[DLupini]

USAFA posted a few cadet pictures on Facebook today. Thought you all may enjoy here.

 

[Snake45]

Wow, still got the happy-buttons in 'em!

 

[Phil “Murphy” McGrath]

My niece just started the AF Academy

 

[The Once-Ler]

Wow, still got the happy-buttons in 'em!

Also looks like the gas system may not be operational as they are in the white.
A very cool photo non the less!!

 

[forceman]

Did ya notice all the gas cylinders have no finish on them?

 

[Para Pete]

I've got a nephew at VMI...

His M14 S/N MFD is 1963.

 

[TheShooter]

WOW. Thank you for the pictures

 

[nf1e]

There is hope.

 

[KurtC]

Gas cylinders on rifles that get over cleaned usually have no oxide left on them. It is not a durable finish.

The question is whether these M14's are fully functional or just drill rifles.

 

[boomerpusher]

Maybe wrong but it looks like they are all still in step or maybe it's just the first step? We now know where some nice M14's are that we can't get our mitts on. Darn it.

 

[POLACK]

let them know what real weight is

 

[Ted Brown]

The "happy button" is actually a unhappy lock. I'm sure these rifles are shootable. I just wonder if they actually get to shoot them. Seems like they would qualify with the M16.

 

[DLupini]

The "happy button" is actually a unhappy lock. I'm sure these rifles are shootable. I just wonder if they actually get to shoot them. Seems like they would qualify with the M16.

Unfortunately they are drill rifles. USAFA got them when I was a junior there (circa 2001/2002). When they were initially issued, they were either new or fresh from re-arsenal and beautiful. Those rifles are the reason I own an M1A. Prior to being issued those, we were given rubber duckie M16 to drill with. I wish I was forethinking enough to take some pictures of my rifle, but sadly I didn't and don't remember any specifics about mine.

Small arms aren't a focus in the Air Force. As a cadet I qualified on an M16 (early with no forward assist) and an M9 in basic (summer 99). I later became a Cadet CATM instructor in summer 2002 and due to financial reasons the cadets were only qualifying on the M16 in basic. For the vast majority the only time you will fire a weapon at USAFA is during your time in Basic Cadet Training.

 

[GardenValley]

Based on these photos, it looks to me that both VMI and USAFA could benefit from some Marine instruction in the M14 manual of arms.

 

[LD06490]

I think I need to inspect those rifles

 

[ColdWarGrunt]

Based on these photos, it looks to me that both VMI and USAFA could benefit from some Marine instruction in the M14 manual of arms.

Yea looked like a few were carrying fishin poles 🤦‍♂️

 

[highlandfarmer]

I got 4 of those chrome gas tubes...silver in color. and they are most certainly functional gas tubes. There actually some pics of US Army Rangers in Vietnam sporting M14 rifles w/ chrome gas tubes. I got mine out of NY -company that made many small parts for the M14 during the war.