Introduction:
By LT Macpherson – Green Mountain Rangers – North Eastern Air Soft group
Introduction:
The much sought after but rarely seen airsoft Springfield M14. The M14 is the fully automatic version of the famous Springfield M1A rifle pictured above. Often seen in pictures with Navy SEALs this rifle has caused much confusion in the airsoft community and some debate if it even exists at all. The www.airsoftzone.com did have a forum thread called “Project M14” for a time and airsoft discussion boards all over the world consistently contain messages whose authors hope in vain to somehow acquire or even build this desirable weapon. So what is airsoft M14 fact and what is airsoft M14 fiction?
Fact: As of June 15, 2001 I have not been able to identify a major airsoft manufacturer (i.e. Mauri, Top, etc) that produces a ready to shoot out of the box gas or electric M14.
Fact: As of June 15, 2001 I have identified two manufacturers of replica M14s. They are: Hobby Fix and Hudson of Japan. Cost: between $600 and $1100 US new.
Fact: Nemoto gun works has produced the following M14 AEG using a Hobby Fix m14 and installing a Marui AK47 mech box. Battery: stick type (same AK47S MP5K). Magazine: 500 round high capacity or 50 round standard. Cost $2000 US.
Fact: As of June 15, 2001 the only English online airsoft retailer I have identified that lists a M14 for sale is http://www.gunsnguys.com/ In this retailers products section under “Model Cap Guns” and Manufacturer “Hudson” they list a M14 replica gun for $5200 HKD.
Conclusion:
There is no easy answer for the airsoft enthusiast seeking out the Springfield M14 rifle. If you have significant resources available and either a good contact in Japan / Hong Kong or blind faith you may be able to get a custom one manufactured from a Hudson or Hobby Fix replica kit and some Mauri internals. Otherwise a resourceful craftsman may attempt to create a airsoft M14 out of Mauri internals and some real steel M14 parts here in the US. The final alternative is the least comforting of the group: wait until a Japanese airsoft manufacturer feels that there is a market for creating a cheap version of the venerable Springfield M14.