M21 Sniper Weapon System Production History
#LRB M14 SCOPE MOUNT PROFESSIONAL#
All adjustments to the essential workings of the gun should be done by a professional gunsmith at any of the above mentioned companies. Note: most M14s will not have accuracy out of the box compared to the capabilities of mid-high quality bolt action systems, but parts can be upgraded and gas ports can be realigned in order to improve accuracy.
military never officially authorized or purchased magazines in any other capacity, although 5- and 10-round magazines are available.
In standard military use, the M21 uses a 20-round box magazine as the other members of the M14 family and weighs 11 pounds (5.27 kg) without the scope. The M21 remained the Army’s primary sniper rifle until 1988, when it was replaced by the M24 Sniper Weapon System some M21s were later re-issued and used in the Iraq War. An improved version with a fiberglass stock was designated the M21 in 1975. This version, called the XM21, had a specially selected walnut stock and was first fielded in the second half of 1969. As a result, in 1969, the Rock Island Arsenal converted 1,435 National Match (target grade) M14s by adding a Redfield ART Adjustable Ranging Telescope 3–9× and providing National Match grade ammunition (7.62 Lake City Long Range XM-118). The M14 was selected because of its accuracy, reliability, and the ability for a quick follow up shot. The United States Army wanted an accurate sniper rifle during the Vietnam War.