anywhere close to as rugged.  The G-3, the FN-FAL and the M-16 are much more fragile even though they are relatively cheap to manufacture.  The frugality went too far.  Again, this is RELATIVE.  The G-3 has that receiver dent issue, the FAL had problems jamming with dirt and while the M-16 is accurate as hell, it is delicate and fragile.
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The M-1 family of weapons is manufactured like hundred year old guns were.  They were far sturdier because they were pre-Nazi design produced.  The Garand was a huge beast, but it was built like a tank.  The M-14 was essentially nothing more than a Garand with a detachable magazine.  And the Mini-14 was the same design but with the changes needed to produce them much cheaper.  An Every Man’s M-1 for the mass market.
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( fun filled fact-the same guy who redesigned the AR-10 to chamber a 5.56 rather than 308 also designed the Mini-14 from the M-14. He was an industrial production efficiency expert, not a gun designer per se ).  The reason that M-14’s are so much more expensive is because they are much more expensive to manufacture.  They are designed and manufactured as if they were a 1890’s bolt action but in semi-automatic.  You are getting, by design, a weapon far less fragile for its end user.  So, yes, an M-14 is a hurtful $1500.  And the Mini cost twice as much as an AR-15.  And it is insane what they want for a NON-Century Arms AK-47. 
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But they all deliver something for their price.  Battlefield reliability ( the problems a Mini is associated with are from the manufacturer, NOT the design ).  This is why I’m no where near as happy with the FN-FAL as I should be.  Just as with the Galil, for what it costs to make, you are spending WAY too much for it ( even if American manufacturers spend a lot more to make the AK’s and FAL’s, that is, again, a problem of leadership and incompetence, not that of the guns design ), and hence NOT a contender here.
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Is an AK worth seven or eight hundred bucks?  A M-14 worth twice that?  Personally I do not think so.  But at least you get SOME compensation for that price with dependability ( again, RELATIVELY ).  You are buying pre-1950’s design ruggedness ( the M-14 is 1930’s design ).  I’d even say that the M-16 is compensated for its frailness by its accuracy.  You are getting SOMETHING in the trade-off.  But the Galil, FAL and even the G3 are all overpriced for what they deliver.  They are Nike shoe prices on a Converse pair of sneakers.
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If you are going to accept a battle rifle that is fragile, just go with the cheap AR-10.  One half to one third the price.  Or go with a bolt action.  Don’t JUST pay for semi-auto, which is what you are really doing on the overpriced fragile gun choices.  I won’t depart on a tangent over semi verses manual actions.  Here I am trying to focus on value.  ANYTHING semi-auto is going to cost a metric butt ton more money.  That is a given.  But don’t get ripped off.  Get the most for your money.  The Galil and the FAL are NOT it.
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The M-16 is an inherently VERY accurate weapon, and THAT pays for its fragility ( along with really low prices ).  The M-14 is VERY expensive but no where near as fragile in the field ( it IS expensive to maintain if you are going for accuracy, due to its production design ) because it is blocks of metal, NOT sheet metal ( the AK uses sheet metal to its advantage, not deterrent ).  The G3 BARELY passes muster, as it is overpriced for what it SHOULD cost to make and was poorly designed for field use, but at least it is relatively affordable in comparison and the rest of its parts are bomb proof.
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The Galil is just a better fitted and better feeling AK.  No way is it worth its price.  The FAL would be a superior weapon to almost anything else on the list ( superior to the AK because of its cartridge ) if the damn thing came down at least half its price.  But it isn’t going to happen, and for its price you’re much better off with the M-14.  And, it wasn’t as near jam-proof as the G3 or the AK.
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Ruger seems to make either really good, or really crap weapons.  From everything I’ve heard, you still must be wary of the Mini, even if they are improved, or LESS evil than they were.  At this point I can’t say they are a better AR replacement, and you all know my reservations of the AR.  ONLY the AR’s cheap price keeps them in the running.  We all need to have a very cheap option, as we all deserve to be armed, even those of us rather poor or loath to use credit. 
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The AR’s are fragile and the Mini’s have a superior design that is executed poorly.  The AK’s have gotten into the G3 price range, but only have a 200 yard REAL effective range, EXCEPT they are THE most rugged and dependable.  The G3 would be as dependable as an AK, having figured out how to be much more accurate while still not jamming or breaking, yet STILL have that pesky receiver dent issue ( and, are overpriced.  But so is the AK, so I call that a wash ).  The M-14 is only suitable for the upper middle class, but you get your monies worth.  With a FAL, you do NOT.
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That covers all the different weapons.  There is certainly no clear winner.  Every single one has flaws and strong points ( except the M1-overpriced for severely overused and not so accurate.  Really, OVER powerful for its slop-factory pass was 4 MOA.  And the Galil, a Yuppie luxury.  And the FAL, simply too overpriced for what you get, which is nostalgia.  Pass on all three ).  From here on I’ll be covering the less sexy aspects.  Scope verses iron.  How many rounds.  How many magazines.  And the immediacy of procurement.  Same bat channel.
( .Y. )
( today's related link here )
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note: happy perfected false flag attack remembrance day.
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27 comments:

