The M14 is an American-designed 7.62x51mm NATO battle rifle, developed in 1954 by Earle Harvey and Lloyd Corbett at Springfield Armory.
The M14 was adopted by the U.S. in 1959. It was based heavily on the rifle it replaced, the M1 Garand, but changed the 8-round internal clip with a 20-round detachable magazine and select-fire capability.
It began to be officially replaced just 5 years later by the M16 assault rifle, but continues to be used in secondary roles to the present day because of its potency, high range and accuracy.
This tag implicates battle_rifle (learn more).