One of the biggest news stories for shooters and collectors showed up late this week, when the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) announced surplus U.S. military M14 rifles in 7.62 x 51 mm will be made available for sale to qualified American citizens. According to the CMP, the rifles are expected to reach the market in late 2026 or early 2027.
Military M14’s was of course a full auto rifle, so slow yer roll there Fudd, they will be permanently and “irreversibly” converted to semi-automatic operation before they can be sold to civilians by the CMP.
The CMP traditionally sells GOV M-1 Garands, a smattering of old bolt action rifles and 1911s and ammunition. The supply of those items has been running out over the years. In fact, the CMP starting using some new parts last year in old Garands to market “new-ish” rifles since they did not have many original M-1’s left.
The possibility of obtaining authentic government-issued M14 rifles through civilian channels has been a subject of speculation for years. While commercial versions of the rifle, such as the Springfield Armory M1A, have long been available, original U.S. military M14 rifles have remained largely inaccessible to the general public.
The CMP’s decision could be quite a big deal for shooters and collectors looking for historic military rifles chambered in the iconic NATO 7.62/.308.
The M14 was scaled up from the older M1 Garand design to include a higher capacity box fed magazine and getting rid of the old 8 round “clip”.
The M14 was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1957 and served in all branches. The M14 was originally intended to replace several existing military arms from the WWII and Korean War era, including the M1 Garand, M1 and M2 Carbines, the turn of the awesome Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), and certain submachine guns.
The M14 was a true battle rifle used extensively during the Viet Nam war, and even after the Army adopted the M16 the M14 continued to serve in specialized roles for decades with upgraded versions serving the Iranian War and Afghanistan. Designated marksmen, ceremonial units, and military sniper teams have all employed versions of the rifle, helping to cement its reputation as an iconic American battle rifle.
Collectors are always interested in the possibility of obtaining rifles with authentic military markings and components. The availability of genuine M14 rifles could also allow purchasers to recreate historically significant military configurations, including designated marksman and sniper rifle variants that played notable roles during the Cold War and beyond. Modern stocks, scopes, mounts and other aftermarket items are already available as M1A owners have been upgrading their variants for years. Now you could have a “real” M14.
The internet is flooded this weekend with articles about the CMP announcement. Reading the comments shows a huge interest in buying these rifles… but of course all the cheap Charlies want it for Dollar Store prices. No price has been announced to date.
The CMP has been selling surplus firearms going waaaay back to 1903 sponsored by President Teddy Roosevelt. Original surplus guns included WWI Springfields and Enfields and .22 training rifles. Their core mission has always been to foster firearms safety education, marksmanship training, competitions, youth programs, and scholarship initiatives across the United States. Check them out at their website www://thecmp.org and also learn what it takes to qualify as a civilian to purchase surplus arms from the two CMP stores.
Did you know if you qualify, they can ship guns right to your door??? It’s been doing it quite legally since 1903. Shhhh, don’t tell any anti-gunners!