  1. Knowing these cost averages, and each gun's characteristics and utility is a helpful starting point. The 'Merikan gun market and existing stockpiles is awash with inventory options. Not just retailer front shelfs. Minions should use Jim's commentary along with self study and think of the other procurement options that may present themselves. If you have cash in hand (a baller, not tire kicker talker) and know how to negotiate there can be cost savings enough to get into that better or different gun choice at your better start up cost. Examples may be online ads or markets, gun show skulking about, (hang sign on yourself or car that your a "buyer" and of what you seek) yard or garage sales (ask as it may not "be out for sale") estate and widows sales, hang inquiry offers on bulletin boards at potential "water hole" places i.e. vfw, veterans, retirement dominated residencies, bulletin boards etc. Be alert for desperation sales by peoole needing fast cash. I was able to gun up into the aformentioned Jim examples by such means and avoid store and dealer retail pricing, as well as 'related paperwork'. It will just take a bit more time, that patience and perserverance will reward.

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  2. I was able to score a garand years ago. Even though it has a poor barrel it still gives 4" groups at 100 yards. I was able to score some not corrosive mil surplus rounds that adds about 2 min of angle to the groups but got me lots of clips. I do like that it's weight allows you to shoot it all day long and never get a sore shoulder. I have not carried it long distances and imagine that would be a pain but then at this time in my life just walking very far is a pain.

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    1. Sell it and buy three AR's? I would sell some Enfields and go with 5.56 bolts, myself, but I have about 6x-8x the price of the guns invested in ammo and accessories. And with carbine reloads plus the heavy rifle I can shoot nearly recoil-less.

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    2. A friend of mine had a few of those M1 Garands. He had the standard model, and the sniper version, which I believe was chambered for .308? They were quite reasonably priced, even by 1980’s dollars, when he got his. As Steve mentioned, they were a pleasure to shoot due to the added weight. But I sure don’t envy the dude’s that had to carry those heavy guns into battle, along with the ammo, and any other supplies that they had to carry. Then again, men were a hell of a lot tougher 75 years ago, and they didn’t have any PC incompetents holding them back from getting the job done.

      I can see GS’s point about bayonets. It would seem like an awfully unwieldy way to sword fight, when your sword is attached to a very awkward handle system. I would think a better option would be the cold steel knife below, that allows for a spear attachment.

      https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Bushman-Sheath-95BUSKZ/dp/B00BD4W54Q

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    3. I don't know how viable a bayonet will be. But it is nice to have the option. Ammo savings, plus graduated levels of force. And of course, it could sub for a sidearm. The only problem with a additional spear is, what do you do with the rifle in the mean time?

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    4. Men may have been "tougher" in the past, but until the invention of body armor, the standard infantry loadout, including the weapon, was of roughly the same weight, going back even to muzzle loading days (and depending on the army, even prior).
      Military (esp. Infantry) men today carry more total weight for extended periods, but are able to take vehicular transport much more often, helping to ease the burden.

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    5. I see where you’re coming from. I was thinking in terms of running out of ammo for good, in which case, you’re now lugging around a huge paperweight. And you’re thinking more in terms of running short of ammo in the heat of the battle. In your scenario, it certainly couldn’t hurt to have a bayonet. I was thinking that with the spear, that you could go all “Kunta Kinte” on their asses, which is a strategy that I personally would opt out of, in favor of “running like a Kunta Kinte” in the opposite direction :D

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    6. Thinking further about Remus's mention of a spear. I have a retractable baton, 26" long extended, about 10" long collapsed. Flicking the wrist to extend it makes it very tough to collapse, you can't do it with your hands. I have to slam it vertically on the floor. I'm wondering if a spear could be made the same way. It would be strapped to the side of a pack and be about 24" long. When needed you would yank it off the pack, swing it horizontally, and it would extend to about 6 or 8 feet with about 10 or 12 inches of razor sharp case hardened death on the end.

      Further thinking, if it's tough to retract like my baton which has a blunt point that I slam on the floor, how would the spear then be collapsed? Back to the drawing board....I like the idea of a spear.

