Functional differences between M-14 and AR-15 actions

[Dr. Evil]

What are they? There's a lot of claptrap about the M-14 vs. the M-16, but all other things being equal (caliber, barrel length, ammo, etc.), what are the real functional differences between the two actions? Pros and cons of each?

[Spyder]

They have almost nothing at all in common?

[FX-05 Xiuhcoatl]

M-14 or Mini14?

[NOTARPilot]

There is no claptrap about the M-14 vs. M-16 and other than they are both rifles, the similarities end there.

[gregorio]

He probably means M4 vs. M16

[roushstage2]

M4 vs AR15 likely.

[fawndog]

Go home noob :twofinger

[fawndog]

Seriously I think he's asking M4/M16 vs AR15

[gotshotgun?]

M14 action is easier to clean but on the flip side makes it easier for debris to get into the action. Next is short stroke piston operation (M14) vs direct gas impingement operation of the AR series.

[gregorio]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_zLU64nLxQ&feature=player_embedded

Watch this video.

[furyous68]

but all other things being equal (caliber, barrel length, ammo, etc.),

They aren't equal. M-14's run .308 (7.62x51Nato) & M-16/AR's run .223/ 5.56.

[Dr. Evil]

Go home noob :twofinger

Right back at you, punk.

They aren't equal. M-14's run .308 (7.62x51Nato) & M-16/AR's run .223/ 5.56.

So, apparently, I was unable to articulate my question with sufficient clarity.

I'm sure we've all seen that an AR-15-type action can be used in guns of many different calibers. I've seen .308s among others, in particular the SR-25 ER. Up against an M1A (M-14), with all other things being equal, the type of load, the barrel length, barrel weight, muzzle brake, etc, how would the difference between the two actions (AR-style action in the SR-25 and the M1-style action in the M-14) affect the ballistic performance of the bullet once it left the barrel?

M14 action is easier to clean but on the flip side makes it easier for debris to get into the action. Next is short stroke piston operation (M14) vs direct gas impingement operation of the AR series.

How would that translate into differences in performance, as I asked above?

[Sunday]

The Garand and the M14 are the same faimly and fairly what similar . The M4 and M16 are the same family and similar in design. The Mini 14 [ruger is like the m14 mia maybe blended with the 30 carbine. The Ar15 and M16 are similar except the lower is machined different in the trigger well area and is missing a pin hole ,all designed to not let the M16 full auto parts drop in the the AR15.

[Scott Connors]

Both are gas operated, air-cooled, magazine fired weapons. The M-14 uses a self-regulating gas piston to set a long operating rod into action that cams a two-lug bolt out of battery when fired. It is returned to battery by a mainspring that is part of the operating rod. The action is one piece and open at the top. The AR-15 action uses direct gas inpingement to actuate the bolt carrier, which some have called a short gas piston. It uses a seven-lugged bolt. The rifle uses both upper and lower receivers; the bolt carrier is returned to battery by a buffer and its spring that travels in an extension to the lower receiver. The action is enclosed by the receivers except for a port through which fired cases are ejected.

[fawndog]

I have had a problem getting my M1A tuned correctly, they have a "barrel tensioner" that is used to improve the accuracy. The gas tube and hand guards are all attached to the barrel, these all play some part in the harmonics and affect the accuracy.
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The above approximate 5 rnd group is what I keep getting with it whether I use 168gr match or 175gr match. (w/14x scope, and two different scope mount designs) It' always marched progressively higher and right.

So I'm on to an AR platform now, everything can be independent of the barrel save the gas block, so I'm expecting better accuracy. I expect better performance with a solid scope attachment point as well.

M1As like grease, the design isn't as intricate as the AR, it feels like machinery. The AR has smaller lighter parts designed better.

I can't explain the actions in full technical detail, but I'll leave you with this.
M1A = 1969 Mustang - V8 = Fun to drive
AR308 = 2009 Mustang - V8 = Fun to drive