Smith Enterprises Model M14 .308 Win G.I. Parts 22″ Douglas Semi-Auto Rifle
SOLD FOR: $4,390
LSB#: 231026MP009
Make: Smith Enterprises
Model: M14
Serial Number: 0328
Year of Manufacture: 1980’s-1990’s
Caliber: .308 Winchester / 7.62 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Magazine Fed Rifle.
Markings: The top rear of the receiver is marked “U.S. RIFLE / 7.62 – MM M14 / SMITH ENT. / 0328”. The top of the bolt is marked “7790186 / TRW ZG”. The op-rod is marked “7267064 HRA”. The right side of the barrel is marked “4GR 1 308 WIN 12 97 1”. The right side of the receiver is marked “TEMPE AZ”.
Barrel Length: 22″ Douglas Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective ears dovetailed onto the flash hider assembly further secured with a set screw. The right side of the front sight is marked “NM062”. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture set between protective ears; the aperture arm is marked “NM”. The windage knob is marked “LEFT” followed by an arrow twice and “WRIGHT”. The elevation knob is marked from 2-12 on the edge with “WC” between 8 and 9, “E” between 9 and 10, and “M” between 10 and 11.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The M14 stock is smooth wood with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling swivels front and rear with a brown leather sling attached, and brown synthetic handguard. The buttstock has a checkered metal butt plate that swivels up to reveal a second checkered buttplate underneath it. The second buttplate has a trapdoor covering two holes in the stock for storage of the included cleaning equipment. The selector switch cut has been filled. There are some scattered light draglines and minor compressions. There are some nicks on the handguard. The LOP measures approximately 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the flip-up buttplate. Both buttplates exhibit some nicks and finish loss along the edges; there is light oxidation under the top plate. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock is in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion but there is some light fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. There is some light finish loss on the gas chamber. There is some erosion on the clip feeder. The metal shows operational wear, rubs, and some faint scratches on the barrel. There are some rubs present on both the barrel assembly and receiver. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. However, the extractor is missing from the bolt. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with three 20-round magazines, the mentioned sling, and the flash hider with attached front sight.
Our Assessment: The M14 rifle, officially the United States Rifle, Caliber 7.62 mm, M14, is an American selective-fire battle rifle chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO (.308) cartridge. It became the standard-issue rifle for the U.S. military in 1957, replacing the M1 Garand rifle in service with the U.S. Army by 1958 and the U.S. Marine Corps by 1965. The M14 was used by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps for Basic and Advanced Individual Training from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s.
Since 1980, Smith Enterprise has built and rebuilt numerous M14 rifles for the US Military and the militaries of Colombia, Canada and other nations.
The United States Department of Defense has contracted Smith Enterprise to build and modify M14 rifles for use by soldiers, Marines and sailors in Iraq and Afghanistan. Smith Enterprise was a major player in the M14 rifle modernization projects for various US military units which resulted in the development of the United States Navy Mark 14 Enhanced Battle Rifle. The company’s history included originally making forged receivers for M14 rifles and briefly switching to investment casting. Smith stopped making receivers for a few years, but reentered the market with receivers machined from bar stock in 2002.
For those desiring an M14 rifle today, one can build, or buy complete, a rifle that is a faithful recreation of the original. With Smith Enterprises acclaimed semi automatic M14 receiver, parts, components and assembly techniques, they have created the last of “lock, stock, and barrel” US service rifles. This M14 looks nice and has a Douglas barrel with strong bright bore. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