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    7. You could have a horizontal bar near the point you put pressure on to collapse, but a spear takes the force straight back. A baton to its side. So I think the spear is always going to collapse on you at impact of the target.

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    8. 7:23-Ha! Last sentence slays me! You made my morning.

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    9. 7:03-don't get me started again on the Full Retard weight a trooper is expected to hump.

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  3. Cheap entertainment for minions with internet access - livestream the Paris Riots. Last week I watched them live thanks to RT & YouTube. I should imagine this weekend will be the same.

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  4. Ya! I just mentioned the Yellow Vests writing yesterday's article.

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    1. Yes, I often view the foreign media for training cues. We chosen people in America are way long overdue for some serious bone breaking unrests, destroyed property, burning fires in the night, etc. Use the visuals to plan or adjust preps. Adhere to the "Remus' Maxim: avoid crowds."

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    2. Welcome to Rodney King going national.

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  5. The way battles are fought now means the types of guns are different. Nobody is fixing bayonets on M16's or AR15's. My AR doesn't even have a lug and some places lugs are illegal. Same with beating someones ass with the gun, hand to hand as it were, it ain't happenin'. If you buttstock someones ass with the AR you're going to jack a round out of the chamber by way of the buffer spring. The AR receiver to barrel joint is weak because of the 2 different types of metal being joined, cast and milled. You'll get 1 good hand to hand swing with the AR and then it's junk all the way around, probably best to not even try. Just pull the side arm and let loose.

    The only gun I own that I would feel comfortable beating someones ass with is my dad's 1957 vintage Winchester model 71, .348, lever gun. Heavy, milled receiver, solid. The weakest part is the walnut stock and walnut isn't exactly a weak wood. And it has a cast metal buttplate, so a skull would crush or a windshield would give way under it's command.

    Because of how they are made, all stamped (or rolled) guns will suffer the same problems regardless of the manufacturer. Without internal bridging the "channel" design will easily bend. I personally wouldn't own one.

    I've never fired an AK but I have held one. Felt like a wooden workbench leg connected to a car axle and a pistol grip. Heavy and uncomfortable. Add in the exorbitant cost and the ammo cost and you'd have to be insane, or wealthy.

    Lastly, I drew it up in AutoCAD to see, a 4" shot group at 100 yds is 12" at 300 yds and 2' at 600yds. That's the diff between hit and miss. I'd leave that one at home for the kids to play with.

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    1. Nobody is fixing bayonets or buttstroking now, but my concern is once ammo become less available that will change. I could be wrong, but the old-timey fixation on conserving ammo was valid for war departments. It will be again. As far as "you" becoming a logistics planner.

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    2. That's a valid concern. On Remus's site the other day he goes into a little detail about spears and I found it interesting. Enough so that I'm keeping my eye open for a piece of hardwood (white oak) about 8' and with a potential finish diameter of 2 to 3 inches. Go read it, was in this weeks post, he makes it interesting.

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    3. American partisan had an ak47 article that was fairly along my own experiences. Ammo is cheaper when bought by bulk or case size and steel cased ammo works well, and is cheaper. It (ak47) may be red bearded stepchild to ar15s but might have a more higher of a body count track record, which is what counts at the end of the day. Bayonets as cqb fighting accessory is helpful, and adds extension of options to the gun. I use mine to stab enemy dead and the wounded lying about playing possum. Mop up operations, get their boots, cigarettes, gold teeth, etc.

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    4. GS-yeah, 'Ol Remus usually doesn't say anything unless he has something interesting to say. Me? Not so much :)
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      8:20-right, I don't mention the coup de grace enough. Much easier with the bayo than a knife and gives you distance in case they thrash or lunge.

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  6. The other day you made the comment that you were looking at a .223 either single shot or bolt action.

    May I suggest the Ruger American Ranch. The one that accepts AR magazines. You know, battlefield pick ups

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    1. Contemplating rather than looking, and I'd stay with Savage.

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    2. Second the savage choice. Changeable barrel via nut with a savage wrench. Look towards heavy barrel threaded for flash suppressor, or sound suppressor later on. Having factory iron sights is important for back ups if necessary to go scopeless.

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    3. I just hear more consistent reviews on them than others.

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  7. I have over antenna channel of "france 24" here in vegas (ch.18-1). Their version of all news channel in english. Decent coverage without political hack slants, of world and usa news. Get insights to prepper interest and intel gathering of events and circumstances. Beats watching other blabbering channels.

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    1. Jesus, anything is better than the regular slop we are subjected to. How you can be even worse than fishwrap newspapers or weekly news mags is beyond me, unless they are actually trying.

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