Since the year 2000, the venerable M14 rifle has been undergoing a rebirth. This is not the first time the M14 has been resurrected. The first time came in Vietnam when, after replacement by the M16, it came back as the preferred weapon for snipers -- the XM21 and later M21. In the mid-1980's, the M21 was upgrated to the M25 variant sniper's rifle and then the M14 DMR (designated marksman's rifle). All of these involved changed composition stocks, different scopes and mounts, and the addition of bipods.
Meanwhile, in the American heartland of Illinois, a fellow by the name of Mike Rock. Mike Rock was an engineer, with a M.S. in mechanical engineering, and an honorary Ph.D. in metalurgical engineering. Mike had been very involved with providing barrels to the USMC for its DMR program. The Marines were very pleased with them and that was why Army LTC Gus Taylor from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Indiana, asked him to participate in a SOPMOD conference at Ft. Benning, Georgia, in early 2001. [SOPMOD is shorthand for Special Operations Peculiar Modifications.] At the conference, Col. Taylor asked Rock to design a lighter, carbine version of the M14 rifle. A contract was signed and Rock was given ten M14 rifles for the new M14 SOPMOD.
What Mike Rock produced was a very handy carbine version of the standard rifle, but one that was much more. Rock designed a stock made of aluminum that was both light in weight and strong with a telescoping steel stock. The M14 SOPMOD barrel was shortend six inches from 22 inches, made heavier in profile, the gas cylinder was rotated 90 degrees to make it more inline with the bolt roller and increase reliability. Four sets of Mil-Std-1913 rails were attached to the top, bottom, and sides for attachment of various sights and accessories. A specialized flash suppressor was installed on the shortened barrel that allowed the quick attachment/detachment (QAD) of a sound suppressor (military term for silencer). M14 SOPMOD rifles came with OPS Inc. suppressors, but were later fitted with RB Reflex models. The barrel was specifically designed for the M118LR Special Ball (a sniper's round with a 175-grain bullet). The prototype M14 SOPMOD was hand delivered to Col. Taylor at NSWC Crane. From there it was evaluated by the 5th Special Forces Group at Ft. Cambell, KY, where Col. Taylor had a chance to fire the modified rifle.
Above: A sales brochure for the M14 SOPMOD. The M14 SOPMOD conversion was built for the U.S. Navy by RD Systems, South Beloit, IL. Troy Industries, Lee, MA marketed the M14 SOPMOD to the civilian market until October 2005.
Below: Left, the M14 SOPMOD equipped with an OPS Inc. suppressor, Surefire tactical light and fore grip, and Aimpoint sight. Note the adjustable cheek piece to align the shooter's eye with the mounted optics. Right, the M14 SOPMOD set up for sniping: Parker-Hale bipod, Leopold 3.5 to 10 power telescopic sight with lighted reticle, and without the optional sound suppressor. The honeycomb insert in the object end of the scope is called "Kill-Flash" and it is designed to prevent reflection of sunlight that might give the sniper's position away. Notice how the rails allow the mounting of various accessories, including the A.R.M.S. throw lever mount with tactical 30mm rings. The specialized flash suppressor/sound suppressor mount is shown to good effect from this angle. The semi-circular projection on the end of the stock is a protector for the end of the rifle's operating rod. The repositioned gas cylinder is rotated 90 degrees to the right as shown in the photo.
Mike Rock's idea for the M14 SOPMOD was to make the standard M14 rifle into a multipurpose carbine. The stock is machined from aluminum alloy and has a six position titanium telescoping butt stock with an ajustable cheek piece. Length of pull with stock extended is approximately 11 inches and was designed for operators using body armor. The stock extends and retracts with the bush of a button at the end of the stock behind the receiver. Ambidextrous sling swivel studs are fitted. The heart of the M14 SOPMOD is the barreled receiver.
Above: The top Mil-Std 1913 rail attaches to the charger guide in front of the rear sight. The operating rod is modified to allow operation when the gas cylinder is rotated 90 degrees to the right; the operating rod, spring, and guide remain the same as on the standard M14 rifle. A new op rod guide is fitted to the barrel. The bottom of the guide is threaded for a fastener that holds it to the stock; two new tapped mounting lugs complete the retention in the stock.
Bottom: The bottom of the M14 SOPMOD barreled receiver showing the side-mounted gas cylinder.
Above: The M14 SOPMOD's 16-inch heavy match grade barrel is specially chambered for the M118LR Special Ball cartridge.
It is 1-inch in diameter at its largest diameter. The gas port on the new barrel is at the same position as the standard
rifle barrel to prevent shot stroking.
Below: The bottom of the M14 SOPMOD shows off the three screws that secure the action to the stock. Note that the lower rail has two parts. The operator can retain both or remove one of them to suit his preference. The distinctive bulge on the right side of the rifle to accomodate the relocated gas cylinder along with the protective cup for the operating rod is very apparent in this shot.
Above: The M14 SOPMOD muzzle device in close-up also provides for a QAD sound suppressor.
Below: A protoype M14 SOPMOD stock with interim lock for the adjustable cheek piece. Use of a long eye-relief scope and suppressor are note worthy.
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