[In Part 4 we looked at the Smith Enterprise M14SE and M14SEI. In Part 5 we will look at further devolpments of the modernized M14 rifle platform -- the M14 SOPMOD Mk 2 and the Navy's Mk 14 Mod 1.]
The Troy Industries M14 SOPMOD Mk 1 sotock was discontinued in October 2005 and replaced by a redesigned Mk 2 variation. The Mk 2 is a modular rifle concept. That is, the action of the rifle is installed in an aluminum chassis and the stock can be one of several different kinds to suit the user's needs. The original front and rear sights of the standard M14 rifle are eliminated and replaced by a pair of folding units that attach to the Mil-Std-1913 rail that runs along the top of the rifle.
Above: The Troy Industries M14 SOPMOD Mk 2 drop-in stock completely encloses the action of the rifle. This specimen has a Vltor (Canada) telescoping butt stock similar to that used on the 5.56 NATO M4 carbine. Troops commonly call the shape of the stock a "club foot." Note how the upper handguard completely encloses the receiver of the rifle and the necessity for the folding front and rear sights. An Eotech 552A65 halographic sight is fitted to this rifle.
Above and Below: The aluminum stock (or "chassis") of the Mk 2 comes in two pieces that separate by removing the trigger housing group and pushing the captive pin at the rear of the lower stock. Notice how the upper part of the chassis encloses the M14 rifle action (this is a commercial M1A/M14 receiver). The modular stock attachment point allows for different kinds of butt stocks, both folding and non-folding to be used. The rifle action is attached to the top chassis rail by a screw that attaches through the holes in the rifle receiver (formerly occupied by the rear sight windage and elevation knobs). A special barrel band at the front of the rail secures the gas cylinder and barrel assembly.
Above: A Troy Industries M14 SOCOM Mk 2 seen at the SHOT Show in January 2007. This rifle has a modualar M203 40mm grenade launcher attached.
Below: Close-ups of the same rifle showing the folding sights. Note the rear sling swivel attachment below the raised rear sight.
Above: The M14 DMR (Designated Marksman's Rifle) is built around the Troy Industries M14 SOCOM Mk 2 stock. The rifle shown has a MagPul sniper stock that has an adjustable butt plate and cheek rest for the marksman; a MagPul folding bipod and front pistol grip. The M14 SOCOM Mk 2 stock with telescoping Vltor stock is shown on the ground.
Below: The Navy has a follow-on the the Mk 14 Mod 0 rifle called the Mk 14 Mod 1. This is rifle has a MagPul telescoping stock attached to a modified Sage International, Ltd. "chop mod" stock, front pistol grip, and MagPul bipod (folded), and Sure Fire sound suppressor. This is a prototype rifle.
Below: Springfield, Inc. has gotten into the restocking business for its commercial M1A SOCOM series rifles. Shown is an M1A SOCOM rifle with A Vltor (Canada) stock. This stock is similar in concept to the Troy Industries Mk 1 and Sage International, Ltd. stocks with the accessory mounting rails. The Vltor stock is adjustable for the use of optical sights.
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