Smith Enterprise, Inc. in Tempe, AZ delivered the first prototype M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle (EBR) for consideration by the U. S. Navy in early 2003.  The EBR was a design study made at the request of Naval Special Warfare Command (NavSpecWarCom).  It was favorably received.  By August, 2003, Naval Surface Weapons Center, Crane, IN decided on a design specification for the M14 EBR and designated it the Mk 14 Mod 0 rifle.  The Mk 14 Mod 0 is built on a U.S. M14 rifle action with certain improvements that include: (1) a fully adjustable telescoping stock with an adjustable cheek rest for optics; (2) a new 17 and 5/8-inch barrel; (3) a Smith Enterprise combination gas cylinder lock with front sight; (4) a Vortex flash suppressor with provisions for a quick attach/detach (QAD) suppressor: and (5) an extended bolt lock or latch.  Springfield, Inc., Geneseo, IL was awarded the contract for the new barrels that were supplied to NSWC Crane.  An unmodified M14 rifle action installed in the Sage International Ltd, Oscoda, MI telescoping stock weighs approximately 11 pounds 10 ounces.

   

Above: An M14 EBR with a 22-inch barrel in a stamdard length stock.  The adjustable cheek rest is raised to align the shooter's eye behind the occular end of the Tasco 10x42M "Super Sniper" Mil-Dot scope.  A Sure Fire tactical light is mounted to the right side of the forearm and a Harris bipod is attached to the bottom.

In 2004, NSWC Crane received orders to build-up to a maximum of 7,000 Mk 14 Mod 0 (M14 EBR) for Navy SEAL and selected Marine Corps units.  Smith Enterprise, Inc. is supplying parts to NWSC Crane, IN to supprort the program.  The M14 EBR built for the Navy SEALs is called the Mk 14 Mod 0.  The Sage International Ltd. stock is gray and comes in the standard length and a slightly shortened forend called the Chop Mod.

 

 

Above: The Mk 14 Mod 0 EBR.  The top rifle is a "chop mod" as indicated by the gap between the fore end and gas cylinder and a standard rifle.  The Smith Enterprise integrated gas cylinder and front sight can be either a hooded post (shown) or a post with protective wings (similar to the standard M14 rifle).  These stocks are fitted to commercial M1A/M14 receivers.

 

The U.S. Coast Guard has also adopted the Mk 14 Mod 0, but their version differs slightly from that of the Navy.  USCG Mk 14 Mod 0 rifles have the Navy Vortex QAD flash suppressor replaced by a Smith Enterprise designed muzzle brake.  The SE muzzle brake helps control muzzle rise on a rolling deck rather than disguise muzzle flash and is marked: U.S.C.G. SMITH ENT.  By July 2005, the USCG had contracted for 1,000 plus versions of the Mk 14 Mod 0 rifle for its use.

Sage International Ltd also produces the Mk 14 Mod 0 EBR stock for civilian use.  These stocks are painted black, but are otherwise identical to the Navy and USCG stocks.

 

Above: The Vortex flash suppressor is fitted to Navy Mk 14 Mod 0 rifles.  The groove around the suppressor provide the latching point for the Fisher Enterprises sound suppressor supplied with the rifle.  The suppressor helps disguise the muzzle blast and flash of the weapon and confuse enemy observers to where the shooter's position is located.

Below: The Smith Enterprise muzzle brake supplied on USCG Mk 14 Mod 0 rifles.  This brake is designed to attach to either a G.I. standard 22-inch barrel or Springfield, Inc. 17 and 5/8-barrel.  The Allen screw locks the castle nut that retains the brake to the barrel.  The front sight attaches to the dove tail above the Allen screw.     

 

Below: A photo montage of a replica Navy Mik 14 Mod 0 rifle made by Smith Enterprise.  This rifle has a mil-spec M14 select fire receiver made by Smith Enterprise.  The stock is a "chop mod" and the SE combination gas cylinder and front sight uses an M14-type sight.  The bipod is a Versa-Pod copy of the famous Parker-Hale bipod.

 

 

 

 

Below:  A photo montage of the Fisher Enterprises sound suppressor for the Mk 14 Mod 0.  This is a quick attach/detach item.  The first photo shows the suppressor and its carrying case; followed by the Fisher sound suppressor installed on the Vortex suppressor with the latches open; and installation completed.