7.62 mm NATO (.308 Win.) M-14/M-1A Rifles






7.62 mm NATO (.308 Win.) M-14/M-1A Rifles



By: L. S. Barrel



The M-14 rifle was developed as a product-improved, magazine fed replacement for the M-1

Garand rifle that was used during WW II and Korea. Like its predecessor, the M-14 has a

reputation for exceptional accuracy at distances of up to 1,000 yards. Deployed during the

Vietnam conflict, it is still in the military inventory today as a sniper and match rifle.



To zero this rifle using 147 grain FMJ ammo (like the military), set up a target at 25

yards/meters. If your bullet impact is 1.8 inches HIGHER than your aiming point, your rifle is now

zeroed for 500 yards/meters. If your distance to the zero target is in yards, your long range is in

yards (the same holds true for zeroing in meters).



Now to set your sights for other distances. Without moving your rear sight aperture - loosen the

LEFT screw on your elevation knob, rotate the outer scale ring to the 5 mark, and then tighten

that left screw back down snugly. Now your left (elevation) knob is calibrated for most distances.

Want to shoot and hit a target at 300 yards/meters? Put the 3 on the elevation knob beside the

index line on the receiver and shoot. You should be on the money, other than a windage

problem.



Iāve included a diagram of aiming points for a full man-sized target to show where to aim to hit

the target in mid-chest with a rifle whose sights are set for zero at 500 yards (using .308 MATCH

ammo).



NOTE: This data was developed by the USMC Sniper School at Camp Pendleton

during the

Vietnam War, using US GI Match grade M-118 7.62 mm ammo, with the 173 grain FMJBT

bullet. Interestingly the currently available Federal brand 168 grain BTHP .308 GOLD MEDAL

MATCH ammunition has virtually the same performance characteristics. The MATCH ammo

does shoot to a different point of aim than the previously mentioned 147 gr. FMJ ammo

(requiring a trip to the range to shoot at a 500 yard target to get the rifle truly zeroed-in at that

distance with the match ammo). Donāt despair, you can shoot the 147 gr. FMJ ammo with the

same hold-off because the lighter bulletās increased velocity produces (to within 2 inches) the

same trajectory as the match ammo. If youāve zeroed with the 147 grain ammo, shoot the 147

grain ammo. Just donāt try using the match ammo with the 147ās sight settings - youāll miss the

target and be wasting your ammunition.







Without changing from the 500 yard sight setting, to hit mid-chest at:




100 or 400 yards

AIM at the belt buckle



200 or 300 yards

AIM 19 inches below mid-chest (about 3ä below the groin)



500 yards

AIM mid-chest



600 yards

AIM 26 inches above mid-chest















