M1 vs M16 for formal events

[MRH]

As I watched many of the formal ceremonies from today's Memorial Day events, I noticed all the color guards were holding M1s not M16 or M4s.
Since the M1 is generations off what is currently used by our armed forces why aren't the newer rifles used? Ive seen M16s used at funerals but not at any formal Memorial.
Id think that using a an AR styled type of gun would destigmatize it to the anti.

[colossians323]

better balance for rifle drills

[NapalmCheese]

As I watched many of the formal ceremonies from today's Memorial Day events, I noticed all the color guards were holding M1s not M16 or M4s.
Since the M1 is generations off what is currently used by our armed forces why aren't the newer rifles used? Ive seen M16s used at funerals but not at any formal Memorial.
Id think that using a an AR styled type of gun would destigmatize it to the anti.

M1s (and M14s) are better looking.

At my father's funeral I'm pretty sure I remember the 3 volley salute was done with M-14s.

[cannon]

M1 not only balance better, make the appropriate noises (Palm on wood, mechanical parts inside) but look like real army rifles.

Cannot imagine spinning an M 16 and slapping the butt on the ground.

[GW]

Better balance
Longer length makes for flashier maneuvers
Traditional look

[stormvet]

If you’ve every been on a military honor guard or color guard, you would not have to ask. I’ve done formal ceremonies with both, with the 16 we tried our best to keep the rattling and twinging sounds to a minimum. It’s not easy, with the 14 it’s just solid and sounds that way when you perform with it.

[sbo80]

Plus, when shouldered (for marching, not for shooting), the m16 sits weird because of the grip and the way the magwell is. It is also shorter, and doesn't stick up above people's heads as much, which in a formation is not ideal. It's showier when they poke up above hats. I marched lots of parades with a "rubber ducky" m16, and was very glad when those got switched out for demilled m14s.

[Maulerrr]

At my step-dad's funeral back in 2011, the color guards all used M14's. And last year when I visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery, I believe the sentinel was also using an M14

I read once that the reason for using an M14 is because it's got a much more traditional, sophisticated look to it. Not sure how true that is though.

[russ69]

At the Nascar race they used M4s, it looked really weird. Or maybe it was the Indy race, whatever….

[alpha_romeo_XV]

Screen grab below from video I took of parade yesterday where last 4 students from LaJolla HS marching band had wood cutouts that just resemble the stock portion of an M1.

With all the anti-gun protests lately it was wonderful that the HS band was allowed to still have half a rifle.

[Mayor McRifle]

As I watched many of the formal ceremonies from today's Memorial Day events, I noticed all the color guards were holding M1s not M16 or M4s.

Try doing this with a carbine and a pistol grip:

https://youtu.be/5xteDjaNKY0

[elk hunter]

The M14 is the last true battle rifle we the United Stated had, the M16 is not nor will ever be a true battle rifle.

[sbo80]

color guards and parades use either m1 garand or m1a for the look, but a drill team usually uses m1 garand. They are balanced better for spinning and such.

[bronco75a]

I was part of the 21 gun salute (7 of us firing 3 rounds in volley) during the military funeral for the first ever Warrant Officer in the Army Air Force (we were Army). This was back in 1985. We used our personally assigned weapons - M16A1's.

[nick]

Most countries use old rifles for formal events, just like they use old-style uniforms. They just look more proper when doing outdated things this stuff was designed for. After all, the practical value of proper marching and showy guards is zero these days.