The M14 was originally intended to replace all standard arms the U.S. army including the M1 Garand, the M1 and M2 carbines, and M3 and M3A1 sub machine guns but would never fully do so. Over 1.5 million would be produced by four manufactures including Winchester, and Springfield armory. The M14 would have a relatively short service with the U.S. army from 1957 to 1967, where it would be replaced by the M16 of modern fame. The U.S. military would however yet find use of them in Iraq and Afghanistan's large, flat expanses. The M14's larger, and more powerful 7.62 x 51 mm cartridge proved to be much more suited for the longer engagement distances of Iraq and Afghanistan. Because of this many old M14's were pulled out of storage and refurbished and are now in use today.
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